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How to form the present simple tense in English. Structure of present simple positive I work in a bank. You work in a bank. We work in a bank. They work in a bank. He works in a bank. She works in a bank. The bank opens at 9 o'clock. negative I don't (do not) work. You don't (do not) work. We don't (do not) work. They don't (do not) work. He doesn't (does not) work. She doesn't (does not) work. It doesn't (does not) open at 9 o'clock. question Do I work in a bank? Do you work in a bank? Do we work in a bank? Do they work in a bank? Does he work? Does she work? Does it open at 9 o'clock?
Present simple - common mistakes Common mistakes I working in London. Correct version I work in London. Why? The gerund ing form is not used in the present simple. The third person he, she, itadds the letter s. He work in London? Does he work in London? Questions - third person: does + subject + infinitive. Work he in London? Does he work in London? All other persons: do + subject + infinitive. Negatives - third person: He not work in London. He doesn't work in London. subject + doesn't + infinitive. All other persons: subject + don't + infinitive.
He work in London.
He works in London.
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Umesh Adhikari
Structure of present continuous positive I'm (I am) reading a book. You're (you are) reading. We're (we are) reading. They're (they are) reading. negative I'm (I am) not reading. You're (you are) not reading. We're (we are) not reading. They're (they are) not reading. He's not / he isn't (he is not) reading. She's not / she isn't (she is not) reading. It's not / it isn't (it is not) raining. question Am I reading? Are you reading? Are we reading? Are they reading?
He's (he is) reading a book. She's (she is) reading a book. It's (it is) raining.
Present continuous - common mistakes Common mistakes They still waiting for you. They are still waiting for you? Do they still waiting for you? Where they are waiting for you? Correct version They are still waiting for you. Are they still waiting for you? Are they still waiting for you? Where are they waiting for you? To form the negative we put notafter the verb be (am not, is not = isn't, are not = aren't). Some verbs are not used in continuous tenses - these are In questions the subject (they) and the auxiliary verb (be) change places. Why? to form a continuous tense we use be + -ing.
I believe you.
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called stative verbs (e.g.believe, come from, cost, depend, exist, feel, hate, like).
Past simple - common mistakes Common mistakes Correct version Why? In positive sentences, a I was work in London. I worked in London. helping verb such as 'was' or 'did' is not used. He worked in London? Did he work in London? The helping verb 'did' is used in past simple questions. The helping verb 'did' is used in past simple questions. The main verb is used in the Did he wrote a letter? Did he write a letter? infinitive form in questions and negatives. The main verb is used in the He didn't wrote a letter. He didn't write a letter. infinitive form in questions and negatives.
Worked he in London?
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Structure of past continuous positive I was reading a book. He/she was talking. It was raining. You were reading a book. We were waiting. They were drinking. negative I wasn't (was not) reading. He/she wasn't talking. It wasn't raining. You weren't (were not) reading. We weren't talking. They weren't drinking. question Was I reading? Was he/she talking? Was it raining? Were you reading? Were we waiting? Were they drinking?
I waiting for him almost two I was waiting for him hours. almost two hours. What did he doing when you saw him? We were playing tennis every morning. What was he doing when you saw him? We played tennis every morning.
We use the past simple for repeated actions in the past. We use the past continuous when we want to say what was happening (what was in progress) at a particular time in the past.
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Present perfect simple - common mistakes Common mistakes Steven has wrote a new book. Correct version Steven has written a new book. Why? The past participle of the verb must be used - wrote is past simple, written is the past participle. The helping verb 'have' is used in the present perfectit is inverted with the person (you have becomes have you). The helping verb 'have' is used in the present perfectto make it negative we simply add not(n't). The present perfect is used to show an action which continues to the present (an unfinished action).
Verbs such I've been knowing him for 5 I've known him for 5 years. as know, want,like, etc. years. (stative verbs) suggest
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permanent states, not actions, so are used in the simple form, NOT the -ing form.
I have (I've) been living here Have you been living here for two years. for a long time? He has (he's) been waiting What has she been doing? for you. Present perfect continuous - common mistakes Common mistakes It has been rain heavily all day. Correct version It has been raining heavily all day.
Why? The structure of the present perfect continuous is have/has been -ing. Verbs such as sit, wait, speak, etc. (nonstative verbs) suggest continuity and so are mostly used in the continuous (-ing) form. When BOTH the simple and continuous forms are possible, native speakers prefer to use the continuous.
Which? I have worked here for five years. I have been working here for five years.
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Past perfect simple - common mistakes Common mistakes I didn't been to London. Correct version I hadn't been to London. Why? The helping verb had (negative -hadn't) is used in the past perfect. The action (haircut) which happened before another past action must be put into the past perfect to make the time order clear to the listener. His original words were: ''I have been to London.'' However, in reported speech we move the tense back the present perfect (have been) becomes past perfect (had been).
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Past perfect continuous - common mistakes Common mistakes I had working hard, so I felt very tired. I had been worked hard, so I felt very tired. I had been hearing the song many times before. Correct version Why?
Some verbs are not normally used in the continuous form, e.g. stative verbs such asknow, like, understand, believe,hear, etc.
Structure of future simple statement I will (I'll) be there tomorrow. You will (you'll) be there. He/she/it will (he'll) be there. We will (we'll) be there. They will (they'll) be there. negative I won't (will not) be there. You won't be there. He/she/it won't be there. We won't be there. They won't be there. question Will I be there tomorrow? Will you be there? Will he/she/it be there? Will we be there? Will they be there?
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Umesh Adhikari
Will I be waiting there? Will you be waiting? Will he/she/it be waiting? Will we be waiting? Will they be waiting?
'going to' for future - common mistakes Common mistakes You know that I'll buy a new car, don't you? Look! You will drop your books. Correct version You know that I am going to buy a new car, don't you? Look! You are going to dropyour books. Why? We use going to for a future action that has been decided before the time of speaking. We use going to if we see (and are sure) that the action will happen.
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Future perfect simple - common mistakes Common mistakes The film will already has started by the time we get home. Will have you finished it by the time I come back? Correct version The film will already havestarted by the time we get home. Why? The form of the future perfect is will + have + past participle.
Will you have finished it by See word order and the form the time I come back? of the question above.
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Umesh Adhikari
Future perfect continuous - common mistakes Common mistakes I will have working in the company for five years next month. I will haven't been working in the company for five years next month. Correct version Why?
The form of the future I will have been working in perfect continuous is the company for five years will + have + been + past next month. participle. I will not (won't) have been working in the company for five years next month. The form of the negative is will not + have + been + past participle. The form of the question is will + subject + have + been + past participle. We use the simple form when we talk about an amount or number.
Will have you been working Will you have been in the company for five workingin the company for years next month? five years next month? I'll have been working in three different positions at the company by the end of the year. I'll have worked in three different positions at the company by the end of the year.
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Conditional sentences
Learners of English often have problems with conditional sentences. One problem is knowing which conditional to use. A learner might then have difficulties with the construction of the conditional sentence. Here are all four of the conditionals forms in English, with examples and explanations of when and how to use them. Structure and usage of the zero conditional Structure and usage of the first conditional Structure and usage of the second conditional Structure and usage of the third conditional
If/when you don't heat water What happens if/when you to 100 degrees, it doesn't heat water to 100 degrees? boil.
The zero conditional - common mistakes Common mistakes Correct version Why? We use the present simple in both clauses of the zero conditional. We are saying that the condition can be true at any time (it is a fact). If means the same as when in a zero conditional sentence. We can also use whenever.
If/when people eat too much, they will get fat. Water boils when it will reach 100C.
If/when people eat too much, they get fat. Water boils when it reaches100C.
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The first conditional - common mistakes Common mistakes If you will go to England, you will improve your English. If I find his address, I send him the letter. I'll tell him if I will see him. Correct version If you go to England, you will improve your English. If I find his address, I will send him the letter. I'll tell him if I see him. Why? We use the present simple in the if-clause. We use will in the main clause, to express certainty in the future. We use the present simple in the if-clause.
Structure of the second conditional positive If I had more time, I'd (I would) travel more. If I were you, I'd leave the job. negative I wouldn't (would not) refuse if you offered me $10,000. question What would you say if you met Queen Elizabeth?
I wouldn't (would not) leave Would you leave the job if the job if I were you. you were me?
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Common mistakes Correct version Why? We use the past simple (here I had) in the if-clause. It shows we are talking about something which is unlikely to happen or is an imaginary situation. The main clause has would + infinitive.
The third conditional - common mistakes Common mistakes If I would have asked him, he would have helped me. If you had spoken to my mother, she would tell you where I was. Correct version If I had asked him, he would have helped me. If you had spoken to my mother, she would have toldyou where I was. Why? In the if-clause we use the past perfect (had + pastparticiple). We don't use 'would' or 'would have' in the if-clause. The main clause has would + have + past participle.
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certain verbs: avoid, admit, can't stand, deny, dislike, enjoy, hate, like, love, mind, practise. The gerund form (-ing) is used after a verb + preposition: insist on, look forward to, etc. I don't like living in a city.
I'm looking forward to seeing you. He insisted on seeing the shop manager.
Verb + object + to + infinitive After some verbs we use the object, followed byto + infinitive. Verbs which can be followed by this form include: advise, ask, allow, expect, encourage, force, help, invite, order, persuade, teach, tell.
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They helped their neighbour to repair his car. She asked me to give her some advice. I told my assistant to send the letter. I advised my friend not to sell his house.
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Modal verbs
Modal verbs, sometimes just called modals, are auxiliary verbs (helping verbs). They can express such things as possibility, probability, permission and obligation. We use a modal verb before a second verb. A modal verb can sometimes have more than one meaning.
Expressing obligation
Must / have to Should to express obligation Should have to express unfulfilled obligation in the past
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can (used for possibility) You can smoke here. can't / cannot / mustn't You can't smoke here. You mustn't smoke here.
Must / have to present When expressing obligation: I must go. / I have to go. When expressing a personal opinion about probability (deduction), we use 'must' to
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past When expressing obligation, the past of 'must' and 'have to' is always 'had to': I had to go. They had to be there at 2 o'clock. When expressing a personal opinion in the past, we use 'must have', not 'had to':
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express that we feel something is true: He must be here. It must be great. He must have been here. It must have been great.
Should - to express obligation Structure: should + infinitive We use should for the present and the future. We use should to give advice to someone and to say that something is a good idea. Should is weaker than have to or must.
You should tell them the truth. You shouldn't smoke, it's bad for you. I don't think you should do it.
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Must / can't - to express probability Structure: modal + infinitive without to must be, must have, can't go, etc. We use must to express that we feel sure that something is true. We use can't to say we are sure that something is impossible. They are really good, they must win. They must be very rich. Look at the house. She can't be ill. I've just seen her in the shop and she looked fine. It can't be true. I don't believe it.
May / might / could - to express probability Structure: modal + infinitive without to may be, might do, could go, etc. We use may or could or might to say that it is possible that something will happen or is happening. The negative of may is may not. The negative of might is might not. He might not be offered the job. They both mean that it is possible that something will not happen or is not happening. We DO NOT use could not to express probability. I may not pass the exam. I might not go to the match tomorrow. They may be arriving tomorrow. He might be away on holiday. He could be away on holiday. He might be offered the job.
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May / might / could have - to express probability in the past Structure: modal + have + past participle may have been, could have gone, might have lost, etc. We use may / could / might have to say that it was possible that something happened in the past (but we are not 100% sure). He may have missed the bus. The road might have been blocked.
He may not have left yet. The negatives are may not have and might The assistant might not have received his not have. message.
Prepositions
A preposition can show us place or express time. It can also follow a verb or adjective. Here are some examples. Prepositions of place (in, on, at) Prepositions of time (in, on, at, during, for, over, or, by, until) Prepositional verbs Prepositions after adjectives (1) (afraid of, angry about, etc.) Prepositions after adjectives (2) (aware of, depend on, etc.)
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Prepositions of place
Prepositions of place in inside an area or space: in the city, in the sky, in bed forms of transport: in a car, in a taxi, in a helicopter on in contact with a surface: on the wall, on the table forms of transport: on a bike, on a bus, on a train, on the metro, on a plane, on a ship before nouns referring to a place or position: at the top, at the bottom, at the front, at the back, at the beginning, at the end BUT in the middle arrive in a city: arrive in London, arrive in Amsterdam arrive at a small place: arrive at the station, at the meeting when expressing 'towards': point at something, smile at someone at close to: at the table, at the bus stop
Prepositions of time
Prepositions of time in years in 1998, in 2012 months
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in January, in February parts of the day in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening BUT at night) seasons in spring, in summer, in autumn, in winter Prepositions of time (during, for, over, by, until) We use during to talk about something that happens within a particular period of time, to say when something takes place. We use during to talk about something that happens within the same time as another event. We use over or in to talk about something that has been happening continuously up until the present, or will happen continuously in the future. We use for to say how long something continues. We use by to say that something will happen or be achieved before a particular time. We use until to say that something will continue up to a particular time. We use in to express a time (in the future) from now. During my time in London I visited a lot of interesting places. He came to work during the morning meeting. We've had a lot of problems over / in the last few months. We expect a rise in sales over / in the next few months. I can only come for a few minutes. I was waiting for him for two hours. It has to be finished by two o'clock. He should return by the end of March. We have to stay here until he comes. The concert went on until eleven o'clock. I'm going on holiday in a week. (one week from now) I'll be back in five minutes. (five minutes from now) on 28 June, on 25 October on Monday morning on Thursday evening on Friday night at Easter, at Christmas points in time at the beginning, at end of the week
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Prepositional verbs
Prepositional verbs are a verb + preposition. The preposition must be followed by an object.
Prepositional verbs to agree to something to accept I don't think he will ever agree to such a plan. to say you are sorry for something I apologize for not replying to your letter sooner. to formally ask someone for something such as a job or permission to do something Why didn't you apply for a bank loan? to say you are annoyed about something If the service is not satisfactory, you should complain to the customer service about it. to be in accordance with something This signal system doesn't conform to the official safety standards. to mention all of the things that something contains The delegation consists of over 200 people, including interpreters and journalists. when someone, especially someone you know well, writes to you or telephones you When was the last time you heard from him? to say that something must happen or somebody must do something I insist on speaking to the head of the office. to talk about somebody or something in a conversation, speech or a piece of writing Everyone knows who she was referring to in her speech.
to conform to something
to consist of something
to insist on something
to refer to something
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Prepositions after adjectives afraid of something afraid of doing something angry about something angry with somebody concerned about something pleased with someone / something sorry about something sorry for doing something good at something She is afraid of driving on motorways. Are you afraid of the dark? I am really angry about what she did. Why did she do it? I am really angry with her. I'm concerned about his exam results. I was very pleased with his performance. Was she sorry about the mistake? I'm sorry for being late. He is good at languages.
Prepositions after adjectives (un)aware of something dependent on something famous for something impressed by/with something similar to something upset about something Is he aware of the problem? She is still dependent on her parents. He is famous for his sporting achievements. I was very impressed by his performance. His interests are similar to those of his brother. I was really upset about it.
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Use of adjectives
Adjectives We use an adjective to describe the qualities of people, things, places, etc. We use an adjective (not an adverb) after 'linking' verbs such as be, become, feel, seem, smell, sound, look, etc. We can use an adjective to describe the object of a sentence. Adjectives - common mistakes Common mistakes She was too frighten to say a word. I am very interesting in this problem. It was a bored film. The camera works perfect. Correct version She was too frightened to say a word. I am very interested in this problem. It was a boring film. The camera works perfectly. Why? Many adjectives are participle forms of verbs. The -ed form describes how someone feels (bored). The -ing form describes the person or thing that causes the feeling (boring). We use adverbs to say how we do something. Can you see the young woman at the end of the street? He's a great singer. It looks interesting. It tastes delicious. His ideas are interesting. His answer made his boss angry.
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Adjectives normally go in the following sequence: size-age-shapecolour-origin-materialpurpose.
Use of adverbs
Adverbs We use an adverb to say how an action is performed. We use an adverb to add information about the time/place/manner. He speaks English fluently. She answered correctly. How long have you lived here?
We can use an adverb to add information to She was extremely happy to see him again. an adjective. I really hate travelling by train. Forms of adverbs Most adverbs are formed by adding ly to an adjective. nicely, quickly, beautifully, happily, There are some exceptions - irregular economically adverbs. If the adjective ends in ic we add ally. Some adverbs are irregular: they have the same form as the adjective. The adjective good is irregular: its adverb form iswell. Adverbs - common mistakes Common mistakes The camera works perfect. Correct version The camera works perfectly. Why? We use an adverb (perfectly - adverb, perfect adjective) when we want to basic - basically, dramatic - dramatically fast, daily, late, early, hard good - well
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say how we do something. Some adverbs have the same form as the adjective: hard - hard, fast fast, late - late. Adjectives ending in -ly have the same spelling in the adverb form (friendly friendly, early - early, likely - likely, lonely - lonely, ugly - ugly, silly - silly). After 'linking' verbs (look, sound, taste, smell, feel, seem) we use adjectives not adverbs.
Word order - adverbs of frequency An adverb of frequency can go: before the main verb after the verb be after modal verbs, should, can, could, etc. Sometimes and occasionally can go in the front, middle or end position in the sentence. He always goes to work by bus. They never go on holiday in winter. John is often absent from lessons. They were usually on time. You should always turn the electricity off. My boss can never remember my name. Sometimes she is late. She is sometimes late. She is late sometimes.
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Adjectives ending in big one vowel and one hot consonant Adjectives ending in ugly -y noisy Adjectives with two or more syllables Exceptions good bad far better worse expensive beautiful
further / farther
Irregular adverbs
A guide to irregular adverbs in English. Irregular adverbs Most adverbs are formed by adding -ly to an adjective (e.g. slow - slowly). However, there are some irregular adverbs. adjective good fast adverb well fast
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Reported speech
Reported speech (also known as indirect speech) is when we report what somebody has said. Native speakers use reported speech very often. Structures of reported speech Structures of reported questions
She said, "It is better to wait." She said (that) it was better to wait. He said, "I have never been to Spain." He said (that) he had never been to Spain.
Correct version She told me that she wasn't able to do it. She told me that she was looking for her handbag.
Why? After tell we mention the listener. After say we don't mention the listener. If the reporting verb (in this casetell) is in the past tense,
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He told me he hasn't seen her before. He told me he hadn't seen her before. the tenses used in the original sentence normally have to be changed: I am becomes I was I can becomes I could have been becomes had been was becomes had been will becomes would can becomes could When we report a command or warning, we use: (not) + to + infinitive.
She told me she will see him She told me she would see later. him later.
She asked me if it was She asked me it was raining. raining. She asked me if I have been to Bristol? She asked me what I do for a living.
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If the reporting verb (in this caseask) is in the past tense, She asked me what I did for the tenses used in the original sentence have to a living.
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change: I am becomes I was I can becomes I could I have been becomes I had been.
Forming questions
Structures of questions If there is an auxiliary (helping) verb (be, have, can, will, etc.) we put it before the subject (he, she, I, etc.) If there is no auxiliary (helping) verb, we put do, does or did before the subject. Is anybody in the office? Have you ever visited London? What time Will they be here? Do you know my older brother? Did he come in time?
How long have you been waiting for me? We put wh- words (when, where, why, who, Where is their office? how,etc.) at the beginning of the question. Which colour do you like best? We don't use do, does or did when we use what, which, who or whose as the subject. Questions - common mistakes Common mistakes What meant you by saying that? You like this film? Where you are going this afternoon? You did read the letter? Who did give you the information?
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Correct version What did you mean by saying that? Do you like this film? Where are you going this afternoon? Did you read the letter? Who gave you the information?
Why? If there is no auxiliary (helping) verb, we put do, does or didbefore the subject. We put an auxiliary verb before the subject. We don't use do, does or didwhen we
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use what, which, whoor whose as the subject. Does he knows your sister? Where will she studies? Can you tell me where can I buy a good camera? Does he know your sister? Where will she study? Can you tell me where I canbuy a good camera? When there is an auxiliary verb, the main verb is in the infinitive form. Word order in indirect question is the same as in a normal sentence: SUBJECT + VERB + ...
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Various grammar
Here are some English grammar rules outside of our main categories. Choose a grammar point and see examples and explanations. All, the whole Always, still Already, yet Although, even though Although, though (see our article Confusing words: although, though) As long as, provided, providing Be used to, get used to, used to Be (the verb to be) Both (see Either, neither, both) Convince v persuade (see article Confusing words: convince v persuade) Despite, in spite of During (see article Confusing words: during, for, while) Either, neither, both Ever, never: usage and position in sentence Each, every Few, a few, little, a little Have / have got (see our article Using have and have got) In case, in case of Just: meaning of, position in sentence Little, a little (see Few, a few, little, a little) Make or do (see vocabulary section Make or do) Neither (see Either, neither, both) Past, present, future (see section List of all tenses) Persuade (see article Confusing words: convince v persuade) Phrasal verbs: structure of Plural nouns Prefer, would prefer, would rather Rather / would rather (see Prefer, would prefer, would rather) Relative clauses Say or tell Speak or talk Some, any Transitive / intransitive verbs (see our article Understanding transitive and intransitive verbs) Used to (see Be used to, get used to, used to) Question tags
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Unless While (see article Confusing words: during, for, while) Who, which, that: relative pronouns Within
The whole We usually use the whole (of) with singular countable nouns. The can be replaced by a possessive pronounour, my, etc. the whole meeting, my whole life She lived in the same house her whole life.
All or the whole all day / the whole day All or the whole can be used with time expressions. all morning / the whole morning I was there all day. I was there the whole day.
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Always, still
How to use always and still correctly.
Always, still We use always to say that something happens all the time (or very often). We use always to say that something happens all the time (in an annoying way). We use always to say that something exists for ever. Always is usually before the main verb; after an auxiliary or modal verb; after the verb 'to be'. I always go swimming on Monday evenings. She has always wanted to visit Finland. He is always forgetting things. He's always complaining. I'll always remember the first time I met her.
I always have... I can always... He is always... She is still living with her parents. Why are you still talking about it? They still haven't mended my car (They haven't mended my car yet). I still like her. Does he still live in Cambridge? He is still here. I can still run 100 metres in less than 12 seconds.
Still means 'continuing later than expected.' It expresses that someting started in the past and is the same now.
Still usually comes before the main verb. Still usually comes after the main verb if the main verb is 'be'.
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Already, yet
Already, yet We use already to say that something happened sooner than expected. Already usually comes before the main verb or between an auxiliary or modal verb and the main verb. We use yet in questions or negative statements to talk about things that we expected to happen before now. Yet usually comes at the end of the sentence. I am sorry, she has already gone home. The film has already started. She's only four years old and she is alreadyreading.
Have you finished the work yet? I haven't seen the film yet. A: Have you met him? B: Not yet.
Even though and although can be used in the the same way as despite the fact that and in spite of the fact that.
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It expresses that one thing depends on another. You can go to the party as long as you come back before midnight. = You can go to the party but you must promise to be back before midnight. You can go to the party, providing / providedyou come back As long as has the same meaning asproviding or provided. before midnight. We're going skiing next week, providing /provided there's enough snow.
Be used to Be used to + noun phrase or verb-ing (in this pattern used is an adjective and to is a preposition). If you are used to something, you have often done or experienced it, so it's not strange, new or difficult for you. The opposite of be used to is be not used to. I am not used to the new system yet. I am used to getting up early in the morning. I don't mind it. He didn't complain about the noise nextdoor hewas used to it.
Get used to Get used to + noun phrase or verb-ing (in this pattern used is an adjective and to is a preposition). If you get used to something, you become accustomed to it. It is the process of becoming used to something. I got used to getting up early in the morning. After a while he didn't mind the noise in the office - he got used to it.
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Used to Used to + verb refers to a habit or state in the past. It is used only in the past simple. Past habits If you used to do something, you did it for a period of time in the past, but you don't do it any more. Past states We also say used to to express a state that existed in the past but doesn't exist now. States are not actions. They are expressed using stative verbs such as have, believe, know andlike. The form of the question is did(n't) + subject + use to be. The form of the negative is subject + didn't + use to be.
We used to live there when I was a child. I used to walk to work everyday when I was younger.
I used to like The Beatles but now I never listen to them. He used to have long hair but nowadays his hair is very short.
Umesh Adhikari
you will be he/she/it will be we will be they will be you won't be he/she/it won't be we won't be they won't be
One of the tricky things about either, neither and both is knowing when they should followed by singular or plural nouns and verbs. The rules, with examples, are given below:
Either, neither, both We use either, neither and both when we are talking about two things. > Would you like tea or coffee? > Either. I don't mind. This means: 'You can give me tea OR coffee. I have no preference.' > Would you like ham or beef in your sandwich? > Neither. I am a vegetarian. I don't eat meat. This means: 'I don't want ham and I don't want beef.' I take both milk and sugar in my coffee. This means: 'I take sugar. I also take milk.' either car, either person either of the chairs, either of the people Either day is fine for me. Either of the days is fine for me. neither house, neither man neither of the houses, neither of the men Neither day was suitable. Neither of the days was suitable.
both = the first AND the second We use either with a singular noun. We use either of with a plural noun. We use either and either of with a singular verb. We use neither with a singular noun. We use neither of with a plural noun. We use neither and neither of with a singular verb.
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We use both with a plural noun. both houses, both men both of the houses, both of the men Both (of) my brothers are tall. both of us, both of you, either of them, neither of them, etc. both of those houses, neither of my brothers, both of John's sisters, either of the cinemas
We use both with a plural verb. We need of before the pronouns us, you, them. Between of and a noun we need to use these, those or my, your, John's, etc., or the.
She convinced the police she was telling the truth. He convinced her it was the right thing to do.
Meaning
There can also be a subtle difference in meaning between convince and persuade, as seen here: Although Robert finally persuaded his girlfriend to move abroad with him, she was not fully convinced that it was the best thing to do. In the example, Roberts girlfriend was persuaded (to move) but was not convinced (that it was the correct decision). So, we can see that when we persuade someone to do something it doesnt always mean that we have also convinced that person.
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One more thing is worth mentioning about persuade and convince. If we are absolutely sure about something, we say Im convinced: - Are you sure hes innocent? - Yes, Im convinced. NOT Im persuaded Some related words: convincing (adjective) It was a convincing argument. persuasive (adjective) Marta can be very persuasive when she wants. persuasion (noun) He used his powers of persuasion. If you have any questions about convince and persuade, please leave a comment below. I always read comments and try to reply to them all. Have you understood everything? Heres a quick exercise for you to test yourself:
Despite, in spite of
How to use despite and in spite of correctly.
Prepositions - despite, in spite of We use despite in one half of a sentence to express a contrast with the other half of the sentence. despite something (noun) despite + verb + -ing despite the fact that Despite the heavy traffic, we got there on time. Despite being much older than the others, he won the race.
In spite of / despite the heavy traffic, we got there on time. In spite of / despite the traffic being heavy, we got in spite of something (noun) there on time. in spite of + verb + -ing In spite of / despite the fact in spite of the fact that that he is much older than the others, he won the race. In spite of / despite being much older than the others, he won the race.
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During
During is a preposition. We use it to talk about a period of time. During is followed by a noun: during the night during our holiday during their marriage during the concert. Some examples: I woke up three times during the night. There was a massive thunderstorm during the concert. NOT while the concert I met a lot of interesting people during my time in New York.
For
We use for to say how long something happened, has been happening, or will be happening. For is a preposition. He was at work for ten hours yesterday. NOT during yesterday Ive lived here for five years. NOT during five years Im going to watch TV for an hour. NOT during an hour
While
While is a conjunction and means when or at the same time. We use while with a verb structure: while I was living while I lived while living NOT during living while I was. Some examples: The doorbell rang while we were having dinner. NOT during we were having dinner You shouldnt use a mobile phone while driving a car. NOT during driving a car I met a lot of interesting people while I was in New York. Heres a quick exercise for you to test yourself on during, for and while.
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Either, neither, both We use either, neither and both when we are talking about two things. > Would you like tea or coffee? > Either. I don't mind. This means: 'You can give me tea OR coffee. I have no preference.' > Would you like ham or beef in your sandwich? > Neither. I am a vegetarian. I don't eat meat. This means: 'I don't want ham and I don't want beef.' I take both milk and sugar in my coffee. This means: 'I take sugar. I also take milk.' either car, either person either of the chairs, either of the people Either day is fine for me. Either of the days is fine for me. neither house, neither man neither of the houses, neither of the men Neither day was suitable. Neither of the days was suitable. both houses, both men both of the houses, both of the men Both (of) my brothers are tall. both of us, both of you, either of them, neither of them, etc. both of those houses, neither
both = the first AND the second We use either with a singular noun. We use either of with a plural noun. We use either and either of with a singular verb. We use neither with a singular noun. We use neither of with a plural noun. We use neither and neither of with a singular verb. We use both with a plural noun.
We use both with a plural verb. We need of before the pronouns us, you, them. Between of and a noun we need to
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use these, those or my, your, John's, etc., or the. of my brothers, both of John's sisters, either of the cinemas
He has never visited me. Never means 'at no time'. I'll never forget how kind he has been. I never drink tea with milk.
I never eat meat. Never and ever go immediately before the main verb. Exceptions are the verb be and modal verbs. Do you ever go cycling? I am never late. I can never remember his name. You should never drink and drive. I have never been to America. Have you ever been to America? It was the best wine I have ever tasted.
When speaking about our past, we use the present perfect with ever and never.
Each, every
How to use each and every correctly.
Each, every Each is used if we mean an individual member of a group. Every can also be used. Each of is used if we mean all members of a group and we include a possessive pronoun likeour, my, their, etc. Every cannot be used in this case.
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Every is used with a plural noun when it is followed by a number. Each cannot be used in this case. I visit my mother every two months / every other day / every second week.
Few / a few A few is more than few. We use a few and few + a plural countable few people, few books, few letters noun. a few people, a few books, a few letters A few is a positive idea. Fortunately, our financial situation is good: we still have a few good customers. I'm very sad: I have few good friends. I'm very sad: I have very few good friends. (Both these sentences mean I don't have many good friends - I would like to have more.) few - fewer - the fewest a few - more - the most
Few is a negative idea. It means 'almost none'. We can also use very few.
A few and few have irregular comparative and superlative forms. Little / a little A little is more than little. We use a little and little + an uncountable noun. A little is a positive idea. It means 'some but not much'.
a little time, a little food, a little money little time, little food, little money Compare: I can help you: I speak a little English. I'm sorry I can't help you: I speak very littleEnglish. I can't help you. I speak little English. I can't help you. I speak very little English. (Both these sentences mean My English is bad. I would like to speak English better.)
Little is a negative idea. It means 'nearly none, nearly nothing'. We can also use very little.
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A little and little have irregular comparative and superlative forms. little - less - the least a little - more - the most
Use have got in spoken English. Use have in your formal written English (business correspondence, etc.).
If you are writing an informal message to your friendson Facebook, for examplehave got is fine. Of course, there is nothing wrong with using have instead of have got in spoken English.
Some more examples of contractions with have got are: weve got; we havent got; everyones got; its got; it hasnt got; theyve got, etc.
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If we say Ive got a shower, we are saying that we own a shower or that there is a shower in the house
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In case, in case of
How to use in case and in case of correctly. In case We use in case to express that we are doing Take an umbrella in case it rains! I'll buy two bottles of wine in case one is something in preparation for something not enough. which might happen.
In case of We use in case of to say what we should do In case of fire, leave the building as quickly if or when something happens. as possible.
Just
How to use just correctly in a sentence. Just Just means a short time ago. Just goes immediately before the main verb. I have just seen him in the corridor. I had just finished it when he came.
Fortunately, our financial situation is good: we still have a few good customers. I'm very sad: I have few good friends. I'm very sad: I have very few good friends.
Umesh Adhikari
We can also use very few. (Both these sentences mean I don't have many good friends - I would like to have more.) few - fewer - the fewest a few - more - the most
A few and few have irregular comparative and superlative forms. Little / a little A little is more than little. We use a little and little + an uncountable noun. A little is a positive idea. It means 'some but not much'.
a little time, a little food, a little money little time, little food, little money Compare: I can help you: I speak a little English. I'm sorry I can't help you: I speak very little English. I can't help you. I speak little English. I can't help you. I speak very little English. (Both these sentences mean My English is bad. I would like to speak English better.) little - less - the least a little - more - the most
Little is a negative idea. It means 'nearly none, nearly nothing'. We can also use very little. A little and little have irregular comparative and superlative forms.
Umesh Adhikari
make an appointment make an arrangement make a promise make a complaint make a decision make a telephone call make a suggestion make an excuse make a profit make a loss make a mess make a choice make progress make money He made an appointment at the dentist. Were just making our holiday arrangements. You made me a promise. Keep it! They made a complaint about the noise. Managers have to make hard decisions sometimes. I spent all day making telephone calls. I made a few suggestions but nobody agreed. Stop making excuses for your laziness. Our company made a big profit last year. Our company will make a loss this year. He dropped the milk and made a mess on the floor. I think he made the right choice. The students are all making good progress. A profit means you have made money.
When to use do
do something do an exam do homework do housework do the shopping do an exercise What are you doing? Im not doing anything. I did five exams and passed all of them. School kids have to do a lot of homework. I always do the housework at weekends. I hate doing the shopping in supermarkets. I did all the exercises in my grammar book.
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do a job do the dishes do the ironing do someone a favour do good do harm do your best do damage do business He does his job well. Whos going to do the dishes after dinner? Her husband never does the ironing. Do me a favour lend me some cash. Smoking wont do you any good. Violence on TV does a lot of harm, I think. Always try to do your best. I crashed and did a lot of damage to my car. Our company does a lot of business in Asia.
Either, neither, both We use either, neither and both when we are talking about two things. > Would you like tea or coffee? > Either. I don't mind. This means: 'You can give me tea OR coffee. I have no preference.' > Would you like ham or beef in your sandwich? > Neither. I am a vegetarian. I don't eat meat. This means: 'I don't want ham and I don't want beef.' I take both milk and sugar in my coffee. This means: 'I take sugar. I also take milk.' either car, either person
both = the first AND the second We use either with a singular noun.
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We use either of with a plural noun. We use either and either of with a singular verb. We use neither with a singular noun. We use neither of with a plural noun. We use neither and neither of with a singular verb. We use both with a plural noun. either of the chairs, either of the people Either day is fine for me. Either of the days is fine for me. neither house, neither man neither of the houses, neither of the men Neither day was suitable. Neither of the days was suitable. both houses, both men both of the houses, both of the men Both (of) my brothers are tall. both of us, both of you, either of them, neither of them, etc. both of those houses, neither of my brothers, both of John's sisters, either of the cinemas
We use both with a plural verb. We need of before the pronouns us, you, them. Between of and a noun we need to use these, those or my, your, John's, etc., or the.
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Meaning
There can also be a subtle difference in meaning between convince and persuade, as seen here: Although Robert finally persuaded his girlfriend to move abroad with him, she was not fully convinced that it was the best thing to do. In the example, Roberts girlfriend was persuaded (to move) but was not convinced (that it was the correct decision). So, we can see that when we persuade someone to do something it doesnt always mean that we have also convinced that person. One more thing is worth mentioning about persuade and convince. If we are absolutely sure about something, we say Im convinced: - Are you sure hes innocent? - Yes, Im convinced. NOT Im persuaded Some related words: convincing (adjective) It was a convincing argument. persuasive (adjective) Marta can be very persuasive when she wants. persuasion (noun) He used his powers of persuasion. If you have any questions about convince and persuade, please leave a comment below. I always read comments and try to reply to them all.
Structure of phrasal verbs a verb + adverb A phrasal verb can be made up a verb + preposition of: a verb + adverb + preposition throw away look into put up with
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Intransitive phrasal verbs
Some phrasal verbs are transitive (they need to have an object), and some are intransitive (they never have an object). Some can be both. look up [intransitive]: After a horrible year last year things are starting to look up. (things are getting better now)
put money in
To make a financial contribution. The cost of driving to Paris and back is 400 so we all need to put in 100.
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put off, be put off (something)
To get the feeling that something is bad and consequently to change your mind or plan. Id love to try oysters but the look of them always puts me off. It puts me off my writing if lots of people are talking around me. I was put off going to India when I read about how many tourists get ill when they go there.
put on weight
To get fatter. He put on a lot of weight after he lost his job and had to stay at home. No dessert for me, thanks I dont want to put on weight.
put something on
To turn on something electrical. Ill put the television on theres a good film on tonight. Put the light on! I cant see.
put something up
To fix something to a wall. Why dont you put a sign up to tell people where the party is. Im going to put some more pictures up on the wall.
put someone up
To accommodate someone; to let someone sleep at your house for a night or a few nights. Can you put me up for a few days while Im in London?
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come across as
To seem or appear to be like something. He comes across as a nice man but he can be very unpleasant sometimes. Ive met the new boss and he comes across as being very nice.
come round
To visit someone. What time will you come round tonight?
come up
Something unexpected happens. Something has come up. Sorry, I have to go home straight away.
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come up with
To have an idea or a suggestion. During the meeting we came up with some good suggestions. John came up with a good idea.
Plural nouns
Some nouns have no singular form and only exist in a plural form. They are called plural nouns. Some plural nouns are things which have two parts joined together: trousers (trousers consist of two legs) scissors (scissors have two parts) sunglasses (two main parts, one for each eye). Some plural nouns refer to a group (of people or things): police cattle Plural nouns always take a plural form of the verb: The police were there. His trousers are black. My sunglasses are broken. We can use some with many plural nouns. In some cases we can say a pair of: some jeans a pair of jeans some glasses a pair of glasses some goods For more examples, see 10 plural nouns in our vocab section.
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Sometimes we use some with a plural noun. In other cases we can say a pair of. Here are 10 plural nouns and examples of how we use them.
10 plural nouns
scissors some scissors, a pair of scissors
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Would rather vs. would prefer - to express a specific preference When we speak about a specific preference,would rather and would prefer have the same meaning and are interchangeable. Would rather can be abbreviated to 'd rather. Would prefer can be abbreviated to 'd prefer. Would rather is followed by the bare infinitive. Would prefer is followed by to + infinitive. We use a past tense after would rather when we speak about the actions of other people, even though that action may
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We went to the theatre yesterday. Today Iwould rather go to the cinema. We went to the theatre yesterday. Today Iwould prefer to go to the cinema.
I'd rather go to the cinema today. I'd prefer to go to the cinema today.
I'd rather have water. I'd prefer to have fruit juice. I'd rather you took a taxi than walk - it's not safe on the streets at night. The film is quite violent. I'd rather our
Umesh Adhikari
be in the present or future. When making a comparison we say: would rather ... than After would prefer we say: would prefer ... rather than children didn't watch it. It's such nice weather - I'd rather sit in the garden than watch TV. It's such nice weather - I'd prefer to sit in the garden rather than watch TV.
Prefer vs. would rather - to express a general preference When we talk about general preferences we can use prefer or would rather. The meaning is the same. After prefer we use the verb in its ing form. After would rather we use than.
I prefer using a keyboard to writing with a pen.I'd rather use a keyboard than write with a pen.
Would rather vs. would prefer - to express a specific preference When we speak about a specific preference,would rather and would prefer have the same meaning and are interchangeable. Would rather can be abbreviated to 'd rather. Would prefer can be abbreviated to 'd prefer. Would rather is followed by the bare infinitive. Would prefer is followed by to + infinitive. We use a past tense after would
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We went to the theatre yesterday. Today Iwould rather go to the cinema. We went to the theatre yesterday. Today Iwould prefer to go to the cinema.
I'd rather go to the cinema today. I'd prefer to go to the cinema today.
I'd rather have water. I'd prefer to have fruit juice. I'd rather you took a taxi than walk - it's
Umesh Adhikari
rather when we speak about the actions of other people, even though that action may be in the present or future. When making a comparison we say: would rather ... than After would prefer we say: would prefer ... rather than not safe on the streets at night. The film is quite violent. I'd rather our children didn't watch it. It's such nice weather - I'd rather sit in the garden than watch TV. It's such nice weather - I'd prefer to sit in the garden rather than watch TV.
Prefer vs. would rather - to express a general preference When we talk about general preferences we can use prefer or would rather. The meaning is the same. After prefer we use the verb in its ing form. After would rather we use than.
I prefer using a keyboard to writing with a pen.I'd rather use a keyboard than write with a pen.
Relative clauses
What is a relative clause? Here are some examples and explanations.
Relative clauses Defining relative clauses are used to specify which person or thing we mean. We don't put commas between the noun and a defining relative clause. Who or that are used for people. Which or that are used for things. Non-defining relative clauses (extra information clauses) are used to add extra information to a sentence. We put commas between the noun and a non-defining relative clause. Who is used for people. Which is used for things.
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I have a friend who speaks five languages. I have a friend that speaks five languages. She showed me the coat which she had bought. She showed me the coat that she had bought. Mr Fry, who speaks five languages, works as a translator for the EU. Mr Fry, that speaks five languages, works as a translator for the EU. The area, which has very high unemployment, is in the north of the country.
Umesh Adhikari
That cannot be used. The area, that has very high unemployment, is in the north of the country.
Relative clauses - common mistakes Common mistakes The man who was sitting next to me he had a brown jacket. Correct version The man who was sitting next to me had a brown jacket. Why? After a relative clause we do not repeat the subject. Only that or which are possible, not what. A relative clause can have only one direct object. That cannot be used in a non-defining (extra information) clause. A relative clause follows the noun to which it refers.
The book what I bought was The book that I bought was by Edward Lear. by Edward Lear. He lent me the book, which I found it very useful. The winner, that was 25, will receive $12,000. Our office is about two kilometres from the centre, which I share with my two colleagues. He lent me the book, which I found very useful. The winner, who was 25, will receive $12,000. Our office, which I share with my two colleagues, is about two kilometres from the city centre.
Say / tell
I told David about it. Did you tell him? He told me that he was ill.
We use: say + clause. We use: tell + clause when we include a pronoun such as me, him, us, etc.
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She said she was ill. She told him she was ill.
Umesh Adhikari
We use: say + something + to somebody. We use tell when we are giving facts or information: tell somebody (that) ... tell somebody something tell somebody about something tell somebody who/when/where. She said hello to me. She told me (that) she was ill. She told me the news. Tell me about your new job. He told me where it was.
For a further explanation of say/tell differences, see Stuarts article Confusing words: say, tell
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When only say is possible
We use say when we our words do NOT contain facts or information, for example when we greet people: She said hello to me. She said: Hello. She said me hello. She told me hello. She said no. She said: No! She told no. She said me: No!. Now try this quick quiz to see how well you can use say and tell. Instructions: fill in each gap using say or tell in its correct form (be careful!):
Speak / talk Speak and talk have similar meanings. They suggest that a person is using his/her voice, or that two or more people are having a discussion. We can say: speak to somebody talk to somebody speak to somebody about something talk to somebody about something But we say: speak a language NOT talk a language talk nonsense NOT speak nonsense. Speak to and talk to are used more often thanspeak with and talk with. Speak is a little more formal than talk, and is often used in polite requests.
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How old were you when you learned to speak? What are you talking about? Who were you speaking to on the phone? Who were you talking to on the phone? I was speaking to Mark about cricket.
He speaks four languages. Stop talking nonsense! I was talking to Tom yesterday.
Umesh Adhikari
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talk nonsense I agreed with you earlier but now youre talking nonsense. talk rubbish Hes talking rubbish again. Dont listen to him! talk business [to discuss business things, to negotiate] Lets have some lunch, then well talk business. ! Be careful sometimes talk and speak are both wrong: tell the truth NOT speak the truth or talk the truth tell a lie NOT speak a lie or talk a lie tell a story NOT speak a story or talk a story.
Some Some: is used with the plural form of countable nouns, and with uncountable nouns a pen, some pens (countable noun) some water (uncountable noun) There is some milk in the fridge. (uncountable noun) I did some exercises. (countable noun, plural) Would you like some tea? (uncountable noun) Could you give me some advice, please?(uncountable noun)
Any Any: is used with the plural form of countable nouns, and with uncountable nouns is used in questions is used in negative sentences
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a pen, any pens (countable noun) any water (uncountable noun) Is there any milk in the fridge? (uncountable noun) There isn't any milk in the
Umesh Adhikari
fridge. (uncountable noun)
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Intransitive verbs (and what sometimes follows them)
When a verb is intransitive it never has an object: The man appeared. (intransitive verb = appear) I sneezed. (intransitive verb = sneeze) My uncle has just died. (intransitive verb = die) The bomb exploded. (intransitive verb = explode) The match ended. (intransitive verb = end) However, some intransitive verbs can be followed by a prepositional phrase or an adverb: I fell off my bike. (prepositional phrase = off my bike) The ball rolled away. (adverb = away) A few intransitive verbs must be followed by something (either a prepositional phrase or an adverb). These are often verbs for describing movement: The plane spiralled out of control. NOT only The plane spiralled. The rocket hurtled towards the planet. NOT only The rocket hurtled. (Although intransitive, the verbs spiral and hurtle need to be followed by something. They cannot be used alone.) ! Tip: You can recognise an intransitive verb because it never has a passive form. For example, youll see that bite, which is transitive, can be used passively. The intransitive verb fall, however, cannot: The dog bit me. (active) I was bitten by the dog. (passive) I fell off my bike. (active) The bike was fallen off. (passive) There are some transitive verbs which cannot be made passive the verb afford, for examplebut there are very few of these.
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Be used to Be used to + noun phrase or verb-ing (in this pattern used is an adjective and to is a preposition). If you are used to something, you have often done or experienced it, so it's not strange, new or difficult for you. The opposite of be used to is be not used to. I am not used to the new system yet. I am used to getting up early in the morning. I don't mind it. He didn't complain about the noise nextdoor hewas used to it.
Get used to Get used to + noun phrase or verb-ing (in this pattern used is an adjective and to is a preposition). If you get used to something, you become accustomed to it. It is the process of becoming used to something. I got used to getting up early in the morning. After a while he didn't mind the noise in the office - he got used to it.
Used to Used to + verb refers to a habit or state in the past. It is used only in the past simple. Past habits If you used to do something, you did it for a period of time in the past, but you don't do it any more. Past states We also say used to to express a state that existed in the past but doesn't exist now. States
We used to live there when I was a child. I used to walk to work everyday when I was younger. I used to like The Beatles but now I never listen to them. He used to have long hair but nowadays his
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are not actions. They are expressed using stative verbs such as have, believe, know andlike. The form of the question is did(n't) + subject + use to be. The form of the negative is subject + didn't + use to be. hair is very short.
Question tags
What are question tags and when do we use them?
Question tags
A question tag is a question which we add to the end of a statement because we would like to get an answer to our statement. The tag contains a subject pronoun (it, he, she, etc.) which matches the subject of the statement, and a verb which matches the verb in the statement.
If the statement is positive the tag is negative. If the statement is negative the tag is positive. It's very nice weather today, isn't it? She can speak English, can't she? You have finished the work, haven't you? He will arrive on time, won't he? You know him, don't you? He earned a lot of money, didn't he? There is enough time, isn't there? Less common question tags Imperative Be careful, won't you? It isn't very nice weather today, is it? She can't speak English, can she? You haven't finished the work, have you? He won't arrive on time, will he? You don't know him, do you? He didn't earned much money, did he? There isn't enough time, is there?
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Don't be late, will you? After let's Let's go to the cinema, shall we?
Unless
How to use unless correctly.
Unless You won't get the job unless you prepare for the interview. = You will only get the job if you prepare well for the interview. Don't do it unless he tells you to. = Only do it if he tells you to do it.
We use unless to say that something will happen if something else doesn't stop it happening.
During
During is a preposition. We use it to talk about a period of time. During is followed by a noun: during the night during our holiday during their marriage during the concert. Some examples: I woke up three times during the night. There was a massive thunderstorm during the concert. NOT while the concert I met a lot of interesting people during my time in New York.
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For
We use for to say how long something happened, has been happening, or will be happening. For is a preposition. He was at work for ten hours yesterday. NOT during yesterday Ive lived here for five years. NOT during five years Im going to watch TV for an hour. NOT during an hour
While
While is a conjunction and means when or at the same time. We use while with a verb structure: while I was living while I lived while living NOT during living while I was. Some examples: The doorbell rang while we were having dinner. NOT during we were having dinner You shouldnt use a mobile phone while driving a car. NOT during driving a car I met a lot of interesting people while I was in New York.
Relative pronouns We use who or that when we talk about people.Who is more formal than that. This is the man who helped us. (more formal) This is the man that helped us. (less formal) It's the watch which my husband bought me for my birthday. (more formal) It's the watch that my husband bought me for my birthday. (less formal) It's the watch my husband bought me for my birthday. In this sentence, 'the watch' is the object of the verb 'bought' and so we don't need to use that orwhich.
We use which or that when we talk about things (not people). Which is more formal thanthat.
Which and that can be left out of a defining relative clause when the pronoun refers to theobject of the sentence.
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Which and that cannot be left out of a defining relative clause when the pronoun refers to thesubject of the sentence. We use whose to show possession. We use where when we talk about place. It was the man that sold me the car. In this sentence, 'the man' is the subject of the verb 'sold' and so we need to use a relative pronoun that or who. John, whose brother was also a musician, plays over 100 concerts every year. My wife and I went back to the bar where we first met.
Relative clauses
What is a relative clause? Here are some examples and explanations.
Relative clauses Defining relative clauses are used to specify which person or thing we mean. We don't put commas between the noun and a defining relative clause. Who or that are used for people. Which or that are used for things. Non-defining relative clauses (extra information clauses) are used to add extra information to a sentence. We put commas between the noun and a non-defining relative clause. Who is used for people. Which is used for things. That cannot be used. I have a friend who speaks five languages. I have a friend that speaks five languages. She showed me the coat which she had bought. She showed me the coat that she had bought. Mr Fry, who speaks five languages, works as a translator for the EU. Mr Fry, that speaks five languages, works as a translator for the EU. The area, which has very high unemployment, is in the north of the country. The area, that has very high unemployment, is in the north of the country.
Relative clauses - common mistakes Common mistakes The man who was sitting next to me he had a brown jacket.
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Correct version The man who was sitting next to me had a brown jacket.
Umesh Adhikari
The book what I bought was The book that I bought was by Edward Lear. by Edward Lear. He lent me the book, which I found it very useful. The winner, that was 25, will receive $12,000. Our office is about two kilometres from the centre, which I share with my two colleagues. He lent me the book, which I found very useful. The winner, who was 25, will receive $12,000. Our office, which I share with my two colleagues, is about two kilometres from the city centre. Only that or which are possible, not what. A relative clause can have only one direct object. That cannot be used in a non-defining (extra information) clause. A relative clause follows the noun to which it refers.
Within
How to use within correctly.
Within When used with a time expression, withinmeans: 'inside' or 'inside the limit'. Within 24 hours means 'in 24 hours or maybe sooner'. Within a week everything will be finished. This means that everything will be finished in seven days or earlier. I'll be back within an hour. The speaker is saying that he'll be back in sixty minutes at the latest.
Reported speech
Reported speech (also known as indirect speech) is when we report what somebody has said. Native speakers use reported speech very often. Structures of reported speech
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Structures of reported questions
She told me she will see him She told me she would see later. him later.
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She asked me if it was She asked me it was raining. raining. She asked me if I have been to Bristol? She asked me if I had been to Bristol.
If the reporting verb (in this caseask) is in the past tense, the tenses used in the original sentence have to change: She asked me what I did for I am becomes I was a living. I can becomes I could I have been becomes I had been.
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Forming questions
Structures of questions If there is an auxiliary (helping) verb (be, have, can, will, etc.) we put it before the subject (he, she, I, etc.) If there is no auxiliary (helping) verb, we put do, does or did before the subject. Is anybody in the office? Have you ever visited London? What time Will they be here? Do you know my older brother? Did he come in time?
How long have you been waiting for me? We put wh- words (when, where, why, who, Where is their office? how,etc.) at the beginning of the question. Which colour do you like best? We don't use do, does or did when we use what, which, who or whose as the subject. Questions - common mistakes Common mistakes What meant you by saying that? You like this film? Where you are going this afternoon? You did read the letter? Who did give you the information? Does he knows your sister? Where will she studies? Can you tell me where can I buy a good camera?
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Correct version What did you mean by saying that? Do you like this film? Where are you going this afternoon? Did you read the letter? Who gave you the information? Does he know your sister? Where will she study? Can you tell me where I canbuy a good camera?
Why? If there is no auxiliary (helping) verb, we put do, does or didbefore the subject. We put an auxiliary verb before the subject. We don't use do, does or didwhen we use what, which, whoor whose as the subject. When there is an auxiliary verb, the main verb is in the infinitive form. Word order in indirect question is the same as in a
Umesh Adhikari
normal sentence: SUBJECT + VERB + ...
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