Setting New Year’s resolutions is a common tradition, but often, we focus more on the goals themselves than on the language we use to articulate them. Understanding the grammar of goal-setting is crucial for clarity, motivation, and ultimately, success.
This article will explore the grammatical structures commonly used in New Year’s resolutions, helping you to formulate your aspirations with precision and impact. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced English learner, mastering the grammar of resolutions will empower you to express your intentions effectively and increase your chances of achieving your goals.
This guide is designed for anyone who wants to improve their English grammar while also setting meaningful New Year’s resolutions. It’s particularly helpful for English language learners, students, and anyone who wants to communicate their goals more effectively.
By understanding the grammatical structures involved, you can create resolutions that are clear, concise, and motivating.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: New Year’s Resolutions and Grammar
- Structural Breakdown of Resolutions
- Types of New Year’s Resolutions
- Examples of New Year’s Resolutions
- Usage Rules and Grammatical Considerations
- Common Mistakes in Resolution Grammar
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Nuances in Resolution Language
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition: New Year’s Resolutions and Grammar
A New Year’s resolution is a commitment that a person makes to one or more lasting personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. These resolutions are typically made on or around New Year’s Day.
Grammatically, resolutions are expressed using various structures, often involving future tense, modal verbs, and specific vocabulary related to goals and self-improvement. The choice of grammar affects the tone and strength of the resolution.
The grammar used in setting resolutions is essential because it dictates how clearly and effectively the goal is communicated, both to oneself and to others. Incorrect or vague grammar can lead to misunderstandings, lack of motivation, and ultimately, failure to achieve the desired outcome.
Therefore, understanding the grammatical nuances involved can significantly improve the likelihood of success.
Structural Breakdown of Resolutions
Resolutions typically follow specific grammatical structures to convey intention and commitment. These structures often include a subject (the person making the resolution), a verb (indicating the action to be taken), and an object (the goal or area of improvement).
The tense and mood of the verb are crucial in expressing the level of commitment.
Here’s a breakdown of common structural elements:
- Subject: Usually “I” or an implied “I”.
- Verb: Often in the future tense (using “will” or “going to”) or with modal verbs like “should,” “want to,” “need to,” or “plan to.”
- Object/Complement: The specific goal or action to be achieved. This can be a noun phrase, an infinitive phrase, or a clause.
- Time Frame (Optional): Phrases indicating when the resolution will be acted upon, such as “this year,” “in 2024,” or “starting January 1st.”
Understanding these elements helps in constructing clear and effective resolutions. For example, instead of saying “Eat healthier,” a more structured resolution would be “I will eat healthier meals this year.”
Types of New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions can be categorized into several broad areas, each with its own typical vocabulary and grammatical structures. Understanding these categories can help you to formulate more specific and meaningful resolutions.
Personal Development Resolutions
These resolutions focus on improving oneself as an individual, often involving learning new skills, developing better habits, or overcoming personal challenges. Common verbs include “learn,” “develop,” “improve,” “cultivate,” and “overcome.”
Health and Fitness Resolutions
These resolutions aim to improve physical and mental well-being. Common verbs include “exercise,” “eat,” “sleep,” “quit,” and “reduce.” These resolutions often involve quantifiers like “more” or “less.”
Career and Education Resolutions
These resolutions focus on professional and academic achievements. Common verbs include “study,” “learn,” “achieve,” “apply,” and “network.” These often involve specific targets and deadlines.
Financial Resolutions
These resolutions aim to improve financial stability and security. Common verbs include “save,” “invest,” “budget,” “reduce,” and “pay off.” These resolutions often involve numerical targets.
Relationship Resolutions
These resolutions focus on improving relationships with family, friends, and partners. Common verbs include “spend,” “communicate,” “forgive,” “support,” and “appreciate.” These resolutions often involve adverbs of frequency like “more often” or “regularly.”
Examples of New Year’s Resolutions
Here are examples of New Year’s resolutions, categorized by type, to illustrate the grammatical structures and vocabulary commonly used. These examples provide a foundation for creating your own personalized resolutions.
Personal Development Examples
This table provides examples of personal development resolutions, demonstrating various grammatical structures and vocabulary.
| Resolution | Grammatical Structure |
|---|---|
| I will read at least one book per month. | Future tense with quantifier |
| I plan to learn a new language. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to improve my public speaking skills. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should practice mindfulness meditation daily. | Modal verb “should” + adverb of frequency |
| I am going to develop a more positive attitude. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to overcome my fear of heights. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will journal every evening before bed. | Future tense + adverb of frequency |
| I plan to take an online course in web development. | “Plan to” + infinitive + specific goal |
| I want to become a better listener. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should spend more time in nature. | Modal verb “should” + quantifier |
| I am going to learn to play a musical instrument. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to reduce my screen time. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will practice gratitude daily. | Future tense + adverb of frequency |
| I plan to volunteer at a local charity. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to cultivate more meaningful relationships. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should be more patient with others. | Modal verb “should” + adjective |
| I am going to set aside time for creative pursuits. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to challenge myself more often. | “Intend to” + infinitive + adverb of frequency |
| I will develop a stronger sense of self-awareness. | Future tense + noun phrase |
| I plan to attend workshops to enhance my skills. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to explore new hobbies and interests. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should prioritize my mental health. | Modal verb “should” + noun phrase |
| I am going to embrace new experiences. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to step outside of my comfort zone. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will work on improving my self-confidence. | Future tense + gerund |
| I plan to take up a new sport or activity. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to learn to cook new recipes. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should be more open to new ideas. | Modal verb “should” + adjective |
| I am going to practice self-care regularly. | “Going to” + infinitive + adverb of frequency |
Health and Fitness Examples
This table provides examples of health and fitness resolutions, demonstrating various grammatical structures and vocabulary.
| Resolution | Grammatical Structure |
|---|---|
| I will exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. | Future tense with quantifier and adverb of frequency |
| I plan to eat more fruits and vegetables. | “Plan to” + quantifier |
| I want to lose 10 pounds. | “Want to” + specific target |
| I should drink more water daily. | Modal verb “should” + quantifier + adverb of frequency |
| I am going to quit smoking. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to reduce my sugar intake. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will go to the gym three times a week. | Future tense + frequency |
| I plan to get more sleep each night. | “Plan to” + quantifier |
| I want to run a 5k race. | “Want to” + specific goal |
| I should stretch every morning. | Modal verb “should” + adverb of frequency |
| I am going to cut back on processed foods. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to take a daily walk. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will try a new workout class. | Future tense + specific action |
| I plan to join a sports team. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to improve my flexibility. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should limit my alcohol consumption. | Modal verb “should” + infinitive |
| I am going to start meal prepping. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to learn to cook healthier meals. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will cycle to work twice a week. | Future tense + frequency |
| I plan to monitor my calorie intake. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to increase my stamina. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should take more breaks during work. | Modal verb “should” + quantifier |
| I am going to get a standing desk. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to prioritize my physical well-being. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will incorporate more protein into my diet. | Future tense + quantifier |
| I plan to reduce my sodium intake. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to improve my posture. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should schedule regular check-ups. | Modal verb “should” + adjective |
| I am going to practice yoga weekly. | “Going to” + infinitive + adverb of frequency |
Career and Education Examples
This table provides examples of career and education resolutions, demonstrating various grammatical structures and vocabulary.
| Resolution | Grammatical Structure |
|---|---|
| I will apply for at least three jobs per week. | Future tense with quantifier and adverb of frequency |
| I plan to take a certification course. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to improve my networking skills. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should attend more industry conferences. | Modal verb “should” + quantifier |
| I am going to learn a new software program. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to ask for a promotion. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will read industry-related articles daily. | Future tense + adverb of frequency |
| I plan to update my resume. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to achieve a higher GPA. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should dedicate more time to studying. | Modal verb “should” + quantifier |
| I am going to start a side hustle. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to take on more responsibilities at work. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will seek feedback from my supervisor. | Future tense + specific action |
| I plan to enroll in a master’s program. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to present at a conference. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should set clear career goals. | Modal verb “should” + adjective |
| I am going to improve my time management skills. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to build a professional network. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will attend online webinars weekly. | Future tense + adverb of frequency |
| I plan to get a mentor. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to become an expert in my field. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should complete my degree. | Modal verb “should” + noun phrase |
| I am going to learn coding. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to publish a research paper. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will read books related to my career. | Future tense + specific action |
| I plan to participate in workshops. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to enhance my leadership skills. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should improve my communication skills. | Modal verb “should” + adjective |
| I am going to seek out new challenges. | “Going to” + infinitive |
Financial Resolutions Examples
This table provides examples of financial resolutions, demonstrating various grammatical structures and vocabulary.
| Resolution | Grammatical Structure |
|---|---|
| I will save $500 per month. | Future tense with specific target and adverb of frequency |
| I plan to create a monthly budget. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to pay off my credit card debt. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should invest in stocks. | Modal verb “should” + infinitive |
| I am going to reduce my spending on non-essentials. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to start an emergency fund. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will track my expenses daily. | Future tense + adverb of frequency |
| I plan to automate my savings. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to increase my income. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should consult a financial advisor. | Modal verb “should” + infinitive |
| I am going to set financial goals for the year. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to review my insurance policies. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will research investment opportunities. | Future tense + specific action |
| I plan to pay off my student loans. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to save for retirement. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should avoid impulse purchases. | Modal verb “should” + infinitive |
| I am going to negotiate better deals. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to create a debt repayment plan. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will cut down on eating out. | Future tense + specific action |
| I plan to sell unused items. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to get a better interest rate. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should always compare prices before buying. | Modal verb “should” + adverb of frequency |
| I am going to create multiple income streams. | “Going to” + infinitive |
| I intend to invest in real estate. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will become more financially literate. | Future tense + adjective |
| I plan to budget my money using an app. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to create a passive income stream. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should avoid taking out new loans. | Modal verb “should” + infinitive |
| I am going to start saving for a down payment. | “Going to” + infinitive |
Relationship Resolutions Examples
This table provides examples of relationship resolutions, demonstrating various grammatical structures and vocabulary.
| Resolution | Grammatical Structure |
|---|---|
| I will spend more quality time with my family. | Future tense with quantifier |
| I plan to communicate more openly with my partner. | “Plan to” + adverb |
| I want to forgive those who have wronged me. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should call my parents more often. | Modal verb “should” + adverb of frequency |
| I am going to be more supportive of my friends. | “Going to” + adjective |
| I intend to appreciate my loved ones more. | “Intend to” + quantifier |
| I will plan fun activities with my friends. | Future tense + specific action |
| I plan to express my gratitude regularly. | “Plan to” + adverb |
| I want to improve my listening skills. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should be more patient with my children. | Modal verb “should” + adjective |
| I am going to resolve conflicts peacefully. | “Going to” + adverb |
| I intend to show more empathy. | “Intend to” + quantifier |
| I will make an effort to stay in touch with old friends. | Future tense + specific action |
| I plan to attend family gatherings. | “Plan to” + infinitive |
| I want to strengthen my relationships. | “Want to” + infinitive |
| I should offer help to those in need. | Modal verb “should” + infinitive |
| I am going to be more understanding. | “Going to” + adjective |
| I intend to create deeper connections. | “Intend to” + infinitive |
| I will write letters to my grandparents. | Future tense + specific action |
| I plan to be more attentive to my partner’s needs. | “Plan to” + adjective |
| I want to be a better friend. | “Want to” + adjective |
| I should be more respectful of others’ opinions. | Modal verb “should” + adjective |
| I am going to schedule regular date nights. | “Going to” + adjective |
| I intend to spend less time on social media. | “Intend to” + quantifier |
| I will offer compliments more often. | Future tense + adverb of frequency |
| I plan to express my feelings openly. | “Plan to” + adverb |
| I want to be more supportive and encouraging. | “Want to” + adjective |
| I should be more forgiving to others. | Modal verb “should” + adjective |
| I am going to plan a family vacation. | “Going to” + specific action |
Usage Rules and Grammatical Considerations
Several grammatical rules and considerations are important when formulating New Year’s resolutions. Paying attention to these rules can help ensure that your resolutions are clear, achievable, and motivating.
Tense Usage
The future tense is most commonly used for resolutions, as it expresses intention and commitment to future actions. However, the choice between “will” and “going to” can subtly affect the meaning.
- “Will”: Often used for spontaneous decisions or general predictions. Example: “I will exercise more this year.”
- “Going to”: Used for planned actions or intentions based on present evidence. Example: “I am going to start a new diet next week.”
Sometimes, the simple present tense can be used to express a habitual action that you intend to continue. Example: “I practice yoga every morning.”
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs such as “should,” “want to,” “need to,” and “plan to” add nuance to resolutions by expressing different degrees of obligation or desire.
- “Should”: Expresses a sense of obligation or recommendation. Example: “I should spend more time with my family.”
- “Want to”: Expresses desire or wish. Example: “I want to learn a new skill.”
- “Need to”: Expresses necessity or requirement. Example: “I need to save more money.”
- “Plan to”: Expresses intention and preparation. Example: “I plan to travel to Europe.”
Quantifiers
Quantifiers like “more,” “less,” “at least,” and “every” are used to specify the amount or frequency of an action. Using quantifiers makes resolutions more concrete and measurable.
- “More”: Indicates an increase in quantity or frequency. Example: “I will read more books.”
- “Less”: Indicates a decrease in quantity or frequency. Example: “I will spend less time on social media.”
- “At least”: Sets a minimum threshold. Example: “I will exercise at least three times a week.”
- “Every”: Indicates a regular occurrence. Example: “I will meditate every day.”
Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency such as “daily,” “weekly,” “monthly,” “regularly,” and “often” specify how often an action will be performed. These adverbs add precision to resolutions.
- “Daily”: Every day. Example: “I will practice gratitude daily.”
- “Weekly”: Every week. Example: “I will attend a yoga class weekly.”
- “Monthly”: Every month. Example: “I will review my budget monthly.”
- “Regularly”: At consistent intervals. Example: “I will check in with my mentor regularly.”
- “Often”: Frequently, but not necessarily regularly. Example: “I will visit my grandparents often.”
Common Mistakes in Resolution Grammar
Several common mistakes can undermine the clarity and effectiveness of New Year’s resolutions. Being aware of these errors can help you to avoid them.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I exercise. | I will exercise more often. | The present simple tense is vague; the future tense with an adverb of frequency is more specific. |
| I maybe travel. | I might travel to Europe. | “Maybe” is often misused. “Might” is a more appropriate modal verb. |
| I going to learn Spanish. | I am going to learn Spanish. | The auxiliary verb “am” is missing. |
| I should eat healthy. | I should eat healthily. | “Healthily” is the correct adverb form. |
| I want be happy. | I want to be happy. | The infinitive marker “to” is missing. |
| I will more read. | I will read more. | Incorrect word order. Adverbs usually come before the verb. |
| I plan study hard. | I plan to study hard. | The infinitive marker “to” is missing. |
| I must to go. | I must go. | Modal verbs do not require “to” after them. |
| I will saving money. | I will save money. | Incorrect verb form. Use the base form of the verb after “will.” |
| I’m intend improve. | I intend to improve. | The infinitive marker “to” is missing. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of resolution grammar with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb or the appropriate modal verb, quantifier, or adverb of frequency.
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences using “will” or “going to.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I _______ (start) a new exercise routine next week. | am going to start |
| 2. I _______ (read) at least one book per month this year. | will read |
| 3. We _______ (travel) to Europe next summer. | are going to travel |
| 4. I _______ (learn) to play the guitar. I promise! | will learn |
| 5. She _______ (apply) for a new job soon. | is going to apply |
| 6. They _______ (visit) their grandparents every month. | are going to visit |
| 7. I _______ (cook) dinner tonight. | will cook |
| 8. He _______ (study) abroad next semester. | is going to study |
| 9. I _______ (quit) smoking this year. | will quit |
| 10. They _______ (move) to a new city in the spring. | are going to move |
Exercise 2: Complete the sentences using the appropriate modal verb (“should,” “want to,” “need to,” or “plan to”).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I _______ (improve) my time management skills. | should |
| 2. I _______ (learn) a new language. | want to |
| 3. I _______ (save) more money this year. | need to |
| 4. I _______ (travel) to Japan next year. | plan to |
| 5. I _______ (exercise) more regularly. | should |
| 6. I _______ (become) a better listener. | want to |
| 7. I _______ (reduce) my stress levels. | need to |
| 8. I _______ (start) a new hobby. | plan to |
| 9. I _______ (eat) healthier meals. | should |
| 10. I _______ (read) more books. | want to |
Exercise 3: Add a suitable quantifier (“more,” “less,” “at least,” or “every”) to the following sentences.
|
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I will drink _______ water. | more |
| 2. I will spend _______ time on social media. | less |
| 3. I will exercise _______ three times a week. | at least |
| 4. I will meditate _______ day. | every |
| 5. I will eat _______ fruits and vegetables. | more |
| 6. I will watch _______ TV. | less |
| 7. I will save _______ $100 per month. | at least |
| 8. I will check my email _______ hour. | every |
| 9. I will read _______ books this year. | more |
| 10. I will eat _______ processed foods. | less |
Exercise 4: Add a suitable adverb of frequency (“daily,” “weekly,” “monthly,” “regularly,” or “often”) to the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I will practice gratitude _______. | daily |
| 2. I will attend a yoga class _______. | weekly |
| 3. I will review my budget _______. | monthly |
| 4. I will check in with my mentor _______. | regularly |
| 5. I will visit my grandparents _______. | often |
| 6. I will practice mindfulness _______. | daily |
| 7. I will update my resume _______. | monthly |
| 8. I will network with colleagues _______. | regularly |
| 9. I will read industry news _______. | daily |
| 10. I will attend workshops _______. | weekly |
Advanced Topics: Nuances in Resolution Language
Beyond basic grammar, there are nuances in language that can make your resolutions more impactful and achievable. These include using specific and measurable language, focusing on positive framing, and aligning resolutions with personal values.
- Specific and Measurable Language: Instead of saying “I will get in shape,” a more specific resolution would be “I will lose 10 pounds by March 1st.” This makes the goal clearer and easier to track.
- Positive Framing: Frame resolutions in terms of what you will do, rather than what you will avoid. For example, instead of “I will not eat junk food,” say “I will eat healthy snacks.”
- Alignment with Personal Values: Ensure that your resolutions align with your core values and beliefs. This makes them more meaningful and motivating.
Consider the emotional impact of your resolutions. Do they inspire you?
Do they reflect your aspirations and values? Refining your language in these ways can significantly increase your commitment and likelihood of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What tense should I use for my New Year’s resolutions?
A: The future tense (“will” or “going to”) is most common, as it expresses intention. However, the simple present can be used for habitual actions.
Choose the tense that best reflects your level of commitment and the nature of your goal.
Q: How can I make my resolutions more specific?
A: Use quantifiers, adverbs of frequency, and specific targets. Instead of “I will exercise,” say “I will exercise for 30 minutes every day” or “I will run 5k in under 30 minutes.”
Q: What if I break my resolution?
A: Don’t be discouraged! Recommit to your goal and adjust your approach if necessary.
It’s common to experience setbacks, but the key is to keep moving forward.
Q: Should I share my resolutions with others?
A: Sharing your resolutions can provide accountability and support. However, choose your confidants wisely and ensure they are supportive of your goals.
Q: How often should I review my resolutions?
A: Review your resolutions regularly, such as monthly or quarterly, to track your progress and make adjustments as needed. This helps to keep your goals top of mind and maintain momentum.
Conclusion
Mastering the grammar of New Year’s resolutions is more than just an exercise in language; it’s a powerful tool for clarifying your intentions, enhancing your motivation, and increasing your chances of achieving your goals. By understanding the nuances of tense usage, modal verbs, quantifiers, and adverbs of frequency, you can articulate your aspirations with precision and impact.
Remember to frame your resolutions positively, align them with your values, and review them regularly to stay on track. As you embark on this journey of self-improvement, let the power of language guide you toward a successful and fulfilling year ahead.
Happy New Year, and may your resolutions be both grammatically sound and personally transformative!