Introduction

English has become one of the most popular languages in the world. Proper English skills are becoming a valuable asset in business around the world. Do not put off learning English because of the great variety of word orders available (even for simple things). Have a go and keep trying. Practice.
It is well worth remembering that English is not a fixed language - it is shifting like sand and so these "rules" are in the process of change and are often ignored or bent - much to the disdain of erudite scholars. This may be one reason why English can be tricky to learn.

The subject English has always been wide-ranging, inclusive and eclectic: hardly surprising in that it is based on a vividly elusive entity – a living language. There are both positive and negative aspects to this breadth, in terms of the teaching of English: positive in the infinitely resourceful possibilities of the creative English classroom; perhaps more negative in the uncertainty of what precisely constitutes the subject English – what, in these terms, should actually be taught in its name. The purpose of these pages is to emphasize the positive, whilst acknowledging and, hopefully, clarifying the elusiveness of the subject.