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"A, An, The" definite and indefinite articles in English
Read the following description
I am from Seattle, Washington. Seattle is a city in the United States. It is near the
border of Canada in the northwest corner of the USA. I live in a town called Olympiawhich is on the Pudget Sound. I live in a house in a street in the countryside. The
street is called "Bear Street" and the house is old - more than 100 years old! I am anEnglish teacher at a school in the center of the town. I like books and taking
photographs. I usually have lunch at school. I usually go home by car. We have allkinds of food in Olympia. I like Italian food very much. Sometimes, I go to an Italian
restaurant in Seattle. The restaurant is called "Luigi's". Italian food is great!
Here are the rules for when to use "A, An or The":
a = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the sameobjects) with consonantsShe has a dog.
I work in a factory. an = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same
objects) with vowels (a,e,i,o,u)
Can I have an apple?She is an English teacher.
the = definite article (a specific object that both the person speaking and thelistener know)The car over there is fast.
The teacher is very good, isn't he?
The first time you speak of something use "a or an", the next time you repeatthat object use "the".
I live in a house. The house is quite old and has four bedrooms.
I ate in a Chinese restaurant. The restaurant was very good. DO NOT use an article with countries, states, counties or provinces, lakes and
mountains except when the country is a collection of states such as "The
United States".He lives in Washington near Mount Rainier.They live in northern British Columbia.
Use an article with bodies of water, oceans and seas -
My country borders on the Pacific Ocean
DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about things in generalI like Russian tea.
She likes reading books.
DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about Meals, places, andtransport
He has breakfast at home.I go to university.
He comes to work by taxi.
Adjectives Explanation - How to Use Adjectives -Grammar for Beginners in English
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An adjective describes how something 'is'. For this reason, we usually use the verb'to be' when using adjectives. Adjectives are used to describe nouns.
Example: He is a good doctor. Rule: Adjectives describe nouns. The adjective is
always invariable.
Example: beautiful trees, they are happy
Be careful!
Adjectives don't have a singular and plural form OR a masculine, femine andneuter form.
Adjectives are always the same! Never add a final -s to an adjective.
Adjectives can also be placed at the end of a sentence if they describe thesubject of a sentence. Example: My doctor is excellent.
NOT!!: difficults books
Rule: Adjectives are placed before the noun.
Example: a wonderful book very interesting people
Be careful!
Don't place an adjective after the noun
NOT!!: an apple red
Adjective Placement - How to Use Adjectives
When using more than one adjective to describe a noun place the adjectives in thefollowing order before the noun.
NOTE: We usually use no more than three adjectives preceding a noun.
1. Opinion
Example: an interesting book, a boring lecture
2. Dimension
Example: a big apple, a thin wallet
3. Age
Example: a new car, a modern building, an ancient ruin
4. Shape
Example: a square box, an oval mask, a round ball
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5. Color
Example: a pink hat, a blue book, a black coat
6. Origin
Example: some Italian shoes, a Canadian town, an American car
7. Material
Example: a wooden box, a woolen sweater, a plastic toy
Here are some examples of nouns modified with three adjectives in the correct order
based on the list above. Notice that the adjectives are not separated by commas.
A wonderful old Italian clock. (opinion - age - origin)
A big square blue box. (dimension - shape - color)
A disgusting pink plastic ornament. (opinion - color - material)
Some slim new French trousers. (dimension - age - origin)
Using Adverbs
Adverbs modify verbs. They tell you Howsomething is done. Example: How does he
she sing? - She sings beautifully.
Rule: Adverbs are often formed by adding -ly to an adjective
Example: beautiful - beautifully, careful - carefully
Be Careful!
Some adjectives don't change in the adverb form. The most important of
these are: fast - fast, hard - hard
Good is probably the most important exception. The adverb form of 'good' is'well'. Unfortunately, this is a common mistake that many Americans make!
NOT!!: He plays tennis good.
Rule: Adverbs can also modify an adjective. In this case, the adverb is placed beforeteh adjective.
Example: She is extremely happy. They are absolutely sure.
Be Careful!
Do not use 'very' with adjectives that express an increased quality of a basic
adjective Example: good - fantastic
NOT!!: She is a very beautiful woman.
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Rule: Adverbs of frequency (always, never, sometimes, often, etc.) usually comebefore the main verb
Example: He is often late for class. Do you always eat in a restaurant? They
don't usually travel on Fridays.
Be Careful!
Adverbs of frequency expressing infrequency are not usually used in thenegative or question form. NOT!!: Does she rarely eat fish? They don't seldom
go to the cinema.
Adverbs of frequency are often placed at the beginning of a sentence.Example: Sometimes, he likes to go to museums.
Adverbs of frequency follow - come after - the verb 'to be'. Example: He is
sometimes late for work.
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Q. What are the different types of pronouns?
A.There are four types of pronouns: Subject Pronouns, Object Pronouns, Possessive Pronouns and
Demonstrative Pronouns. Here is a list and explanation showing the different types of pronouns:
Subject Pronouns - I, you, he, she, it, we, you, they function as the subjectof a sentence:
I live in New York.Do you like playing tennis?He doesn't want to come this evening.She works in London.It won't be easy.We are studying pronouns at the moment.
You went to Paris last year, didn't you?They bought a new car last month.
Object Pronouns - me, you, him, her, it, us, you, them serve as the object of a verb.
Give me the book.He told you to come tonight.She asked him to help.They visited herwhen they came to New York.She bought it at the store.He picked us up at the airport.The teacher asked you to finish your homework.I invited them to a party.
Possessive Pronouns - mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, yours, theirs show that somethingbelongs to someone. Note that the possessive pronouns are similar to possessive adjectives (my,his, her). The difference is that the object follows the possessive adjective but does not follow the
possessive pronoun. For example - Possessive Pronoun: That book is mine. - PossessiveAdjective: That is my book.
That house is mine.This is yours.I'm sorry, that's his.Those books are hers.Those students are ours.Look over there, those seats are yours.Theirs will be green.
Demonstrative Pronouns - this, that, these, those refer to things. 'this' and 'that' refer tosomething that is near. 'that' and 'those' refer to things that are farther away.
This is my house.That is our car over there.These are my colleagues in this room.Those are beautiful flowers in the next field.
Possessive Adjectives
Possessive adjectives - my, your, his, her, its, our, your, theirare often confused with possessivepronouns. The possessive adjective modifies the noun following it in order to show possession.
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I'll get my books.Is that yourcar over there?That is his teacher, Mr Jones.I want to go to herstore.Its color is red.Can we bring ourchildren?You are welcome to invite yourhusbands.
They bought theirchildren a lot of presents.
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Conditionals
Listed below are examples, uses and formation of Conditionals followed by a quiz.
Examples Usage
Conditional 0
If I am late, my father
takes me to school.
She doesn't worry if Jack
stays out after school.
Situations that are always true if something happens.
NOTE
This use is similiar to, and can usually be replaced by, atime clause using 'when' (example: When I am late, my
father takes me to school.)
Conditional 1
If it rains, we will stay athome.
He will arrive late unlesshe hurries up.
Peter will buy a new car, ifhe gets his raise.
Often called the "real" conditional because it is used for
real - or possible - situations. These situations take placeif a certain condition is met.
NOTE
In the conditional 1 we often use unless which means 'if ...
not'. In other words, '...unless he hurries up.' could alsobe written, '...if he doesn't hurry up.'.
Conditional 2
If he studied more, he
would pass the exam.
I would lower taxes if I
were the President.
They would buy a new
house if they had moremoney.
Often called the "unreal" conditional because it is used for
unreal - impossible or improbable - situations. Thisconditional provides an imaginary result for a given
situation.
NOTE
The verb 'to be', when used in the 2nd conditional, isalways conjugated as 'were'.
Conditional 3
If he had known that, he
would have decideddifferently.
Jane would have found anew job if she had stayed
in Boston.
Often referred to as the "past" conditional because it
concerns only past situations with hypothetical results.Used to express a hypothetical result to a past givensituation.
Structure
Conditional 0 is formed by the use of the present simple in the ifclause followed by a
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comma + the present simple in the resultclause. You can also put the resultclause
first without using a comma between the clauses.
If he comes to town,
We have dinner
we have dinner
if he comes to town.
Conditional 1 is formed by the use of the present simple in the ifclause followed by acomma + will + verb (base form) in the resultclause. You can also put the result
clause first without using a comma between the clauses.
If he finishes on time,
We will go to the movies
we will go to the movies.
if he finishes on time.
Conditional 2 is formed by the use of the past simple in the ifclause followed by a
comma + would + verb (base form) in the resultclause. You can also put the resultclause first without using a comma between the clauses.
If they had more money,
They would buy a new house
they would buy a new house.
if they had more money.Conditional 3 is formed by the use of the past perfect in the ifclause followed by acomma + would have + past participle in the resultclause. You can also put the result
clause first without using a comma between the clauses.
If Alice had won the competition,
Life would have changed
life would have changed.
if Alice had won the competition.
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This - That - These - Those - Here - There
Read the conversations below:
David: Could you give me that book on the table over there?
Frank: Do you mean this book here?David: Yes, that book.
Frank: Here you are. Oh, could you give me those magazines on the table overthere?
David: These? Sure, here you are.
David: Is there an apple on that table over there?
Frank: Yes, there is. Here it is.David: Great, are there any oranges?
Frank: No, there aren't.David: Oh, here they are, next to me on this table.
Look at the chart below:
We use "here" for
something which is nearto us. Example: Here is
the pencil in my hand.
We use "there" for
something which is far fromus. Example: There is the
pen next to the lamp.
We use "this" for one
object (singular) which ishere (near to us).
Example: This is a bookin my hand.
We use "that" for one object(singular) which is there.
Example: That is his carover there.
We use "these" for morethan one object (plural)
which are here (near tous). Example: These
are my friends next tome.
We use "those" for more
than one object (plural)which are there. Example:
Those are his toys overthere.
We use "there" for one
object (singular) which
exists - or "is" (near tous). Example: There is(There's) a table next
to the window.
We use "there" for morethan one object (plural)
which exist - or "are".
Example: There are(There're) many of myfriends at the party
tonight.
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Preposition Use - in / at / to / nothing - prepositions ofplace and movement
IN
Use 'in' with static (non-movement) verbs and cities, countries, states, etc.:
stay in the USA
work in New York
AT
Use 'at' with static (non-movement) verbs and places:
at the cinema
at work
at home
TO
Use 'to' with verbs of movement such as go, come, drive, etc.:
go to work
drive to California
IMPORTANT NOTES
The use of ' ' (nothing)
With verbs of movement and the noun 'home' - He went home. - they drove
home.
With the verb 'visit' - She visited France last summer.
Preposition Use - in / at / on - prepositions of place
IN
Use 'in' with spaces:
in a room / in a building
in a garden / in a park
Use 'in' with bodies of water:
in the water
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in the sea
in a river
Use 'in' with lines:
in a row / in a line
in a queue
AT
Use 'at' with places:
at the bus-stop
at the door
at the cinema
at the end of the street
Use 'at' with places on a page:
at the top of the page
at the bottom of the page
Use 'at' in groups of people:
at the back of the class
at the front of the class
ON
Use 'on' with surfaces:
on the ceiling / on the wall / on the floor
on the table
Use 'on' with small islands:
I stayed on Maui.
Use 'on' with directions:
on the left
on the right straight on
IMPORTANT NOTES
In / at / on the corner
We say 'in the corner of a room', but 'at the corner (or 'on the corner') of a street'
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In / at / on the front
We say 'in the front / in the back' of a car
We say 'at the front / at the back' of buildings / groups of people
We say 'on the front / on the back' of a piece of paper
Preposition Use - in / at / on - prepositions of time anddate
IN
Use 'in' months and years and periods of time:
in January
in 1978
in the twenties
Use 'in' a period of time in the future:
in a few weeks
in a couple of days
AT
Use 'at' with precise time:
at six o'clock
at 10.30
at two p.m.
ON
Use 'on' with days of the week:
on Monday
on Fridays
Use 'on' with specific calendar days:
on Christmas day
on October 22nd
IMPORTANT NOTES
in the morning / afternoon / evening - at night
We say in the morning, afternoon or evening BUT we say 'at night'
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Preposition Use - for / while / during
FOR
Use 'for' with a period of time to express the duration or 'how long' something has
happened:
for three weeks
for many years
WHILE
Use 'while' plus a verb form:
while I was watching TV
while I lived in New York
DURING
Use 'during' with a noun to express 'when' something happens:
during class
during my vacation
during the discussion
Noun + Prepositions
FOR
Use 'for' preceded by the following nouns:
a check for (amount of money)
Example: She gave me a check for $50.
a demand for something
Example: Unfortunately, there wasn't enough demand for our product.
a need for something
Example: There is a real need for discipline in this class.
a reason for something
Example: I have a reason for doing that!
IN
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Use 'in' preceded by the following nouns:
a rise in something
Example: There has been a rise in prices recently.
an increase in something
Example: We have seen many increases in production levels.
a fall in something
Example: There has been a fall in prices recently.
a decrease in something
Example: We have seen many decreases in production levels.
OF
Use 'of' preceded by the following nouns:
a cause of something
Example: She is the cause of all his problems.
a photograph OR a picture of something or someone
Example: He took a photograph of the mountains.
TO
Use 'to' preceded by the following nouns:
damage to something
Example: I did a lot of damage to my car the other day.
an invitation to a celebration of some type
Example: We were invited to their wedding.
reaction to something
Example: Her reaction to his behavior was quite funny.
a solution to a problem
Example: He provided the solution to our financial situation.
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an attitude to something (or TOWARDS something)
Example: Your attitude to your problems doesn't help them get resolved.
WITH
Use 'with' preceded by the following nouns:
a relationship with someone or something
Example: My relationship with Mary is wonderful.
a connection with someone or something
Example: His connections with the CIA are very limited.
a contact with someone or something
Example: Have you had any contact with Sarah?
BETWEEN
Use 'between' preceded by the following nouns:
a connection between TWO things
Example: There is no connection between the two crimes.
a relationship between TWO things
Example: The relationship between the two friends was very strong.
a contact between TWO things
Example: There is little contact between the two parents.
a difference between TWO things
Example: There is no difference between those two colors.
Prepositions + Nouns
BY
Use 'by' with the following nouns:
to pay by check (credit card)
Example: I paid the bill by check.
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to do something by accident
Example: I broke the vase by mistake.
to do something by mistake
Example: I'm afraid I brought the wrong book by mistake.
to do something by chance
Example: I saw Jack at the supermarket by chance.
a play, song, book, etc. by someone
Example: The opera 'Otello' is by Giuseppe Verdi.
FOR
Use 'for' with the following nouns:
(to go / come) for a walk
Example: Let's go for a walk.
(to go / come) for a swim
Example: We went for a swim as soon as we arrived.
(to go / come) for a drink
Example: Would you like to come over for a drink?
(to go / come) for a visit
Example: I'd love to come for a visit sometime.
(to have something) for breakfast / lunch / dinner / supper (US English)
Example: I had bacon and eggs for breakfast.
IN
Use 'in' with the following nouns:
to be OR to fall in love with someone
Example: I fell in love with my wife at first sight.
in my opinion
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Example: In my opinion, we need to invest in some development.
a need for something
ON
Use 'on' with the following nouns:
(to be) on fire
Example: Help! The house is on fire!
(to be) on the telephone / phone
Example: I think Tom is on the phone at the moment.
on television
Example: There is a good film on television tonight.
on the radio
Example: Mahler's fifth was on the radio last night.
(to be / go) on a diet
Example: I really need to go on a diet.
(to be / go) on strike
Example: The sanitary engineers have gone on strike again.
(to be / go) on holiday (UK English) / vacation (American English)
Example: I really need to go on vacation soon.
(to be / go) business
Example: He went away this weekend on business.
(to be / go) on a trip
Example: We were on a trip this past weekend.
(to be / go) a tour
Example: Have you ever been on a tour of the French countryside?
(to be / go) on an excursion
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Example: We went on an excursion to Versailles when we were in Paris.
Adjective + Preposition Combinations - # 1 - about /at / by / for / from
ABOUT
Use the following adjectives followed by 'about'. Each group of adjectives have thesame or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.
angry / annoyed / furious about something
Example: I'm really angry about our losses on the stock market!
excited about something
Example: He's excited about his birthday party next week.
worried / upset about something
Example: He's worried about his upcoming examinations.
sorry about something
Example: I'm very sorry about Losing your book.
AT
Use the following adjectives followed by 'at'. Each group of adjectives have the sameor related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.
good / excellent / brillant at something OR at doing something
Example: They are excellent at planning fun parties.
bad / hopeless at something OR at doing something
Example: Unfortunately, I'm hopeless at being on time.
AT / BY
Use the following adjectives followed by 'at' or 'by'. Each group of adjectives have
the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.
amazed / astonished / shocked / surprised at OR by something
Example: I was amazed at his stamina.
FOR
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Use the following adjectives followed by 'for'. Each group of adjectives have thesame or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.
angry with someone for something
Example: I'm really angry with John for his total lack of responsibility.
famous for something
Example: She's famous for her watercolor paintings.
responsible for something
Example: You'll have to speak to John, he's responsible for customercomplaints.
sorry for doing something
Example: He says he's sorry for shouting at you.
(to feel or be) sorry for someone
Example: I really feel sorry for Pam.
FROM
Use the following adjectives followed by 'from'.
different from somone / something
Example: His photographs are very different from his paintings.
Adjective + Preposition Combinations - # 2 - 'of / on /to / with'
OF
Use the following adjectives followed by 'of'. Each group of adjectives have the sameor related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.
nice / kind / good / generous of someone (to do something)
Example: It was very nice of him to buy me a present.
mean of someone (to do something)
Example: It was very mean of Susan to say that to Tom.
stupid / silly of someone (to do something)
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Example: I'm afraid it was stupid of me to come.
intelligent / clever / sensible of someone (to do something)
Example: That was quite sensible of Tom.
polite of someone (to do something)
Example: It was very polite of Peter to invite my sister to the party.
impolite / rude of someone (to do something)
Example: I can't believe how rude it was of Jack to shout at his daughter in
front of all those people.
unreasonable of someone (to do something)
Example: Don't be so hard on yourself! It's unreasonable of you to expect tounderstand everything immediately.
proud of something or someone
Example: I'm very proud of my daughter's wonderful progress in school.
ashamed of someone or something
Example: She's ashamed of her bad grades.
jealous / envious of someone or something
Example: She's really envious of her sister's wealth.
aware / conscious of something
Example: Teens are often overly conscious of skin blemishes.
capable / incapable of something
Example: Peter is quite capable of conducting the meeting on his own.
fond of someone or something
Example: She is so fond of her niece.
short of something
Example: I'm afraid I'm short of cash tonight.
tired of something
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Example: I'm tired of your complaining!
ON
Use the following adjective followed by 'on'. Use the verb 'to be' with theseexpressions.
to be keen on something
Example: She is very keen on horses.
TO
Use the following adjectives followed by 'to'. Each group of adjectives have the sameor related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.
married / engaged to someone
Example:Jack is engaged to Jill.
nice / kind / good / generous to someone
Example: She was very generous to me when I was staying with her.
mean / impolite / rude / unpleasant / unfriendly / cruel to someone
Example: How can you be so unfriendly to your neighbors?
similar to something
Example: His painting is similar to Van Gough.
WITH
Use the following adjectives followed by 'with'. Each group of adjectives have the
same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.
angry / annoyed / furious with someone for something
Example: I'm furious with my brother for having lied to me!
delighted / pleased / satisfied with something
Example: He is quite satisfied with his results.
disappointed with something
Example: She's really disappointed with her new car.
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bored / fed up with something
Example: Let's go. I'm fed up with this party.
crowded with (people, tourists, etc.)
Example: Disneyland is crowded with tourists in July.
Prepositions of Place and Direction
Look at this plan of the ground floor of a skyscraper:
Here are a number of preposition combinations that can be used to describe the floorplan:
Prepositions of Positionat the back of
at the bottom ofat the top of
behindbetween
in the corner of
in the middle ofnext to
to the left ofon the other side of
to the right of
on the side ofon top of
opposite
Example Sentences
There is a large garden in the middleof the skyscraper.
The smallest room is located to the left of the internal garden.
The entrance to room number three is opposite the entrance to room number two.
Prepositions of Direction
Here are a number of preposition that can be used to show direction and movement
around the floor plan:
across
betweeninto
out ofpast
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Simple Present for Beginners
Read the following interview using the simple present tense
Mark: Hello, Can I ask you some questions for an interview?
Jennifer: Yes, I can answer some questions.Mark: Thank you for taking the time. Now, first question: What do you do?
Jennifer: I work in a library. I'm a librarian.Mark: Are you married?
Jennifer: Yes, I am.Mark: What does your husband do?
Jennifer: He works as a policeman.Mark: Do you usually have dinner together?
Jennifer: Yes, we do.Mark: How often does your husband exercise?
Jennifer: He sometimes exercises four times a week. But, he usually exercises onlytwice a week.Mark: Where do you like going on holiday?
Jennifer: We rarely go on holiday. However, we like going to the mountains if we
can.Mark: What type of books do you read?
Jennifer: I often read horror stories.Mark: Thank you very much for answering my questions.
Jennifer: You're welcome!
Take a look at the following conjugation chart. Notice from the above
dialogue and following chart that the present simple is often used todescribe what we do every day. We use verbs of frequency(always,
sometimes, usually, etc.) which indicate a habit.
Examples Usage
Where do you work?The store opens at 9
o'clock.She lives in New York.
Permanent or long-lasting
situations
I usually get up at 7
o'clock.
She doesn't often go tothe cinema.
When do they usuallyhave lunch?
Regular habits and dailyroutines
The Earth revolvesaround the Sun.
What does 'strange'mean?
Water doesn't boil at20.
Facts
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I love walking around
late at night during thesummer.
She hates flying!
What do you like? Idon't want to live in
Texas.
Feelings
He doesn't agree with
you.I think he is a
wonderful student.What do you consider
your bestaccomplishment?
Opinions and states of mind
The plane leaves at 4
p.m.
When do courses begin
this semester?The train doesn't arriveuntil 10.35.
Timetables and schedules
Common present timeexpressions include:
usually, always, often,sometimes, on Saturdays, at
weekends (on weekends USEnglish), rarely, on occasion,
never, seldom
Structure
In the positive form add an 's' to the base form of the
3rd person singular. If the verb ends in -y preceded by
a consonant, change the -y to -ies.I
YouWe
They
eat lunch at noon.
HeShe
It
eats lunchtries to have fun.
at noon.
Conjugate the helping verb 'do' + not (don't anddoesn't) + the base form of the verb to make negatives.
IYou
WeThey
don't leave at noon.
He
She
It
doesn't leave at noon.
Conjugate the helping verb 'do' (do or does) + the base
form of the verb in question forms.
Do I leave at noon?
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You
We
They
Does
He
SheIt
leave at noon?
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Present Simple
Listed below are examples, uses and structure of the Present Simple followed by a
quiz.
Examples Usage
Where do you work?
The store opens at 9o'clock.
She lives in New York.
Permanent or long-lastingsituations
I usually get up at 7
o'clock.
She doesn't often go tothe cinema.
When do they usuallyhave lunch?
Regular habits and daily routines
The Earth revolves
around the Sun.What does 'strange'
mean?Water doesn't boil at
20.
Facts
I love walking around
late at night during thesummer.
She hates flying!
What do you like? Idon't want to live in
Texas.
Feelings
He doesn't agree withyou.
I think he is a wonderfulstudent.
What do you consideryour best
accomplishment?
Opinions and states of mind
The plane leaves at 4
p.m.When do courses beginthis semester?
The train doesn't arrive
until 10.35.
Timetables and schedules
Common present time
expressions include:
usually, always, often,
sometimes, on Saturdays, atweekends (on weekends US
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English), rarely, on occasion,
never, seldom
Structure
In the positive form add an 's' to the base form of
the 3rd person singular. If the verb ends in -ypreceded by a consonant, change the -y to -ies.
I
You
WeThey
eat lunch at noon.
HeShe
It
eats lunch
tries to have fun.at noon.
Conjugate the helping verb 'do' + not (don't and
doesn't) + the base form of the verb to makenegatives.
IYou
WeThey
don't leave at noon.
HeShe
It
doesn't leave at noon.
Conjugate the helping verb 'do' (do or does) + the
base form of the verb in question forms.
Do
I
YouWe
They
leave at noon?
Does
He
SheIt
leave at noon?
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Present Continuous (Progressive) for Beginners
Read the following interview using the present continuous (progressive)
tense
On the telephone
Tracy: Hello, can I speak to Alex.Alex: This is Alex, who is speaking?Tracy: Hi, this is Tracy.
Alex: Hi Tracy. What are you doing?Tracy: Oh, I'm just watching TV. What are you doing?
Alex: Well, I'm cooking dinner.Tracy: What are you cooking?
Alex: I'm baking some potatoes, boiling some carrots and grilling a steak.
Tracy: It sounds delicious.Alex: What are you doing for dinner tonight?Tracy: Well, I don't have any plans...
Alex: Would you like to come over for dinner?Tracy: Oh, I'd love to. Thanks.
Alex: Great. Mary and Jack are also coming. They are arriving at seven.Tracy: OK, I'll be there at seven, too.
Alex: OK, see you then. Bye.Tracy: Bye.
Take a look at the following conjugation chart. Notice from the above
dialogue and following chart that the present continuous (progressive) is
used to describe what is happening at the moment. It is also used todescribe a plan in the near future (this evening, next week, on Saturday,
etc.). The present continuous (progressive) is often used with: now, at themoment, today, this morning - afternoon - evening.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
The present continuous (progressive) is used only with action verbs.Example: I am working at the momentNOTI am believing you.
The present continuous (progressive) is also used to describe an action which
is happening around this moment: Example: I'm reading 'Just in Time' this
week. I'm not reading the book at this particular moment, but around this
time.
Examples Usage
What are you cooking?Tom is studying for his
exams at the moment.It isn't raining now. We
can go outside.
Actions happening at thepresent moment.
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What are you doing this
weekend?I'm meeting Peter
tomorrow morning.
We're driving to Albanythis weekend.
Planned future events (usually
in the near future)
We're currently workingon the Smith account.
What classes are youtaking this semester?
We're studying Greekhistory this month.
Actions or events happeningaround the present moment.
Structure
In the positive form, follow the form S + To be + Verb
+ -ing. Remember that you need to conjugate theauxiliary verb 'to be'.
I am (I'm)You are (You're)
He, She, It is (He's, She's, It's)We, You, They are (We're,
You're, They're)
eatinglunch
atnoon.
Conjugate the helping verb 'To Be' + Not + Verb + - ing
to form negatives.
I am not (I'm not)
You are not (You aren't)He, She, It is not (He, She, It
isn'tWe, You, They are not (We,
You, They aren't)
comingthis
evening.
Conjugate the helping verb 'To Be' + S + Verb + - ing in
question forms.
Are
you
wethey
listening to me?
Isheshe
it
listening to me?
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Present Continuous
Listed below are examples, uses and structure of the Present Continuous followed by
a quiz.
Examples Usage
What are you doing?
She's reading in thegarden.
They're not standing inthe rain.
Things that are happening now, at
the moment.
I'm reading "The
Surgeon's Mate" byPatrick O'Brian.
Whose account are youworking on?
She's studying hard for
her final exam.
Actions happening in a period
aroundthe present moment intime.
We're having leftovers
this evening.What are you doing
tomorrow afternoon?She isn't coming on
Friday.
Future plans and arrangements.
Common present
continuous timeexpressions include:
at the moment, now, today, this
week, this month, tomorrow, next
week (for future arrangements ),currently
Structure
Conjugate the helping verb "be" and verb + -ing.
I'm (I am)You're (You are)
He's (He is)
She's (She is)It's (It is)
We're (We are)You're (You are)
They're (They are)
working today.
Conjugate the helping verb "be" + not + verb + -ing.
I'm not (I am not)You aren't (You are not)
He isn't (He is not)
She isn't (She is not)It isn't (It is not)
We aren't (We are not)
coming this evening.
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You aren't (You are not)
They aren't (They are not)
Question word + conjugate the helping verb 'be' +
subject + verb + -ing
What
am Iare youis he
is sheis it are we
are youare they
doing this afternoon?
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Beginner's English: Have, Have got
The differences between 'have' and 'have got' can be confusing for beginners. Here is a guide the twoforms. When you finish reviewing try the 'Have / Have got' Quiz to check your understanding.
Remember these important points:
'Have' and 'Have got' are used for possession.
Example: Jack has got a beautiful house. ORJack has a beautiful house.
Only 'have' is used when talking about actions.
Example: I usually have breakfast at 8 o'clock.NOTI usually have got breakfast at 8 o'clock.
The question form for 'have' follows regular present simple:
Example: Do you have a fast car?NOT
Have you a fast car?
'Have' and 'Have got' are only used in the present simple. Use 'have' for the past simple orfuture forms.
Example: She had a copy of that book.
There is no contracted form for 'Have' in the positive form. The contracted form is used for'have got'
Example: I have a red bicycle. OR I've got a red bicycle.NOTI've a red bicycle.
Here is a grammar chart showing the construction of the two forms:
Positive I, You, We, They HAVE GOTSubject + have + got + objectsThey have got a new car. Contracted: They've got a new car.
Positive He, She, It HAVE GOTSubject + has + got + objectsHe has got a new car. Contracted: He's got a new car.
Positive I, You, We, They HAVESubject + have + objectsThey have a new car. There is no contracted form
Positive He, She, It HAVESubject + have + objectsShe has a new car. There is no contracted form
Question I, You, We, They HAVE GOT(?) + have + subject + got?How many children have you got? There is no contracted form
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Question He, She, It HAVE GOT(?) + has + subject + got?How many children has he got? There is no contracted form
Question I, You, We, They HAVE(?) + do + subject + have?How many children do you have? There is no contracted form
Question He, She, It HAVE(?) + does + subject + have?How many children does he have? There is no contracted form
Negative I, You, We, They HAVE GOTSubject + have + not + got + objectsWe have not got a dog. Contraction: We haven't got a dog.
Negative He, She, It HAVE GOTSubject + has + not + got + objectsShe has not got a dog. Contraction: She hasn't got a dog.
Negative I, You, We, They HAVESubject + do + not + have + objectsThey do not have a dog. Contraction: They don't have a dog.
Negative He, She, It HAVE GOTSubject + does + not + have + objectsShe does not have a dog. Contraction: She doesn't have a dog.