By framing grammar as a map of choices, you empower learners to understand why a structure is used, rather than just how it is formed. 2. The Core Systems of English Grammar
Note: Future time is expressed using modal verbs (will) or semi-modals (be going to), rather than a distinct inflected verb form. Aspect: How the Action is Viewed By framing grammar as a map of choices,
The affected entity (receiver) becomes the subject, allowing the agent to be omitted entirely or placed in a prepositional phrase. Example: "The paper was published (by the researcher)." Why It Matters for Teachers Aspect: How the Action is Viewed The affected
: Rather than just marking a "red X," the text encourages a problem-solving process that identifies what is correct about an error before addressing what’s wrong. Many traditional grammar textbooks are designed for native
Describing the nature of the action (Simple, Progressive, Perfect).
Many traditional grammar textbooks are designed for native speakers and fail to address the specific needs of ESL/EFL instruction. Systems in English Grammar is different. A 1996 review in TESOL Quarterly called it "the best text I have found for an undergraduate grammar course, particularly for future ESL teachers". This is because it focuses on aspects uniquely relevant to non-native speakers, such as the nuanced meanings of modal verbs.
Changing the form of a word to express grammatical relationships like tense or number (e.g., adding "-ed" for past tense). 2. The Syntactic System