English Prepositions - Use of In / On / To / At 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• in the sea • in a riverUse '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 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 TO Use 'to' with movement from one place to another: • I went to school. • Did you go to work? • Let's go to the shopping mall.
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• Use "some" in positive sentences. We use some for both countable and uncountablenouns.Example: I have some friends.
• Use "any" in negative sentences or questions. We use any for both countable anduncountable nouns.Example: Do you have any cheese? - He doesn't have any friends in Chicago.
• Use "some" in questions when offering or requesting something that is there.Example: Would you like some bread? (offer) - Could I have some water? (request)
• Use "any" in negative sentences or questions. We use any for both countable anduncountable nouns.Example: Do you have any cheese? - He doesn't have any friends in Chicago.
• Use "some" words - somebody, someone, somewhere and something - in positivesentences.Example: He lives somewhere near here.
• Use "any" words - anybody, anyone, anywhere and anything - in negative sentences or questions.Example: Do you know anything about that boy? - She doesn't have anywhere togo.
English Articles - The / A / An
• a = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) withconsonantsShe has a dog.I work in a factory.
• an = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) withvowels (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 the listener 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 repeat that objectuse "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 mountainsexcept 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, and transportHe has breakfast at home.
He comes to work by taxi. English lesson - Uses of 'Like'
'Like' can be used as a verb or as a preposition. There are a number of common questions with'like' that are easy to confuse.
• What's he like? - 'What … like?' is used to ask about a person's or object's character and is general in nature.
• What does he like? - This use of the verb 'like' is for general preferences. 'Like' as averb is generally followed by the 'ing' form of the verb (I like playing tennis).
• What does she look like? - 'Like' is used as a preposition to express physicalappearance. In this case, 'like' can also mean 'similar to' if you are making a comparisonto other people.
• What would you like to drink? - Another common use of 'like' is in 'would like' toexpress wishes. Note that 'would like' is followed by the infinite form of the verb NOT the'-ing' form.
Past Tense Irregular Verbs
The past form of regular verbs ends in 'ed'. Irregular verbs must be studied individually. Here is alist of past forms of some of the most common irregular verbs.
be - was/werebecome - becamebegin - beganbreak - brokebring - broughtbuild - builtbuy - boughtcome - came
There are four types of pronouns: Subject Pronouns, Object Pronouns, Possessive Pronouns andDemonstrative 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 subject of asentence:
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 her when 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 thatsomething belongs to someone. 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 'these' refer
to something 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 - my, your, his, her, its, our, your, their are often confused withpossessive pronouns. The possessive adjective modifies the noun following it in order toshow possession.
I'll get my books.Is that your car over there?
That is his teacher, Mr Jones.I want to go to her store.Its color is red.Can we bring our children?You are welcome to invite your husbands
Prepositions of Time - In / At / On
INUse '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
ATUse 'at' with precise time:
• at six o'clock
• at 10.30• at two p.m.
ONUse 'on' with days of the week:
• on Monday
• on Fridays
Use 'on' with specific calendar days:
• on Christmas day
• on October 22nd
IMPORTANT NOTESin the morning / afternoon / evening - at nightWe say in the morning, afternoon or evening BUT we say 'at night'
Verbs Followed by the Gerund or the Infinitive (Playing-vs- to play)
When two verbs are used together, the second verb is often in the gerund form (-ing) or theinfinitive. There are no specific rules concerning which verbs take which form. Like irregular verbs, you will need to learn which form a verb takes.
Common Verbs + 'ing'goenjoyquitdiscussmindcan't standsuggest
Examples:
They go jogging on Saturdays.I don't mind helping you.
They can't stand driving in traffic jams.
Common Verbs + Infinitive
promiseplanrefusewantneeddecidehope
Examples:
I promised to help him.Alice needs to start that task.He decided to quit his job.
Present Simple
Use the present simple to talk about activities or routines which take place on a regular basis.
Positive Sentences Subject + present conjugation of verb + objects
I / You drive to work every day.She / He / It drives to work every day.You / We / They drive to work every day.
Negative Sentences Subject + do not + base form of verb + objects
I / You don't (do not) use a computer every day.She / He / It doesn't ( does not) use a computer at work. It / You / We / They don't (do not) use atypewriter at work.
Question FormWh? + do + subject + base form of verb ?When do I / you arrive at work?What does he / she / it use at work?Where do we / you / they keep the paper?
Modal Form Basics (should, may, can)
Modals are verbs that modify other verbs. The most common modals are:CanShouldMust
Note that all subjects take the same form of the modal.
PositiveSubject + Modal + Base Form of Verb + ObjectsExamples: He can play the piano.
I must leave soon.
NegativeSubject + Modal + Not + Base Form of Verb + ObjectsExamples They can't visit next week.You shouldn't go to that film.
QuestionModal + Subject + Base Form of Verb + Objects
Examples Can you help me?What should I do?
Giving Advice with Should 'Should' is used when asking for or giving advice. It is also usedwhen asking for suggestions.
Examples I think you should see a doctor.What type of job should I get?
Expressing Ability with Can 'Can' is used to speak abilities.
Examples He can speak Japanese.Can you play golf?
Asking for Permission with May 'May' is used to ask for permission.
Examples May I help you?May I visit you this afternoon?
NOTE: In spoken English, 'Can I ...?' is often used instead of 'May I ...?'
The future with 'Will' is used in a variety of situations discussing the future. Use the followingforms with 'will'. Notice that 'will' or 'won't' is used for ALL subjects.
Positive: Subject + will + base form of verb + object(s)
Negative: Subject + will + not + base form of verb + object(s)
Question: (Question Word) + will + subject + base form of verb?
Used for spontaneous decisions. Spontaneous decisions are decisions made AT the moment of speaking.
Examples: Jack's hungry. I'll make her a sandwich.That's difficult! I'll help you with the problem.
Used for predictions:
Examples It will snow tomorrow.
She won't win the game.
Used for scheduled public events
Examples The concert will begin at 8 o'clock.When will the train leave?The class won't start next week.
Used for promises
Examples Will you marry me?I'll help you with your homework after class.
Future with 'Going to' The future with 'going to' is used to speak about future intentions or plansmade before the present moment. Use the following forms with 'going to'.
Positive : Subject + to be + going to + base form of verb + object(s)
Negative : Subject + to be + not + going to + base form of verb + object(s)
Question : (Question Word) + to be + subject + going to + base form of verb?
Examples We are going to study French next semester.Where are you going to stay in France?She isn't going to take a vacation this year.
Used for planned decisions Planned decisions are decisions made BEFORE the moment of speaking.
Examples I'm going to study Languages at university next year.We're going to stay at the Hilton in New York next week.
Used for predicting an action that you see is about to happen:
There is lots of interest in the project.She's got some money left in the bank.There's little time to finish.
Use the following expressions with countable nouns.
many, lots of, a lot of severalsomenot many, only a few, few
Examples
There are a lot of pictures on the wall.We have several friends in Chicago.
She bought some envelopes this afternoon.There are only a few people in the restaurant. Countand Non-Count Nouns - Understanding Nouns(baseballs, juice, etc..)
What are countable nouns?
Countable nouns are individual objects, people, places, etc. which can be counted.
books, Italians, pictures, stations, men, etc.
A countable noun can be both singular - a friend, a house, etc. - or plural - a few apples, lots of trees, etc.
Use the singular form of the verb with a singular countable noun:
There is a book on the table.That student is excellent!
Use the plural form of the verb with a countable noun in the plural:
There are some students in the classroom.Those houses are very big, aren't they?
What are uncountable nouns?
Uncountable nouns are materials, concepts, information, etc. which are not individual objects andcan not be counted.
information, water, understanding, wood, cheese, etc.
Uncountable nouns are always singular. Use the singular form of the verb with uncountablenouns:
There is some water in that pitcher.That is the equipment we use for the project.
Adjectives with Countable and Uncountable Nouns.
Use a/an with countable nouns preceded by an adjective(s):
Tom is a very intelligent young man.I have a beautiful grey cat.
Do not use a/an with uncountable nouns preceded by an adjective(s):
That is very useful information.There is some cold beer in the fridge.
Some uncountable nouns in English are countable in other languages. This can be confusing!Here is a list of some of the most common, easy to confuse uncountable nouns.
Comparative Forms in English (Hot - Hotter, Good -Better, etc)
We use the comparative and superlative form to compare and contrast different objects in
English. Use the comparative form to show the difference between two objects. Example: New York is more exciting than Seattle. Use the superlative form when speaking about three or moreobjects to show which object is 'the most' of something. Example: New York is the most exciting city in the USA.
Here is a chart showing how to construct the comparative form in English. Notice in the examplesentences that we use 'than' to compare the two objects:
Peter is the best golf player in the school.This is the best school in the city.
bad
• bad - adjective
• the worst - superlative
Example Sentences
Jane is the worst student in the class.This is the worst day of my life
Time Expressions and Tenses (now, ago, since, etc.)Time expressions are used to indicate the time at / during which an action took place. Commontime expressions include:
Present forms: everyday, on Fridays, at the moment, now, as well as adverbs of frequency suchas always, usually, sometimes (for present habits and routines). Days of the weeks followed by 's'such as Mondays, Tuesdays, etc.
Examples
He sometimes finishes work early.Marjorie is listening to the radio at the moment.
Peter goes jogging on Saturdays.
Past forms: when I was ..., last week, day, year, etc., yesterday, ago (two weeks ago, threeyears ago, four months ago, etc.)
Examples
He visited his friends last week.I didn't see you two days ago.Jane flew to Boston yesterday.
Future forms: next week, year, etc., tomorrow, by (the end of the week, Thursday, next year,
etc.) in X time (in two weeks time, in four months time, etc.)
Examples
I'm going to attend a conference next week.It won't snow tomorrow.They're going to visit New York in two weeks.
Michael has worked here since 1998.Have you finished reading the paper yet?He's just gone to the bank.
Adverbs of Frequency - Rules for Use (usually,sometimes, never, etc.)
Use adverbs of frequency to say how often you do something. Adverbs of frequency are oftenused with the present simple because they indicate repeated or routine activities. For example,They often go out for dinner.
Adverbs of frequency include (form most often to least often):
She doesn't often visit Europe.Do you usually get up early? Imperative Form
Use the imperative form when giving instructions or orders. The imperative is also very commonin written instructions. Be careful when you use the imperative, as it is often considered impolite
in English. If someone asks you for instructions, use the imperative. If, on the other hand, youwould like to request that someone do something use a polite question form.
There is only one imperative form for both 'you' singular and plural.
Examples:
Hurry up!Take the first left, go straight on and the supermarket is on the left.
Positive
Base Form of Verb + Objects
Turn the music down, please.Insert coins into the slot.
Negative
Do + Not + Base Form of Verb + Objects
Do not smoke in this building. Don't rush, I'm not in a hurry.
Adverb or Adjective - Which should I use? (good or well,
careful or carefully, etc.)
Adjectives Modify Nouns
• Adjectives are placed directly before a noun:
Examples:
Tom is an excellent singer.
I bought a comfortable chair.
She's thinking about buying a new house.
• Adjectives are also used in simple sentences with the verb 'to be'. In this case, theadjective describes the subject of the sentence:
Peter's lived here since 1987.We've been very busy today.
Negative Form
Subject + have + not + past participle + object(s)
Examples
I haven't been to class very often this month.She hasn't had much fun this week.
Question Form
(Wh?) + have + subject + past participle?
Examples
Have you worked here for a long time?Where have you been?
Present Perfect for Unspecified Past
When speaking about an experience that has happened at an UNSPECIFIED point in time beforethe present moment use the present perfect.
Examples
I've been to New York three times.They've lived in many places.She's studied in London.
NOTE: In this use of the present perfect, we are talking about things that have happened up tothe present moment. Whenever you speak about something that has happened up to nowwithout giving a precise point in time, use the present perfect.
Use of 'For', 'Since' and 'How long'
Use 'for' to indicate a duration or period of time.
Examples
He has lived here for seven years.We have been here for six weeks.Shirley has played tennis for a long time.
I've worked here since 2004.She's gone to dancing lessons since April.They've been unhappy since they left college.
Use 'How long' in the question form to ask about duration.
Examples
How long have you played the piano?How long has he worked here?How long has she been with you?
Past Simple Tense
Use the past simple to talk about activities or routines which take place at a specified time in thepast. Notice that all subjects take the same conjugation of the verb. Regular verbs end in '-ed'.
visit - visited
enjoy - enjoyed
Irregular verbs have various forms and each verb needs to be learned.
see - sawthink - thought
The past simple is used to express a finished past action which occurs at a specific moment in thepast.
Examples
She visited Iran last month.They didn't go to Tom's party last weekend.Where did you go on vacation last summer?
The following time signifiers often indicate a specific point in time.
lastagoin ... (plus a year or month)yesterdaywhen ... (plus a phrase)
Examples
They had lunch at home last week.He left the company many years ago.Susan bought a new car in May.He telephoned his friend in Rome yesterday.I played golf when I was a teenager.
Past Simple or Present Perfect (I have gone or I went)
Sometimes the past simple and the present perfect are confused. It is important to remember thatthe past simple is used to express a finished past action which occurs at a specific moment inthe past. The present perfect is used to express something that happened at an unspecifiedmoment in the past. For example, if I visited Paris in 2004, I could express this in two ways:
Past Simple
I visited Paris in 2004.I went to Paris a few years ago.
Note that the moment in time is specific - in 2004, a few years ago.
Present Perfect
I've been to Paris.I've visited Paris.
In this case, the moment of my visit is not specific. I am speaking about an experience that I have
had in my life up to this moment in time.
This is the key to understanding the difference between the past simple and the present perfect.The past simple expresses something which happened at a specific time in the past. Thepresent perfect expresses something that I have experienced in my life without giving theexact time