Advanced English Grammar

Having Difficulties Learning English?

Yes, some have difficulties learning English and the following list goes a long way to show why.

The following is a fun exercise for those who know the language well, and for those who want to know it better. I've been teaching English for twenty years now and even I had difficulties with a few of the sentences the first time through!

I recommend you read it out loud -- just as if you were reading any sentence of any text.

Remember, difficulties learning English shouldn't prevent you from learning the language. What you'll see below is indicative of some of those 'little' things that can make learning the English language difficult.

After the list, there is a pronunciation guide (1-10) with examples to help you know the correct way to do it.

Difficulties Learning English

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce.

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

1. 1^st ou as in wow, how, now 2^nd ou as in you, too, sue.

 1^st wound (v) = past tense of wind 2^nd wound (n) = injury; trauma

2. 1^st accent on second syllable 2^nd accent on first syllable.

 1^st produce (v) = meaning to make 2^nd produce (n) = vegetables

3. 1^st s pronounced like; z. 2^nd s pronounced like; s.

 1^st refuse (v) = to reject; deny 2^nd refuse (n) = garbage; waste

4. 1^st short o as in hot, not, body 2^nd long o as in boat, goat, coat

 1^st polish (v) = to shine 2^nd Polish (adj) = originates or comes from Poland

5. 1^st ea as in tea, she, flee 2^nd ea as in dead, dread, wed

 1^st lead (v) = direct; guide 2^nd lead (n) = bluish white heavy metal

6. 1^st accent on second syllable 2^nd accent on second syllable 3^rd accent on first syllable.

 1^st desert (v) = leave 2^nd dessert (n) = sweet 3^rd desert (n) = place with little rain

7. 1^st accent on first syllable 2^nd accent on second syllable 3^rd accent on first syllable.

 1^st present (n) = this moment 2^nd present (v) = give 3^rd present (n) = gift

8. 1^st bass pronounced like; grass, glass, lass 2^nd bass pronounced like; base, vase, trace

 1^st bass (n) = fish 2^nd bass (n) = drum

9. 1^st dove pronounced like; of, shove, glove 2^nd dove pronounced like; rove, trove, stove

 1^st dove (n) = bird 2^nd dove (v) = past tense of dive

10. 1^st accent on second syllable 2^nd accent on first syllable

 1^st object (v) = disagree; argue 2^nd object (n) = thing

The first list above, (1-10) shows some common difficulties learning English for those who are unfamiliar with all of the pronounciation possibilites of the various words used. The second list, (1-10) contains the correct pronounciation guide plus definitons of the words for your better understanding.

For another fun exercise concerning difficulties learning English click on the preceding link. You'll go to a page concerned with English problems.

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