Introduction to English grammar

Languages are natural forms of communication; children quickly learn to communicate using their native language, and soon master the main rules of grammar or syntax without being taught.
Indeed, we cannot communicate efficiently if we do not master the essential principles of grammar or syntax. If we imagine language as a big highway, the road and the cars are the words, but the grammar is the road signs and markings that tell the cars and lorries where to go and how to drive. Without roadsigns, a big highway would quickly descend into total confusion. Without any grammar, we could manage to produce some sort of elementary communication, such as "Me Tarzan, you Jane", but we would be unable to form any more complex ideas into words. It follows, therefore, that mastering the essential rules of grammar is a vital skill that needs to be acquired by all learners of any language - whether it be their native language or a foreign language.

Without grammar, it is generally possible to communicate orally, notably through dialogue, since oral communication and in particular dialogue are bilateral processes, in which the receiver - the person being spoken to - can request clarification and repetition until the meaning of a message is clear. Grammar is very useful for oral communication, as it ensures that speaker and listeners use the same code; but a poor command of grammar will not normally prevent two people from communicating relatively effectively.
But with written language, this is not the case; written communication is deferred or indirect communication, and is unidirectional, so there is no possibility for the receiver to demand verification - at least not under normal circumstances. Written communication - and any other form of indirect communication - thus depend on correct use of grammar or syntax, as well as of vocabulary, in order to ensure that messages are immediately comprehensible to the reader, and not meaningless or ambiguous.

There is a common feeling among students of English as a foreign language (EFL), that English is a difficult language with lots of complicated grammar to master. This is not really true. As a largely "analytic" language, English has a lot less grammar to learn than "synthetic" languages such as French or Spanish, with their long tables of tenses and endings and agreements. While English does have tenses and endings and agreements, it has far less than many languages do, and the rules for using them are often quite simple and intuitive. This is probably one of the reasons for the success of English as a world language.
The aim of the Linguapress grammar pages is to demonstrate these rules and principles of English grammar or syntax as concisely and clearly as possible, and to show that they are often not as complicated as some grammar books would like to imply. It is not necessary, in order to become a proficient speaker, or even writer, of English, to have read and mastered one of the thick volumes of English grammar and syntax published by the major university presses of the English-speaking world; it is just necessary to have acquired and understood the basic rules. Most native English speakers never go any further than that !

Finally, it should be stressed that Linguapress grammar pages are intended for teachers and for students who have already acquired a good working knowledge of English as a foreign or second language. Beginners may find the explanations a bit hard to follow.
Many pages in this grammar section can be found in French on angleterre.org.uk

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Cette page en français: ► La grammaire anglaise

Essential ENGLISH GRAMMAR, a learner's guide

English Grammar - an introduction

Essential ENGLISH GRAMMAR,
a learner's guide