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Concord Grammar Academy, Onitsha (2025)

05/09/2025

✨ RULES OF CONCORD (Pt. 3) ✨

Indefinite Pronouns — words like everyone, someone, nobody, anybody, each, either, neither, etc.

👉🏽 Rule:

Most indefinite pronouns are singular and must take a singular verb.

A few like both, few, many, several are plural and must take plural verbs.

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❌ WRONG vs ✅ CORRECT

1. ❌ Everybody are present in class.
✅ Everybody is present in class.

2. ❌ Each of the students have a textbook.
✅ Each of the students has a textbook.

3. ❌ Neither of the answers are correct.
✅ Neither of the answers is correct.

4. ❌ Someone have broken the chair.
✅ Someone has broken the chair.

5. ❌ Anybody are free to join the team.
✅ Anybody is free to join the team.

6. ❌ One of the boys have stolen the pen.
✅ One of the boys has stolen the pen.

7. ❌ Everyone know the rules of the game.
✅ Everyone knows the rules of the game.

8. ❌ Anybody who disagree are free to leave.
✅ Anybody who disagrees is free to leave.

9. ❌ Each of them were rewarded.
✅ Each of them was rewarded.

10. ❌ Nobody like being punished.
✅ Nobody likes being punished.

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📝 QUICK GRAMMAR TIP

Words like each, everybody, everyone, anyone, somebody, nobody, neither = Singular + Singular Verb

Words like both, few, many, several = Plural + Plural Verb
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📝 EVALUATION

Choose the correct option for each sentence:

1. Everybody ___ going to the party tonight.
A) are
B) is
C) were
D) be

2. Neither of the boys ___ guilty.
A) are
B) were
C) is
D) have

3. Each of the pupils ___ written the test.
A) have
B) has
C) are
D) were

4. Many of the questions ___ difficult.
A) is
B) has
C) are
D) was

5. Somebody ___ left the door open.
A) have
B) were
C) has
D) are

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💬 Over to you!
Drop your answers in the comments 👇🏽
I am Teacher CONCORD, passionate about your success! 😁

05/09/2025

RULES OF CONCORD (Pt. 2) ✨

One big headache in English grammar is knowing how to match verbs with collective nouns like family, team, audience, committee, government, crowd, etc.

👉🏽 Rule:

When a collective noun is seen as a single unit, use a singular verb.

When it refers to individual members, use a plural verb.

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❌ WRONG vs ✅ CORRECT

1. ❌ The team are winning the match.
✅ The team is winning the match. (one unit)

2. ❌ The family is quarreling among themselves.
✅ The family are quarreling among themselves. (individual members)

3. ❌ The committee have given its final decision.
✅ The committee has given its final decision. (one body)

4. ❌ The audience was clapping their hands.
✅ The audience were clapping their hands. (members acting individually)

5. ❌ The government are releasing its policy tomorrow.
✅ The government is releasing its policy tomorrow. (one body)

6. ❌ The staff is disagreeing with the principal.
✅ The staff are disagreeing with the principal. (individuals)

7. ❌ The class are noisy today.
✅ The class is noisy today. (as a unit)

8. ❌ The jury has disagreed among themselves.
✅ The jury have disagreed among themselves. (individuals)

9. ❌ The council have changed its constitution.
✅ The council has changed its constitution. (one unit)

10. ❌ The choir is arguing over their uniforms.
✅ The choir are arguing over their uniforms. (members acting individually)
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📝 QUICK GRAMMAR TIP

Always check: Am I talking about the group as one body or the members as individuals? That’s the secret to getting collective noun concord right. ✅
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📝 EVALUATION EXERCISE

Correct the following sentences:

1. The crowd is/are fighting among themselves.

2. The committee has/ have made its report public.

3. The team is/are celebrating their victory.

4. The class has/ have submitted its assignment.

5. The staff is/are protesting against poor salary.
Drop answers in the comments 👇🏽
If you found this post valuable, please share it to help others. 🙏 ☺️
©️ Teacher CONCORD
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05/09/2025

✨ HYPOTHETICAL STATEMENTS & RULES OF CONCORD ✨

❌ If I was you, I will take the money.

❌ If he was around, this issue will have been resolved.

When we talk about things that are imaginary, unreal, or contrary to fact, we use hypothetical statements. These often begin with “If” and must follow the rules of Concord (subject-verb agreement).

Many learners make mistakes by using simple past verbs like "was" where "were" should be used in hypotheticals. Also, the wrong helping verb after the condition makes the sentence grammatically faulty.

Here are the correct expressions:

✅ If I were you, I would take the money.

✅ If he were around, this issue would have been resolved.

MORE COMMON MISTAKES & CORRECT FORMS

1. ❌ If she was rich, she will buy a car.
✅ If she were rich, she would buy a car.

2. ❌ If they was serious, they will pass the exam.
✅ If they were serious, they would pass the exam.

3. ❌ If I was taller, I will play basketball.
✅ If I were taller, I would play basketball.

4. ❌ If he was the president, he will change the law.
✅ If he were the president, he would change the law.

5. ❌ If you was patient, things will work out.
✅ If you were patient, things would work out.

6. ❌ If I was at home, I will answer the call.
✅ If I were at home, I would answer the call.

7. ❌ If my friend was here, she will support me.
✅ If my friend were here, she would support me.

8. ❌ If it was possible, I will travel today.
✅ If it were possible, I would travel today.

9. ❌ If I was your teacher, I will punish you.
✅ If I were your teacher, I would punish you.

10. ❌ If he was hardworking, he will succeed.
✅ If he were hardworking, he would succeed.
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✍🏽 QUICK GRAMMAR TIPS

Use “were” (not was) in hypothetical statements after I, he, she, it, they, we, you.

Match helping verbs correctly:

If clause → past tense (were)

Main clause → would / could / might + verb.
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📝 EVALUATION EXERCISE

Correct the following sentences:

1. If she was my sister, I will help her.

2. If I was in Abuja, I will attend the meeting.

3. If he was the leader, he will be fair.

4. If I was you, I will ignore them.

5. If it was easy, we will finish quickly.

---
💬 Over to you!
Can you create one correct hypothetical sentence of your own? Drop it in the comments 👇🏽 — let’s see how well you’ve understood this rule!

©️ Teacher CONCORD

01/09/2025

Welcome to September! 😁
May your wishes become reality! 🙏

29/08/2025

📌 CAN vs COULD – Stop Mixing Them Up!

Many people use "Can" and "Could" carelessly in academic and professional writing. But these two small words can change the tone, politeness, and formality of your sentence.

Let’s clear the air 👇
---
✨ Key Difference👇

Can → shows ability or possibility (more direct, casual).

Could → shows past ability, polite requests, or hypothetical situations (more formal, softer tone).
Both are Modal auxiliary Verbs! 😊
---
❌ Wrong vs ✅ Correct (with Explanations)

1. ❌ Can you help me with this report, sir?
✅ Could you help me with this report, sir?
👉 Use could for polite/professional requests.

2. ❌ I could swim very well now.
✅ I can swim very well now.
👉 Can is for present ability. "Could" is for past ability.

3. ❌ She can play the piano when she was five.
✅ She could play the piano when she was five.
👉 Use could for past ability.

4. ❌ Can I suggest that we postpone the meeting?
✅ Could I suggest that we postpone the meeting?
👉 Could makes suggestions sound polite in meetings.

5. ❌ If I can fly, I will visit the moon.
✅ If I could fly, I would visit the moon.
👉 Use could for hypothetical situations.

6. ❌ The error could be in the introduction (when you are sure).
✅ The error can be in the introduction.
👉 Can = certain possibility; Could = uncertain or tentative possibility.

7. ❌ Can you please give me that file?
✅ Could you please give me that file?
👉 “Could” softens the tone; better for professional writing.

8. ❌ When I was younger, I can run very fast.
✅ When I was younger, I could run very fast.
👉 Could = past ability.

9. ❌ If you study hard, you could pass the exam (future fact).
✅ If you study hard, you can pass the exam.
👉 Can = real possibility in the future.

10. ❌ Could you meet me at 2pm today? (you’re sure)
✅ Can you meet me at 2pm today?
👉 Can works when asking about someone’s present/future ability to do something.
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💡 Grammar Tips

✔ Use can for present abilities, certainties, or future possibilities.
✔ Use could for past abilities, polite/professional requests, hypotheticals, or uncertain possibilities.
✔ In academic and professional writing, could often sounds more respectful.
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✅ Your Turn! (Interactive Evaluation)

Fill in the blanks with the right word (can or could):

1. When I was 10, I ___ recite all the states in Nigeria.

2. Please, ___ you forward me the email before noon?

3. With more planning, we ___ avoid common mistakes.

4. He says he ___ solve the problem immediately.

5. If I had more time, I ___ finish the project today.

Drop your answers in the comments 👇. Let’s see who nails all 5! 💯 No malpractice! 😅
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📢 At Concord Grammar Academy, we make English simple, professional, and fun. 🚀
Follow 👉 Concord Grammar Academy for more grammar hacks.
Kindly, like, comment and share to help other ESLs
📩 DM us to join our next online English class.
---
©️ TEACHER CONCORD
Afomachukwu Mmasinachim Concord

28/08/2025

📌 It’s vs Its – Stop Mixing Them Up!

One of the tiniest mix-ups that can spoil your writing is between it’s and its. E fit stain your white! 😔😅
Nevertheless, worry no more, I g*t you! Let’s clear it once and for all.
---
Quick Guide : ✍️

🔹 It’s → contraction of it is or it has
🔹 Its → possessive form of it (shows ownership)
---
✅ 10 Easy Sentences to Lock it in:

1. It’s a bright day. (= It is)
2. It’s been a long week. (= It has)
3. The dog wagged its tail happily. (possession)
4. It’s going to rain soon. (= It is)
5. Every country has its own culture. (possession)
6. It’s almost time for class. (= It is)
7. The phone lost its signal. (possession)
8. It’s been nice talking to you. (= It has)
9. The tree shed its leaves in the dry season. (possession)
10. It’s clear you now understand the difference! (= It is)
---
💡 Memory Hack:
👉 If you can replace it with “it is” or “it has”, use it’s.
👉 If not, use its to show possession.
---
📢 At Concord Grammar Academy, we break English down in a way you’ll never forget. 🚀 Join us for more English tips that will sharpen your speaking and writing skills.

📌 Follow 👉 for more grammar hacks.
📩 DM us today to join our next online class!
---
©️ CONCORD

26/08/2025

📌 "Their" vs "There" vs "They’re" | "Your" vs "You’re"

Are you pausing in between writing to wonder whether it should be "their" or "there", "you're" or "your"?
You are not alone, Sis! Some of us have similar struggles! 😕 😔

Don’t worry—I’m here to simplify these confusing terms for your comprehension and retention.
---

Quick Guide :👌

🔹 Their → possessive pronoun (shows ownership)
✅ The children love their teacher.

🔹 There → adverb (shows a place/position)
✅ The book is over there on the desk.

🔹 They’re → contraction of they are
✅ They’re happy to see you.

🔹 Your → possessive adjective (belongs to you)
✅ I like your handwriting.

🔹 You’re → contraction of you are
✅ You’re doing great in English class!
---

💡 Memory Hack:
👉 If you can replace it with they are or you are, then use they’re/you’re.
👉 If not, check whether you mean ownership (their/your) or place (there).

---

✅ Now your turn! Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

1. Please, put the bag over __________ (their/there).

2. I admire __________ (your/you’re) courage.

3. __________ (They’re/Their) preparing for the competition.
---
Kindly comment your answers. 🙏
📢 At Concord Grammar Academy, we make English simple, practical, and fun for learners of all levels. 🚀 Join us and take your grammar mastery to the next level!

📌 Follow 👉 Concord Grammar Academy
Afomachukwu Mmasinachim Concord for more grammar hacks.
📩 DM us today to register for our online classes.
©️Teacher Afomachukwu
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19/08/2025

Think of verbs in three ways:

Doing → Action (Ngozi dances).

Happening → Occurrence (The meeting started).

Being → State (I am happy).

So, verbs are not just about movement. Even when nothing is moving, a verb is always present.

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✅ Final Note
Next time you’re writing an essay, don’t limit verbs to action alone. Look closely and you’ll see: every sentence breathes because of a verb—whether it shows what we do, what happens, or simply what is.
I trust you got some valuable insights from these series.
I am Afomachukwu, your favourite English teacher.

19/08/2025

3️⃣ Verbs as State-of-Being Words

Some verbs simply show the condition or existence of the subject. These include forms of be and linking verbs.

✔ Examples:

I am a teacher.

Ngozi is brilliant.

The children were excited.

👉 Notice that nothing is being done here. The verbs (am, is, were) connect the subject to a state or description.

19/08/2025

2️⃣ Verbs as Occurrence Indicators

Sometimes, verbs don’t show what you do but what happens. They mark an event or occurrence.

✔ Examples:

The accident happened suddenly.

A new school term begins tomorrow.

Rain fell throughout the night.

👉 Here, the verbs (happened, begins, fell) are not “actions” performed by someone—they are events that occurred.

25/04/2025

Have you ever said something like, “Can I submit my assignment, sir?” or "Can I come in, members of staff?" and got a teacher smiling and replying, “Yes, you can… but you may not”? If yes, don’t feel bad. You’re not alone! A lot of learners – both young and old – mix up the modal verbs “can” and “may” without realizing that they carry different meanings and are used in different situations.

Let’s break it down together so you can begin to use both words correctly and confidently, especially in formal settings.

So, what exactly is the difference between “can” and “may”?

“Can” is mostly used to talk about ability – something someone is able or capable of doing. For example, “I can swim,” or “She can speak three languages.” It’s also commonly used when asking for informal permission, like “Can I use your pen?”

“May,” on the other hand, is used to talk about possibility or to ask for formal or polite permission. Think of it as the gentleman of the two. You’ll usually hear it in places where manners or protocol matter — like in schools, offices, public functions, or formal letters.

Let’s look at some real-life examples of mistakes that are quite common in Nigeria — maybe you’ve made one or two before!

You may have said:
“Can I submit my homework now, sir?”
But in a more formal or respectful tone, it should be:
“May I submit my homework now, sir?”

You may have asked someone:
“May you lift that bag for me?”
But that sounds a little off because you're not asking permission; you're referring to someone's ability. The right question should be:
“Can you lift that bag for me?”

Another typical error is during ceremonies. We often hear:
“Can you now kiss the bride.”
But that’s a formal event, and the proper wording is:
“You may now kiss the bride.”

Some learners also confuse the use when writing formal requests like:
“Can I respectfully request for an audience?”
In that case, “may” would sound more respectful:
“May I respectfully request for an audience?”

You see the pattern?

Whenever you’re dealing with someone in authority (a teacher, boss, elder, or in an official environment), “may” helps you sound more respectful and polite. “Can” is more relaxed and works perfectly in informal situations or when you’re talking about skills and abilities.

Here’s a fun test:
Would you say, “May you play the piano?” Not quite! That would be asking permission, but what you probably mean is, “Can you play the piano?” — that is, do you know how to play it?

Helpful Tip to Remember:

Use “can” for ability (e.g., “I can drive.”)

Use “may” for permission (e.g., “May I borrow your notes?”)

In summary, while both “can” and “may” are important in English grammar, understanding the difference between ability and permission will help you speak and write better, especially in formal settings like essays, job interviews, or public speeches.

Now let me ask you, politely:
May I count on you to love this post and share it so as to help other learners? 🤗 Kindly do so.

©️ Afomachukwu EZIEKWE
Educationist| English Teacher| Diction Coach|Linguist|Edu-Tech Tutor| Online Tutor| Elocutionist

24/04/2025

IS IT "MA" OR "MA'AM"? LET'S CLEAR THE AIR!

As an English teacher, I often come across letters and messages where students use “ma” when they actually mean “ma’am”—especially in formal requests like:

> “Good morning ma, I would like to... ” ❌
"Dear ma, ❌

Now let’s get it right.

“Ma” is an informal, short form for “mother” in many cultures, especially in Nigeria.
Example:

> “Ma, I’ll be back from school by 4 p.m.” (Here, “Ma” refers to mother.)

“Ma’am”, however, is the correct formal address for a woman in authority or respect, short for “madam.”
Used in polite conversations, especially in formal speech and writing.
Example:

> “Good afternoon, ma’am. I am here for the interview.”
“Yes, ma’am. I understand your instructions.”
"Dear Ma'am,"

Common mistake:

> “Ma, I’m done with the assignment.”
Correction:
“Ma’am, I’m done with the assignment.”
"Dear ma'am,"

TIP: When writing formal emails, letters, or academic messages to female professionals or superiors, always use “ma’am” with the apostrophe. It’s both grammatically correct and respectful.
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Let’s keep learning and improving together.
Tag a friend who’s been using "ma" instead of "ma’am"!
©️ Afomachukwu EZIEKWE
English teacher |Educationist |Diction Coach|Online Tutor

Concord Grammar Academy

05/09/2025

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