5 Little-Known Grammar Rules That Will Improve Your English

Learning English grammar can feel overwhelming with all its rules and exceptions. While most learners focus on basics like subject-verb agreement or the proper use of tenses, there are some lesser-known grammar rules that can take your language skills to the next level. These rules may not be as widely discussed, but mastering them will make your English sound smoother, more natural, and even more polished. Here are five little-known grammar rules that will help improve your English.

1. The Rule of Proximity in Subject-Verb Agreement

Most people learn that verbs should agree with the subject in number (singular or plural). However, there's a lesser-known guideline called the rule of proximity, which states that when subjects are separated by words or phrases, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun closest to it.

For example:

• “Either the teacher or the students are going to present today.”
• “Neither my friends nor my sister is attending the party.”

In the first example, "students" is closer to the verb, so we use the plural form are. In the second example, "sister" is closer to the verb, so we use the singular form is.

Why It Matters: Understanding this rule helps you avoid confusion when forming sentences with multiple subjects. This is especially useful in formal writing, where accuracy in subject-verb agreement is essential.

2. Placement of "Only" in a Sentence

The placement of the word "only" in a sentence can change its entire meaning. Many English speakers and writers overlook this subtle but important rule. "Only" should be placed as close as possible to the word it modifies.

Consider these examples:

• “Only she said I was wrong.” (No one else said it but her.)
• “She only said I was wrong.” (She said it but didn’t do anything else.)
• “She said only I was wrong.” (She said no one else was wrong but me.)
• “She said I was only wrong.” (She said I was wrong but not something else.)

Why It Matters: Correct placement of "only" can make your meaning much clearer, avoiding misunderstandings. Paying attention to this little word can make a big difference in how your message is received.

3. Using “Less” vs. “Fewer” Correctly

Many native and non-native speakers struggle with the difference between "less" and "fewer." Here’s the rule: use "fewer" for countable nouns and "less" for uncountable nouns.

Examples:

• “There are fewer apples in the basket.” (Countable: you can count apples.)
• “I have less water in my bottle.” (Uncountable: you can’t count water.)

Countable nouns refer to items you can individually count (e.g., books, cars, people). Uncountable nouns refer to substances or concepts that can’t be counted individually (e.g., water, time, happiness).

Why It Matters: This distinction may seem minor, but it’s one that native speakers notice. Using "fewer" and "less" correctly will make your English sound more polished and precise.

4. The “That” vs. “Which” Rule for Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Clauses

In English, "that" and "which" aren’t always interchangeable. "That" is used for restrictive clauses, while "which" is used for non-restrictive clauses. What’s the difference? A restrictive clause provides essential information to the meaning of a sentence, whereas a non-restrictive clause adds extra information that could be removed without changing the sentence’s main meaning.

Examples:

• “The book that is on the table is mine.” (Restrictive: specifies which book is mine.)
• “The book, which is on the table, is mine.” (Non-restrictive: the book is mine, and it’s on the table as extra information.)

Why It Matters: Properly distinguishing between "that" and "which" helps you communicate more clearly. It can also make your writing feel more professional and precise.

5. Avoiding Split Infinitives for Formality

A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between "to" and the verb, such as "to quickly run." Although split infinitives are generally accepted in casual or modern English, some formal contexts prefer that you avoid them.

Example:

• Instead of “She wants to quickly finish her work,” write “She wants to finish her work quickly.”

However, sometimes a split infinitive can make a sentence sound more natural or help avoid confusion. The key is to understand when to use them and when to avoid them based on the level of formality required.

Why It Matters: Knowing this rule helps you adjust your language according to the context. In formal writing, avoiding split infinitives can make your work sound more polished and sophisticated.

Bonus Tips to Master These Rules

Mastering these grammar rules will take your English to the next level. Here are some additional tips to help you remember and use them confidently:

1. Practice with Examples: Create sentences that follow these rules to reinforce your understanding. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.

2. Listen for These Rules in Context: Pay attention to native speakers or high-quality English content, like news or educational videos. Notice how these rules appear in sentences and how they affect meaning.

3. Check Yourself in Writing: When writing, especially in formal contexts, take a moment to review your work with these rules in mind. Small tweaks can make a big difference in clarity and professionalism.

4. Use Grammar Tools: Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway can help catch common grammar issues, including the correct use of "less" and "fewer," or split infinitives.

5. Ask for Feedback: If you have a teacher or language partner, ask them to check your usage of these rules. Constructive feedback will help you improve and gain confidence.

Final Thoughts

These five lesser-known grammar rules might seem like small details, but they can significantly enhance the quality of your English. Paying attention to them will make your sentences clearer, more precise, and more polished, whether you’re writing an email, a formal essay, or just speaking in conversation.

Remember, improving your English isn’t about memorizing rules—it’s about understanding how those rules can help you communicate effectively. So, try practicing these tips, and you’ll soon notice a difference in your confidence and clarity. Happy learning, and keep striving for improvement!