Introduction
00:00:00An engaging invitation presents 10 distinct grammar questions that spotlight key rules of the language. The challenge encourages a self-assessment of one’s command over English, regardless of native fluency. It underscores the intricacies of grammar while calling on learners to test and refine their linguistic skills.
FREE PDF
00:00:30A free downloadable PDF complements the video by providing detailed grammar explanations and interactive exercises designed to reinforce learning. The PDF is easy to obtain through a link, a QR code, or simply by entering your name and email address, which adds you to a mailing list. Subscribers receive the PDF directly in their inbox along with weekly updates, reinforcing grammar mastery with regular content and course offers.
Question 1
00:01:23A sentence like 'Molly to resign, who’d replace her?' becomes more formal by inserting the missing word 'were' to form 'were Molly to resign, who’d replace her?'. The construction uses an inverted conditional that replaces the standard 'if' clause with the structure 'were + subject + to infinitive'. This technique refines the sentence, enhancing its clarity and elegance while offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional conditionals.
Question 2
00:02:11The sentence 'Tim or myself will lead the meeting today' incorrectly substitutes the reflexive pronoun 'myself' for the subject pronoun 'I'. Correct usage requires 'Tim or I will lead the meeting today' because subject pronouns are needed when referring to the ones who perform the action. This explanation underlines that reflexive pronouns are reserved for situations where the subject and object are the same, a nuance even native speakers sometimes overlook.
Question 3
00:03:12A linguistic challenge merges two ideas—mismatched socks and neglected dental hygiene—using the not only...but also structure. The correct formulation, 'Not only did he wear mismatched socks but he also forgot to brush his teeth,' illustrates a deliberate inversion. This inversion places the negative adverbial at the start, switching the usual subject and auxiliary order to create a clear contrast.
Question 4
00:04:02The correct verb selection in the phrase 'the crowd getting restless' can be either 'is' or 'are,' highlighting regional differences in English. British English allows collective nouns to be treated as either singular or plural, which provides grammatical flexibility. American English, however, typically views collective nouns as singular, leading to a more uniform verb agreement.
Question 5
00:04:58The lesson clarifies the common confusion between the verbs 'lay' and 'lie'. It explains that 'lay' means to gently place an object in a flat position and must always be followed by a direct object, as shown in the instruction to 'lay the dress on the bed'. Conversely, 'lie' is used to indicate reclining oneself, as in 'every evening I like to lie in my hammock', and does not require an object. The explanation emphasizes the importance of choosing the appropriate verb to communicate the intended meaning clearly.
Question 6
00:06:09A language nuance revolves around the article choice before 'historic'. The explanation clarifies that while the standard rule advocates for 'a historic' due to its initial consonant sound, many find 'an historic' acceptable when the H is dropped in their accent. This choice underscores how grammatical norms adapt to individual pronunciation, merging rule with personal speech patterns.
Question 7
00:07:17The sentence 'To whom does this jacket belong' strictly follows grammatical rules by placing 'whom' at the beginning of a clause following a preposition. Proper grammar dictates that when a preposition is used, 'whom' should appear in the relative clause. However, contemporary spoken and written English more commonly favors the informal 'Who does this jacket belong to', making the formal construction less prevalent.
Question 8
00:08:05The explanation starts by comparing common phrases, noting that natural English prefers expressions like 'Who does this jacket belong to?' for clarity. An exercise challenges the listener to modify the sentence 'our neighbor play Heavy Metal all night long' to indicate a habitual action. The answer reveals that adding 'will' transforms the sentence into one that reflects a regular habit, illustrating how 'will' can denote recurring behavior, not just future events.
Question 9
00:08:49The correct expression for describing recovery from illness is "It took me a long time to get over the flu." Using "get over" as a nonseparable phrasal verb means the object, "the flu," must follow immediately without interruption. This structure reinforces the fixed nature of certain verb phrases and ensures clear communication.
Question 10
00:09:27Correct punctuation in lists can be achieved by either including or omitting the Oxford comma, and both styles are acceptable. The explanation highlights that the punctuation after an item, known as the Oxford comma, is a stylistic choice with notable debate. In American usage, the Oxford comma is typically used, whereas British usage often omits it in shorter lists. Consistency in punctuation style is emphasized as essential for maintaining clarity and coherence in writing.
FREE PDF
00:10:44A free PDF offers deeper insights and interactive activities to further enrich the learning experience. Accurate answers are celebrated, reflecting commendable English proficiency. The supplementary material expands understanding by providing engaging, detailed explanations.
C1 Programme
00:10:55The British C1 program offers an immersive journey into mastering advanced English by focusing on intricate language nuances. It combines lessons in pronunciation, conversational skills, and interactive storytelling to boost fluency and comprehension. Access to a private community and expert instructors further empowers learners to build confidence and achieve notable success.
OUTRO
00:11:38A closing message warmly invites viewers to continue their language journey. The audience is encouraged to visit englishwithlucy.com to access additional lessons and resources. A brief sign-off promises the opportunity for further learning, fostering a commitment to ongoing language development.