Tricky English Grammar

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/tricky-english-grammar

Introduction

**Course Review: Tricky English Grammar on Coursera** As anyone who has tried to learn English can attest, the language can be fraught with challenges, particularly when it comes to its complex and often perplexing grammatical rules. For many non-native speakers, these rules can appear downright intimidating, leading to confusion and frustration. However, the course "Tricky English Grammar," part of the Learn English: Intermediate Grammar specialization, offers a comprehensive and approachable solution. In this review, I'll delve into the course details, its contents, and provide a recommendation based on my experience. ### Overview "Tricky English Grammar" is designed for those who already have a foundational understanding of English yet find themselves struggling with its intricate grammatical nuances. This course aims to demystify the more obscure rules of English grammar, offering practical tips and abundant practice opportunities. The classroom atmosphere is supportive and encouraging, making it an ideal fit for learners at the intermediate level. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Welcome**: The course kicks off with an introduction that sets the stage for its content. The instructors emphasize the challenges of learning English and assure students that they will gain clarity on difficult grammar points through engaging lessons and exercises. 2. **Nouns, Articles, and Quantifiers**: The first module tackles one of the most confusing areas for learners: the use of nouns and articles. Participants will discover when to use "a," "the," or even nothing at all. The detailed explanations, paired with practice exercises, provide a solid foundation for mastering this tricky grammar point. 3. **Gerunds, Infinitives, and Requests and Permission**: The focus here shifts to gerunds and infinitives—those elusive verb forms that often trip up learners. Additionally, this module covers making requests and asking for permission, a fundamental aspect of communication that many find challenging. The pacing of this week is moderate, allowing learners to absorb the information without feeling overwhelmed. 4. **Confusing Word Forms**: In this segment, the course addresses another hurdle that English learners commonly face: distinguishing between similar word forms. With clear guidance and targeted practice, students will enhance their understanding of these crucial differences and reduce their susceptibility to common mistakes. 5. **Phrasal Verbs and Collocations**: The final week dives into phrasal verbs and collocations, two significant grammar points that many often struggle with. By the end of this week, learners will not only tackle these tricky concepts but will also have the chance to review everything they’ve learned throughout the course, reinforcing their newfound knowledge. ### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Interactive and Engaging Content**: The course employs a mix of instructional videos, readings, and interactive exercises that cater to different learning styles. - **Practical Application**: The emphasis on practice helps solidify learners’ understanding and application of grammar rules. - **Flexible Accessibility**: The free version provides full access to all instructional content, making it accessible to anyone looking to improve their grammar skills. **Cons:** - **Limited Advanced Content**: As the focus is on intermediate grammar, advanced students may find the content less challenging. - **Self-Paced Learning**: While this is a boon for many, some learners may prefer more structured timelines and live interactions. ### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend the "Tricky English Grammar" course for anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of English grammar. Whether you are a non-native speaker striving for fluency or a native speaker wishing to refresh your knowledge, this course proves to be both a valuable resource and an enjoyable experience. The well-structured syllabus, combined with knowledgeable instructors, makes for a productive learning journey. If you find yourself muddling through English grammar rules, or simply wish to refine your skills, this course is an excellent step toward mastering the language. Enroll today and embrace the journey of mastering tricky English grammar!

Syllabus

Welcome

This is the third course in the Learn English: Intermediate Grammar specialization. Learning English can be tricky, and in this class you'll focus on some of those tricky issues. You'll get clear explanations about the difficult grammar points and practice in using them correctly.

This week, you'll learn about tricky nouns, articles, and quantifiers. When should you put "a" or "the" in front of a noun? When should you put nothing in front of the noun? In this module, you'll find the answers to these questions, and you'll get lots of practice to help you use nouns and articles correctly.

This week will not be as intense as last week was, but you will still have the chance to learn about some tricky grammar. First, you'll learn about using gerunds and infinitives correctly. Then you'll learn about making requests and asking for permission, something that English learners often misuse.

You've learned about some tricky grammar, but there are other things that make English hard to learn. This week, you'll learn about some word forms that cause confusion. You'll soon understand the difference between some pairs of words that always seem tricky.

There are a few more tricky English points that we want you to learn. In the final week, you will learn about phrasal verbs and collocations. These are two big grammar points that often give language learners difficulty, but you will get lots of practice with them. Finally, you’ll have a review lesson of all of the tricky English grammar that you have learned in this course.