Grammar Practice: Why Do People Keep Journals?

Journaling is a simple but powerful tool for reflection, focus, and mental health. This grammar quiz helps you practise present simple and perfect tenses, infinitive forms, and base verb usage in everyday English.

6. Why Do People Keep Journals?

In a world full of busy schedules and digital distractions, keeping a journal might seem old-fashioned. However, writing regularly in a journal has many benefits. It can help people organise their thoughts, track personal goals, and reflect on daily experiences. For some, journaling is a way to (1)____________ emotions and reduce stress.

Journals come in many forms. Some people write about their daily life, while others focus on travel, dreams, or gratitude. There are no rules—what matters most is (2)____________ the habit. Experts say that even writing for five minutes a day can have a positive impact.

In schools, teachers often use journaling to improve writing skills and encourage creativity. Students are given prompts or questions to answer, helping them express ideas more clearly. This process (3)____________ confidence in using language and exploring thoughts.

Thanks to modern technology, journaling has also gone digital. Apps now allow users to keep private journals on their phones or computers. Still, many people prefer writing by hand, saying it feels more personal and (4)____________.

Whether on paper or screen, keeping a journal is a simple but powerful tool. It helps people slow down, think deeply, and better understand themselves. In today’s fast-moving world, that’s something we could all (5)____________ from.

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Grammar Points & Explanations

1. Verb Choice: “express emotions”

• Why it matters: “Express” is the correct verb to describe sharing or communicating feelings. Learners often confuse it with “create” or “hide.”

2. Infinitive After 'What Matters Most Is…'

• Used in: “What matters most is to form the habit.”
• Why it matters: After phrases like “what matters is,” we typically use the to + base verb form, not the bare verb or gerund.

3. Subject-Verb Agreement: “this process builds”

• Why it matters: Learners often mismatch singular/plural subjects with verbs. “Process” is singular → “builds” (not build).

4. Adjective Use: “personal and meaningful”

• Why it matters: Learners need to know which word types (nouns, verbs, adjectives) are needed where. Here, “meaningful” correctly describes the writing experience.

5. Modal Verb Structure: “could benefit from”

• Why it matters: “Could” + base verb is a common modal structure used to give suggestions or possibilities. Great for speaking and writing.

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Correct Answers:

1. (B) express

"…journaling is a way to express emotions and reduce stress."

2. (D) to form

"…what matters most is form the habit."

3. (A) builds

"…this process builds confidence in using language…"

4. (A) meaningful

"…writing by hand, saying it feels more personal and meaningful."

5. (A) benefit

"…something we could all benefit from."