Grammar

"First time to meet" or "first time meeting"?

When I was teaching in Japan, many of my students would say something like this: "This is our FIRST TIME TO MEET, so let me introduce myself." It sounds OK, but it's a mistake!

Common Mistakes

Grammar

Three ways to use -ING verbs

Using [VERB] + ing adds more to your sentence and makes your writing more sophisticated. Learn three ways to use the present participle when you write.

Countable or Uncountable

It is difficult to know if a noun is countable or uncountable, but there are some ways to guess and some rules to help you.

So strange AN expression

Learn about a rarely used, odd-looking, formal expression that seems like bad grammar.

When to use CAN or BE ABLE TO for ability

You can use 'can' or 'be able to' to talk about ability, but not always. This article explains when to use 'can' and when to use 'be able to'.

Nuances of causative verbs

When you use a causative verb, think about nuance and context. This article explains the differences.

All about causative verbs

Words like "make", "force" and "let" are called "causatives". They show that a person does not choose to do an action themselves. They are asked to do it by another person who has some kind of power.

Simple past or present perfect?

Confused about the simple past and present perfect? Don't be! This article reviews the simple past and present perfect and then explains ONE really easy way to choose when to use the simple past.

Simple past vs present perfect

Common Mistakes

Grammar