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In my experience as a teacher of English language, I have noted time and again, that certain English language structures present constant problems to Tanzanians learning English. These problems have their root in the subtle matter of transfer, that is, linguistic habits of structures of one’s mother tongue as well as that of Kiswahili interfering with English structures.

Mastering 40 English Structures is an attempt to tackle some of these problems. Learning a language means acquiring the skills of that language. The acquisition of language skills entails; developing speaking traits and habits of the native speakers of the language until one uses it as a means of conveying thought without undue mental effort or serious mishandling of the language structure. We must, however, guard against excessive peculiarity in our use of English which would, in the end, make it unintelligible to other speakers of the language.

All language is a communication structure which has to adhere to commonly acceptable forms of the language. The readership of this book will probably be of two types. First, there are those who have wrongly learnt or have been taught English structure and want to improve their language skills. To this group of people, the book shall expose them to a proper remedial session. Secondly, there are those learners who will be learning English structure for the first time. This group of readership shall be using this book as one of their first and correct English learning resource. This book, has therefore been designed to meet expectations of Tanzanian students learning English.

The book has been prepared basing on English learning and teaching experiences the author has gone through. It is therefore expected that the book will be helpful to learners of English in Tanzania and beyond. It is my hope that this small volume will positively contribute in training Tanzanians to effectively communicate in English.