English grammar test

Preparing for an English grammar test requires careful study as there are idiosyncrasies in the language that can catch you out. For example, it might be said of a person that "he wolfs his supper like a pack of wolves". Try writing that with the same spelling for "wolfs" as "wolves" and you will fail yours English Grammar test!

English grammar rules such as "i" before "e" except after c are useful but be wary of exceptions. It means where "i" and "e" appear together, the order is ie, except immediately after "c", when it is "ei".

Examples: "siege, fiend, chief" or "perceive, conceive, ceiling"

Regular reading will make you aware of the pitfalls as you come across the variations and exceptions. It pays to make a habit of noting the unusual if you wish to learn English grammar to a high, professional standard.

Common exceptions:
Where ie follows c: species, science, sufficient, ancient.
Where ei is not preceded by c: seize, weird, weight, sovereignty, foreign, vein, feisty, kaleidoscope and neighbor

The British government has recommended primary school teachers stop teaching this rule as it causes confusion in young minds.


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