Frequent Questions
19,485 questions
187
votes
7
answers
80k
views
How do the tenses and aspects in English correspond temporally to one another?
Non-native speakers often get confused about what the various tenses
and aspects mean in English. With input from some of the folk here I've
put together a diagram that I hope will pro...
- 153k
373
votes
22
answers
136k
views
Is there a correct gender-neutral singular pronoun ("his" vs. "her" vs. "their")?
Is there a pronoun I can use as a gender-neutral pronoun when referring back to a singular noun phrase?
Each student should save his questions until the end.
Each student should save her questions ...
- 3,897
100
votes
13
answers
187k
views
Are collective nouns (and in particular companies) always given a plural verb form, or are certain ones treated as singular?
I'd say Microsoft have a way of bending the rules and I know that McLaren have won the championship. While this sounds strange, I believe it is correct English (sorry, I'm not native).
But when it's ...
- 1,895
156
votes
10
answers
59k
views
What’s the rule for using “who” and “whom” correctly?
I can never figure out whether I should use who and whom. Most people use who for both colloquially, but some people say this is not correct.
What’s the rule for using who and whom correctly?
- 2,122
68
votes
9
answers
36k
views
Are there any simple rules for choosing the definite vs. indefinite (vs. none) article?
I can���t for the life of me figure out where to use a and where to use the — and where there is no article at all. Is there a simple rule of thumb to memorize?
The standard rule you always hear:
“...
- 5,121
142
votes
7
answers
58k
views
When should compound words be written as one word, with hyphens, or with spaces?
Some compound words are written without hyphens (nonaggression, nonbeliever), some with hyphens (well-intentioned), and others with spaces (post office).
Is there a rule or good guide as to which ...
- 59.8k
67
votes
5
answers
34k
views
When is a 'gerund' supposed to be preceded by a possessive adjective/determiner?
I assume that the following sentences are all acceptable:
He resents your being more popular than he is.
Most of the members paid their dues without my asking them.
They objected to the youngest girl’...
- 22k
145
votes
18
answers
191k
views
When should I use "a" vs "an"?
In the following example, is it appropriate to use a or an as the indefinite article, and why?
He ate __ green apple.
I know that in the case of just "apple", it would be "an apple," but I've heard ...
- 5,010
172
votes
12
answers
47k
views
When is it appropriate to end a sentence in a preposition?
Like many others, I commonly find myself ending a sentence with a preposition. Yes, it makes me cringe. I usually rewrite the sentence, but sometimes (in emails) I just live with it. To, with... ...
- 1,855
89
votes
7
answers
104k
views
Are there rules about using "that" to join two clauses?
He will understand that I was not joking.
He will understand I was not joking.
Which of the sentences is correct? Are there any specific rules about the use of "that" in the sentences I ...
- 59.8k
265
votes
10
answers
258k
views
Do you use "a" or "an" before acronyms / initialisms?
99% of the time, I'm clear on when I should use "a" versus "an." There's one case, though, where people & references I respect disagree.
Which of the following would you precede with "a" or "an," ...
- 3,986
159
votes
6
answers
427k
views
"My wife and I's seafood collaboration dinner"
I just stumbled upon a Reddit post titled:
My wife and I's seafood collaboration dinner. How does it look?
Sure enough, the top comment immediately points out that it should be "my wife's and my". ...
- 97.8k
305
votes
6
answers
147k
views
What is the rule for adjective order?
I remember being taught that the correct order of adjectives in English was something along the lines of "Opinion-Size-Age-Color-Material-Purpose."
However, it's been a long time and I'm pretty sure ...
- 97.8k
184
votes
12
answers
1.0m
views
When to use "If I was" vs. "If I were"?
If I was...
If I were...
When is it correct to use "If I was" vs. "If I were" in standard English?
- 2,071
62
votes
4
answers
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views
When should a verb be followed by a gerund instead of an infinitive / to-infinitive?
Some verbs are followed by ing, e.g. I enjoy swimming. We can't say I enjoy to swim. Likewise, some verbs are followed by to, e.g. I decided to make a plan.
Which particular verbs are followed by ...
- 35.9k