Rules and Exceptions: Why English is a Hard Language to Learn

The English language is full of rules. Some rules are based on grammar and help users spell. However, there are many English rules and exceptions, and many ways and reasons for these rules to change.

The Nardagani Reading Program consists of 12 simple symbols, used below letters, that allow the reader to know which sound to make. The methodology is designed to eliminate the guesswork involved in reading. Students learn a few symbols at a time. They memorize the symbols through exercises, games, and reading books coded with the symbols. Once students learn the first few symbols, they work on sounding out words, and increase their list of sight words. 

Here are five common English rules and exceptions:

1. English students learn to spell with the rule: “I” before “E” except after “C.”

When it comes to most English words, such as “friend” and “believe,” this rule stands true. However, there are exceptions, such as “science” and “weirdness.”

2. The English pronoun “I” is the only pronoun written in capital letters, regardless of its form. While, he, she, and it may appear in lowercase and uppercase.

3. Sometimes called the serial comma, the Oxford comma is placed between the last two items in a series of three or more. A sentence example of this: I like apples, bananas, and oranges. However, there is still debate about whether to use an Oxford comma or not, depending on what type of writing you are doing and which style guide applies to that project.

4. There are many verb tenses in all languages. It can be difficult for an English learner to understand the difference between future tense and future perfect. This is challenging to learn, not only when memorizing grammar rules in the text, but when having an English conversation about the future.

5. When it comes to the use of plurals in English, there are several variations. Two examples of this confusion are words like mouse and ox. A non-native speaker might think to add an “s” to form a plural, but this is wrong. The plural of mouse is mice, while the plural of ox is axes.

Click here to learn more about the Nardagani Reading Program and watch Narda’s TEDx talk, “A New Way to Learn to Read English.”