English Grammar

If you are looking for an online English Grammar guide, you are at the right place. On this page, Short notes are given first for English test preparation. After reading and preparing the Short notes, One can practice online for English Learning.

You can take online English tests by clicking through this link.
English Test No. 2 (Basic Grammer)

English Grammar Guide and short Notes

1. Sentence Structure

Sentence: Arrangement of Words that make complete sense. e.g. We are playing Football. Jim is singing a song.

Structure

• The subject: A word that denotes a person, place, or a thing about which something is said. The subject is the actor who takes action. Note: Subject may consist of one or more words.
• The Predicate: that says something about the Subject.
  (Urdu Meaning: Khabar)

Sentence = Subject + Predicate
Example: We are playing Football
Subject = We
Predicate = are playing Football

• Object (Urdu: Mafghool): is a word on which some action is performed.
  In the above sentence, Football is the Object.
• Phrase: Combination of words that make sense but Not Complete sense.
  Examples: On the road, a very big car, in the east.
  (URDU: Phrase ka Matlab Jumlay ka Juz/part)
• Clause: A simple and small sentence. It is part of larger or longer sentences.
  Examples: I saw a Lion who was roaring.
  There are two clauses in this sentence.
  First clause: I saw a Lion.
  2nd Clause: Who is roaring.?
• ( Clause Chootay Joomlay ko kehtay hen)

Types of Clauses:
Principles Clause: expresses complete thoughts and Ideas.
Subordinate Clause: It depends on another sentence for its meaning.
In the above example,
First clause: I saw a lion, is a Principle clause.
2nd Clause: Who is Roaring is subordinate Clause. It depends on the first clause.

2. Types of Sentences

When preparing for English tests for the Pakistan Armed Forces, understanding the different types of sentences is crucial. Each sentence type serves a unique purpose in communication and demonstrates your command of the English language. Here are the five main types of sentences explained with examples:

1. Statements (Declarative Sentences)

Statements, also known as declarative sentences, are used to provide information, express facts, or make declarations. They end with a period (full stop). Statements are further divided into two types:

a. Affirmative: These sentences affirm or state something positively.
Examples:

• The Pakistan Army is one of the best military forces in the world.
• I am preparing for my armed forces entrance exam.
• English is an important subject for the test.

b. Negative: These sentences negate or state something negatively.
Examples:

• I am not afraid of the physical test.
• The weather is not suitable for training today.
• He does not like to skip his study schedule.

2. Interrogative Sentences

Interrogative sentences are used to ask questions. They always end with a question mark and can begin with question words (e.g., what, where, who, when, why, or how) or auxiliary verbs (e.g., is, are, do, can).

Examples:

• What is the capital of Pakistan?
• Are you ready for the physical fitness test?
• How can I improve my English vocabulary?

3. Imperative Sentences

Imperative sentences are used to give commands, make requests, or offer instructions. They often begin with a verb and can end with a period or an exclamation mark depending on the tone.

Examples:

• Follow the officer’s instructions carefully.
• Complete the practice test before tomorrow.
• Stop talking and focus on your studies!

4. Exclamatory Sentences

Exclamatory sentences express strong emotions, such as surprise, excitement, anger, or joy. They always end with an exclamation mark.

Examples:

• What an incredible achievement!
• I can’t believe I passed the test!
• How amazing it is to serve the nation!

5. Optative Sentences

Optative sentences express wishes, prayers, or desires. These sentences often begin with “may” or “wish” and end with a period or an exclamation mark.

Examples:

• May Allah bless our armed forces!
• Wish you all the best for your entrance test.
• May you succeed in your mission!

Classification of Sentences

Understanding the classification of sentences based on structure is vital for mastering English, especially when preparing for exams like those for the Pakistan Armed Forces. Sentences are categorized into four types based on their complexity and the number of clauses they contain. Here is a detailed explanation:

1. Simple Sentences

A simple sentence contains only one independent clause. It has a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. There are no dependent clauses in a simple sentence.

Examples:

• The soldiers trained hard.
• She passed the English test.
• We celebrated victory.

2. Compound Sentences

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or, so, for, nor, yet) or a semicolon. Each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Examples:

• The cadets practiced all day, and they improved their performance.
• I wanted to join the army, but I needed to prepare more.
• The weather was pleasant; we decided to train outdoors.

3. Complex Sentences

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The dependent clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, since, when, while, if, unless) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, which, that).

Examples:

• The cadets improved because they practiced regularly.
• Although the test was difficult, she performed well.
• He joined the army after he completed his studies.

4. Compound-Complex Sentences

A compound-complex sentence combines elements of both compound and complex sentences. It has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Examples:

• The officer praised the team because they completed the mission, and they celebrated their success.
• While the recruits trained in the morning, the instructors prepared the equipment, and the senior officers planned the next session.
• I studied hard for the test, but I also ensured that I rested well because proper sleep is important.

Parts of Speech

Understanding the parts of speech is fundamental for mastering English grammar, especially when preparing for competitive exams like those for the Pakistan Armed Forces. Each part of speech plays a specific role in sentence construction and communication. Here is a detailed explanation of the eight parts of speech:

1. Noun

A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea. Nouns can be classifid as proper, common, abstract, concrete, countable, and uncountable.

Examples:

• The soldier received an award. (person)
• Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan. (place)
• Discipline is crucial in the armed forces. (idea)

2. Pronoun

A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun to avoid repetition. Types of pronouns include personal, possessive, reflexive, demonstrative, and interrogative pronouns.

Examples:

• He is preparing for the test. (personal pronoun)
• This is my book. (demonstrative pronoun)
• What is your goal? (interrogative pronoun)

3. Verb

A verb expresses action, occurrence, or state of being. Verbs can be action verbs, linking verbs, or auxiliary (helping) verbs.

Examples:

• The cadets run every morning. (action verb)
• She is a dedicated student. (linking verb)
• They are practicing for the drill. (auxiliary verb)

4. Adjective

An adjective modifies or describes a noun or pronoun. It provides information about quality, quantity, size, or condition.

Examples:

• The brave soldiers marched forward. (quality)
• She solved five problems correctly. (quantity)
• This is a challenging test. (condition)

5. Adverb

An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It often answers the questions how, when, where, and to what extent.

Examples:

• The officer spoke clearly. (how)
• They will arrive tomorrow. (when)
• He practiced outside. (where)
• She almost passed the test. (to what extent)

6. Preposition

A preposition shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. It often indicates direction, place, time, or method.

Examples:

• The recruits stood in line. (place)
• The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. (time)
• The guidebook is on the table. (direction)

7. Conjunction

A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses. Types of conjunctions include coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions.

Examples:

• The cadets trained hard, but they needed rest. (coordinating conjunction)
• They will succeed if they work together. (subordinating conjunction)
• Both discipline and dedication are essential. (correlative conjunction)

8. Interjection

An interjection expresses strong emotion or surprise. It is often followed by an exclamation mark.

Examples:

• Wow! You passed the test!
• Oh no! The alarm didn’t ring.
• Hurray! We won the match.

By mastering the parts of speech, you can improve your grammar and communication skills significantly. Practice identifying and using these elements in sentences to build a strong foundation in English.

Kinds of Nouns

Nouns are an essential part of English grammar, representing people, places, things, or ideas. To understand their usage fully, it’s important to know the different kinds of nouns and their functions. Here’s a detailed explanation of the various types of nouns:

1. Proper Noun

A proper noun refers to a specific name of a person, place, organization, or thing. Proper nouns are always capitalized.

Examples:

• Quaid-e-Azam
• Islamabad
• Pakistan Army

2. Common Noun

A common noun refers to general items, people, or places and is not capitalized unless it begins a sentence.

Examples:

• soldier
• city
• book

3. Concrete Noun

A concrete noun is something that can be perceived through the senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, or smell).

Examples:

• rifle
• uniform
• road

4. Abstract Noun

An abstract noun represents an idea, quality, or state that cannot be perceived through the senses.

Examples:

• bravery
• discipline
• freedom

5. Countable Noun

A countable noun refers to items that can be counted and have singular and plural forms.

Examples:

• recruit (singular), recruits (plural)
• task (singular), tasks (plural)

6. Uncountable Noun

An uncountable noun refers to substances, concepts, or masses that cannot be counted. These nouns are treated as singular.

Examples:

• water
• training
• equipment

7. Collective Noun

A collective noun refers to a group of people, animals, or things as a single entity.

Examples:

• team
• battalion
• committee

8. Compound Noun

A compound noun is formed by combining two or more words. These can be written as one word, hyphenated, or separate words.

Examples:

• notebook
• mother-in-law
• training ground

9. Possessive Noun

A possessive noun shows ownership or possession and is typically formed by adding an apostrophe (and sometimes an “s”).

Examples:

• The officer’s orders
• The cadet’s uniform
• The nation’s pride

Practice Tip

To master nouns, try identifying them in sentences and categorizing them into these types. Understanding the kinds of nouns will enhance your grammar skills and help you construct precise and effective sentences.

Kinds of Pronouns

Pronouns are words used in place of nouns to avoid repetition and make sentences smoother. They come in various types, each serving a specific purpose. Understanding the kinds of pronouns is essential for mastering grammar. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. Personal Pronouns

Personal pronouns refer to specific people or things. They are further divided into:

• Subjective Case: Used as the subject of a sentence.
• Examples: I, we, he, she, it, they, you
• Sentence: He is preparing for the test.
• Objective Case: Used as the object of a sentence.
• Examples: me, us, him, her, it, them, you
• Sentence: The instructor praised them.
• Possessive Case: Shows ownership.
• Examples: mine, ours, his, hers, its, theirs, yours
• Sentence: This book is mine.

2. Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns point to specific things.

• Examples: this, that, these, those
• Sentence: This is my uniform. Those are the cadets’ awards.

3. Interrogative Pronouns

Interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions.

• Examples: who, whom, whose, which, what
• Sentence: Who is leading the team? What is your strategy?

4. Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns introduce dependent clauses and connect them to the main clause.

• Examples: who, whom, whose, which, that
• Sentence: The officer who trained us was very experienced.

5. Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence.

• Examples: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves
• Sentence: The cadets prepared themselves for the drill.

6. Intensive Pronouns

Intensive pronouns emphasize the subject. They have the same forms as reflexive pronouns but serve a different purpose.

• Examples: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves
• Sentence: The officer himself inspected the barracks.

7. Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific people or things.

• Examples: someone, anyone, everyone, nobody, all, some, few, many
• Sentence: Someone left their notebook on the table. Few understood the instructions.

8. Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns indicate ownership.

• Examples: mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs
• Sentence: The responsibility is hers.

9. Reciprocal Pronouns

Reciprocal pronouns express mutual actions or relationships.

• Examples: each other, one another
• Sentence: The team members supported each other during the mission.

Practice Tip

To improve your understanding, try identifying pronouns in sentences and categorizing them. Using pronouns effectively will make your writing more concise and natural.

Kinds of Adjectives

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns and pronouns. They provide more information about the quality, quantity, size, shape, condition, or origin of a noun or pronoun. Understanding the kinds of adjectives is essential for constructing clear and vivid sentences. Here is a detailed explanation:

1. Descriptive Adjectives

Descriptive adjectives describe the quality or kind of a noun or pronoun. They answer the question, “What kind?”

Examples:

• The brave soldier led the team. (brave describes the soldier)
• She wore a beautiful dress. (beautiful describes the dress)

2. Quantitative Adjectives

Quantitative adjectives indicate the quantity or amount of a noun. They answer the question, “How much?” or “How many?”

Examples:

• He drank some water. (some indicates quantity)
• Five cadets joined the team. (five indicates number)

3. Demonstrative Adjectives

Demonstrative adjectives point to specific nouns. They answer the question, “Which one?”

Examples:

• This book is mine. (this points to a specific book)
• Those shoes are expensive. (those points to specific shoes)

4. Possessive Adjectives

Possessive adjectives show ownership or possession.

Examples:

• My uniform is neatly pressed. (my shows possession)
• Their house is near the park. (their shows possession)

5. Interrogative Adjectives

Interrogative adjectives are used to ask questions and are followed by a noun.

Examples:

• Which course are you taking? (which modifies course)
• Whose bag is this? (whose modifies bag)

6. Distributive Adjectives

Distributive adjectives refer to individual members of a group and are used with singular nouns.

Examples:

• Each cadet received a medal. (each refers to individual cadets)
• Every officer attended the meeting. (every refers to individual officers)

7. Numerical Adjectives

Numerical adjectives indicate numbers or the order of nouns.

• Cardinal Adjectives: Indicate exact numbers.
• Examples: three, ten, fifty
• Sentence: Ten students passed the test.
• Ordinal Adjectives: Indicate the position or order.
• Examples: first, second, last
• Sentence: He came first in the race.

8. Proper Adjectives

Proper adjectives are derived from proper nouns and are always capitalized.

Examples:

• The Pakistani flag is green and white. (Pakistani is derived from Pakistan)
• She loves Italian cuisine. (Italian is derived from Italy)

9. Compound Adjectives

Compound adjectives are formed by combining two or more words, often connected by a hyphen.

Examples:

• It’s a well-written article. (well-written modifies article)
• He bought a three-year-old car. (three-year-old modifies car)

Practice Tip

Identify adjectives in sentences and categorize them into these types. By mastering adjectives, you can add clarity and richness to your writing.

Kinds of Verbs

Verbs are essential components of sentences as they express actions, states, or occurrences. To master English grammar, it is crucial to understand the various kinds of verbs and their functions. Here is a detailed explanation of the types of verbs:

1. Action Verbs

Action verbs describe actions performed by the subject. These can be physical or mental actions.

• Examples: run, jump, think, write
• Sentences:
• The cadet runs every morning. (physical action)
• She thinks about her career. (mental action)

2. Transitive Verbs

Transitive verbs are action verbs that require an object to complete their meaning.

• Examples: eat, bring, write, build
• Sentences:
• He wrote a letter. (letter is the object)
• The soldier built a shelter. (shelter is the object)

3. Intransitive Verbs

Intransitive verbs are action verbs that do not require an object to complete their meaning.

• Examples: sleep, run, cry, laugh
• Sentences:
• The child sleeps peacefully.
• The soldiers laughed loudly.

4. Linking Verbs

Linking verbs connect the subject to a word or phrase that describes or identifies it. They do not show action.

• Examples: is, are, was, were, seem, become
• Sentences:
• The officer is confident.
• She became a leader.

5. Auxiliary Verbs (Helping Verbs)

Auxiliary verbs help the main verb form tenses, moods, or voices. Common auxiliary verbs include be, have, and do.

• Examples: is, are, has, have, do, does
• Sentences:
• She is studying for the test. (is helps studying)
• They have completed their training. (have helps completed)

6. Modal Verbs

Modal verbs express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. They are used with the base form of the main verb.

• Examples: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would
• Sentences:
• The cadet can swim. (ability)
• You must follow the rules. (necessity)

7. Regular Verbs

Regular verbs form their past tense and past participle by adding -ed or -d to the base form.

• Examples: work, play, clean
• Sentences:
• They worked hard yesterday.
• She cleaned her room.

8. Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs form their past tense and past participle in various ways without following a consistent pattern.

• Examples: go (went, gone), eat (ate, eaten), write (wrote, written)
• Sentences:
• He went to the academy.
• She has eaten her meal.

9. Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that function as a single unit with a specific meaning.

• Examples: look after, give up, take off
• Sentences:
• The instructor looks after the recruits.
• He gave up smoking.

10. Stative Verbs

Stative verbs describe a state or condition rather than an action. They are often related to thoughts, emotions, relationships, senses, or possession.

• Examples: know, love, belong, seem
• Sentences:
• She knows the answer.
• This book belongs to him.

Practice Tip

Identify verbs in sentences and categorize them into these types. Understanding the kinds of verbs will enhance your ability to construct grammatically correct and expressive sentences.

Kinds of Adverbs

Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They provide additional information about how, when, where, to what extent, or why something happens. Understanding the kinds of adverbs is essential for constructing detailed and precise sentences. Here is a comprehensive explanation:

1. Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed. They answer the question, “How?”

• Examples: quickly, slowly, carefully, beautifully
• Sentences:
• The cadet marched confidently.
• She spoke politely to her instructor.

2. Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of time indicate when an action occurs. They answer the question, “When?”

• Examples: now, yesterday, soon, later, tomorrow
• Sentences:
• The training begins now.
• He will join the team tomorrow.

3. Adverbs of Place

Adverbs of place describe where an action occurs. They answer the question, “Where?”

• Examples: here, there, everywhere, outside, nearby
• Sentences:
• The recruits are training outside.
• She looked everywhere for her book.

4. Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency indicate how often an action occurs. They answer the question, “How often?”

• Examples: always, often, sometimes, rarely, never
• Sentences:
• He always arrives on time.
• They rarely miss their practice sessions.

5. Adverbs of Degree

Adverbs of degree show the intensity or degree of an action, adjective, or another adverb. They answer the question, “To what extent?”

• Examples: very, too, quite, almost, extremely
• Sentences:
• The task was very challenging.
• She almost completed the assignment.

6. Interrogative Adverbs

Interrogative adverbs are used to ask questions. They often appear at the beginning of a sentence.

• Examples: how, when, where, why
• Sentences:
• How did you solve the problem?
• Where is the meeting being held?

7. Relative Adverbs

Relative adverbs introduce a clause or relate to a noun or pronoun in the sentence.

• Examples: where, when, why
• Sentences:
• This is the place where they train.
• I remember the day when we first met.

8. Adverbs of Certainty

Adverbs of certainty express how sure or certain the speaker is about an action.

• Examples: surely, definitely, probably, perhaps, undoubtedly
• Sentences:
• He will surely succeed in the test.
• Perhaps we should revise the plan.

Practice Tip

To master adverbs, try identifying them in sentences and noting how they modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Using a variety of adverbs will make your writing more descriptive and engaging.

Kinds of Prepositions

Prepositions are words that show relationships between nouns, pronouns, and other words in a sentence. They typically describe the location, direction, time, or method in which something is happening. Here’s a breakdown of the different kinds of prepositions and their explanations for your candidates:

1. Prepositions of Place

These prepositions show the position of something in relation to something else.

• Examples: in, on, at, under, over, next to, between, behind, in front of, above, below.
• Example sentence: The book is on the table.

2. Prepositions of Time

These prepositions indicate time-related concepts, such as when something happens.

• Examples: at, on, in, during, before, after, by, until.
• Example sentence: The meeting is at 3 PM.
• Example sentence: We will finish by Monday.

3. Prepositions of Direction or Movement

These prepositions show the direction or movement of something or someone.

• Examples: to, from, into, out of, onto, off, towards, past.
• Example sentence: She walked into the room.
• Example sentence: He moved towards the door.

4. Prepositions of Manner

These prepositions show how something is done.

• Examples: by, with, in, on, like, as.
• Example sentence: He traveled by bus.
• Example sentence: She solved the problem with ease.

5. Prepositions of Cause, Reason, or Purpose

These prepositions show the reason or cause for something.

• Examples: because of, due to, for, in order to.
• Example sentence: He was late because of the traffic.
• Example sentence: She studied in order to pass the exam.

6. Prepositions of Instrument or Means

These prepositions show the tool, method, or means used to do something.

• Examples: with, by, through.
• Example sentence: She fixed the car with a wrench.
• Example sentence: The letter was sent by mail.

7. Prepositions of Accompaniment

These prepositions indicate that someone or something is accompanying another person or thing.

• Examples: with, without.
• Example sentence: She went with her friends to the party.
• Example sentence: He left without his umbrella.

8. Prepositions of Comparison

These prepositions show how one thing is similar or different from another.

• Examples: like, as, than.
• Example sentence: He sings like a professional.
• Example sentence: She is taller than her brother.

Tips for Candidates:

• Positioning: Prepositions generally come before a noun or pronoun. In some cases, you might see prepositions at the end of a sentence in informal speech (e.g., “What are you talking about?”).
• Preposition + Noun/Pronoun: In sentences, a preposition is typically followed by a noun or pronoun, which is called the object of the preposition.
• Example: I will meet you at the park.

You can help your candidates practice by having them form sentences with different prepositions and recognize the relationships they express!

Kinds of Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that link or connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. There are three main types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. Here’s a breakdown of each type with examples:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses that are of equal importance or grammatical structure. There are seven primary coordinating conjunctions, which can be remembered using the acronym FANBOYS:

• For (used to explain reason or purpose)
• And (used to add one idea to another)
• Nor (used to connect negative ideas)
• But (used to show contrast)
• Or (used to show choice or alternative)
• Yet (used to show contrast, similar to “but”)
• So (used to show result or consequence)

Examples:

• She likes to read and write.
• He didn’t go to the party, for he was feeling sick.
• You can have coffee or tea.
• He was tired, but he still went to work.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions connect an independent clause (a complete sentence) with a dependent clause (a group of words that does not express a complete thought). They show a relationship such as time, cause, condition, contrast, or reason between the two clauses. Subordinating conjunctions include words like because, although, if, when, while, unless, since, etc.

Examples:

• Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
• I will go to the party if I finish my homework.
• Although she was tired, she continued working.
• I didn’t sleep well because of the noise.

3. Correlative Conjunctions

These conjunctions work in pairs to connect words or groups of words that are equally important. The most common pairs include either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, both…and, whether…or, and such…as.

Examples:

• Either you study hard, or you will fail the test.
• Neither the blue shirt nor the red one fits me.
• He is not only a talented singer but also a great dancer.
• Both the teacher and the students were excited for the event.

Tips for Candidates:

• Remember the structure:
• Coordinating conjunctions connect similar elements, and they can be used to join two independent clauses with a comma before the conjunction in most cases.
• Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect a dependent clause with an independent clause, forming a complex sentence.
• Correlative conjunctions should be used in pairs, and both parts of the pair should be balanced in structure.

You can help your candidates practice by asking them to combine simple sentences into more complex ones using these conjunctions.

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