Grammar might seem like a maze of rules, but it's... Show more
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Updated Mar 20, 2026
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Essential A-Level English Grammar Linguistic Techniques
John Joyce
@johnjoyce4535
1 / 6
Core Grammar Building Blocks
Adjectives are your descriptive powerhouses, and they come in three forms that you'll use constantly. The base form is your starting point (big, interesting), whilst the comparative helps you make comparisons using '-er' or 'more/less' (bigger, more interesting). The superlative declares something the ultimate using '-est' or 'most/least' (biggest, most interesting).
Adverbs give your writing extra punch by describing how actions happen or intensifying adjectives. Most end in '-ly' (quickly, beautifully), but watch out for sneaky ones like 'very' that don't follow this pattern. They can appear before what they're describing (pre-modifier) or after it (post-modifier).
Apostrophes in contractions are shortcuts that make your writing flow naturally. Think of them as bridges connecting words: 'He would' becomes 'He'd', 'They are' becomes 'They're'. Master these, and your writing will sound much more natural.
Top Tip: When checking contractions, expand them back to the full form - if it makes sense, your apostrophe is correct!
Connecting Words and Describing Things
Coordinating conjunctions follow the handy FANBOYS acronym (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) and link equal parts of compound sentences. Subordinating conjunctions like 'because', 'although', and 'however' create more complex relationships between ideas in your sentences.
Determiners are the unsung heroes that sit before nouns and make your meaning crystal clear. Definite articles ('the') point to specific things, whilst indefinite articles ('a', 'an') refer to general items. Demonstratives ('this', 'that', 'these', 'those') help you point things out precisely.
Quantifiers tell you how much or how many ('few', 'many', 'some'), and distributives explain how things are shared or divided ('all', 'both', 'each'). These small words pack a massive punch in making your writing precise.
Remember: Getting determiners right instantly makes your writing sound more polished and professional!
Nouns, Prepositions, and Sentence Types
Proper nouns always wear capital letters because they're specific names (John, Liverpool, Keith), whilst collective nouns group things together (herd of cows, school of fish). Abstract nouns describe feelings you can't touch (happiness, democracy), and concrete nouns are physical objects (table, cat). Pronouns prevent repetitive writing by replacing nouns (I, you, he, she, they).
Prepositions are your location and relationship words, showing where things are or how they connect (under, above, between, during, from). They're essential for creating clear, specific descriptions.
Sentence types give you different tools for different jobs. Simple sentences contain one main clause, compound sentences join equal clauses, and complex sentences combine main and subordinate clauses. Minor sentences break grammar rules intentionally for effect ('Whatever!').
Sentences also have moods: interrogatives ask questions, declaratives make statements, and imperatives give commands.
Quick Check: If you can't identify your sentence type, you might be making it too complicated - try breaking it down!
Mastering Verbs and Tenses
Dynamic verbs show physical actions (run, eat, write), whilst stative verbs describe states of being (be, have, like). Modal auxiliary verbs (could, would, should, must) express possibility and necessity - they're crucial for sophisticated writing.
Progressive verbs show ongoing actions using 'to be' plus '-ing' endings (swimming, driving, living). Copular verbs act as bridges, linking subjects to descriptions (is, seem, taste, become).
Verb tenses anchor your writing in time. Past tense uses 'was/were', present uses 'am/is/are', and future uses 'will'. The infinitive form always starts with 'to' followed by the base verb.
Voice changes your sentence focus dramatically. Active voice puts the subject doing the action first ('Kevin hit the ball'), whilst passive voice puts the action's target first ('The ball was hit by Kevin'). Active voice usually creates stronger, clearer writing.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, choose active voice - it's almost always more engaging and direct!
Word Relationships and Sound Patterns
Homophones sound identical but look different - they're spelling test favourites, so memorise the common ones. Homonyms are trickier because they look and sound the same but mean different things ('bank' as in river bank versus money bank).
Homographs look identical but sound different, like 'bow' (to bend) versus 'bow' (weapon), or 'coordinates' (numbers) versus 'coordinates' (organises). Context is everything with these tricky words.
These word relationships aren't just academic curiosities - they're the source of puns, wordplay, and common spelling mistakes. Understanding them helps you avoid embarrassing errors and appreciate clever writing techniques.
Memory Trick: Phone = sound, so homophones sound the same. Graph = writing, so homographs are written the same!
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Essential A-Level English Grammar Linguistic Techniques
John Joyce
@johnjoyce4535
Grammar might seem like a maze of rules, but it's actually the toolkit that makes your writing powerful and clear. Understanding these fundamental concepts will boost your confidence in essays, exams, and everyday communication.
Core Grammar Building Blocks
Adjectives are your descriptive powerhouses, and they come in three forms that you'll use constantly. The base form is your starting point (big, interesting), whilst the comparative helps you make comparisons using '-er' or 'more/less' (bigger, more interesting). The superlative declares something the ultimate using '-est' or 'most/least' (biggest, most interesting).
Adverbs give your writing extra punch by describing how actions happen or intensifying adjectives. Most end in '-ly' (quickly, beautifully), but watch out for sneaky ones like 'very' that don't follow this pattern. They can appear before what they're describing (pre-modifier) or after it (post-modifier).
Apostrophes in contractions are shortcuts that make your writing flow naturally. Think of them as bridges connecting words: 'He would' becomes 'He'd', 'They are' becomes 'They're'. Master these, and your writing will sound much more natural.
Top Tip: When checking contractions, expand them back to the full form - if it makes sense, your apostrophe is correct!
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Connecting Words and Describing Things
Coordinating conjunctions follow the handy FANBOYS acronym (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) and link equal parts of compound sentences. Subordinating conjunctions like 'because', 'although', and 'however' create more complex relationships between ideas in your sentences.
Determiners are the unsung heroes that sit before nouns and make your meaning crystal clear. Definite articles ('the') point to specific things, whilst indefinite articles ('a', 'an') refer to general items. Demonstratives ('this', 'that', 'these', 'those') help you point things out precisely.
Quantifiers tell you how much or how many ('few', 'many', 'some'), and distributives explain how things are shared or divided ('all', 'both', 'each'). These small words pack a massive punch in making your writing precise.
Remember: Getting determiners right instantly makes your writing sound more polished and professional!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Nouns, Prepositions, and Sentence Types
Proper nouns always wear capital letters because they're specific names (John, Liverpool, Keith), whilst collective nouns group things together (herd of cows, school of fish). Abstract nouns describe feelings you can't touch (happiness, democracy), and concrete nouns are physical objects (table, cat). Pronouns prevent repetitive writing by replacing nouns (I, you, he, she, they).
Prepositions are your location and relationship words, showing where things are or how they connect (under, above, between, during, from). They're essential for creating clear, specific descriptions.
Sentence types give you different tools for different jobs. Simple sentences contain one main clause, compound sentences join equal clauses, and complex sentences combine main and subordinate clauses. Minor sentences break grammar rules intentionally for effect ('Whatever!').
Sentences also have moods: interrogatives ask questions, declaratives make statements, and imperatives give commands.
Quick Check: If you can't identify your sentence type, you might be making it too complicated - try breaking it down!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Mastering Verbs and Tenses
Dynamic verbs show physical actions (run, eat, write), whilst stative verbs describe states of being (be, have, like). Modal auxiliary verbs (could, would, should, must) express possibility and necessity - they're crucial for sophisticated writing.
Progressive verbs show ongoing actions using 'to be' plus '-ing' endings (swimming, driving, living). Copular verbs act as bridges, linking subjects to descriptions (is, seem, taste, become).
Verb tenses anchor your writing in time. Past tense uses 'was/were', present uses 'am/is/are', and future uses 'will'. The infinitive form always starts with 'to' followed by the base verb.
Voice changes your sentence focus dramatically. Active voice puts the subject doing the action first ('Kevin hit the ball'), whilst passive voice puts the action's target first ('The ball was hit by Kevin'). Active voice usually creates stronger, clearer writing.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, choose active voice - it's almost always more engaging and direct!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Word Relationships and Sound Patterns
Homophones sound identical but look different - they're spelling test favourites, so memorise the common ones. Homonyms are trickier because they look and sound the same but mean different things ('bank' as in river bank versus money bank).
Homographs look identical but sound different, like 'bow' (to bend) versus 'bow' (weapon), or 'coordinates' (numbers) versus 'coordinates' (organises). Context is everything with these tricky words.
These word relationships aren't just academic curiosities - they're the source of puns, wordplay, and common spelling mistakes. Understanding them helps you avoid embarrassing errors and appreciate clever writing techniques.
Memory Trick: Phone = sound, so homophones sound the same. Graph = writing, so homographs are written the same!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user