Frequency Adverbs
Adverbs such as : always, already, ever, never, often, rarely, seldom, sometimes, still, usually,
are placed as follows in sentences :
After the verb BE : Tom is always late.
► Before other verbs : Tom sometimes takes the bus.
► Between two verbs : Tom has never travelled on the
Eurostar.
or after the first verb if there are more than two : I would never have thought that
EXCEPT if the second verb is an infinitive : Tom often needs to buy petrol
Frequency Phrases
Frequency phrases such as : every day, once in a while, etc. go at the beginning or at the end of sentences :
► I wash my hair every day.
► Once a month I go to the hairdresser's.
from: Learn English Today
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Adjectives and Adverbs
Adverbs / Adjectives / Linking Verbs
FORM
[adjective + ly]
There are also irregular adverbs such as "well" and "fast."
USE 1
Adverbs can be used to modify verbs.
Examples:
John walked quickly towards the door.
Sally sat silently waiting for somebody else to speak first.
USE 2
Adverbs can be used to modify adjectives.
Examples:
The redwood tree was impressively tall.
The blouse was outrageously expensive.
USE 3
Adverbs can be used to modify other adverbs.
Examples:
She spoke extremely confidently.
The cheetah ran incredibly quickly.
Adjectives
FORM
There are many different adjective endings including "-ive," "-ous," "-y," "-ful," "-ent" and many others. "Attractive," "envious," "lazy," "beautiful," and "intelligent" are all adjectives.
USE 1
Adjectives can be used to modify nouns.
Examples:
Jack drives a big car.
Sally writes beautiful poems.
USE 2
Adjectives often follow linking verbs (described below).
Examples:
Max is tall.
Sandra seems mad.
Linking Verbs
LIST
to appear
to be
to become
to feel
to get
to go
to grow
to look
to prove
to remain
to seem
to smell
to sound
to stay
to taste
to turn
USE
The linking verbs above are often followed by adjectives instead of adverbs. In such situations, the adjective describes the subject of the sentence rather than the verb. Study the examples below to learn the difference.
Examples:
Mary seemed sad. Correct
Mary seemed sadly. Not Correct
The cake tastes good. Correct
The cake tastes well. Not Correct
The train is slow. Correct
The train is slowly. Not Correct
James grew tired. Correct
Sarah remained calm. Correct
The milk went bad. Correct
The seas turned rough. Correct
The negotiations proved pointless. Correct
IMPORTANT
The verbs in the list above are not always used as linking verbs. Compare the examples below.
Examples:
Sally grew angry."Angry" describes Sally. In this sentence, "to grow" is being used as a linking verb meaning "to become."
The plant grew quickly."Quickly" does not describe the plant, it describes the manner in which it grows. In this sentence, "to grow" is not being used as a linking verb.
from: English Page
FORM
[adjective + ly]
There are also irregular adverbs such as "well" and "fast."
USE 1
Adverbs can be used to modify verbs.
Examples:
John walked quickly towards the door.
Sally sat silently waiting for somebody else to speak first.
USE 2
Adverbs can be used to modify adjectives.
Examples:
The redwood tree was impressively tall.
The blouse was outrageously expensive.
USE 3
Adverbs can be used to modify other adverbs.
Examples:
She spoke extremely confidently.
The cheetah ran incredibly quickly.
Adjectives
FORM
There are many different adjective endings including "-ive," "-ous," "-y," "-ful," "-ent" and many others. "Attractive," "envious," "lazy," "beautiful," and "intelligent" are all adjectives.
USE 1
Adjectives can be used to modify nouns.
Examples:
Jack drives a big car.
Sally writes beautiful poems.
USE 2
Adjectives often follow linking verbs (described below).
Examples:
Max is tall.
Sandra seems mad.
Linking Verbs
LIST
to appear
to be
to become
to feel
to get
to go
to grow
to look
to prove
to remain
to seem
to smell
to sound
to stay
to taste
to turn
USE
The linking verbs above are often followed by adjectives instead of adverbs. In such situations, the adjective describes the subject of the sentence rather than the verb. Study the examples below to learn the difference.
Examples:
Mary seemed sad. Correct
Mary seemed sadly. Not Correct
The cake tastes good. Correct
The cake tastes well. Not Correct
The train is slow. Correct
The train is slowly. Not Correct
James grew tired. Correct
Sarah remained calm. Correct
The milk went bad. Correct
The seas turned rough. Correct
The negotiations proved pointless. Correct
IMPORTANT
The verbs in the list above are not always used as linking verbs. Compare the examples below.
Examples:
Sally grew angry."Angry" describes Sally. In this sentence, "to grow" is being used as a linking verb meaning "to become."
The plant grew quickly."Quickly" does not describe the plant, it describes the manner in which it grows. In this sentence, "to grow" is not being used as a linking verb.
from: English Page
Must and Have To
Must and have to both express obligation. However, they are used differently depending on who imposes the obligation.
MUST
The speaker thinks it is necessary.
-I must buy flowers for my mother(It's her birthday and I decide to do that)
-"You must take more exercise"says the doctor. (The doctor thinks it is necessary).
-I must ask my secretary to book a flight for me. (It is important for me not to forget.)
-"Dogs must be kept on a lead"(Written on a sign in the park = a rule which must be respected)
HAVE TO
Someone else thinks it is necessary.
-I have to buy flowers for my mother-in-law. (It is not my decision - my husband asked me to do it.)
-I have to take more exercise.(doctor's orders!)
-I have to call the travel agency. (My boss asked me to book a flight.)
-I have to keep my dog on a lead.(That's what the sign tells me to do.)
N.B. In the negative form, the meaning changes!
MUST NOT (MUSTN'T)
You mustn't tell George = it's important not to tell George = don't tell George
DO NOT HAVE TO (DON'T HAVE TO)
You don't have to tell George = you can tell George if you like, but it isn't necessary. It's your decision.
from: LEarn English Today
MUST
The speaker thinks it is necessary.
-I must buy flowers for my mother(It's her birthday and I decide to do that)
-"You must take more exercise"says the doctor. (The doctor thinks it is necessary).
-I must ask my secretary to book a flight for me. (It is important for me not to forget.)
-"Dogs must be kept on a lead"(Written on a sign in the park = a rule which must be respected)
HAVE TO
Someone else thinks it is necessary.
-I have to buy flowers for my mother-in-law. (It is not my decision - my husband asked me to do it.)
-I have to take more exercise.(doctor's orders!)
-I have to call the travel agency. (My boss asked me to book a flight.)
-I have to keep my dog on a lead.(That's what the sign tells me to do.)
N.B. In the negative form, the meaning changes!
MUST NOT (MUSTN'T)
You mustn't tell George = it's important not to tell George = don't tell George
DO NOT HAVE TO (DON'T HAVE TO)
You don't have to tell George = you can tell George if you like, but it isn't necessary. It's your decision.
from: LEarn English Today
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Adjectives
Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Hello!
Congratulations to each one of us to be so privileged to serve in this life's ultimate ministry! Let us continue to persevere. Don't ever be discouraged! The Lord has chosen us for His own reasons - sometimes, incomprehensible to man!
Rest assured that we will be victorious with our faith, humility and obedience that keep our hearts open to God's Love, Power and Wisdom. Through us, God wants to do the Impossible! With ourselves alone, we are nothing, powerless, unqualified and incompetent; but God has called us - a group of common people who believe and desire to follow Him.
Praying for you,Sis. Lily
BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS
Song: "God Will Make A Way"(GALATIANS 6:2) "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
THOUGHTl:I feel so burdened myself, that sometimes I can't even see other’s burdens. But Jesus reminds me that if I am to be like Him, I am to be a burden carrier. This is why He came, why He died, and why His resurrection is so important – to lift from us the burdens of sin and death and hopelessness. He has blessed us by carrying our heaviest burdens so that we might lighten the load of those around us.
PRAYER:"Oh Dear Heavenly, Compassionate Father, help me to see the burdens in the lives of others around me and then respond to those burdens with help. I want to be a blessing to the broken and discouraged, so please help me find my place and my way of serving to your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen."
OVERCOMING BURDENS OF LIFE:Did you know that an eagle knows when the storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When the storms of life come upon us – and all of us will experience them we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down; it is how we handle them. – Author Unknown
As we know, many people are reluctant to open up about the very intimate problems of life. That can make it difficult for someone trying to help. But even if they don't totally open up, just your interest, your compassion, your desire to help can make all the difference in the world. The Bible teaches that we really are our brother's keeper. REACHING OUT WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST TO SOMEONE WHO IS HURTING IS THE ULTIMATE MINISTRY ANYONE CAN PERFORM IN THIS LIFE. (Quoted, Rev Bill Keller)
He remembered yet the East India Tea House at the Fair, the sandalwood, the turbans, and the robes, the cool interior and the smell of India tea; and he had felt now the nostalgic thrill of dew-wet mornings in Spring, the cherry scent, the cool clarion earth, the wet loaminess of the garden, the pungent breakfast smells and the floating snow of blossoms. He knew the inchoate sharp excitement of hot dandelions in young earth; in July, of watermelons bedded in sweet hay, inside a farmer's covered wagon; of cantaloupe and crated peaches; and the scent of orange rind, bitter-sweet, before a fire of coals. He knew the good male smell of his father's sitting-room; of the smooth worn leather sofa, with the gaping horse-hair rent; of the blistered varnished wood upon the hearth; of the heated calf-skin bindings; of the flat moist plug of apple tobacco, stuck with a red flag; of wood-smoke and burnt leaves in October; of the brown tired autumn earth; of honey-suckle at night; of warm nasturtiums, of a clean ruddy farmer who comes weekly with printed butter, eggs, and milk; of fat limp underdone bacon and of coffee; of a bakery-oven in the wind; of large deep-hued stringbeans smoking-hot and seasoned well with salt and butter; of a room of old pine boards in which books and carpets have been stored, long closed; of Concord grapes in their long white baskets.
An abundance of adjectives like this would be uncommon in contemporary prose. Whether we have lost something or not is left up to you.
Position of Adjectives
Unlike Adverbs, which often seem capable of popping up almost anywhere in a sentence, adjectives nearly always appear immediately before the noun or noun phrase that they modify. Sometimes they appear in a string of adjectives, and when they do, they appear in a set order according to category. (See Below.) When indefinite pronouns — such as something, someone, anybody — are modified by an adjective, the adjective comes after the pronoun:
Anyone capable of doing something horrible to someone nice should be punished.Something wicked this way comes.
And there are certain adjectives that, in combination with certain words, are always "postpositive" (coming after the thing they modify):
The president elect, heir apparent to the Glitzy fortune, lives in New York proper.
See, also, the note on a- adjectives, below, for the position of such words as "ablaze, aloof, aghast."
Degrees of Adjectives
Adjectives can express degrees of modification:
Gladys is a rich woman, but Josie is richer than Gladys, and Sadie is the richest woman in town.
The degrees of comparison are known as the positive, the comparative, and the superlative. (Actually, only the comparative and superlative show degrees.) We use the comparative for comparing two things and the superlative for comparing three or more things. Notice that the word than frequently accompanies the comparative and the word the precedes the superlative. The inflected suffixes -er and -est suffice to form most comparatives and superlatives, although we need -ier and -iest when a two-syllable adjective ends in y (happier and happiest); otherwise we use more and most when an adjective has more than one syllable.
Positive
Comparative
Superlative
rich
richer
richest
lovely
lovelier
loveliest
beautiful
more beautiful
most beautiful
Hello!
Congratulations to each one of us to be so privileged to serve in this life's ultimate ministry! Let us continue to persevere. Don't ever be discouraged! The Lord has chosen us for His own reasons - sometimes, incomprehensible to man!
Rest assured that we will be victorious with our faith, humility and obedience that keep our hearts open to God's Love, Power and Wisdom. Through us, God wants to do the Impossible! With ourselves alone, we are nothing, powerless, unqualified and incompetent; but God has called us - a group of common people who believe and desire to follow Him.
Praying for you,Sis. Lily
BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS
Song: "God Will Make A Way"(GALATIANS 6:2) "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
THOUGHTl:I feel so burdened myself, that sometimes I can't even see other’s burdens. But Jesus reminds me that if I am to be like Him, I am to be a burden carrier. This is why He came, why He died, and why His resurrection is so important – to lift from us the burdens of sin and death and hopelessness. He has blessed us by carrying our heaviest burdens so that we might lighten the load of those around us.
PRAYER:"Oh Dear Heavenly, Compassionate Father, help me to see the burdens in the lives of others around me and then respond to those burdens with help. I want to be a blessing to the broken and discouraged, so please help me find my place and my way of serving to your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen."
OVERCOMING BURDENS OF LIFE:Did you know that an eagle knows when the storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When the storms of life come upon us – and all of us will experience them we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down; it is how we handle them. – Author Unknown
As we know, many people are reluctant to open up about the very intimate problems of life. That can make it difficult for someone trying to help. But even if they don't totally open up, just your interest, your compassion, your desire to help can make all the difference in the world. The Bible teaches that we really are our brother's keeper. REACHING OUT WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST TO SOMEONE WHO IS HURTING IS THE ULTIMATE MINISTRY ANYONE CAN PERFORM IN THIS LIFE. (Quoted, Rev Bill Keller)
He remembered yet the East India Tea House at the Fair, the sandalwood, the turbans, and the robes, the cool interior and the smell of India tea; and he had felt now the nostalgic thrill of dew-wet mornings in Spring, the cherry scent, the cool clarion earth, the wet loaminess of the garden, the pungent breakfast smells and the floating snow of blossoms. He knew the inchoate sharp excitement of hot dandelions in young earth; in July, of watermelons bedded in sweet hay, inside a farmer's covered wagon; of cantaloupe and crated peaches; and the scent of orange rind, bitter-sweet, before a fire of coals. He knew the good male smell of his father's sitting-room; of the smooth worn leather sofa, with the gaping horse-hair rent; of the blistered varnished wood upon the hearth; of the heated calf-skin bindings; of the flat moist plug of apple tobacco, stuck with a red flag; of wood-smoke and burnt leaves in October; of the brown tired autumn earth; of honey-suckle at night; of warm nasturtiums, of a clean ruddy farmer who comes weekly with printed butter, eggs, and milk; of fat limp underdone bacon and of coffee; of a bakery-oven in the wind; of large deep-hued stringbeans smoking-hot and seasoned well with salt and butter; of a room of old pine boards in which books and carpets have been stored, long closed; of Concord grapes in their long white baskets.
An abundance of adjectives like this would be uncommon in contemporary prose. Whether we have lost something or not is left up to you.
Position of Adjectives
Unlike Adverbs, which often seem capable of popping up almost anywhere in a sentence, adjectives nearly always appear immediately before the noun or noun phrase that they modify. Sometimes they appear in a string of adjectives, and when they do, they appear in a set order according to category. (See Below.) When indefinite pronouns — such as something, someone, anybody — are modified by an adjective, the adjective comes after the pronoun:
Anyone capable of doing something horrible to someone nice should be punished.Something wicked this way comes.
And there are certain adjectives that, in combination with certain words, are always "postpositive" (coming after the thing they modify):
The president elect, heir apparent to the Glitzy fortune, lives in New York proper.
See, also, the note on a- adjectives, below, for the position of such words as "ablaze, aloof, aghast."
Degrees of Adjectives
Adjectives can express degrees of modification:
Gladys is a rich woman, but Josie is richer than Gladys, and Sadie is the richest woman in town.
The degrees of comparison are known as the positive, the comparative, and the superlative. (Actually, only the comparative and superlative show degrees.) We use the comparative for comparing two things and the superlative for comparing three or more things. Notice that the word than frequently accompanies the comparative and the word the precedes the superlative. The inflected suffixes -er and -est suffice to form most comparatives and superlatives, although we need -ier and -iest when a two-syllable adjective ends in y (happier and happiest); otherwise we use more and most when an adjective has more than one syllable.
Positive
Comparative
Superlative
rich
richer
richest
lovely
lovelier
loveliest
beautiful
more beautiful
most beautiful
Monday, August 25, 2008
for - since - ago
For - since - ago are used to talk about time
For is used to say how long an action or situation lasts.
*For is used with the Present Perfect :
- I have been waiting at the bus stop for 10 minutes.
- I have lived in this country for 10 years.
*For can also be used with other tenses :
- Present : I go on holidays for two weeks every year in the summer.
- Past : When I was sixteen, I stayed in London for two months.
- Future : During my trip to California next month, I will be in San Diego for two days.
Since is used to refer to the starting point of actions or situations.
It is generally used with the Present Perfect.
* I have been waiting for the bus since 8 o'clock.
* I live in Tokyo. I have lived in Tokyo since September 2000.
Ago is used to say when past events happened, going back from today towards the past.
* I came to Tokyo three years ago.
* I arrived at the bus stop ten minutes ago.
* I visited New York two years ago.
from: Learn English Today
For is used to say how long an action or situation lasts.
*For is used with the Present Perfect :
- I have been waiting at the bus stop for 10 minutes.
- I have lived in this country for 10 years.
*For can also be used with other tenses :
- Present : I go on holidays for two weeks every year in the summer.
- Past : When I was sixteen, I stayed in London for two months.
- Future : During my trip to California next month, I will be in San Diego for two days.
Since is used to refer to the starting point of actions or situations.
It is generally used with the Present Perfect.
* I have been waiting for the bus since 8 o'clock.
* I live in Tokyo. I have lived in Tokyo since September 2000.
Ago is used to say when past events happened, going back from today towards the past.
* I came to Tokyo three years ago.
* I arrived at the bus stop ten minutes ago.
* I visited New York two years ago.
from: Learn English Today
Thursday, August 21, 2008
USED TO
Used to + infinitive : (example : I used to smoke)
Affirmative Negative Interrogative
I used to smoke I didn't use to smoke Did you use to smoke?
* refers to past habits and states that do not exist today, something that you did regularly in the past but no longer do today.
* exists only in the past
e.g. - Tom used to drink coffee. Now he prefers tea.
- Julie used to fly from Paris to London. Now she takes the Eurostar.
- I used to drive to work. Now I take the underground.
from: Learn English Today
Affirmative Negative Interrogative
I used to smoke I didn't use to smoke Did you use to smoke?
* refers to past habits and states that do not exist today, something that you did regularly in the past but no longer do today.
* exists only in the past
e.g. - Tom used to drink coffee. Now he prefers tea.
- Julie used to fly from Paris to London. Now she takes the Eurostar.
- I used to drive to work. Now I take the underground.
from: Learn English Today
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
few - fewer - fewest / little - less - least
Few and little are both quantifiers which have a negative meaning : 'not a lot'.
Their use with countable or uncountable nouns is shown in the table below.
In the examples given, apples is a plural countable noun, modified by fewer and fewest.
Milk is an uncountable noun, modified by less and least.
Meaning and use Example
Few - Meaning : not many/not a lot
- Used before plural nouns.
There are few apples at the market
today.
Fewer - Meaning : not as many
- Used before plural nouns
The supermarket has fewer apples.
Fewest - Meaning : the smallest number
- Used with 'the' before plural nouns
This shop has the fewest
apples.
Little - Meaning : not much/not a lot
- Used before uncountable nouns.
There is little milk left in the
bottle.
Less - Meaning : not as much
- Used before uncountable nouns.
We bought less milk yesterday.
Least - Meaning : the smallest quantity
- Used with 'the' before uncountable nouns.
The child refused to
drink the least milk.
N.B.
'A few' and 'a little' have a positive meaning : a small quantity.
- There are a few apples. There is a little milk.
from: Learn English Today
Their use with countable or uncountable nouns is shown in the table below.
In the examples given, apples is a plural countable noun, modified by fewer and fewest.
Milk is an uncountable noun, modified by less and least.
Meaning and use Example
Few - Meaning : not many/not a lot
- Used before plural nouns.
There are few apples at the market
today.
Fewer - Meaning : not as many
- Used before plural nouns
The supermarket has fewer apples.
Fewest - Meaning : the smallest number
- Used with 'the' before plural nouns
This shop has the fewest
apples.
Little - Meaning : not much/not a lot
- Used before uncountable nouns.
There is little milk left in the
bottle.
Less - Meaning : not as much
- Used before uncountable nouns.
We bought less milk yesterday.
Least - Meaning : the smallest quantity
- Used with 'the' before uncountable nouns.
The child refused to
drink the least milk.
N.B.
'A few' and 'a little' have a positive meaning : a small quantity.
- There are a few apples. There is a little milk.
from: Learn English Today
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Can
Can
"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.
Examples:
I can ride a horse. ability
We can stay with my brother when we are in Paris. opportunity
She cannot stay out after 10 PM. permission
Can you hand me the stapler? request
Any child can grow up to be president. possibility
Using "Can" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "can" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use: can general ability
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I can speak Chinese.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "COULD" I could speak Chinese when I was a kid.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I will be able to speak Chinese by the time I
finish my course.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I can't speak Swahili.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "COULD" I couldn't speak Swahili.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I won't be able to speak Swahili.
You can also use: be able to
can ability during a specific event
Positive Forms
(present) 1. With a burst of adrenaline, people can pick up cars.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he was able
to lift the car off the child's leg.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he will be able to lift the car.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. Even with a burst of adrenaline, people can't pick up something that heavy.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" Even the weight lifter, couldn't lift the car off the
child's leg.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" Even three men working together won't be able to lift
the car.
You can also use: be able to
can opportunity
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I have some free time. I can help her now.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I had some free time yesterday. I was able to
help her at that time.
(future) 3. I'll have some free time tomorrow. I can help her then.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I don't have any time. I can't help her now.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I didn't have time yesterday. I wasn't able to help
her at that time.
(future) 3. I won't have any time later. I can't help her then.
You can also use: be able to
can permission
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I can drive Susan's car when she is out of town.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " I was allowed to drive Susan's car while
she was out of town last week.
(future) 3. I can drive Susan's car while she is out of town next week.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I can't drive Susan's car when she is out of town.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " I wasn't allowed to drive Susan's car while
she was out of town last week.
(future) 3. I can't drive Susan's car while she is out of town next week.
You can also use: may
can request
Positive Forms
(present) Can I have a glass of water?
(past) Can you give me a lift to school?
(future) Requests usually refer to the near future.
Negative Forms
(present) Can't I have a glass of water?
(past) Can't you give me a lift to school?
(future) Requests usually refer to the near future.
You can also use: could, may
can possibility, impossibility
Positive Forms
(present) Anyone can become rich and famous if they know the right people.
(past) Learning a language can be a real challenge.
(future) This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.
Negative Forms
(present) It can't cost more than a dollar or two.
(past) You can't be 45! I thought you were about 18 years old.
(future) This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.
You can also use: could
from: English Page
"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.
Examples:
I can ride a horse. ability
We can stay with my brother when we are in Paris. opportunity
She cannot stay out after 10 PM. permission
Can you hand me the stapler? request
Any child can grow up to be president. possibility
Using "Can" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "can" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use: can general ability
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I can speak Chinese.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "COULD" I could speak Chinese when I was a kid.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I will be able to speak Chinese by the time I
finish my course.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I can't speak Swahili.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "COULD" I couldn't speak Swahili.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I won't be able to speak Swahili.
You can also use: be able to
can ability during a specific event
Positive Forms
(present) 1. With a burst of adrenaline, people can pick up cars.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he was able
to lift the car off the child's leg.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he will be able to lift the car.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. Even with a burst of adrenaline, people can't pick up something that heavy.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" Even the weight lifter, couldn't lift the car off the
child's leg.
(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" Even three men working together won't be able to lift
the car.
You can also use: be able to
can opportunity
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I have some free time. I can help her now.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I had some free time yesterday. I was able to
help her at that time.
(future) 3. I'll have some free time tomorrow. I can help her then.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I don't have any time. I can't help her now.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I didn't have time yesterday. I wasn't able to help
her at that time.
(future) 3. I won't have any time later. I can't help her then.
You can also use: be able to
can permission
Positive Forms
(present) 1. I can drive Susan's car when she is out of town.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " I was allowed to drive Susan's car while
she was out of town last week.
(future) 3. I can drive Susan's car while she is out of town next week.
Negative Forms
(present) 1. I can't drive Susan's car when she is out of town.
(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " I wasn't allowed to drive Susan's car while
she was out of town last week.
(future) 3. I can't drive Susan's car while she is out of town next week.
You can also use: may
can request
Positive Forms
(present) Can I have a glass of water?
(past) Can you give me a lift to school?
(future) Requests usually refer to the near future.
Negative Forms
(present) Can't I have a glass of water?
(past) Can't you give me a lift to school?
(future) Requests usually refer to the near future.
You can also use: could, may
can possibility, impossibility
Positive Forms
(present) Anyone can become rich and famous if they know the right people.
(past) Learning a language can be a real challenge.
(future) This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.
Negative Forms
(present) It can't cost more than a dollar or two.
(past) You can't be 45! I thought you were about 18 years old.
(future) This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.
You can also use: could
from: English Page
WRITING BUSINESS LETTERS
Useful phrases
Salutation
Dear Mr Brown
Dear Ms White
Dear Sir
Dear Sirs
Dear Madam
Dear Sir or Madam
Gentlemen
Starting
We are writing to inform you that ... to confirm ... to request ... to enquire about ...
I am contacting you for the following reason.
I recently read/heard about . . . and would like to know . . .
Having seen your advertisement in ... , I would like to ...
I would be interested in (obtaining/receiving) ...
I received your address from ... and would like to ...
I am writing to tell you about ...
Referring to previous contact
Thank you for your letter of March 15 ...
Thank you for contacting us.
In reply to your request ...
Thank you for your letter regarding ...
With reference to our telephone conversation yesterday ...
Further to our meeting last week ...
It was a pleasure meeting you in London last month.
I enjoyed having lunch with you last week in Tokyo.
I would just like to confirm the main points we discussed on Tuesday . . .
Making a request
We would appreciate it if you would ...
I would be grateful if you could...
Could you please send me . . .
Could you possibly tell us/let us have...
In addition, I would like to receive ...
It would be helpful if you could send us ...
I am interested in (obtaining/receiving...)
I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
Please let me know what action you propose to take.
Offering help
We would be happy to ...
Would you like us to ...
We are quite willing to ...
Our company would be pleased to ...
Giving good news
We are pleased to announce that ...
I am delighted to inform you that ...
You will be pleased to learn that ...
Giving bad news
We regret to inform you that ...
I'm afraid it would not be possible to ...
Unfortunately we cannot/we are unable to ...
After careful consideration we have decided (not) to ...
Complaining
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with ...
I am writing to complain about ...
Please note that the goods we ordered on (date) have not yet arrived.
We regret to inform you that our order n°--- is now considerably overdue.
I would like to query the transport charges which seem unusually high.
Apologizing
We are sorry for the delay in replying ...
I regret any inconvenience caused
I would like to apologize for (the delay/the inconvenience) ...
Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.
Orders
Thank you for your quotation of ...
We are pleased to place an order with your company for ...
We would like to cancel our order n°...
Please confirm receipt of our order.
I am pleased to acknowledge receipt of your order n°...
Your order will be processed as quickly as possible.
It will take about (three) weeks to process your order.
We can guarantee delivery before ...
Unfortunately these articles are no longer available/are out of stock.
Prices
Please send us your price list.
You will find enclosed our most recent catalogue and price list.
Please note that our prices are subject to change without notice.
We have pleasure in enclosing a detailed quotation.
We can make you a firm offer of ...
Our terms of payment are as follows :
Referring to payment
Our records show that we have not yet received payment of ...
According to our records ...
Please send payment as soon as possible.
You will receive a credit note for the sum of ...
Enclosing documents
I am enclosing ...
Please find enclosed ...
You will find enclosed ...
Closing remarks
If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know
If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me
If you require more information ...
For further details ...
Thank you for taking this into consideration
Thank you for your help.
We hope you are happy with this arrangement.
We hope you can settle this matter to our satisfaction.
Referring to future business
We look forward to a successful working relationship in the future
We would be (very) pleased to do business with your company.
I would be happy to have an opportunity to work with your firm.
Referring to future contact
I look forward to seeing you next week
Looking forward to hearing from you
" " to receiving your comments
I look forward to meeting you on the 15th
I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience.
Ending
Sincerely, }
Yours sincerely, } (for all customers/clients)
Sincerely yours, }
Regards, (for those you already know and have a working relationship with)
from: Learn English Today
Salutation
Dear Mr Brown
Dear Ms White
Dear Sir
Dear Sirs
Dear Madam
Dear Sir or Madam
Gentlemen
Starting
We are writing to inform you that ... to confirm ... to request ... to enquire about ...
I am contacting you for the following reason.
I recently read/heard about . . . and would like to know . . .
Having seen your advertisement in ... , I would like to ...
I would be interested in (obtaining/receiving) ...
I received your address from ... and would like to ...
I am writing to tell you about ...
Referring to previous contact
Thank you for your letter of March 15 ...
Thank you for contacting us.
In reply to your request ...
Thank you for your letter regarding ...
With reference to our telephone conversation yesterday ...
Further to our meeting last week ...
It was a pleasure meeting you in London last month.
I enjoyed having lunch with you last week in Tokyo.
I would just like to confirm the main points we discussed on Tuesday . . .
Making a request
We would appreciate it if you would ...
I would be grateful if you could...
Could you please send me . . .
Could you possibly tell us/let us have...
In addition, I would like to receive ...
It would be helpful if you could send us ...
I am interested in (obtaining/receiving...)
I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
Please let me know what action you propose to take.
Offering help
We would be happy to ...
Would you like us to ...
We are quite willing to ...
Our company would be pleased to ...
Giving good news
We are pleased to announce that ...
I am delighted to inform you that ...
You will be pleased to learn that ...
Giving bad news
We regret to inform you that ...
I'm afraid it would not be possible to ...
Unfortunately we cannot/we are unable to ...
After careful consideration we have decided (not) to ...
Complaining
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with ...
I am writing to complain about ...
Please note that the goods we ordered on (date) have not yet arrived.
We regret to inform you that our order n°--- is now considerably overdue.
I would like to query the transport charges which seem unusually high.
Apologizing
We are sorry for the delay in replying ...
I regret any inconvenience caused
I would like to apologize for (the delay/the inconvenience) ...
Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.
Orders
Thank you for your quotation of ...
We are pleased to place an order with your company for ...
We would like to cancel our order n°...
Please confirm receipt of our order.
I am pleased to acknowledge receipt of your order n°...
Your order will be processed as quickly as possible.
It will take about (three) weeks to process your order.
We can guarantee delivery before ...
Unfortunately these articles are no longer available/are out of stock.
Prices
Please send us your price list.
You will find enclosed our most recent catalogue and price list.
Please note that our prices are subject to change without notice.
We have pleasure in enclosing a detailed quotation.
We can make you a firm offer of ...
Our terms of payment are as follows :
Referring to payment
Our records show that we have not yet received payment of ...
According to our records ...
Please send payment as soon as possible.
You will receive a credit note for the sum of ...
Enclosing documents
I am enclosing ...
Please find enclosed ...
You will find enclosed ...
Closing remarks
If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know
If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me
If you require more information ...
For further details ...
Thank you for taking this into consideration
Thank you for your help.
We hope you are happy with this arrangement.
We hope you can settle this matter to our satisfaction.
Referring to future business
We look forward to a successful working relationship in the future
We would be (very) pleased to do business with your company.
I would be happy to have an opportunity to work with your firm.
Referring to future contact
I look forward to seeing you next week
Looking forward to hearing from you
" " to receiving your comments
I look forward to meeting you on the 15th
I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience.
Ending
Sincerely, }
Yours sincerely, } (for all customers/clients)
Sincerely yours, }
Regards, (for those you already know and have a working relationship with)
from: Learn English Today
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Telephone Conversation Expressions
Useful telephone vocabulary and phrases in English
►Making contact
Hello/Good morning/Good afternoon ..
This is John Brown speaking.
Could I speak to .......... please?I'd like to speak to .......... please.
I'm trying to contact ..........
►Giving more information
• I'm calling from Tokyo/Paris/New York/Sydney • I'm calling on behalf of (Mr. X ...)
►Taking a call
X speaking
Can I help you?
►Asking for a name/information
Who's calling please?
Who's speaking?
Where are you calling from?
Are you sure you have the right number/name?
►Asking the caller to wait
Hold the line please
Could you hold on please
Just a moment please
►Connecting
Thank you for holding
The line's free now ..... I'll put you through
I'll connect you now / I'm connecting you now.
►Giving negative information
I'm afraid the line's engaged. Could you call back later?
I'm afraid he's in a meeting at the moment
I'm sorry. He's out of the office today / He isn't in at the moment.
I'm afraid we don't have a Mr/Mrs/Miss ... here
I'm sorry. There's nobody here by that name.
Sorry. I think you've dialled the wrong number.
I'm afraid you've got the wrong number.
►Telephone problems
The line is very bad. Could you speak up please?
Could you repeat that please?
I'm afraid I can't hear you.
Sorry. I didn't catch that.
Could you say that again please?
►Leaving/taking a message
Can I leave/take a message?
Would you like to leave a message?
Could you give him/her a message?
Could you ask him/her to call me back?
Would you like him/her to call you back?
Could you tell him/her that I called?
Could you give me your name please?
Could you spell that please?
What's your number please?
from: Learn English Today
►Making contact
Hello/Good morning/Good afternoon ..
This is John Brown speaking.
Could I speak to .......... please?I'd like to speak to .......... please.
I'm trying to contact ..........
►Giving more information
• I'm calling from Tokyo/Paris/New York/Sydney • I'm calling on behalf of (Mr. X ...)
►Taking a call
X speaking
Can I help you?
►Asking for a name/information
Who's calling please?
Who's speaking?
Where are you calling from?
Are you sure you have the right number/name?
►Asking the caller to wait
Hold the line please
Could you hold on please
Just a moment please
►Connecting
Thank you for holding
The line's free now ..... I'll put you through
I'll connect you now / I'm connecting you now.
►Giving negative information
I'm afraid the line's engaged. Could you call back later?
I'm afraid he's in a meeting at the moment
I'm sorry. He's out of the office today / He isn't in at the moment.
I'm afraid we don't have a Mr/Mrs/Miss ... here
I'm sorry. There's nobody here by that name.
Sorry. I think you've dialled the wrong number.
I'm afraid you've got the wrong number.
►Telephone problems
The line is very bad. Could you speak up please?
Could you repeat that please?
I'm afraid I can't hear you.
Sorry. I didn't catch that.
Could you say that again please?
►Leaving/taking a message
Can I leave/take a message?
Would you like to leave a message?
Could you give him/her a message?
Could you ask him/her to call me back?
Would you like him/her to call you back?
Could you tell him/her that I called?
Could you give me your name please?
Could you spell that please?
What's your number please?
from: Learn English Today
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Conditionals 1-2
Conditional Tense
(example : to call)
Affirmative
I would call
You would call
He/she/it would call
We would call
You would call
They would call
Negative
Long Form Contracted Form
I would not call I wouldn't call
You would not call You wouldn't call
He would not call He wouldn't call
We would not call We wouldn't call
You would not call You wouldn't call
They would not call They wouldn't call
Interrogative
Would I call?
Would you call?
Would he call?
Would we call?
Would you call?
Would they call?
1) The conditional: would + verb, is used to refer to an imaginary or hypothetical situation, with an 'if' clause in the past.
Ex : ◊ If I saw an accident, I would call an ambulance.
◊ I would call an ambulance if I saw an accident.
It is possible that you will never see an accident, but here you are describing your probable reaction in such circumstances.
Tom is not rich but he likes fast cars.
◊ If Tom had more money, he would buy a fast car.
2) In English, there are different conditional structures :
Present + Present (what is recommended in this situation) If you see an accident, call a doctor!
Present + Future (possible future situation) If I see an accident, I will call a doctor.
Past + Conditional (imaginary situation) If I saw an accident, I would call a doctor.
Past Perfect + Conditional Perfect
(the accident occurred but I didn't see it) If I had seen the accident,
I would have called a doctor.
from: LEARN ENGLISH TODAY
(example : to call)
Affirmative
I would call
You would call
He/she/it would call
We would call
You would call
They would call
Negative
Long Form Contracted Form
I would not call I wouldn't call
You would not call You wouldn't call
He would not call He wouldn't call
We would not call We wouldn't call
You would not call You wouldn't call
They would not call They wouldn't call
Interrogative
Would I call?
Would you call?
Would he call?
Would we call?
Would you call?
Would they call?
1) The conditional: would + verb, is used to refer to an imaginary or hypothetical situation, with an 'if' clause in the past.
Ex : ◊ If I saw an accident, I would call an ambulance.
◊ I would call an ambulance if I saw an accident.
It is possible that you will never see an accident, but here you are describing your probable reaction in such circumstances.
Tom is not rich but he likes fast cars.
◊ If Tom had more money, he would buy a fast car.
2) In English, there are different conditional structures :
Present + Present (what is recommended in this situation) If you see an accident, call a doctor!
Present + Future (possible future situation) If I see an accident, I will call a doctor.
Past + Conditional (imaginary situation) If I saw an accident, I would call a doctor.
Past Perfect + Conditional Perfect
(the accident occurred but I didn't see it) If I had seen the accident,
I would have called a doctor.
from: LEARN ENGLISH TODAY
Present Continuous 1-2
Present Continuous
FORM
[am/is/are + present participle]
Examples:
You are watching TV.
Are you watching TV?
You are not watching TV.
Complete List of Present Continuous Forms
USE 1 Now
Use the Present Continuous with Normal Verbs to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now.
Examples:
You are learning English now.
You are not swimming now.
Are you sleeping?
I am sitting.
I am not standing.
Is he sitting or standing?
They are reading their books.
They are not watching television.
What are you doing?
Why aren't you doing your homework?
USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now
In English, "now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on. Sometimes, we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.
Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)
I am studying to become a doctor.
I am not studying to become a dentist.
I am reading the book Tom Sawyer.
I am not reading any books right now.
Are you working on any special projects at work?
Aren't you teaching at the university now?
USE 3 Near Future
Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not happen in the near future.
Examples:
I am meeting some friends after work.
I am not going to the party tonight.
Is he visiting his parents next weekend?
Isn't he coming with us tonight?
USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"
The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like Simple Present, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
Examples:
She is always coming to class late.
He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.
I don't like them because they are always complaining.
REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Present Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Present.
Examples:
She is loving this chocolate ice cream. Not Correct
She loves this chocolate ice cream. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
You are still watching TV.
Are you still watching TV?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Right now, Tom is writing the letter. Active
Right now, the letter is being written by Tom. Passive
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Present Conditionals
Present Real Conditional
FORM
[If / When ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Present ...]
[... Simple Present ... if / when ... Simple Present ...]
USE
The Present Real Conditional is used to talk about what you normally do in real-life situations.
Examples:
If I go to a friend's house for dinner, I usually take a bottle of wine or some flowers.
When I have a day off from work, I often go to the beach.
If the weather is nice, she walks to work.
Jerry helps me with my homework when he has time.
I read if there is nothing on TV.
A: What do you do when it rains?
B: I stay at home.
A: Where do you stay if you go to Sydney?
B: I stay with my friends near the harbor.
IMPORTANT
If / When
Both "if" and "when" are used in the Present Real Conditional. Using "if" suggests that something happens less frequently. Using "when" suggests that something happens regularly.
Examples:
When I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
I regularly have days off from work.
If I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
I rarely have days off from work.
Present Unreal Conditional
FORM
[If ... Simple Past ..., ... would + verb ...]
[... would + verb ... if ... Simple Past ...]
USE
The Present Unreal Conditional is used to talk about what you would generally do in imaginary situations.
Examples:
If I owned a car, I would drive to work. But I don't own a car.
She would travel around the world if she had more money. But she doesn't have much money.
I would read more if I didn't watch so much TV.
Mary would move to Japan if she spoke Japanese.
If they worked harder, they would earn more money.
A: What would you do if you won the lottery?
B: I would buy a house.
A: Where would you live if you moved to the U.S.?
B: I would live in Seattle.
EXCEPTION
If I were ...
In the Present Unreal Conditional, the form "was" is not considered grammatically correct. In written English or in testing situations, you should always use "were." However, in everyday conversation, "was" is often used.
Examples:
If he were French, he would live in Paris.
If she were rich, she would buy a yacht.
I would play basketball if I were taller.
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper.
I would buy that computer if it was cheaper. Not Correct (But often said in conversation.)
IMPORTANT
Only use "If"Only the word "if" is used with the Present Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. "When" cannot be used.
Examples:
I would buy that computer when it were cheaper. Not Correct
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper. Correct
EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs
There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would + can = could
would + shall = should
would + may = might
The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would." Instead, they must be used in these special forms.
Examples:
If I went to Egypt, I would can learn Arabic. Not Correct
If I went to Egypt, I could learn Arabic. Correct
If she had time, she would may go to the party. Not Correct
If she had time, she might go to the party. Correct
The words "could," should," "might" and "ought to" include conditional, so you cannot combine them with "would."
Examples:
If I had more time, I would could exercise after work. Not Correct
If I had more time, I could exercise after work. Correct
If he invited you, you really would should go. Not Correct
If he invited you, you really should go. Correct
from: ENGLISH PAGE
FORM
[If / When ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Present ...]
[... Simple Present ... if / when ... Simple Present ...]
USE
The Present Real Conditional is used to talk about what you normally do in real-life situations.
Examples:
If I go to a friend's house for dinner, I usually take a bottle of wine or some flowers.
When I have a day off from work, I often go to the beach.
If the weather is nice, she walks to work.
Jerry helps me with my homework when he has time.
I read if there is nothing on TV.
A: What do you do when it rains?
B: I stay at home.
A: Where do you stay if you go to Sydney?
B: I stay with my friends near the harbor.
IMPORTANT
If / When
Both "if" and "when" are used in the Present Real Conditional. Using "if" suggests that something happens less frequently. Using "when" suggests that something happens regularly.
Examples:
When I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
I regularly have days off from work.
If I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
I rarely have days off from work.
Present Unreal Conditional
FORM
[If ... Simple Past ..., ... would + verb ...]
[... would + verb ... if ... Simple Past ...]
USE
The Present Unreal Conditional is used to talk about what you would generally do in imaginary situations.
Examples:
If I owned a car, I would drive to work. But I don't own a car.
She would travel around the world if she had more money. But she doesn't have much money.
I would read more if I didn't watch so much TV.
Mary would move to Japan if she spoke Japanese.
If they worked harder, they would earn more money.
A: What would you do if you won the lottery?
B: I would buy a house.
A: Where would you live if you moved to the U.S.?
B: I would live in Seattle.
EXCEPTION
If I were ...
In the Present Unreal Conditional, the form "was" is not considered grammatically correct. In written English or in testing situations, you should always use "were." However, in everyday conversation, "was" is often used.
Examples:
If he were French, he would live in Paris.
If she were rich, she would buy a yacht.
I would play basketball if I were taller.
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper.
I would buy that computer if it was cheaper. Not Correct (But often said in conversation.)
IMPORTANT
Only use "If"Only the word "if" is used with the Present Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. "When" cannot be used.
Examples:
I would buy that computer when it were cheaper. Not Correct
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper. Correct
EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs
There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would + can = could
would + shall = should
would + may = might
The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would." Instead, they must be used in these special forms.
Examples:
If I went to Egypt, I would can learn Arabic. Not Correct
If I went to Egypt, I could learn Arabic. Correct
If she had time, she would may go to the party. Not Correct
If she had time, she might go to the party. Correct
The words "could," should," "might" and "ought to" include conditional, so you cannot combine them with "would."
Examples:
If I had more time, I would could exercise after work. Not Correct
If I had more time, I could exercise after work. Correct
If he invited you, you really would should go. Not Correct
If he invited you, you really should go. Correct
from: ENGLISH PAGE
Present Perfect Tense 1-2
Present Perfect Simple
Affirmative
I have done
You have done
He/she/is has done
We have done
They have done
You have done
Negative
Long Form Contracted Form
I have not done I haven't done
You have not done You haven't done
He/she/it has not done He/she/it hasn't done
We have not done We haven't done
You have not done You haven't done
They have not done They haven't done
Interrogative
Have I done?
Have you done?
Has he/she/it done?
Have we done?
Have you done?
Have they done?
from: LEARN ENGLISH TODAY
Perfect Present - Past Simple
(I have finished) (I finished)
When do we use them?
PRESENT PERFECTThe Present Perfect is used to link the present and the past.
The Present Perfect is used :
1. To talk about an action which started in the past and continues today.
For and since are used to express duration.
◊ I have lived here for 10 years. I have lived here since 1998.
(I arrived here 10 years ago and I am still here.)
2. To refer to past events in an unfinished period of time :
◊ I have written two letters today.
(Two letters are written but today is not finished.)
3. To talk about recent events that have just happened or been announced :
◊ There has been a plane crash near the coast.
(We know the event took place but we don't know when.)
4. To talk about a past action with a result in the present :
◊ I've broken my arm. I can't drive. (= because my arm is broken now)
5. To talk and ask about experiences or accomplishments up to the time of speaking, but at no specific time.
" I'm a writer. I've written 9 books."
" Have you ever written a biography?" "No never."
PAST SIMPLE
The Past Simple is used to talk about past events which happened in a finished period of time.
The Past Simple is used :
1. When the period of time is finished :
◊ I wrote two letters yesterday.
(Yesterday is finished.)
2. When the time is mentioned, either a precise time in the past, or a time expression which clearly situates the event in the past:
◊ I lived in the country
... until the age of 6
... when I was young
... from 1985 to 1992
... before we moved to London
... a long time ago
NB : As a general rule, if you can answer the question "when?", use the Past Simple
FROM: LEARN ENGLISH TODAY
Friday, August 1, 2008
Present Continuous Tense 1
(example : to play)
Affirmative
I am playing
You are playing
He/she/it is playing
We are playing
You are playing
They are playing
Negative
Long Form Contracted Form
I am not playing I'm not playing
You are not playing You're not playing
He/she/it is not playing He/she/it's not playing
We are not playing We aren't playing
You are not playing You're not playing
They are not playing They aren't playing
Interrogative
Am I playing?
Are you playing?
Is he/she/it playing?
Are we playing?
Are you playing?
Are they playing?
The Present Continuous is used :
● To talk about continuous activities :
1) at the time of speaking :
- I am reading this page now.
2) around now, in a more general sense :
- I am learning English this year
● To talk about planned future arrangements :
- Next month I am spending my holidays in Australia.
I have already booked my flight.
- Our neighbours are coming to dinner tomorrow.
They have accepted our invitation.
FROM: LEARN ENGLISH TODAY
Affirmative
I am playing
You are playing
He/she/it is playing
We are playing
You are playing
They are playing
Negative
Long Form Contracted Form
I am not playing I'm not playing
You are not playing You're not playing
He/she/it is not playing He/she/it's not playing
We are not playing We aren't playing
You are not playing You're not playing
They are not playing They aren't playing
Interrogative
Am I playing?
Are you playing?
Is he/she/it playing?
Are we playing?
Are you playing?
Are they playing?
The Present Continuous is used :
● To talk about continuous activities :
1) at the time of speaking :
- I am reading this page now.
2) around now, in a more general sense :
- I am learning English this year
● To talk about planned future arrangements :
- Next month I am spending my holidays in Australia.
I have already booked my flight.
- Our neighbours are coming to dinner tomorrow.
They have accepted our invitation.
FROM: LEARN ENGLISH TODAY
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