Essay Writing
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EN: Gerunds as Subjects: A gerund is the '-ing' form of a verb that functions as a noun. When used as the subject of a sentence, it is treated as a singular noun.
Learning a new language requires patience.
EN: Linking Verbs: Verbs like 'feel' and 'become' are linking verbs that connect the subject to an adjective that describes it (subject complement).
The weather became cold suddenly.
EN: In Western academic culture, 'practice' and 'process' are often emphasized over innate talent. The idea that writing is a skill to be developed through repetition is a core value in English composition courses.
EN: The word 'Every' is a determiner that refers to all members of a group individually. It is always followed by a singular countable noun (essay) and requires a singular verb (follows).
Every student needs to submit the assignment by Friday.
EN: The word 'that' introduces a relative clause (adjective clause). It functions as the subject of the clause 'helps the reader understand your ideas' and provides more information about the preceding noun 'structure'.
I bought a book that explains how to cook Italian food.
EN: In Western academic writing, 'structure' is highly valued. Unlike some cultures that favor circular or indirect reasoning, English academic essays typically follow a linear structure (Introduction-Body-Conclusion) to ensure maximum clarity for the reader.
EN: The sentence uses the 'Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement' structure. The linking verb 'are' connects the subject 'The basic parts of an essay' to its description or identity.
The main ingredients of this cake are flour, sugar, and eggs.
EN: The Oxford Comma (serial comma) is used before the conjunction 'and' in a list of three or more items to ensure clarity.
I need to buy apples, oranges, and bananas.
EN: In Western academic writing, the 'five-paragraph essay' (one introduction, three body paragraphs, and one conclusion) is a standard foundational structure taught to students to organize their thoughts logically.
EN: First Conditional: This structure is used to talk about things which might happen in the future. It uses 'If' + present simple, followed by 'will' + base verb to show a likely result.
If you practice every day, you will improve your English.
EN: Be able to: This phrase is used to express ability. While 'can' is more common, 'be able to' is often used after modal verbs like 'will' to talk about future capabilities.
After the course, she will be able to speak basic French.
EN: In academic English, 'confidence' is often linked to the mastery of formal structures. Western academic writing values clarity and logical organization over flowery language.
EN: Compound Sentences with 'and': A compound sentence joins two independent clauses (complete thoughts) using a coordinating conjunction like 'and'. This structure helps connect related ideas smoothly.
The weather is sunny, and the birds are singing.
EN: Subject Complements (Predicate Nominative/Adjective): After linking verbs like 'is', we use nouns or adjectives to describe or rename the subject. Here, 'first part' is a noun phrase and 'important' is an adjective.
She is a doctor, and she is very kind.
EN: In Western academic writing, the introduction is strictly defined as the section that sets the stage and presents the thesis. Unlike some other writing traditions that may be more indirect, English academic essays value a clear, early statement of the main argument.
EN: The relative pronoun 'which' is used here in a non-restrictive relative clause to provide additional information about the 'thesis'. It is preceded by a comma.
He gave me a book, which was very helpful for my research.
EN: The modal verb 'should' is used to express a recommendation or obligation in academic writing.
You should check your spelling before submitting the essay.
EN: In Western academic culture, the 'thesis statement' is the most critical part of an essay. It must be clear and specific, as it guides the entire argument. Unlike some other writing traditions that may be more indirect, English academic writing values directness and clarity from the very beginning.
EN: The verb 'tell' is a ditransitive verb, which means it takes two objects: an indirect object (the person being told) and a direct object (the information being shared). In this sentence, 'the reader' is the indirect object and the noun clause 'what your argument will be about' is the direct object.
She told me what the secret was.
EN: A noun clause starting with 'what' functions as the object of the verb. It follows statement word order (Subject + Verb) rather than question word order, even though it begins with a question word.
I don't know what he wants.
EN: In Western academic writing, a 'thesis statement' is a crucial element usually found at the end of the introduction. It acts as a roadmap for the entire essay, reflecting the cultural value placed on directness and clarity in communication.
EN: The modal verb 'might' is used to express possibility. It is followed by the base form of the verb (state) to suggest that something is likely but not certain.
The weather might change later in the afternoon.
EN: The noun clause 'how young people communicate' acts as the object of the verb 'changed'. It uses statement word order (subject + verb) rather than question word order.
I don't know how she fixed the computer.
EN: In Western academic writing, a 'thesis statement' is a crucial element usually found at the end of the introduction. It clearly defines the writer's argument and guides the direction of the entire essay.
EN: The modal verb 'should' is used to express expectation or probability, indicating what is likely to happen if things go as planned.
The results should be available by tomorrow morning.
EN: The preposition 'after' is followed by a gerund (reading), which functions as a noun to describe an action that occurred prior to the main clause.
After finishing the report, he went home.
EN: In Western academic writing, clarity and directness are highly valued. Unlike some cultures that prefer a circular or indirect approach, English essays typically require the 'thesis statement' (position) to be explicitly stated early in the introduction.
EN: The use of 'where' as a relative adverb introducing a noun clause. In this structure, 'where' functions as a complement to the verb 'are', defining the purpose or location of the subject.
This library is where I spend most of my weekends.
EN: The verb 'develop' in an academic context means to expand upon an idea by providing more details, logic, or evidence.
You need to develop your thesis statement in the following chapters.
EN: In Western academic writing, the 'body paragraphs' are expected to be evidence-based rather than just personal opinion. This sentence reflects the cultural emphasis on logical proof and external validation in English essays.
EN: The modal verb 'should' is used to express obligation, recommendation, or advice. It is followed by the base form of the verb (infinitive without 'to').
You should review your notes before the exam.
EN: The relative clause 'that supports your thesis' is a defining relative clause. It uses the relative pronoun 'that' to provide essential information about the noun 'point'.
I need a book that explains basic physics.
EN: In Western academic writing, the 'one idea per paragraph' rule is a fundamental principle of clarity. This structure differs from some other cultural writing styles that may be more circular or indirect.
EN: The phrase 'such as' is used to introduce specific examples that illustrate a general category (in this case, 'evidence'). It is often followed by a list of nouns or noun phrases.
The store sells fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, and bananas.
EN: The semi-modal verb 'need to' expresses necessity or obligation. It is followed by the base form of the main verb (infinitive without 'to').
You need to finish your homework before you go out.
EN: In Western academic culture, providing 'reliable sources' is crucial to avoid plagiarism and to build credibility. Sources like peer-reviewed journals or official statistics are preferred over personal blogs or Wikipedia.
EN: Adverbial Clause of Time: The sentence starts with a subordinate clause introduced by 'When', which sets the condition or timing for the main action. In English, if the 'When' clause comes first, it is usually followed by a comma.
When you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
EN: It as an Anticipatory Subject (Dummy Subject): The word 'it' is used as a placeholder subject. The real subject is the infinitive phrase 'to include a citation'. This structure is common when the real subject is long or complex.
It is necessary to wear a helmet while cycling.
EN: In Western academic culture, 'plagiarism' (using someone else's work without credit) is a very serious offense that can lead to expulsion from university. Therefore, learning how to use citations correctly is a fundamental skill for all students.
EN: The sentence uses a 'that-clause' as a noun clause acting as the direct object of the verb 'show'. This structure is used to report facts, beliefs, or findings.
The study shows that regular exercise improves mental health.
EN: The verb 'help' can be followed by an object and then a bare infinitive (verb without 'to'). The structure is 'help someone do something'.
This software helps students organize their schedules.
EN: In Western academic culture, plagiarism is a very serious offense that can lead to expulsion. Proper citation is not just a technicality but a core value of academic integrity and giving credit to original thinkers.
EN: Passive Voice (be + past participle): The passive voice is used when the focus is on the action or the receiver of the action rather than the performer. Here, 'is built' indicates that the argument receives the action of being constructed.
The house was built in 1990.
EN: Adverb Placement: Adverbs of frequency like 'always' usually come after the 'be' verb and before the main verb in a sentence.
She is always late for meetings.
EN: In Western academic writing, the strength of an argument is judged primarily by the quality of empirical evidence (facts, data, research) rather than personal opinion or authority alone.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have + past participle) is used here within a time clause starting with 'After' to emphasize the completion of one action before another begins in the future.
After you have finished your homework, you can watch TV.
EN: The phrase 'It is time to + verb' is a common structure used to indicate that the appropriate moment for a specific action has arrived.
It is time to go to bed.
EN: In Western academic writing, the structure of an essay is strictly logical. Moving from body paragraphs to a conclusion is a standard linear process where the conclusion must summarize, not add new information.
EN: The sentence uses 'where' as a relative adverb to introduce a relative clause that modifies the noun 'paragraph'. In this context, 'where' means 'in which'.
This is the room where we have our meetings.
EN: The Present Simple tense is used here to state a general fact or a definition within the context of academic writing rules.
The heart pumps blood through the body.
EN: In Western academic writing, the conclusion is not just an ending but a critical synthesis of the argument. It is expected to provide closure while reinforcing the thesis without introducing new evidence, which reflects the value placed on logical structure and clarity.
EN: The modal verb 'should' is used to give advice or recommendations. It is followed by the base form of the verb (infinitive without 'to').
You should check your spelling before submitting the paper.
EN: The conjunction 'and' connects two parallel independent clauses. In this sentence, it links two actions: 'restate your thesis' and 'explain why...'.
She finished her homework and went to the library.
EN: In Western academic writing, the conclusion is not just a summary. It is expected to show the 'significance' of the work, often referred to as the 'So What?' factor. This is why the sentence emphasizes explaining why the argument 'matters'.
EN: The Present Simple Negative: Used to state facts or general truths. For singular subjects (except 'I' and 'you'), we use 'does not' (doesn't) followed by the base form of the verb.
The sun does not rise in the west.
EN: Coordinating Conjunction 'or': Used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives in a sentence, often used in negative sentences to exclude both options.
He does not like tea or coffee.
EN: In Western academic writing, the conclusion is strictly for synthesizing arguments rather than adding new points. Introducing new evidence at the end is considered a structural error because it leaves the reader with unanswered questions.
EN: The verb 'leave' can be used in the pattern 'leave + object + with + noun phrase' to describe the result or impression remaining with someone after an action.
The movie left the audience with a sense of hope.
EN: The adverb 'Instead' is used as a transition word at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a contrast or an alternative to what was previously mentioned.
He didn't go to the party. Instead, he stayed home to study.
EN: In academic writing, 'position' refers to the author's stance or argument regarding a specific topic. Being 'clear' about one's position is a fundamental expectation in Western academic essays to ensure the reader can follow the logic without ambiguity.
EN: Present Perfect Tense (have + past participle): Used here to describe an experience or a situation that started in the past and continues to be true or relevant in the present.
Scientists have discovered a new species of butterfly.
EN: Gerund as Subject: The word 'writing' is a gerund (verb + -ing acting as a noun). In the subordinate clause, 'writing the conclusion' acts as the subject of the verb 'helps'.
Learning a new language requires a lot of patience.
EN: In Western academic writing, the conclusion is not just a summary but a critical self-reflection tool. It encourages students to ensure their arguments are logically consistent, which is reflected in the phrase 'check their own ideas'.
EN: The sentence uses a 'Parallel Structure' (Parallelism) to list multiple objects. When listing items, each item should follow the same grammatical form (Adjective + Noun) to ensure clarity and rhythm.
A healthy lifestyle requires regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep.
EN: The phrase 'In summary' is a transitional adverbial phrase used to signal the conclusion of a discussion or to provide a final overview.
In summary, the project was a great success.
EN: In Western academic writing, a 'thesis statement' is considered the most critical part of an essay. It is expected to be explicit and appear early (usually in the introduction), reflecting a 'linear' logic style where the main point is stated upfront.
EN: The sentence uses a Relative Clause (Adjective Clause) starting with 'that' to modify the noun 'skill'. This clause provides more information about the specific type of skill being discussed.
Cooking is a hobby that brings people together.
EN: The phrase 'over time' is an idiomatic prepositional phrase meaning gradually as time passes. It is often used to describe processes of change or improvement.
Your English will get better over time.
EN: In Western academic culture, writing is viewed as a recursive process of drafting and revising rather than a one-time innate talent. The emphasis is on growth through consistent practice.
EN: The sentence uses the Negative Imperative form ('Do not' + base verb) to give advice or instructions. This is followed by a First Conditional structure using 'if' to describe a possible situation and its consequence.
Do not be afraid if you make a mistake.
EN: The word 'perfect' acts as a Subject Complement (an adjective following a linking verb 'are') to describe the state of the subject 'essays'.
The weather is not perfect for a picnic.
EN: In Western academic culture, the writing process is often viewed as iterative. Teachers emphasize that 'first drafts' are expected to be imperfect, and the focus is on growth and revision rather than immediate mastery.
EN: The Subject Complement (to + verb): In this sentence, the infinitive phrase 'to practice... and learn...' acts as a subject complement following the linking verb 'is'. It defines or renames the subject 'The most important thing'.
My goal is to travel around the world.
EN: Parallel Structure: When connecting two or more ideas with 'and', they should use the same grammatical form. Here, 'to practice' and '(to) learn' are both infinitives, creating a balanced and clear sentence.
It is healthy to eat well and exercise daily.
EN: In Western academic and growth-mindset cultures, 'learning from mistakes' is highly valued. Mistakes are seen as a necessary part of the learning process rather than a failure, which is a common theme in educational advice.
EN: The preposition 'With' is used here to indicate the means or conditions required to achieve a result. It functions as an adverbial phrase of manner or means.
With hard work, you can achieve your goals.
EN: Comparative adjectives ('more confident', 'more effective') are used to compare the subject's future state with their current state. For adjectives with two or more syllables, we usually add 'more' before the word.
This new method is more effective than the old one.
EN: In Western academic culture, writing is viewed as a recursive process and a skill that can be mastered through persistence rather than just innate talent. This sentence reflects the common educational philosophy of 'growth mindset'.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To give a lot of attention to one particular person, subject, or thing.
To say or write something again using different vocabulary to clarify or emphasize.
To use something as a basis for further development.
To understand what went wrong and improve based on that experience.
The main part of an essay that contains the core content and arguments, located between the introduction and the conclusion.
A short statement, usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay.
A set of reasons or logical points given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.
A person's particular point of view or attitude toward a specific issue.
Information or facts that are very strong, reliable, and difficult to disprove.