The Indefinite Articles: A and An
The indefinite articles a and an are used with singular nouns. Use a before most nouns or adjectives that begin with a consonant. Use an before most nouns or adjectives that begin with a vowel.
a cup a ball a class a bug
an empty cup an orange ball an English class an ugly bug
an egg an idea an owl an accident
a brown egg a good idea a white owl a bad accident
Use a before nouns or adjectives that begin with a pronounced h, but use an before nouns or adjectives when the h is not pronounced.
a house a horse a hammer a hurricane
an honor an hour an heir an honest mistake
Use a before nouns or adjectives if the vowel is pronounced as a consonant.
The following words are pronounced with a y sound.
a union a university a uniform a utensil
The following words are pronounced with a w sound.
a one-hour class a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Grammar - Modals(Introduction)
Modals
Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are special verbs which used to express: ability, possibility, permission or obligation. They give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it.
Here are some characteristics of modal verbs:
They have no -s in the third person singular (he, she, it).
Most modal verbs, except for ought, are followed by the verb without to.
Modal verbs have no infinitive or -ing form.
They make questions and negative forms without using do/did.
Here is a list of modals:
can / can't
could / couldn't
may / may not
shall / shall not
will / won't
should / shouldn't
ought to / ought not to
might / might not
would / wouldn't
must / must not
Modal verbs are used to express functions such as:
Permission
Ability
Obligation
Prohibition
Lack of necessity
Advice
possibility
probability
Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are special verbs which used to express: ability, possibility, permission or obligation. They give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it.
Here are some characteristics of modal verbs:
They have no -s in the third person singular (he, she, it).
Most modal verbs, except for ought, are followed by the verb without to.
Modal verbs have no infinitive or -ing form.
They make questions and negative forms without using do/did.
Here is a list of modals:
can / can't
could / couldn't
may / may not
shall / shall not
will / won't
should / shouldn't
ought to / ought not to
might / might not
would / wouldn't
must / must not
Modal verbs are used to express functions such as:
Permission
Ability
Obligation
Prohibition
Lack of necessity
Advice
possibility
probability
Grammar - Third Conditional
The Third Conditional
It talks about the past. It's used to describe a situation that didn't happen, and to imagine the result of this situation.
If that guy had given me the correct directions, then I wouldn’t have met my wife.
If you had been more careful, you wouldn't have had an accident.
If he had asked me, I would have helped him.
She wouldn't have been tired if she had gone to bed earlier.
Form
If + past perfect, ...would + have + past participle
Exactly. We can use negatives to talk about things that did happen in the past:
He wouldn’t have missed the bus if he hadn’t overslept.
This is the way we imagine how things could have been different in the past. If something had been different, something else would have happened. Notice that both the condition and the result are impossible now.
He would have been on time for the interview if he had left the house at nine.
If I had known, I wouldn't have done that.
This type of conditional can also be used when making excuses.
I would have taken a photo if I had brought my camera with me.
I wouldn't have left my job if I had known how difficult it is to find another one.
He wouldn't have become lost if he had taken the map with him.
We also use could or might.
If they’d asked me, I might have been able to help.
The Difference Between the Second and Third
In the second conditional, we are talking about hypothetical situations in the present.
- If I had more money, I would buy that fancy car.
Using the third conditional for this sentence:
If I had more money, I would have bought a new car.
Do you see the difference? The third conditional talks about the same situation but in the past.
It talks about the past. It's used to describe a situation that didn't happen, and to imagine the result of this situation.
If that guy had given me the correct directions, then I wouldn’t have met my wife.
If you had been more careful, you wouldn't have had an accident.
If he had asked me, I would have helped him.
She wouldn't have been tired if she had gone to bed earlier.
Form
If + past perfect, ...would + have + past participle
Exactly. We can use negatives to talk about things that did happen in the past:
He wouldn’t have missed the bus if he hadn’t overslept.
This is the way we imagine how things could have been different in the past. If something had been different, something else would have happened. Notice that both the condition and the result are impossible now.
He would have been on time for the interview if he had left the house at nine.
If I had known, I wouldn't have done that.
This type of conditional can also be used when making excuses.
I would have taken a photo if I had brought my camera with me.
I wouldn't have left my job if I had known how difficult it is to find another one.
He wouldn't have become lost if he had taken the map with him.
We also use could or might.
If they’d asked me, I might have been able to help.
The Difference Between the Second and Third
In the second conditional, we are talking about hypothetical situations in the present.
- If I had more money, I would buy that fancy car.
Using the third conditional for this sentence:
If I had more money, I would have bought a new car.
Do you see the difference? The third conditional talks about the same situation but in the past.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Grammar - Second Conditional
Second Conditional
The second conditional is a structure used to talk about impossible or imaginary situations.
If I married Mary, I would be happy.
If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house.
If it snowed next July, would you be surprised?
Form
To form the second conditional we use: If+past simple and would+infinitive
She would travel all over the world if she were rich.
She would pass the exam if she ever studied.(She never studies, so this won't happen)
It is not important which clause is first.
Many conditional sentences use if + will/would. However conditional sentences can also use other words instead of 'if' – 'when' 'as soon as' 'in case'. Other modal verbs can be used instead of 'will/would' – 'can/could', 'may' 'might'.
How is this different from the first conditional?
This kind of conditional sentence is different from the first conditional because this is a lot more unlikely.
For example (second conditional): If I had enough money I would buy a new car (I'm probably not going to have this much money, it's just a dream, not very real)
But (first conditional): If I have enough money, I'll buy some new shoes (It's much more likely that I'll have enough money to buy some shoes)
The second conditional is a structure used to talk about impossible or imaginary situations.
If I married Mary, I would be happy.
If I won the lottery, I would buy a big house.
If it snowed next July, would you be surprised?
Form
To form the second conditional we use: If+past simple and would+infinitive
She would travel all over the world if she were rich.
She would pass the exam if she ever studied.(She never studies, so this won't happen)
It is not important which clause is first.
Many conditional sentences use if + will/would. However conditional sentences can also use other words instead of 'if' – 'when' 'as soon as' 'in case'. Other modal verbs can be used instead of 'will/would' – 'can/could', 'may' 'might'.
How is this different from the first conditional?
This kind of conditional sentence is different from the first conditional because this is a lot more unlikely.
For example (second conditional): If I had enough money I would buy a new car (I'm probably not going to have this much money, it's just a dream, not very real)
But (first conditional): If I have enough money, I'll buy some new shoes (It's much more likely that I'll have enough money to buy some shoes)
Leaning Techniques - Imitation Technique
Imitation Technique
To improve your English pronunciation
To learn new vocabulary and expressions, in context
To sound more natural
To feel more confident in conversations
Imitating a native or a like-native speaker can improve your English pronunciation and expression faster than any other method.
Like singing your favourite song or pretending to be a public speaker.
Speaking English is "a performance."
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it.
The Imitation Technique gives you the chance to perform in English.
By copying the words, stress, pauses, intonation, facial expressions and gestures of native English speakers, you are teaching yourself to communicate in the most natural way.
To improve your English pronunciation
To learn new vocabulary and expressions, in context
To sound more natural
To feel more confident in conversations
Imitating a native or a like-native speaker can improve your English pronunciation and expression faster than any other method.
Like singing your favourite song or pretending to be a public speaker.
Speaking English is "a performance."
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it.
The Imitation Technique gives you the chance to perform in English.
By copying the words, stress, pauses, intonation, facial expressions and gestures of native English speakers, you are teaching yourself to communicate in the most natural way.
Grammar - Beginner - Sentences
Sentences
What is a Sentence?
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought.
A sentence must have a subject and a verb, but it may or may not have an object.
Subject Verb Object
Sally is making a doll.
Ali and Khaled are fighting.
The hedgehog curled up.
Maggie is reading a book.
It is raining.
Mom cooked dinner.
I am flying a kite.
The old couple have no children.
Janet screamed.
A sentence that makes a statement begins with a capital letter and ends with a period.
Kinds of Sentences
There are four kinds of sentences.
A declarative sentence makes a statement.
The children are swimming.
The telephone rang.
Everyone sat down.
An interrogative sentence asks a question.
Where are the twins?
Are you going shopping today?
What is your name?
An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion.
The silly girl!
How stupid I am!
An imperative sentence gives an order.
Please sit down.
Tell me the truth.
Speak up!
The Imperative
Use the base form of a verb to give commands or make direct requests. This use of the verb is called the imperative.
Stand, everyone!
Tidy your bedroom immediately!
Choose a partner!
Eat plenty of vegetables.
Find some nice round pebbles.
Imperatives are a very direct way of telling people to do something. Using do or please before an imperative is more polite.
Do sit down.
Do check these figures again.
Please help yourselves to some food.
Please don’t change anything on my computer.
You can also use the helping verb would to sound polite.
For example:
Please would you clear the table?
Would you please talk quietly?
The Subject and the Object
The subject of a sentence sometimes does something to someone or something else.
The person or thing that receives the action is called the object.
Dad is cooking supper.
We have built a sandcastle.
Subject Verb Object
Susan has bought a painting.
Mohamad is reading her book.
The twins climbed the hill.
Josef stroked the cat.
Mom is holding the baby.
Jacob is making a kite.
They were playing football.
Direct and Indirect Objects
Some verbs have two objects. The direct object receives the action of the verb. The indirect object tells to whom or for whom the action is done.
Subject Verb Indirect Object Direct Object
The bank lends people money.
Madison is making her doll a dress.
I am writing Grandma a letter.
Grandma is reading Diana a story.
Andrew gave his dog a bone.
We left you some food.
The indirect object usually comes before the direct object
Positive and Negative Sentences
A positive sentence tells you that something is so. A sentence that tells you something is not so is called a negative sentence. It contains a negative word like not, never, no, no one, nobody, none, or a negative verb like isn’t or can’t or won’t.
Positive sentence Negative sentence
Peter is running. He is not walking.
We should tell the truth. We should never tell lies.
Everyone is in the garden. There is no one in the house.
The fridge is empty. There is nothing in it.
It is very cloudy. It isn’t sunny.
I have sold the last newspaper. I have no newspapers left.
Someone has eaten all the cookies. There are none in the bag.
Questions
There are two kinds of questions: yes or no questions and wh- questions.
You ask a yes or no question to get yes or no as the answer. Use the verbs be, have or do, or any of the helping verbs, to ask yes or no questions.
Can you swim? Yes. Are they coming? No.
Is it raining? No. May I come in? Yes.
In questions, the helping or auxiliary verbs come before the subject of the sentence. When be and have are used as ordinary verbs, they come before the subjects, too.
Statement Question
Jim is ill today. Is Jim ill today?
She has an older brother. Has she an older brother?
The cats want to be fed. Do the cats want to be fed?
We should go now. Should we go now?
It will rain tomorrow. Will it rain tomorrow?
Here are some different ways of asking the same question:
Has he a sister called Jane?
Does he have a sister called Jane?
Has he got a sister called Jane?
Wh- questions usually include the verbs be, have, do, or any of the helping verbs.
To ask for facts, use the question words what, which, who, whom, how, when, where. The helping verbs in wh- questions usually come before the subject. So does the verb be when it is used as an ordinary verb.
Where are you?
What is David saying?
How did you get up here?
Why was the girl crying?
Which color do you prefer?
Who is she going to invite to her party?
Whom is she going to invite to her party?
If the wh- question word is the subject of the question, it comes before the verb.
For example:
Who told you that?
What made you change your mind?
What is a Sentence?
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought.
A sentence must have a subject and a verb, but it may or may not have an object.
Subject Verb Object
Sally is making a doll.
Ali and Khaled are fighting.
The hedgehog curled up.
Maggie is reading a book.
It is raining.
Mom cooked dinner.
I am flying a kite.
The old couple have no children.
Janet screamed.
A sentence that makes a statement begins with a capital letter and ends with a period.
Kinds of Sentences
There are four kinds of sentences.
A declarative sentence makes a statement.
The children are swimming.
The telephone rang.
Everyone sat down.
An interrogative sentence asks a question.
Where are the twins?
Are you going shopping today?
What is your name?
An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion.
The silly girl!
How stupid I am!
An imperative sentence gives an order.
Please sit down.
Tell me the truth.
Speak up!
The Imperative
Use the base form of a verb to give commands or make direct requests. This use of the verb is called the imperative.
Stand, everyone!
Tidy your bedroom immediately!
Choose a partner!
Eat plenty of vegetables.
Find some nice round pebbles.
Imperatives are a very direct way of telling people to do something. Using do or please before an imperative is more polite.
Do sit down.
Do check these figures again.
Please help yourselves to some food.
Please don’t change anything on my computer.
You can also use the helping verb would to sound polite.
For example:
Please would you clear the table?
Would you please talk quietly?
The Subject and the Object
The subject of a sentence sometimes does something to someone or something else.
The person or thing that receives the action is called the object.
Dad is cooking supper.
We have built a sandcastle.
Subject Verb Object
Susan has bought a painting.
Mohamad is reading her book.
The twins climbed the hill.
Josef stroked the cat.
Mom is holding the baby.
Jacob is making a kite.
They were playing football.
Direct and Indirect Objects
Some verbs have two objects. The direct object receives the action of the verb. The indirect object tells to whom or for whom the action is done.
Subject Verb Indirect Object Direct Object
The bank lends people money.
Madison is making her doll a dress.
I am writing Grandma a letter.
Grandma is reading Diana a story.
Andrew gave his dog a bone.
We left you some food.
The indirect object usually comes before the direct object
Positive and Negative Sentences
A positive sentence tells you that something is so. A sentence that tells you something is not so is called a negative sentence. It contains a negative word like not, never, no, no one, nobody, none, or a negative verb like isn’t or can’t or won’t.
Positive sentence Negative sentence
Peter is running. He is not walking.
We should tell the truth. We should never tell lies.
Everyone is in the garden. There is no one in the house.
The fridge is empty. There is nothing in it.
It is very cloudy. It isn’t sunny.
I have sold the last newspaper. I have no newspapers left.
Someone has eaten all the cookies. There are none in the bag.
Questions
There are two kinds of questions: yes or no questions and wh- questions.
You ask a yes or no question to get yes or no as the answer. Use the verbs be, have or do, or any of the helping verbs, to ask yes or no questions.
Can you swim? Yes. Are they coming? No.
Is it raining? No. May I come in? Yes.
In questions, the helping or auxiliary verbs come before the subject of the sentence. When be and have are used as ordinary verbs, they come before the subjects, too.
Statement Question
Jim is ill today. Is Jim ill today?
She has an older brother. Has she an older brother?
The cats want to be fed. Do the cats want to be fed?
We should go now. Should we go now?
It will rain tomorrow. Will it rain tomorrow?
Here are some different ways of asking the same question:
Has he a sister called Jane?
Does he have a sister called Jane?
Has he got a sister called Jane?
Wh- questions usually include the verbs be, have, do, or any of the helping verbs.
To ask for facts, use the question words what, which, who, whom, how, when, where. The helping verbs in wh- questions usually come before the subject. So does the verb be when it is used as an ordinary verb.
Where are you?
What is David saying?
How did you get up here?
Why was the girl crying?
Which color do you prefer?
Who is she going to invite to her party?
Whom is she going to invite to her party?
If the wh- question word is the subject of the question, it comes before the verb.
For example:
Who told you that?
What made you change your mind?
Grammar - Future Perfect Continuous
Future Perfect Continuous
Usage
The tense describes actions that will continue up until a point in the future.
The activity will have begun sometime in the past, present, or in the future, and is expected to continue in the future.
The Future Perfect Continuous Tense isn't used very much in English.
Form
The future perfect continuous consists of will + have + been + the verb’s present participle (verb root + -ing).
In November, I will have been working at my company for three years.
On Tuesday, I will have been working here for one year.
When I see you, I'll have been studying, so I'll be tired.
When I turn thirty, I will have been playing football for twenty-one years.
Negative Form
I will not have been working.
You will not have been sleeping.
'Yes / No' Questions
Will I have been working?
Will you have been sleeping?
'Wh' Questions
Where will I have been working?
Why will you have been sleeping?
Where will she have been studying?
Verbs take the future perfect tense, which is formed with will + have + past participle.
Wrong: In Mars, I will have been knowing you for a year.
Right: In Mars, I will have known you for a year.
Usage
The tense describes actions that will continue up until a point in the future.
The activity will have begun sometime in the past, present, or in the future, and is expected to continue in the future.
The Future Perfect Continuous Tense isn't used very much in English.
Form
The future perfect continuous consists of will + have + been + the verb’s present participle (verb root + -ing).
In November, I will have been working at my company for three years.
On Tuesday, I will have been working here for one year.
When I see you, I'll have been studying, so I'll be tired.
When I turn thirty, I will have been playing football for twenty-one years.
Negative Form
I will not have been working.
You will not have been sleeping.
'Yes / No' Questions
Will I have been working?
Will you have been sleeping?
'Wh' Questions
Where will I have been working?
Why will you have been sleeping?
Where will she have been studying?
Verbs take the future perfect tense, which is formed with will + have + past participle.
Wrong: In Mars, I will have been knowing you for a year.
Right: In Mars, I will have known you for a year.
Punctuation - Beginner
Punctuation
Punctuation marks are signs such as periods, commas and question marks. You use them in sentences to make the meaning clear.
Period
You put a period at the end of a sentence.
Albert is my good friend.
Please don’t be late.
The bird is sitting on a branch.
It’s snowing heavily today.
There’s a rainbow in the sky.
This big house belongs to a rich man.
Comma
Use a comma between nouns and noun phrases in a list.
I bought two apples, three oranges and some grapes.
He enjoys tennis, badminton, skating and football.
At school we study English, math, science, history and geography.
Use commas between adjectives when you use several of them to describe something.
A giraffe is a tall, long-necked, long-legged animal.
He is a tall, handsome, smart and ambitious young man.
Use a comma after yes and no, and before please in sentences. You also use a comma before or after the name of the person you are speaking to.
No, it has stopped.
Good morning, sir!
Can you tell me what time it is, please?
Yes, it’s a quarter past three, George.
Commas are used to show where there is a brief pause.
Unfortunately, she injured her knee skiing.
She was in the bedroom, listening to music on the radio.
Exclamation Point
An exclamation point is often used after a command, an interjection, or a word that shows surprise or anger.
Sit down!
Oh dear!
What a surprise!
You are fired!
I told you not to do that!
Question Mark
Use a question mark after a question.
What’s your name?
How many stamps do you have?
Where do they come from?
Who has taken my pen?
Can you lend me your bicycle?
Where are you going?
Apostrophe
Use an apostrophe with an s (’s) to show who owns something.
The ’s is added after singular nouns or names.
We all like Mom’s cooking.
Amanda clears everybody’s plates after dinner.
John’s dog is very friendly.
All the pupils have a month’s vacation in June.
I spent the evening at David’s playing video games.
I took a ride in Tom’s car.
Follow the same rule when a name or a singular noun ends in -s. Write an apostrophe first and then add another s.
The princess’s golden ball fell into a well.
A rhinoceros’s skin is very thick.
Dad is at his boss’s party.
For plural nouns that end in -s, put the apostrophe after the -s.
Birds’ beaks are all different shapes and sizes.
Miss Lee is marking her pupils’ work.
This is my parents’ wedding photo.
Dresses are upstairs in the ladies’ department.
Henry goes to a boys’ school.
Dr. Kim parked his car in the doctors’ parking lot.
My brothers’ bedrooms are always messy.
The girls’ bedrooms are usually tidy.
A flood has destroyed all the farmers’ crops.
Some plural nouns do not end in -s. Just add ’s to these plural nouns.
There are slides and swings and seesaws in the children’s playground.
The men’s changing room is occupied.
The bookstore sells newspapers, comics and women’s magazines.
Doctors look after people’s health.
You can also refer to a person’s office or shop by using a possessive form with an apostrophe.
For example:
I’ll buy some bread at the baker’s.
I was reading a book at the dentist’s.
It’s time you went to the barber’s.
You can also refer to your friends’ homes in the same way:
I’m going next door to Peter’s.
I stayed the night at Susan’s.
How do you make a possessive form of two people joined by and, such as Peter and John, or Mary and Anne? Put ’s only after the second name.
For example:
Barbara and David’s house
Ali and Ahmad’s party
These possessive forms of names and nouns can be used without a following noun.
For example:
Which desk is Susan’s?
George’s is in the back row.
This room is my brother’s.
The apostrophe can also be used to show that one or more letters in a contraction have been left out.
I’ve finished my math, but I haven’t finished my spelling.
We’ll come to your party, but Sue won’t be able to come.
He’s gone to the library.
Dad wasn’t at home and the children weren’t at home either.
I don’t like potatoes and Susan doesn’t like tomatoes.
I didn’t watch which way I was going and I can’t find my way home.
We’re late because we couldn’t find your house.
Mom’s finished her shopping but she hasn’t gone through the checkout line yet.
Ahmad’d like a cat as a pet, but she wouldn’t like a turtle.
You are taller than Peter, but you aren’t as tall as I am.
The words has and is are often shortened to ’s after a noun or proper noun.
For example:
The mail has arrived.
The mail’s arrived.
Sarah is here.
Sarah’s here.
Sources: Basic English Grammar
Punctuation marks are signs such as periods, commas and question marks. You use them in sentences to make the meaning clear.
Period
You put a period at the end of a sentence.
Albert is my good friend.
Please don’t be late.
The bird is sitting on a branch.
It’s snowing heavily today.
There’s a rainbow in the sky.
This big house belongs to a rich man.
Comma
Use a comma between nouns and noun phrases in a list.
I bought two apples, three oranges and some grapes.
He enjoys tennis, badminton, skating and football.
At school we study English, math, science, history and geography.
Use commas between adjectives when you use several of them to describe something.
A giraffe is a tall, long-necked, long-legged animal.
He is a tall, handsome, smart and ambitious young man.
Use a comma after yes and no, and before please in sentences. You also use a comma before or after the name of the person you are speaking to.
No, it has stopped.
Good morning, sir!
Can you tell me what time it is, please?
Yes, it’s a quarter past three, George.
Commas are used to show where there is a brief pause.
Unfortunately, she injured her knee skiing.
She was in the bedroom, listening to music on the radio.
Exclamation Point
An exclamation point is often used after a command, an interjection, or a word that shows surprise or anger.
Sit down!
Oh dear!
What a surprise!
You are fired!
I told you not to do that!
Question Mark
Use a question mark after a question.
What’s your name?
How many stamps do you have?
Where do they come from?
Who has taken my pen?
Can you lend me your bicycle?
Where are you going?
Apostrophe
Use an apostrophe with an s (’s) to show who owns something.
The ’s is added after singular nouns or names.
We all like Mom’s cooking.
Amanda clears everybody’s plates after dinner.
John’s dog is very friendly.
All the pupils have a month’s vacation in June.
I spent the evening at David’s playing video games.
I took a ride in Tom’s car.
Follow the same rule when a name or a singular noun ends in -s. Write an apostrophe first and then add another s.
The princess’s golden ball fell into a well.
A rhinoceros’s skin is very thick.
Dad is at his boss’s party.
For plural nouns that end in -s, put the apostrophe after the -s.
Birds’ beaks are all different shapes and sizes.
Miss Lee is marking her pupils’ work.
This is my parents’ wedding photo.
Dresses are upstairs in the ladies’ department.
Henry goes to a boys’ school.
Dr. Kim parked his car in the doctors’ parking lot.
My brothers’ bedrooms are always messy.
The girls’ bedrooms are usually tidy.
A flood has destroyed all the farmers’ crops.
Some plural nouns do not end in -s. Just add ’s to these plural nouns.
There are slides and swings and seesaws in the children’s playground.
The men’s changing room is occupied.
The bookstore sells newspapers, comics and women’s magazines.
Doctors look after people’s health.
You can also refer to a person’s office or shop by using a possessive form with an apostrophe.
For example:
I’ll buy some bread at the baker’s.
I was reading a book at the dentist’s.
It’s time you went to the barber’s.
You can also refer to your friends’ homes in the same way:
I’m going next door to Peter’s.
I stayed the night at Susan’s.
How do you make a possessive form of two people joined by and, such as Peter and John, or Mary and Anne? Put ’s only after the second name.
For example:
Barbara and David’s house
Ali and Ahmad’s party
These possessive forms of names and nouns can be used without a following noun.
For example:
Which desk is Susan’s?
George’s is in the back row.
This room is my brother’s.
The apostrophe can also be used to show that one or more letters in a contraction have been left out.
I’ve finished my math, but I haven’t finished my spelling.
We’ll come to your party, but Sue won’t be able to come.
He’s gone to the library.
Dad wasn’t at home and the children weren’t at home either.
I don’t like potatoes and Susan doesn’t like tomatoes.
I didn’t watch which way I was going and I can’t find my way home.
We’re late because we couldn’t find your house.
Mom’s finished her shopping but she hasn’t gone through the checkout line yet.
Ahmad’d like a cat as a pet, but she wouldn’t like a turtle.
You are taller than Peter, but you aren’t as tall as I am.
The words has and is are often shortened to ’s after a noun or proper noun.
For example:
The mail has arrived.
The mail’s arrived.
Sarah is here.
Sarah’s here.
Sources: Basic English Grammar
Monday, October 28, 2019
Grammar - Future Perfect
Future Perfect
Usage
The future perfect is a verb tense used for actions that will be completed before some other point in the future.
We use the future perfect to say ‘how long’ for an action that starts before and continues
up to another action or time in the future.
Do you think you will have finished it by next Thursday?
I think astronauts will have landed on Mars by the year 2019.
At 4 o’clock, I’ll have been in this office for 24 hours.
Usage
The future perfect is a verb tense used for actions that will be completed before some other point in the future.
We use the future perfect to say ‘how long’ for an action that starts before and continues
up to another action or time in the future.
Do you think you will have finished it by next Thursday?
I think astronauts will have landed on Mars by the year 2019.
At 4 o’clock, I’ll have been in this office for 24 hours.
Form
The formula for the future perfect tense is pretty simple: will have + [past participle].
Here's the negative:
I will not have finished this book
You will not have studied the English tenses
To make the question, just put 'will' before the subject:
'Yes / no' questions:
By next year, will I have finished writing this book?
By next year, will you have studied all the English verb tenses?
'Wh' questions:
When will I have finished writing this book?
Why will you have studied all the English verb tenses by tomorrow?
The future perfect tense is only for actions that will be complete before a specified point in the future. In other words, the action you’re talking about must have a deadline. If you don’t mention a deadline, use the simple future tense instead of the future perfect tense.
Mahmoud will leave.
Mahmoud will have left.
The deadline can be very specific (eight o’clock) or it can be vague (next week). It can even depend on when something else happens (after the parade ends). It just has to be some time in the future.
Grammar - Future Continuous Tense
Future Continuous Tense
The future continuous tense, sometimes also referred to as the future progressive tense, is a verb tense that indicates that something will occur in the future and continue for an expected length of time.
Form
It is formed using the construction will + be + the present participle (the root verb + -ing).
At five o’clock, I will be meeting with the management about my raise.
Will be meeting is the future continuous tense of the verb to meet. The construction will + be + the present participle meeting indicates that the meeting isn’t going to happen in an instant, all at once. It will have a duration. The will + be + present participle construction always indicates the future continuous tense.
Michael will be running a marathon this Saturday.
Half an hour from now, the cinema will be full. Everyone will be watching the film.
This time next week I'll be on holiday. I'll be lying on the beach or swimming in the sea.
The future continuous can be used to project ourselves into the future:
This time next week I will be sun-bathing in Egypt.
Just think, next Monday you will be working in your new job.
Here's the negative:
I will not be working (I won't be ..)
you will not be reading (you won't be ..)
the question:
'yes / no' questions:
When arrives at the party, will you be dancing?
When arrives at the party, will she be singing?
'wh' questions:
Next weekend, what will I be doing?
Next weekend, where will you be working?
Keywords
By this time tomorrow
By this time next week
At this time tomorrow
During July / any month / any day in the future
By 3o’clock tomorrow
The future continuous tense, sometimes also referred to as the future progressive tense, is a verb tense that indicates that something will occur in the future and continue for an expected length of time.
Form
It is formed using the construction will + be + the present participle (the root verb + -ing).
At five o’clock, I will be meeting with the management about my raise.
Will be meeting is the future continuous tense of the verb to meet. The construction will + be + the present participle meeting indicates that the meeting isn’t going to happen in an instant, all at once. It will have a duration. The will + be + present participle construction always indicates the future continuous tense.
Michael will be running a marathon this Saturday.
Half an hour from now, the cinema will be full. Everyone will be watching the film.
This time next week I'll be on holiday. I'll be lying on the beach or swimming in the sea.
The future continuous can be used to project ourselves into the future:
This time next week I will be sun-bathing in Egypt.
Just think, next Monday you will be working in your new job.
Here's the negative:
I will not be working (I won't be ..)
you will not be reading (you won't be ..)
the question:
'yes / no' questions:
When arrives at the party, will you be dancing?
When arrives at the party, will she be singing?
'wh' questions:
Next weekend, what will I be doing?
Next weekend, where will you be working?
Keywords
By this time tomorrow
By this time next week
At this time tomorrow
During July / any month / any day in the future
By 3o’clock tomorrow
Grammar - Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Usage
he past perfect continuous tense (also known as the past perfect progressive tense) shows that an action that started in the past continued up until another time in the past. The past perfect continuous tense is constructed using:
had been + the verb’s present participle (root + -ing).
Unlike the present perfect continuous, which indicates an action that began in the past and continued up to the present, the past perfect continuous is a verb tense that indicates something that began in the past, continued in the past, and also ended at a defined point in the past.
He had been drinking milk out the carton when Mom walked into the kitchen.
I had been working at the company for five years when I got the promotion.
Keywords
When, for, since, and before are words that you may see used alongside the past perfect continuous tense.
Martha had been walking three miles a day before she broke her leg.
The program that was terminated had been working well since 1945.
Note:
The short form is: 'd been verb-ing. Be careful, because the short form for 'would' is also 'd. However, 'would' is always followed by the infinitive, but 'had' is followed by the past participle.
Next, the negative form:
I had not been trying (I hadn't been..)
You had not been working (you hadn't been..)
'Yes / no' questions:
Had I been working?
Had you been sleeping?
'Wh' questions:
Where had I been working?
How long had you been sleeping?
Usage
he past perfect continuous tense (also known as the past perfect progressive tense) shows that an action that started in the past continued up until another time in the past. The past perfect continuous tense is constructed using:
had been + the verb’s present participle (root + -ing).
Unlike the present perfect continuous, which indicates an action that began in the past and continued up to the present, the past perfect continuous is a verb tense that indicates something that began in the past, continued in the past, and also ended at a defined point in the past.
He had been drinking milk out the carton when Mom walked into the kitchen.
I had been working at the company for five years when I got the promotion.
Keywords
When, for, since, and before are words that you may see used alongside the past perfect continuous tense.
Martha had been walking three miles a day before she broke her leg.
The program that was terminated had been working well since 1945.
Note:
The short form is: 'd been verb-ing. Be careful, because the short form for 'would' is also 'd. However, 'would' is always followed by the infinitive, but 'had' is followed by the past participle.
Next, the negative form:
I had not been trying (I hadn't been..)
You had not been working (you hadn't been..)
'Yes / no' questions:
Had I been working?
Had you been sleeping?
'Wh' questions:
Where had I been working?
How long had you been sleeping?
Grammar - The Past Perfect Tense
The Past Perfect Tense
When should I use the Past Perfect Simple?
1: A finished action before a second point in the past.
When should I use the Past Perfect Simple?
1: A finished action before a second point in the past.
When we arrived, the film had started (= first the film started, then we arrived).
We usually use the past perfect to make it clear which action happened first. Maybe we are
already talking about something in the past and we want to mention something else that is
further back in time. This is often used to explain or give a reason for something in the past
I'd eaten dinner so I wasn't hungry.
It had snowed in the night, so the bus didn't arrive.
Read:
Sarah went to a party last week. Paul went to the
party too, but they didn't see each other. Paul left the
party at 10.30 and Sarah arrived at 11 o'clock. So:
When Sarah arrived at the party, Paul wasn't there.
He had gone home.
Had gone is the past perfect (simple):
Form
l/we/they/you had seen
he/she/it had finished
The past perfect simple is had + past participle (gone/seen/finished etc).
- Sometimes we talk about something that happened in the past:
Sarah arrived at the party.
Examples:
O When we got home last night, we found that somebody had broken into the flat.
Karen didn't want to go to the cinema with us because she'd already seen the movie.
At first I thought I'd done the right thing, but I soon realised that I'd made a big mistake.
For the negative just add 'not':
I had not been (I hadn't been)
You had not gone (you hadn't gone)
She had not met (she hadn't met)
And to make a 'yes / no' question put 'had' before the subject:
Had I come?
Had you eaten?
Had she gone?
Had it rained?
For 'wh' questions put the question word at the beginning:
When had I come?
Why had you eaten?
Where had she gone?
Key words: after, before
Grammar - Present Perfect Continuous
Present perfect continuous
It has been raining.
Is it raining?
No, but the ground is wet.
It has been raining.
Form
Have/has been -ing is the present perfect continuous:
l/we/they/you have (= I've etc.) been doing
he/she/it has (= he's etc.) been waiting
Usage
We use the present perfect continuous for an activity that has recently stopped or just stopped.
It began raining two hours ago and it is still raining.
How long has it been raining?
It has been raining for two hours.
We use the present perfect continuous in this way especially
with how long, for ... and since ... . The activity is still
happening (as in this example) or has just stopped.
You can use the present perfect continuous for actions repeated over a period of time:
Alia is a very good tennis player. She's been playing since she was eight.
Every morning they meet in the same cafe. They've been going there for years.
Compare I am doing and I have been doing:
I am doing - present continuous - now
Don't disturb me now. f'm working.
We need an umbrella. It's raining.
Hurry up! We're waiting.
I have been doing - present perfect continuous
I've been working hard. Now I'm going to have a break.
The ground is wet. It's been raining.
We've been waiting for an hour.
To make the negative, just add 'not':
Negative Negative Short Form
I have not been walking I haven't been walking
you have not been running you haven't been running
How to make the question?
just put 'have' or 'has' before the subject:
'Yes / No' Questions
have I been walking?
have you been running?
has he been cooking?
For 'wh' questions put the question word first:
what have I been doing?
where have you been running?
what has he been studying?
why has she been working today?
Key words: all day, how long, for, since
It has been raining.
Is it raining?
No, but the ground is wet.
It has been raining.
Form
Have/has been -ing is the present perfect continuous:
l/we/they/you have (= I've etc.) been doing
he/she/it has (= he's etc.) been waiting
Usage
We use the present perfect continuous for an activity that has recently stopped or just stopped.
It began raining two hours ago and it is still raining.
How long has it been raining?
It has been raining for two hours.
We use the present perfect continuous in this way especially
with how long, for ... and since ... . The activity is still
happening (as in this example) or has just stopped.
You can use the present perfect continuous for actions repeated over a period of time:
Alia is a very good tennis player. She's been playing since she was eight.
Every morning they meet in the same cafe. They've been going there for years.
Compare I am doing and I have been doing:
I am doing - present continuous - now
Don't disturb me now. f'm working.
We need an umbrella. It's raining.
Hurry up! We're waiting.
I have been doing - present perfect continuous
I've been working hard. Now I'm going to have a break.
The ground is wet. It's been raining.
We've been waiting for an hour.
To make the negative, just add 'not':
Negative Negative Short Form
I have not been walking I haven't been walking
you have not been running you haven't been running
How to make the question?
just put 'have' or 'has' before the subject:
'Yes / No' Questions
have I been walking?
have you been running?
has he been cooking?
For 'wh' questions put the question word first:
what have I been doing?
where have you been running?
what has he been studying?
why has she been working today?
Key words: all day, how long, for, since
Grammar - First Conditional
First Conditional
We use the first conditional to talk about things which might happen if an action takes place. We use if for things which are likely to happen and when for things which are certain to happen.
If I see Freddy later, I’ll give him the book. (I’m not certain I’ll see him.)
When I see Freddy later, I’ll give him the book. (I’m certain I’ll see him.)
If we go to the beach, I’ll take my swimsuit. (It isn’t certain we’ll go to the beach.)
When we go to the beach, I’ll take my swimsuit. (It is certain we’ll go to the beach.)
Form
Conditional sentences have two parts: the if/when part and the result (main) part. The two parts can come in any order. When we write, we don’t use a comma when the main part comes first.
The first conditional has the present simple after 'if', then the future simple in the other clause:
if + present simple, ... will + infinitive
If I study today, I'll go to the party tonight.
If I have enough money, I'll buy some new shoes.
She'll miss the bus if she doesn't leave soon.
get stomach ache when I drink milk.
I’ll take my swimsuit if we go to the beach.
First conditional:
The first conditional uses if/when + present simple, and will + infinitive (without ‘to’):
If/When we go to Paris, we'll visit the Eiffel Tower.
Positive
I’ll do the homework this evening if it’s OK with you.
When they finish work, they’ll go home.
Negative
I won’t go out with you, if you’re late again.
When we go shopping, we won’t take our laptops.
Question
Where will he live when he moves to the city?
If I don’t see you later, will you call me? Yes, I will. / No, I won’t.
The first conditional and modals
We can use modals instead of will in first conditional sentences. For example, we can use may, might, can or should. We use may or might in the main part to show we are less certain than will, should to give advice, and could for possibility.
We might go camping later if we have enough time.
If you don’t feel well, you should stay at home tonight.
When we finish our homework, we could watch TV.
We use the first conditional to talk about things which might happen if an action takes place. We use if for things which are likely to happen and when for things which are certain to happen.
If I see Freddy later, I’ll give him the book. (I’m not certain I’ll see him.)
When I see Freddy later, I’ll give him the book. (I’m certain I’ll see him.)
If we go to the beach, I’ll take my swimsuit. (It isn’t certain we’ll go to the beach.)
When we go to the beach, I’ll take my swimsuit. (It is certain we’ll go to the beach.)
Form
Conditional sentences have two parts: the if/when part and the result (main) part. The two parts can come in any order. When we write, we don’t use a comma when the main part comes first.
The first conditional has the present simple after 'if', then the future simple in the other clause:
if + present simple, ... will + infinitive
If I study today, I'll go to the party tonight.
If I have enough money, I'll buy some new shoes.
She'll miss the bus if she doesn't leave soon.
get stomach ache when I drink milk.
I’ll take my swimsuit if we go to the beach.
First conditional:
The first conditional uses if/when + present simple, and will + infinitive (without ‘to’):
If/When we go to Paris, we'll visit the Eiffel Tower.
Positive
I’ll do the homework this evening if it’s OK with you.
When they finish work, they’ll go home.
Negative
I won’t go out with you, if you’re late again.
When we go shopping, we won’t take our laptops.
Question
Where will he live when he moves to the city?
If I don’t see you later, will you call me? Yes, I will. / No, I won’t.
The first conditional and modals
We can use modals instead of will in first conditional sentences. For example, we can use may, might, can or should. We use may or might in the main part to show we are less certain than will, should to give advice, and could for possibility.
We might go camping later if we have enough time.
If you don’t feel well, you should stay at home tonight.
When we finish our homework, we could watch TV.
Grammar - Zero Conditional
The Zero Conditional
Usage
We use the zero conditional to talk about things which always happen if a particular action takes place. These can be scientific facts, or things we believe are always true.
When you take exercise, your heart beats faster.
If I drink milk, I get stomach ache.
If water reaches 100 degrees, it boils.
This conditional is used when the result will always happen. So, if water reaches 100 degrees, it always boils. It's a fact. I'm talking in general, not about one particular situation. The result of the 'if clause' is always the main clause.
If I eat peanuts, I am sick.
This is true only for me, maybe, not for everyone, but it's still true that I'm sick every time I eat peanuts.
If people eat too much, they get fat.
If you touch a fire, you get burned.
Snakes bite if they are scared
We can use if or when with the same meaning:
If you take exercise, your heart beats faster.
When I drink milk, I get stomach ache.
Zero conditional:
The zero conditional uses if/when + present simple, and present simple:
If/When you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
Positive
When she eats too much cake, she feels bad.
We always have a good time if we go dancing.
Negative
I feel upset when he doesn’t answer my calls.
If you mix white and yellow, you don’t get orange.
Question
What comes out of a volcano when it erupts?
Do eyelashes grow again if you cut them off? Yes, they do. / No, they don’t.
The zero conditional and time
We use the zero conditional to talk about things which are always true. We use the present tense, but we are talking about all time (past, present and future).
If you multiply 9 by 10, it makes 90.
Plants grow when they get water and sunshine.
Ref. BBC Learning English
Usage
We use the zero conditional to talk about things which always happen if a particular action takes place. These can be scientific facts, or things we believe are always true.
When you take exercise, your heart beats faster.
If I drink milk, I get stomach ache.
If water reaches 100 degrees, it boils.
This conditional is used when the result will always happen. So, if water reaches 100 degrees, it always boils. It's a fact. I'm talking in general, not about one particular situation. The result of the 'if clause' is always the main clause.
If I eat peanuts, I am sick.
This is true only for me, maybe, not for everyone, but it's still true that I'm sick every time I eat peanuts.
If people eat too much, they get fat.
If you touch a fire, you get burned.
Snakes bite if they are scared
We can use if or when with the same meaning:
If you take exercise, your heart beats faster.
When I drink milk, I get stomach ache.
Zero conditional:
The zero conditional uses if/when + present simple, and present simple:
If/When you heat water to 100°C, it boils.
Positive
When she eats too much cake, she feels bad.
We always have a good time if we go dancing.
Negative
I feel upset when he doesn’t answer my calls.
If you mix white and yellow, you don’t get orange.
Question
What comes out of a volcano when it erupts?
Do eyelashes grow again if you cut them off? Yes, they do. / No, they don’t.
The zero conditional and time
We use the zero conditional to talk about things which are always true. We use the present tense, but we are talking about all time (past, present and future).
If you multiply 9 by 10, it makes 90.
Plants grow when they get water and sunshine.
Ref. BBC Learning English
Grammar - Intermediate - Present Tenses
The present simple, present continuous and present perfect tenses
Present simple
We use the present simple tense for things that we do regularly and for facts, habits, truths and permanent situations. We often use time expressions like every day, once a week, on Fridays.
I check my email every day. (regular activity)
Yuki works at the bank. (permanent situation)
Form:
For positive sentences, use the same form as the infinitive without 'to' for I, you, we and they. For he, she and it, add -s or -es to the infinitive. Make questions and negatives with do / does + the infinitive without 'to'.
They live in Rome.
Jone starts work at nine o’clock and finishes at five.
I don't eat eggs.
It doesn't usually snow in October.
Why do you read the news online every day?
Does the supermarket sell newspaper?
Present Continuous
We use the present continuous for things that are happening at the time we are speaking, for temporary situations, and for activities that are in progress.
Just a minute. I’m checking my email. (now)
She usually works in Paris, but she’s working from home this week. (temporary)
I’m studying English (activity in progress)
We can also use the present continuous for future arrangements, usually with a time expression.
I'm seeing the doctor on Monday morning.
Form:
For positive sentences, the form is subject + am/is/are + verb-ing. Make questions and negatives with am/are/is + not + verb-ing.
Can I call you back later? We’re having dinner right now.
He isn’t answering his mobile at the moment.
What are you doing?
Is it raining?
Note: There are some verbs that we don’t usually use in the continuous form. They are often verbs of thinking and feeling, for example: hear, see, smell, hate, know, understand, want, need.
WRONG: Could you explain that again? I’m not understanding.
CORRECT: Could you explain that again? I don’t understand.
Present Perfect
Use the present perfect for:
1) Life experiences in the past. We don’t say when these happened: we are interested in the experience, not the time or date. We often use ever and never.
I’ve seen all Julia’s films.
Have you ever eaten sushi? - Yes, I have. / No, I haven’t.
2) Recent past actions that are important now.
Oh no! I’ve left my wallet on the bus.
The Minister has resigned.
3) Past situations that are still happening now. We often use how long with for (throughout a period of time) and since (from a point in the past until now).
I haven’t seen Jone this morning. (It is still this morning.)
How long have you known Sarah? - I’ve known him for two years.
Ali's been in France since January.
4) With just, already, yet to talk about recent events in the past. The exact time is not important. Use just and already mainly in positive sentences. Use yet in negatives and questions.
It’s just stopped raining. Let’s go out.
Can you feed the dog? - I’ve already fed it.
We can still watch the film. It hasn’t started yet.
Have you done your French homework yet?
Note: Use the past simple for completed actions in the past.
I saw Ahmed yesterday.
Sami moved to Saudi Arabia in 2011.
Mary didn't want another piece of cake.
When did you see Alex?
Form:
For positive sentences, the form is subject + have/has + past participle. Make negatives with not and change the word order to make questions.
I've finished the report.
Sam's been in Italy since Mars.
We've just got back from Egypt.
I haven’t seen Jenny this morning.
How long has Alex known Mitya?
Present simple
We use the present simple tense for things that we do regularly and for facts, habits, truths and permanent situations. We often use time expressions like every day, once a week, on Fridays.
I check my email every day. (regular activity)
Yuki works at the bank. (permanent situation)
Form:
For positive sentences, use the same form as the infinitive without 'to' for I, you, we and they. For he, she and it, add -s or -es to the infinitive. Make questions and negatives with do / does + the infinitive without 'to'.
They live in Rome.
Jone starts work at nine o’clock and finishes at five.
I don't eat eggs.
It doesn't usually snow in October.
Why do you read the news online every day?
Does the supermarket sell newspaper?
Present Continuous
We use the present continuous for things that are happening at the time we are speaking, for temporary situations, and for activities that are in progress.
Just a minute. I’m checking my email. (now)
She usually works in Paris, but she’s working from home this week. (temporary)
I’m studying English (activity in progress)
We can also use the present continuous for future arrangements, usually with a time expression.
I'm seeing the doctor on Monday morning.
Form:
For positive sentences, the form is subject + am/is/are + verb-ing. Make questions and negatives with am/are/is + not + verb-ing.
Can I call you back later? We’re having dinner right now.
He isn’t answering his mobile at the moment.
What are you doing?
Is it raining?
Note: There are some verbs that we don’t usually use in the continuous form. They are often verbs of thinking and feeling, for example: hear, see, smell, hate, know, understand, want, need.
WRONG: Could you explain that again? I’m not understanding.
CORRECT: Could you explain that again? I don’t understand.
Present Perfect
Use the present perfect for:
1) Life experiences in the past. We don’t say when these happened: we are interested in the experience, not the time or date. We often use ever and never.
I’ve seen all Julia’s films.
Have you ever eaten sushi? - Yes, I have. / No, I haven’t.
2) Recent past actions that are important now.
Oh no! I’ve left my wallet on the bus.
The Minister has resigned.
3) Past situations that are still happening now. We often use how long with for (throughout a period of time) and since (from a point in the past until now).
I haven’t seen Jone this morning. (It is still this morning.)
How long have you known Sarah? - I’ve known him for two years.
Ali's been in France since January.
4) With just, already, yet to talk about recent events in the past. The exact time is not important. Use just and already mainly in positive sentences. Use yet in negatives and questions.
It’s just stopped raining. Let’s go out.
Can you feed the dog? - I’ve already fed it.
We can still watch the film. It hasn’t started yet.
Have you done your French homework yet?
Note: Use the past simple for completed actions in the past.
I saw Ahmed yesterday.
Sami moved to Saudi Arabia in 2011.
Mary didn't want another piece of cake.
When did you see Alex?
Form:
For positive sentences, the form is subject + have/has + past participle. Make negatives with not and change the word order to make questions.
I've finished the report.
Sam's been in Italy since Mars.
We've just got back from Egypt.
I haven’t seen Jenny this morning.
How long has Alex known Mitya?
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