English Grammar Glossary

Clear definitions of essential grammar terms with examples and CEFR levels. Click any term to explore its full explanation and linked practice exercises.

This glossary covers the core building blocks of English grammar — the terms you will encounter in every textbook, exercise set, and language exam. Each entry includes a plain-English definition, usage notes, examples, and links to interactive practice activities. Terms are organised alphabetically and tagged with the CEFR level at which they are typically introduced.

A

Adverb

A1

A word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Adverbs express manner, frequency, degree, place, and time.

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Adjective

A1

A word that describes or modifies a noun, giving information about its quality, size, colour, or type.

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Article (Grammar)

A2

The three English articles — a, an, and the — which indicate whether a noun is specific, general, or used with zero article.

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C

Collocation

B1

A pair or group of words that habitually appear together, such as "make a decision" or "heavy rain". Using the right collocations makes speech sound natural.

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Conjunction

A2

A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. Includes coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS), subordinating conjunctions, and correlative pairs.

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N

Noun

A1

A word that names a person, place, thing, idea, or quality. Nouns can be common or proper, countable or uncountable, and collective.

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P

Preposition

A2

A word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and another word in the sentence, expressing time, place, direction, and more.

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Pronoun

A1

A word that replaces a noun to avoid repetition. Types include personal, possessive, reflexive, relative, interrogative, and demonstrative pronouns.

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V

Verb

A1

A word that expresses an action, event, or state of being. Verbs can be regular or irregular, transitive or intransitive, finite or non-finite.

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How to Use This Glossary

Each term page follows the same structure: a quick definition box, a detailed explanation, an examples table, common mistakes to avoid, related term links, and 10 practice-style FAQs. After reading any definition, follow the exercise links at the bottom of the page to put the grammar into action immediately.

CEFR levels (A1–C2) indicate when learners are typically expected to master each concept. A1 terms are the most foundational and should be studied first. B1 and above terms build on that foundation with more nuanced usage.

For a broader overview of grammar, read our English Grammar for Beginners guide, or explore the exercise library to practise everything covered here.

See also: English Idioms Hub — browse common idioms with meanings and example sentences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a grammar glossary?
A grammar glossary is a reference guide that defines key grammatical terms with examples. It helps learners understand the terminology used in textbooks, exercises, and language courses, making it easier to follow grammar explanations and teacher feedback.
What are the main parts of speech in English?
The eight traditional parts of speech in English are noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, preposition, conjunction, and interjection. Each plays a specific role in constructing grammatically correct sentences. This glossary covers the most important ones with detailed explanations.
What CEFR level do I need to know grammar terms?
Basic grammar terms — noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun — are introduced at CEFR A1. Prepositions, conjunctions, and articles are typically A2. More advanced concepts like collocations appear at B1 and above. Each entry in this glossary is tagged with its CEFR level.
How do I use this glossary to improve my English?
Read each term's definition, study the examples table, and note the common mistakes section. Then click the linked practice exercises to apply what you have learned. Returning to the glossary whenever you encounter an unfamiliar term reinforces long-term retention.
What is the difference between a noun and a pronoun?
A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea (e.g., "London", "dog", "happiness"). A pronoun replaces a noun to avoid repetition (e.g., "it", "she", "they"). Both can act as subjects or objects in a sentence, but pronouns are shorter reference words that refer back to previously mentioned nouns.
Why is learning grammar terminology important?
Knowing grammar terminology lets you understand teacher feedback, use dictionaries and grammar reference books effectively, and discuss language patterns clearly. It also accelerates learning because you can ask precise questions and identify specific areas to improve.
What is the difference between an adjective and an adverb?
Adjectives modify nouns ("a quick fox"), while adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs ("runs quickly", "very quick"). Adverbs often — but not always — end in -ly. For example, "fast" and "hard" can both be adjectives or adverbs depending on context.
What are collocations and why do they matter?
Collocations are word combinations that native speakers use naturally, such as "make a decision" or "heavy rain". Learning them makes your English sound more natural and fluent. Because collocations are not always predictable, they need to be learned as fixed or semi-fixed phrases rather than assembled word by word.
How are English articles different from other grammar terms?
Articles (a, an, the) are a specific sub-category of determiners. They signal whether a noun refers to something specific (the) or general/indefinite (a/an). Many languages lack articles entirely, which makes them one of the most common challenges for ESL learners regardless of their native language.
Are there practice exercises linked from this glossary?
Yes. Every term page links to relevant LexFizz exercises such as Fill-in-the-Blank, Quiz, and Complete the Sentence, so you can immediately practise each concept after reading its definition. The exercises are free and require no account or login.