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SPM English Vocabulary & Grammar Essentials

Essential grammar rules, linking words, vocabulary expansion, and essay expressions for SPM English.

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Connective: Expressing Contrast
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1
Connective: Expressing Contrast
However, on the other hand, conversely, nevertheless, whereas, in contrast.
2
Connective: Expressing Cause & Effect
Consequently, as a result, therefore, thus, owing to, due to the fact that.
3
Connective: Adding Information
Furthermore, moreover, in addition to, besides, additionally.
4
Subject-Verb Agreement: 'Neither of the boys'
Neither of the boys was punished. ('Neither' as singular subject takes a singular verb).
5
Subject-Verb Agreement: 'The team of scientists'
The team of scientists has published its findings. (Focus is on the singular team).
6
Direct to Indirect Speech: Tense Shift
"I am leaving today," she said. → She said that she was leaving that day.
7
Reported Speech: Modal Shift
can → could, may → might, shall → should, must → had to (or must for universal rules).
8
Active to Passive: Continuous Tenses
Active: They are constructing a new expressway. Passive: A new expressway is being constructed by them.
9
Modal of Speculation: Past Certainty
Must have + past participle: The road is wet; it must have rained heavily last night.
10
Modal of Speculation: Impossibility
Can't have / couldn't have + past participle: He can't have stolen the wallet; he was with me in Penang.
11
Phrasal Verb: 'Look into'
To investigate or examine thoroughly: The police are looking into the cause of the fire.
12
Phrasal Verb: 'Bring about'
To cause something to happen: The new educational policy brought about significant improvements.
13
Phrasal Verb: 'Give in'
To reluctantly cease resisting or surrender: The management finally gave in to the union's demands.
14
Idiom: 'Break the ice'
To do or say something to make people feel more relaxed in an unfamiliar social gathering.
15
Idiom: 'Burn the midnight oil'
To work or study late into the night.
16
Idiom: 'Cry over spilt milk'
To waste time worrying or lamenting about past mistakes that cannot be undone.
17
Word Choice: 'Economic' vs. 'Economical'
Economic = relating to the economy/finance (economic growth). Economical = thrifty or inexpensive (an economical hybrid car).
18
Word Choice: 'Historic' vs. 'Historical'
Historic = famous or momentous in history (a historic peace treaty). Historical = concerning the past (historical documents).
19
Word Choice: 'Advice' vs. 'Advise'
Advice = uncountable noun (She gave me useful advice). Advise = verb (I advise you to revise early).
20
Preposition: 'Cope'
Cope with (not cope up with): She found it hard to cope with the heavy workload.
21
Preposition: 'Capable'
Capable of doing something (not capable to do): He is capable of solving complex equations.
22
Prefix 'Dis-' vs 'Un-'
Both indicate negation: agree → disagree; appear → disappear; happy → unhappy; predictable → unpredictable.
23
Compound Adjectives Hyphenation
Use a hyphen when the compound adjective precedes the noun: a five-star hotel, a well-known author BUT The author is well known.
24
Rhetorical Question in Essays
A question asked for persuasive dramatic effect rather than to elicit an answer: Can we truly afford to ignore environmental degradation?
25
Formal Register: Avoiding Slang
Avoid gonna, wanna, kids, stuff, cool. Use going to, wish to, children, issues/possessions, admirable.

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