a guide of english grammer
DESCRIPTION
A GUIDE BOOK OFENGLISHGRAMMARTRANSCRIPT
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A GUIDE BOOK OF
ENGLISH
GRAMMAR
DEDICATED TO MY MOTHER
MARY DUNPHY COLLIS
BY
SEAN DUNPHY COLLIS
2012
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INDEX:
0. GRAMMAR TERMS p.3 1. PRONOUNS p.5
2. ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS p.12
3. ARTICLES p.15
4. AUXILIARY VERBS p.17
5. NOUNS p.22
6. QUESTIONS WORDS / INTERROGATIVE VERBS p.29
7. QUESTION TAGS p.33
8. DO OR MAKE p.37
9. IRREGULAR VERBS p.38
10. PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE TENSES p.52
11. GERUND OR INFINITIVE p.97
12. PREPOSITIONS p.102
13. MODAL VERBS p.122
14. PARTICIPLES p.133
15. ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VERB FORMS p.135
16. REPORTED SPEECH p.140
17. CONDITIONAL SENTENCES p.148
18. QUANTIFIERS p.150
19. PHRASAL VERBS p.156
20. IDIOMS p.169
21. WRITING p.171
22. DIALOUGES AND SENTENCES p.177
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Grammar terms Example in English Translation in Spanish
Adjectives Mandy is a careful girl.
Adverbs Mandy drives carefully.
Articles This is a book.Look at the board.
Modal Auxiliaries I am playing football.
Conditional Perfect Progressive
I would have been working.
Conditional Perfect I would have worked.
Conditional Progressive I would be working.
Conditional Simple I would work.
Conjunctions I like tea and coffee.
Future Perfect I will have finished the homework by 20.00h.
Future Perfect Progressive
I will have been playing football for an hour by 10.30.
Future Progressive I will be playing football next Sunday.
Genitive s Ronny's brother
Gerund I enjoy playing football.
going to-future I'm going to play football this afternoon.
Conditional sentences - if
If I study, I will pass the test.If I studied, I would pass the test.If I had
studied, I would have passed the test.
Imperative Go home!
Reported Speech
Susan says that she works in an office.Susan said that she worked in an office.
Infinitive Gagarin was the first to fly in a spaceship.
Contractions We aren't from London.
Modals You mustn't do that.
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Nouns Your hair looks lovely.
Passive voice Cameras are built in Japan.
Past Perfect Progressive
I had been playing football when Susan came.
Past Perfect I had played football when Susan came.
Past Progressive I was playing football the whole evening.
Personal pronouns We read a book.
Plural Here are five books.
Possessive pronouns This is my book.
Prepositions The books are on the desk.
Present Perfect Progressive
I have been playing football for 2 hours.
Present Perfect I have just played football.
Present Progressive I'm playing football now.
Auxiallary verbs Where are the girls?When do you watch TV?
Question tags You are John, aren't you?
Reflexive pronouns They help each other.
Relative pronouns My house, which has a blue door, needs painting.
Contact clauses This is the boy I met at the party yesterday.
Short answers Are you English? - Yes, I am.
Simple Past I played football yesterday.
Simple Present I play football every week.
Singular/Plural Here is one book.
Quantifiers There are some apples left.
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1. PRONOUNS
Personal pronouns
as subject (nominative)
as object (accusative and dative)
Possessive determiners Possessive pronouns
I me my mine
you you your yours
he him his his
she her her hers
it it its its
we us our ours
you you your yours
they them their theirs
1 2 3 4
We have some books. The books are for us. These are our books. The books are ours.
Write the contracted/short forms into the gaps.
1) I am - 2) you are - 3) he is -
4) she is - 5) it is - 6) we are -
7) you are - 8) they are - 9) you have got -
10) you are - 11) it is not - 12) I cannot -
13) they do not - 14) he has got - 15) she will -
16) he does not - 17) what is - 18) we will not -
Relative clauses with who/which
who: when we talk about people
which: when we talk about things
whose: instead of his/her or their We also use that for who/which.
Reflexive pronouns
Myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves
each other.
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Personal pronouns - Exercise 1
Use the correct personal pronouns. Watch the words in brackets. Example: ___ often reads books. (Lisa) Answer: She often reads books.
1) is dreaming. (George)
2) is green. (the blackboard)
3) are on the wall. (the posters)
4) is running. (the dog)
5) are watching TV. (my mother and I)
6) are in the garden. (the flowers)
7) is riding his bike. (Tom)
8) is from Bristol. (Victoria)
9) has got a brother. (Diana)
10) Have got a computer, Mandy?
Personal pronouns - Exercise 2
Choose the correct personal pronoun.
1) am sitting on the sofa.
2) are watching TV.
3) Are from England?
4) is going home.
5) are playing football.
6) is a wonderful day today.
7) are speaking English.
8) Is Kevin's sister?
9) are swimming in the pool.
10) they in the cinema?
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Object forms of personal pronouns - Exercise
1) The teacher always gives the students homework.
me
them
you
2) I am reading the book to my little sister.
her
us
him
3) The boys are riding their bikes.
it
them
her
4) My father is writing a letter to John.
me
her
him
5) I don't know the answer.
she
her
it
6) Sally is going to Anne.
her
him
me
7) Open the window, please.
it
them
us
8) Can you tell the people the way to the airport, please?
you
them
us
9) The books are for Peter.
him
her
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Possessive determiners - Exercise
Choose the correct possessive determiners. Example: I have got a sister. ___ name is Susan. Answer: I have got a sister. Her name is Susan.
My, Your, His, Her, Our, Their
Hi Daniel,
name is John. This is friend Jason. He's 12. sister is nine.
pet is a budgie. name is Dickens. Jason and I go to the same school. There are
450 boys and girls in school. Jason's form teacher is Mrs. Peterson. She has got a pet, too.
pet is a tortoise. Our form teacher is Mr. Smith. I like lessons. He has two dogs.
The dogs love to play in garden. Now I have a question for you. What's pet? Yours, John
Reflexive pronouns, self-pronouns - Exercise
Choose the correct reflexive pronouns from the menu. myself - yourself - himself - herself - itself - ourselves - yourselves - themselves
1) Robert made this T-shirt .
2) Lisa did the homework
3) We helped to some cola at the party.
4) Emma, did you take the photo all by ?
5) I wrote this poem .
6) He cut with the knife while he was doing the dishes.
7) The lion can defend .
8) My mother often talks to .
9) Tim and Gerry, if you want more milk, help .
10) Alice and Doris collected the stickers .
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Reflexive pronoun - yes or no?
Decide whether you need the reflexive (self) pronoun or not.
1) Last Monday I got up at six, then I washed / washed myself.
2) She really feels / feels herself well today.
3) Let's meet / meet us / meet ourselves at six tomorrow.
4) Last weekend Alex cooked dinner and burnt / burnt himself.
5) May I introduce / introduce myself.
6) You can sit / sit yourself on the sofa if you wish.
7) Please concentrate / concentrate yourself while doing your homework.
8) I was so shocked, I could hardly move / move myself.
9) He often remembers / remembers himself the trip to China.
10) We can't imagine / imagine ourselves living without electricity.
Relative pronouns - who, which, whose - Exercise
Choose one of the following relative pronouns who, which or whose from the menu.
1) I talked to the girl car had broken down in front of the shop.
2) Mr Richards, is a taxi driver, lives on the corner.
3) We often visit our aunt in Norwich is in East Anglia.
4) This is the girl comes from Spain.
5) That's Peter, the boy has just arrived at the airport.
6) Thank you very much for your e-mail was very interesting.
7) The man, father is a professor, forgot his umbrella.
8) The children, shouted in the street, are not from our school.
9) The car, driver is a young man, is from Ireland.
10) What did you do with the money your mother lent you?
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Relative pronouns - who, which, whose - Exercise
Choose one of the following relative pronouns who, which or whose from the menu.
1) I talked to the girl car had broken down in front of the shop.
2) Mr Richards, is a taxi driver, lives on the corner.
3) We often visit our aunt in Norwich is in East Anglia.
4) This is the girl comes from Spain.
5) That's Peter, the boy has just arrived at the airport.
6) Thank you very much for your e-mail was very interesting.
7) The man, father is a professor, forgot his umbrella.
8) The children, shouted in the street, are not from our school.
9) The car, driver is a young man, is from Ireland.
10) What did you do with the money your mother lent you?
Relative pronouns - who, which, whose or no pronouns? - 2
Put in the relative who, which or whose where necessary. Type an x if the relative pronoun can be left out.
1) This is the boy had an accident.
2) Yesterday I saw a car was really old.
3) Mandy is the girl I met on Friday.
4) I haven't seen Frank, brother is five, for a long time now.
5) The robber stole the car the lady parked in front of the supermarket.
6) This is the man house is on fire.
7) Can I talk to the girl is sitting on the bench?
8) The book you gave me is great.
9) She likes hamburgers are hot.
10) Bill Clinton, was President of the USA, has only one daughter.
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self or each other - Exercise 1
myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves or each other.
1) Sandra and Angela haven't met for a long time.
2) My friends enjoyed very much at the concert.
3) Tim repaired his car .
4) We helped with our report.
5) People often give presents at Christmas.
6) I bought a new camera.
7) Chris, did you do the Maths homework ?
8) They looked at and smiled.
9) Ron and Tom often write e-mails to because they're good friends.
10) Ann only thinks of . She's an egoist.
self or each other - Exercise 2
myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves or each other
1) Mike and Bill know quite well.
2) Sue and Lisa haven't seen for ages.
3) Peggy and Jane made this delicious cake .
4) Grandpa constructed this desk .
5) Can we sell the things we made ?
6) The little girl can already ride the tricycle .
7) Laura and Betty are helping with their homework.
8) Some people only think of .
9) John and his girlfriend are still angry. They're not talking to .
10) Does the laptop switch off automatically?
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2. ADJECTIVES & ADVERBS
Adjectives - Comparison – Exercise 1
Example: ____ - newer - _______ Answer: new - newer - newest
1) - longer -
2) - - worst
3) modern - -
4) - - nicest
5) - - nearest
6) - - flattest
7) popular - -
8) - happier -
9) many - -
10) - - cleverest
Comparison of adjectives in sentences - Exercise 1
Put in the adjective in bold from the first sentence into the second sentence in its correct form (comparative or superlative). Example: I have a fast car, but my friend has a ______ car. Answer: I have a fast car, but my friend has a faster car.
1) This is a nice cat. It's much ------- than my friend's cat.
2) Here is Emily. She's six years old. Her brother is nine, so he is ------.
3) This is a difficult exercise. But the exercise with an asterisk (*) is the ------------- exercise on the worksheet.
4) He has an interesting hobby, but my sister has the ---------------hobby in the world.
5) In the last holidays I read a good book, but father gave me an even -----one last weekend.
6) School is boring, but homework is -----------than school.
7) Skateboarding is a dangerous hobby. Bungee jumping is ----------- than skateboarding.
8) This magazine is cheap, but that one is ---------.
9) We live in a small house, but my grandparents' house is even -----------than ours.
10) Yesterday John told me a funny joke. This joke was the --- joke I've ever heard.
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Comparison of adjectives in sentences - Exercise 2
Put in the adjective from the first sentences into the second sentence in its correct form (comparative or superlative). Example: I have a fast car, but my friend has a ______ car. Answer: I have a fast car, but my friend has a faster car.
1) My father is heavy. My uncle is much ------- than my father.
2) The test in Geography was easy, but the test in Biology was --------.
3) Florida is sunny. Do you know the ---------place in the USA?
4) Stan is a successful sportsman, but his sister is ----------than Stan.
5) My mother has a soft voice, but my teacher's voice is --------- than my mother's.
6) Amy has a beautiful baby, but my daughter has the ----------- baby on earth.
7) I live in a large family, but my grandfather lived in a -------- family.
8) We have only a little time for this exercise, but in the examination we'll have even ----time.
9) Lucy is clever, but Carol is ------- than Lucy.
10) Have you visited the old castle? It was the -------- castle we visited during our holidays.
Comparison of adjectives with as ... as
Use either as … as or not as … as in the sentecnes below. Example: Ben Nevis is __________ as Mont Blanc (not/high). Answer: Ben Nevis is not as high as Mont Blanc.
1) The blue car is -----------the red car. (fast)
2) Peter is ------ Fred. (not/tall)
3) The violin is -------the cello. (not/low)
4) This copy is ------- the other one. (bad)
5) Oliver is ----------- Peter. (optimistic)
6) Today it's --------- yesterday. (not/windy)
7) The tomato soup was t------------ he mushroom soup. (delicious)
8) Grapefruit juice is---------- lemonade. (not/sweet)
9) Nick is --------- Kevin. (brave)
10) Silver is -------- gold. (not/heavy)
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Adjectives - Comparison - Test 1
Positive Comparative Superlative
clever
angry
clean
cool
different
popular
new
Order of adjectives
Number l Opinion l Shape/Size l Colour l Origin l Material l Noun
3 pretty long red Spanish velvet shawls
Position of adverbs of frequency - Exercise 1
Rewrite the complete sentence using the adverb in brackets in its correct position. Example: I play tennis on Sundays. (often) Answer: I often play tennis on Sundays.
1) He listens to the radio. (often)
2) They read a book. (sometimes)
3) Pete gets angry. (never)
4) Tom is very friendly. (usually)
5) I take sugar in my coffee. (sometimes)
6) Ramon and Frank are hungry. (often)
7) My grandmother goes for a walk in the evening. (always)
8) Walter helps his father in the kitchen. (usually)
9) They watch TV in the afternoon. (never)
10) Christine smokes. (never)
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Position of adverbs of frequency - Exercise 2
Rewrite each sentence with the adverb of frequency (in brackets) in its correct position. Example: I play tennis on Sundays. (often). Answer: I often play tennis on Sundays.
1) Have you been to London? (ever)
2) Peter doesn't get up before seven. (usually)
3) Our friends must write tests. (often)
4) They go swimming in the lake. (sometimes)
5) The weather is bad in November. (always)
6) Peggy and Frank are late. (usually)
7) I have met him before. (never)
8) John watches TV. (seldom)
9) I was in contact with my sister. (often)
10) She will love him. (always)
3. ARTICLES The articles a/an and the in Englisch - Exercise
Fill in the article >a<, >an< or >the< where necessary. Choose >x< where no article
1) I like blue T-shirt over there better than red one.
2) Their car does 150 miles hour.
3) Where's USB drive I lent you last week?
4) Do you still live in Bristol?
5) Is your mother working in old office building?
6) Carol's father works as electrician.
7) The tomatoes are 99 pence kilo.
8) What do you usually have for breakfast?
9) Ben has terrible headache.
10) After this tour you have whole afternoon free to explore the city.
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The definite article the - Exercise 1
Decide whether to use the definite article >the< or not. If you do not need the article >the<, use x. 1) My grandmother likes flowers very much.
2) I love flowers in your garden.
3) See you on Wednesday.
4) I always listen to radio in the morning.
5) Alex goes to work by bus.
6) Don't be late for school.
7) Listen! Dennis is playing trumpet.
8) We often see our cousins over Easter.
9) She has never been to Alps before.
10) What about going to Australia in February?
The indefinite article a/an - Exercise 1
Use >a< or >an<. Write the correct forms of the indefinte articles into the gaps. Example: We read __ book. Answer: We read a book.
1) Lucy has dog.
2) Let's sing song.
3) Emily needs new desk in her room.
4) I need blue pen.
5) Ben has old bike.
6) Peter has aunt in Berlin.
7) We listen to English CD.
8) She has exercise book in her school bag.
9) The speed of this car was 160 miles hour.
10) They finished unit.
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4. AUXILLARY VERBS
The verb BE can be an auxiliary verb or a main verb in English.
be as a main verb in the Simple Present (am, are, is)
affirmative negative I am from England. I am not from England.
he, she, it:
He is from England. He is not from England.
we, you, they:
We are from England. We are not from England.
be as a main verb in the Simple Past (was, were)
affirmative negative I, he, she, it:
I was here. I was not here.
we, you, they:
We were here. We were not here.
be as an auxiliary verb in the Present Progressive (am, are, is)
affirmative negative I:
I am reading a book. I am not reading a book.
he, she, it:
He is reading a book. He is not reading a book.
we, you, they:
We are reading a book. We are not reading a book.
The verb be (am, are, is)
Put the following forms of be (am, are, is) into the gaps in the text. Do not use short/contracted forms. Example: He __ a boy. Answer: He is a boy.
Peter Baker ---- from Manchester, but Paul and John ---- from London. Manchester and London ---- cities in England. Hamburg ---- a city in Germany. Sandra ---- at school today. Jack and Peter ---- her friends. They ---- in the same class. Mr and Mrs Baker ---- on a trip to the USA to visit their cousin Anne. She ---- a nice girl. Peter says: "My grandfather ---- in hospital. I ---- at home with my grandmother." What time ----it? It 8 o'clock. ---- you tired? No, I ----not.
Form questions from the given words or phrases. Example: class / in / your / is / John Answer: Is John in your class?
1) this is apple your ? 6) sandwich box blue is your ?
2) happy you are ? 7) German are they ?
3) your name Josephine is ? 8) the red chair is ?
4) are the old comics ? 9) am late I ?
5) in is class your Charlie ? 10) are clever the kids ?
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Form questions from the given words or phrases.
Example: teacher / where / your / is Answer: Where is your teacher?
1) are old you how ?
2) in is English what that ?
3) you how are ?
4) where is your teacher ?
5) why is late Gerry ?
6) upstairs you are why ?
7) where my is pencil case ?
8) the children why are late ?
9) when his sister is home ?
10) what for homework is ?
Finish the answers using the correct forms of to be (am, are, is).
Example: Is he a doctor? - Answer: No, he is not. or No, he isn't. No, he's not.
1) Are they new here? - No, .
2) Is your classroom big? - Yes, .
3) Are you from Scotland? - Yes, .
4) Is your van green? - No, .
5) Are the DVDs in this box? - Yes, .
6) Is Henry in his room? - No, .
7) Are you football fans? - Yes, .
8) Is Tom's mother in the kitchen? - Yes, .
9) Are Dan and Sue at home? - No, .
10) Is the monster ugly? - Yes, .
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The verb “do” can be an auxiliary verb or a main verb in English.
do as a main verb in the Simple Present (do, does, don't, doesn't)
affirmative
negativeI, we, you, they:I do my homework in the evenings.I don't do my homework in the evenings.*he, she, it:He does his homework in the evenings.He doesn't do his homework in the evenings.**Note: Here we use do in the negative sentence as an auxiliary and as a main verb.
do as a main verb in the Simple Past (did, didn't) affirmative negative
I did my homework in the evenings. I didn't do my homework in the evenings.**
**Note: Here we use did in the negative sentence as an auxiliary and do as a main verb.
do as a main verb - past participle (done) affirmative negative
I have done my homework. I haven't done my homework.
do as a main verb (Present Progressive, Gerund, present participle) - (doing) affirmative negative
I am doing my homework. I am not doing my homework.
Doing my homework is not always fun. Not doing my homework is not clever.
I saw Jane doing her homework. I didn't see Jane doing her homework.
do as an auxiliary verb in negative sentences in the Simple Present:
I don't do my homework in the evenings.
do as an auxiliary verb in negative sentences in the Simple Past:
I didn't do my homework yesterday evening.
do as an auxiliary verb in questions in the Simple Present:
Do you like rugby? - Does he like rugby?
do as an auxiliary verb in questions in the Simple Past:
Did you see Peggy yesterday? When did you get up this morning?
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do with negative imperatives:
Don't sing under the shower.
Complete the following sentences by using the right form of to do (do, don't , does, doesn't, did, didn't , done).
Example: Peter works in a shop, but he ______ work in an office. Answer: Peter works in a shop, but he doesn't work in an office.
1) My mother has the shopping.
2) Walter fly to Rome, he flies to Venice.
3) you recycle inkjet cartridges?
4) drink and drive.
5) When the first lesson start?
6) Yesterday Rick forget his homework.
7) What have you with your money, Jack?
8) Last week we write a test.
9) Amy come to school by bike this morning?
10) Have you ever anything silly?
The verb have can be an auxiliary verb or a main verb in English.
have as a main verb in the Simple Present (have, has, don't have, doesn't have) affirmative negative
I, we, you, they:
I have a new guitar. I have got a new guitar.*
I don't have a new guitar. I haven't got a new guitar.*
he, she, it:
He has a new guitar. He has got a new guitar.*
He doesn't have a new guitar. He hasn't got a new guitar.*
have as a main verb in the Simple Past (had, didn't have) affirmative negative
I had a new guitar. I had got a new guitar.*
I didn't have a new guitar. I hadn't got a new guitar.*
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have as an auxiliary verb and a main verb - Present Perfect (had) affirmative negative
I, we, you, they:
They have had a nice time. They haven't had a nice time.
he, she, it:
He has had a nice time. He hasn't had a nice time.
have as an auxiliary verb and a main verb - Past Perfect (had) affirmative negative
They had had a nice time. They hadn't had a nice time.
have as an auxiliary verb in the Present Perfect (past participle): affirmative negative
I, we, you, they:
I have seen Peter. I haven't seen Peter.
he, she, it:
She has seen Peter. She hasn't seen Peter.
have as auxiliary verb in the Past Perfect (past participle): affirmative negative
I had seen Peter. I hadn't seen Peter.
have als auxiliary verb in the Future Perfect (past participle): affirmative negative
They will have spoken to Peter. They won't have spoken to Peter.
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Complete the following sentences by using the right form of to have (have, has, had). Example: Fred usually _____ sugar with his coffee. Answer: Fred usually has sugar with his coffee.
1) Jack fun at the party last Saturday.
2) I'm sorry, but I to go now.
3) you ever been to Canada?
4) Dave passed his driving test.
5) Can we the bill, please?
6) The match already started when we arrived.
7) They breakfast at 6:30 this morning.
8) Do you a brother?
9) My boss never time.
10) Doris been waiting for Pam for 20 minutes now.
5. NOUNS
singular + -s singular
a car two cars
a cassette two cassettes
a lamp two lamps
a hat two hats
a cup two cups
Add -es after sibilants:
singular plural
a box two boxes
a sandwich two sandwiches
a suitcase two suitcases
a rose two roses
a garage two garages
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Substitute y after consonant with -ies:
singular plural
a city two cities
a lady two ladies
Add -s after vowel + y:
singular plural
a boy two boys
a day two days
There are two forms of the plural of the word penny: pennies -> You refer to the coins. pence -> You refer to the price (how much sth. is).
Nouns on -f or -fe:
add -s substitute with -ves
singular plural singular plural
a roof two roofs a thief two thieves
a cliff two cliffs a wife two wives
a sheriff two sheriffs a shelf two shelves
There are two forms possible:
scarf - scarfs/scarves hoof - hoofs/hooves
Add -s for words ending in -ff.
Always use a dictionary if you are not sure.
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Nouns on -o form the plural by adding -s or -es.
add -s substitute with -ves
singular plural singular plural
a disco two discos a tomato two tomatoes
a piano two pianos a potato two potatoes
a photo two photos a hero two heroes
Some nouns can have two plural forms:
buffalo - buffalos/buffaloes mosquito - mosquitos/mosquitoes tornado - tornados/tornadoes
There is no rule when to use -s or -es. We often add -s with technical words.
Irregular plural forms:
singular plural
a man two men
a woman two women
a child two children
a mouse two mice
a tooth two teeth
a goose two geese
a foot two feet
an ox two oxen
PLURAL NOUNS
In English there are nouns which are used only in the plural.
1) Pair nouns
noun sentence
jeans Where are my jeans?
glasses She has lost her glasses.
scissors These scissors don't cut well.
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If you want to refer to an exact number, use a/one pair of, like in the following example. I have bought a/one pair of jeans. I have bought two pairs of jeans. other nouns: binoculars, headphones, pyjamas, scales, shorts, tights, trousers
2) Nouns not used in the singular (headwords)
noun sentence
cattle Male cattle are called bulls.
clothes He bought some new clothes yesterday.
stairs The children ran down the stairs.
wages The wages are paid on the last day of the month.
people* Three people were killed in the car crash last Friday evening.
police Look! The police are coming.
* The word people can be used in the singular with another meaning: They are a friendly people. The native peoples of Africa often have black skins.
3) Nationalities
The following nationalities (no -s) are used in the pural:
the Dutch, the British, the English, the French, the Spanish, the Welsh
The singular of the English would be: the Englishman
SINGULAR NOUNS
In English there are nouns which are used only in the singular.
1) Collections
noun sentence
furniture She bought new furniture last week.
fruit Would you like some fruit?
hair* Your hair looks lovely.
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more nouns: luggage, jewellry
2) some nouns ending in -s
noun sentence
news Good evening. Here is the news.
physics Physics is our first lesson on Monday morning.
progress Progress was made in developing new technologies.
The United States The United States is a country with 50 federal states.
more nouns: athletics, billards, crossroads, darts, economics, gymnastics, maths, mumps, politics, series
3) special nouns
noun sentence
homework My Maths homework was not easy.
information For further information on the hotel, phone us at ....
knowledge His knowledge of English is excellent.
more nouns: advice, damage, work
The plural of the nouns in English - Exercise 1
Put in the correct form of the plural. Example: school - ______ Answer: school - schools
1) desk -
2) pencil -
3) bike -
4) cat -
5) invitation -
6) watch -
7) game -
8) cage -
9) cake -
10) box -
27
The plural of nouns Spelling - Exercise 2Top of Form
Put in the correct form of the plural. Example: school - ______ Answer: school - schools
1) life -
2) family -
3) boy -
4) house -
5) city -
6) man -
7) child -
8) sandwich -
9) nurse -
10) shelf -
The plural of nouns - special forms - Exercise 3Top of Form
Put in the correct form of the plural of the given nouns. Example: car ___ Answer: car - cars
1) half -
2) kilo -
3) woman -
4) mouth -
5) foot -
6) sheep -
7) penny -
8) bus -
9) day -
28
Singular or plural in English - Exercise 4
Finish the sentences with the singular or plural form of the nouns.
Example: There is a ____ on the table. Answer: There is a book on the table.
1) The cat is sitting on my bed/ beds .
2) There are five pencil / pencils on my desk.
3) I have two sister / sisters.
4) They are riding their bike / bikes.
5) We have a dog / dogs.
6) How many book / books do you have in your bag?
7) My mother has a new computer / computers.
8) There are three windows in the room / rooms.
9) Susan has four poster / posters.
10) There is one pen / pens on the floor.
Singular or plural in sentences
Explanation: Plural of the nouns. Choose the correct verb. Mind the noun (singular or plural).
1) Ladies and gentlemen. Here is / are the news.
2) Where is / are my jeans.
3) Further information is / are available in the office.
4) The stairs is / are over there, Sir.
5) The furniture in our classroom is / are uncomfortable.
6) The USA is / are a very nice country.
7) Your sunglasses is / are on the table.
8) Homework is / are boring.
9) The scissors on the table is / are mine.
10) Physics is / are not easy.
29
Uncountable Nouns - Exercise
Fill in the following words advice, chocolate, jam, lemonade, meat, milk, oil, rice, tea, tennis and form meaningful phrases. Example: a cube of _____ Answer: a cube of sugar
1) a piece of
2) a packet of
3) a bar of
4) a glass of
5) a cup of
6) a bottle of
7) a slice of
8) a barrel of
9) a game of
10) a jar of
6. QUESTION WORDS 1) Yes/No questions - be
Subject and verb change their position in statement and question.
statement You are from Germany.
question Are you from Germany?
We always use the short answer, not only "Yes" or "No". This sounds rude.
NOTE: If the answer is "Yes", we always use the long form. Example: Yes, I am.
If the answer is "No", we either use the long or the contrated form (short form). Example: No, I am not - No, I'm not.
Yes, I am.
Are you from Germany?
No, I am not. 'm not.
Is he your friend? Yes, he is.
Are Peter and John from England? Yes, they are.
30
2) Questions with question words - be
Question word Verb Rest Answer
Where are you from? I'm from Stuttgart.
What is your name? My name is Peter.
How are Pat and Sue? They're fine.
3) Yes/No Questions and short answers - have
Auxiliary Subject Verb Rest Yes/No Subject Auxiliary (+ n't)
Have you got a cat? Yes, I have.
Have you got a new car? No, we haven't.
Has your brother got a bike? Yes, he has.
Do you have a cat? Yes, I do.
Do you have a new car? No, we don't.
Does your brother have a bike? Yes, he does.
4) Questions with question words - have
Question word
Auxiliary Subject Verb Rest Answer
Where have you got your ruler?
I've got it in my pencil case.
Where do you have your ruler? I have it in my pencil case.
5) Questions without question words in the Simple Present
Auxiliary Subject Verb Rest Yes/No Subject Auxiliary (+ n't)
Yes, I do. Do you read books?
No, I don't.
Does Peter play football? Yes, he does.
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6) Questions with question words in the Simple Present
Question word
Auxiliary Subject Verb Rest Answer
What do you play on your computer?
I play games on my computer.
When does your mother
go to work? She goes to work at 6 o'clock.
Where do you meet your friends? I meet them at the bus stop.
7) Questions without question words in the Simple Past
Auxiliary Subject Verb Rest Yes/No Subject Auxiliary (+ n't)
Yes, he did. Did Max play football?
No, he didn't.
Yes, I did. Did you watch
the film yesterday?
No, I didn't.
BUT:
to be Subject xxx Rest Yes/No Subject Auxiliary (+ n't)
Yes, I was. Were you in Leipzig last week?
No, I wasn't.
8) Questions with question words in the Simple Past
Question word
Auxiliary Subject Verb Rest Answer
What did you do yesterday evening?
I did my homework.
When did she meet her boyfriend? She met him yesterday.
Where did they go after the match? They went to a café.
BUT:
32
Question word to be Subject xxxxx Rest Answer
Where were you yesterday? I was at the cinema.
9) Subject question
Question word Verb Rest Subject Verb Object - Place - Time
Who runs to the shop? Peter runs to the shop.
10) Object question
Question word
Auxiliary Subject Verb Rest Answer
Who do you like? I like my mum.
Who did Mandy phone last Monday?
Mandy phoned her uncle.
NOTE!
Subject question Object question
Who phoned John? Who did John phone?
Questions in the Simple Past - Exercise 1
Put in the correct verb form into the gap. Use Simple Past. Example: ___ they ______ their friends? (to meet) Answer: Did they meet their friends?
1) you the door? (to close)
2) Claire the housework? (to finish)
3) he a bath yesterday? (to have)
4) the boy into the lake? (to jump)
5) Ronald the Tower of London? (to visit)
6) Peggy and Olivia after the baby? (to look)
7) she the invitation cards herself? (to make)
8) the girl the ketchup bottle? (to drop)
9) Tim the green T-shirt last Monday? (to buy)
10) they karate this morning? (to practise)
33
Simple Past - Questions - Exercise 2
Put in the correct verb forms and the nouns into the gaps. Use Simple Past. Example: ____________ their friends? (they/to meet) Answer: Did they meet their friends?
1) after the cat? (the dog/to run)
2) photos when you were on holiday? (you/to take)
3) to music yesterday evening? (Steven/to listen)
4) a cup of tea in the café? (the ladies/to have)
5) text messages during the lesson? (Nancy/to send)
6) pullovers last Friday? (Melissa and Ruth/to wear)
7) hello to people in the street? (your brother/to say)
8) the windows in your classroom? (the teacher/to open)
9) chess two weeks ago? (the girls in your class/to play)
10) breakfast last morning? (your mother/to make)
7. QUESTION TAGS
Use
frequently used in spoken English when you want s.o. to agree or disagree
Form
positive statement ->question tag negative - You are Tom, aren't you? negative statement->question tag positive - He isn't Joe, is he?
Examples
with auxiliaries You've got a car, haven't you?
without auxiliaries (use: don't, doesn't, didn't) They play football on Sundays, don't they? She plays football on Sundays, doesn't she? They played football on Sundays, didn't they?
34
Questions tags are used to keep a conversation going. You can agree or refuse to a sentence with a question tag.
You go to school, don't you?
You agree. You refuse.
Yes, I do. No, I don't.
You aren't from Germany, are you?
You agree. You refuse.
No, I'm not. Yes, I am.
Questions tags - Special
Although the negative word not is not in the sentence, the sentence can be negative. Then we use the "positive" question tag.
He never goes out with his dog, does he?
have is a main verb in the sentence -> two possibilities
We have a car, _____?
We have a car, haven't we? We have a car, don't we?
mostly British English mostly American English
We use will/would with the imperative (Simple Present).
Open the window, will you? Open the window, would you?
Don't open your books, will you?
We use won't with a polite request.
Open the window, won't you?
We use shall after Let's.
Let's take the next bus, shall we?
Auxiliary must
We must be at home at 8 pm, mustn't we?
Yes, we must. No, we needn't.
35
Procedure adding a question tag
Look at the sentence.
1 Is an auxiliary or a form of to be in the sentence?
yes no
auxiliary or form of to be affirmative -> negate auxiliary (add n't) auxiliary or form of to be negative -> (delete n't)
affirmative sentence -> Negate sentence (e.g. don't; doesn't; didn't) negative sentence -> (delete n't)
2 Is a personal pronoun the subject of the sentence?
yes no
Use the personal pronoun. Form the personal pronoun.
3 Complete the sentence.
Example 1: He can play football, ________.
1 Is an auxiliary or a form of to be in the sentence?
yes -> can
auxiliary or form of to be affirmative -> negate auxiliary (add n't) can't
2 Is a personal pronoun the subject of the sentence?
yes
Use the personal pronoun.
3 He can play football, can't he?
Example 2: Peter can play football, ________.
1 Is an auxiliary or a form of to be in the sentence?
yes -> can
auxiliary or form of to be affirmative -> negate auxiliary (add n't) can't
2 Is a personal pronoun the subject of the sentence?
no
Form the personal pronoun. Peter -> he
3 Peter can play football, can't he?
36
Example 3: Peter plays football, ________.
1 Is an auxiliary or a form of to be in the sentence?
no
affirmative sentence -> Negate the verb. verb plays -> Negation: doesn't play
We only use the auxiliary doesn't.
2 Is a personal pronoun the subject of the sentence?
no
Form the personal pronoun. Peter -> he
3 Peter plays football, doesn't he?
Question tags - Matching exercise 1
<Is he? <Isn´t he? <Didn´t they <Won´t they <Doesn´t he? <Did she? <Doesn´t she <Aren´t you <Hasn´t she<Was she?
He sometimes reads the newspaper,
You are Indian,
They had a nice weekend,
Peggy didn't use the pencil,
Mary has answered the teacher's question,
The boy is from Turkey,
Sue wasn't listening,
Andrew isn't sleeping,
Tom and Maria will arrive at Heathrow,
She has a brother,
Question tags - Matching exercise 2
Hasn´t he Isn´t it Aren ´t I Wll he? Will you? Isn´t he <Shall we <Doesn´t he <Aren´t they <Don´t they?
He's been to Texas,
Dogs like meat,
There are some apples left,
I'm late,
Let's go,
Don't smoke,
He does sing in the bathroom,
He'll never know,
I think, he's from India,
Lovely day today,
37
8. MAKE OR DO
Word Explanation Example
make to create sth. (you often use your hands)
We make birdhouses every winter. The pupils make a lot of noise in the break. She makes me happy.
do an action you do not mention by name; mostly mental work; mostly referred to the topic "work"
They do their homework in the afternoon. I often do the shopping in the evenings.
1) to a journey
2) to the shopping
3) to the beds
4) to fun of someone
5) to an exercise
6) to one's best
7) to a speech
8) to a good job
9) to a mistake
10) to the homework
1) to someome a favour
2) to a bargain
3) to an examination
4) to a complaint
5) to progress
6) to the washing up
7) to money
8) to a reservation
9) to harm to someone
10) to a decision
38
9. IRREGULAR VERBS all 3 forms are similar
infinitive simple past past participle
bet* bet bet
burst burst burst
cost cost cost
cut cut cut
hit hit hit
hurt hurt hurt
let let let
put put put
read read read
set set set
shut shut shut
Infinitive and Simple Past are similar
infinitive simple past past participle
beat beat beaten
Infinitive and past participle are similar
infinitive simple past past participle
come came come
run ran run
become became become
Simple Past and past participle are similar
infinitive simple past past participle
bring brought brought
build built built
buy bought bought
catch caught caught
deal dealt dealt
feed fed fed
39
feel felt felt
fight fought fought
find found found
get got got
hang hung hung
have had had
hear heard heard
hold held held
keep kept kept
lay laid laid
lead led led
leave left left
lend lent lent
light* lit lit
lose lost lost
make made made
mean meant meant
meet met met
pay paid paid
say said said
sell sold sold
send sent sent
shine shone shone
shoot shot shot
sit sat sat
sleep slept slept
slide slid slid
spend spent spent
stand stood stood
stick stuck stuck
sweep swept swept
swing swung swung
40
teach taught taught
tell told told
think thought thought
understand understood understood
win won won
all 3 forms are different
infinitive simple past past participle
be was/were been
begin began begun
blow blew blown
break broke broken
choose chose chosen
do did done
draw drew drawn
drink drank drunk
drive drove driven
eat ate eaten
fall fell fallen
fly flew flown
forget forgot forgotten
freeze froze frozen
give gave given
go went gone
grow grew grown
hide hid hidden
know knew known
lie lay lain
ride rode ridden
ring rang rung
rise rose risen
see saw seen
shake shook shaken
show* showed shown
sing sang sung
sink sank sunk
speak spoke spoken
41
spring sprang sprung
steal stole stolen
swear swore sworn
swim swam swum
take took taken
tear tore torn
throw threw thrown
wake woke woken
wear wore worn
weave wove woven
write wrote written
* regular form (+ -ed) also possible.
42
Forms of irregular verbs - Exercise 1
Are the following forms of the irregular verbs used as Infinitive, Simple Past and/or Past participle?
1) have -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
2) went -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
3) slept -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
4) come -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
5) do -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
6) met -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
7) say -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
8) put -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
43
Forms of irregular verbs - Exercise 2
Are the following forms of the irregular verbs used as Infinitive, Simple Past and/or Past participle?
1) swam -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
2) cost -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
3) got -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
4) build -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
5) knew -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
6) were -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
7) run -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
8) keep -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
44
Forms of irregular verbs - Exercise 3
Are the following forms of the irregular verbs used as Infinitive, Simple Past and/or Past participle?
1) taught -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
2) written -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
3) sang -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
4) stolen -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
5) shut -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
6) beat -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
7) hit -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
8) lost -
Infinitive
Simple Past
Past participle
45
Irregular verbs - Exercise 1
Put in the verbs in the correct forms. Example: give - ____ - _____ Answer: give - gave - given
1) go - -
2) say - -
3) do - -
4) come - -
5) have - -
6) stand - -
7) make - -
8) buy - -
9) sit - -
10) swim - -
11) speak - -
12) see - -
13) write - -
14) sing - -
15) run - -
46
Irregular verbs - Exercise 2
Put in the verbs in the correct forms. Example: sing - ____ - _____ Answer: sing - sang - sung
1) begin - -
2) feel - -
3) get - -
4) draw - -
5) bring - -
6) know - -
7) take - -
8) pay - -
9) meet - -
10) leave - -
11) wake up - -
12) read - -
13) sleep - -
14) ride - -
15) build - -
47
Irregular verbs - English - Exercise 3
Put in the missing verb forms. Example: do - ____ - _____ Answer: do - did - done
1) catch - -
2) tell - -
3) understand - -
4) cut - -
5) ring - -
6) eat - -
7) wear - -
8) put - -
9) sell - -
10) think - -
11) drive - -
12) win - -
13) drink - -
14) break - -
15) fight - -
48
Irregular verbs - Mix 1
Put in the missing forms of the verbs. Example: _____ - spoke - _______ Answer: speak - spoke - spoken
1) - went -
2) - - done
3) run - -
4) - stood -
5) see - -
6) - - come
7) have - -
8) - - lost
9) - read -
10) think - -
11) tell - -
12) - sat -
13) - - said
14) find - -
15) - left -
49
Irregular verbs - Mix 2
Put in the missing forms of the verbs. Example: _____ - ____ - worn Answer: wear - wore - worn
1) - broke -
2) - - forgotten
3) choose - -
4) - drew -
5) buy - -
6) - - flown
7) hurt - -
8) - - got, gotten
9) - drank -
10) bring - -
11) cut - -
12) - sank -
13) - - made
14) know - -
15) - paid -
50
Irregular verbs - Mix 3
Put in the missing forms of the verbs. Example: ______ - taught - _______ Answer: teach - taught - taught
1) wear - -
2) - - eaten
3) hear - -
4) - cost -
5) fall - -
6) - - hit
7) keep - -
8) - felt -
9) meet - -
10) - understood -
11) ride - -
12) - put -
13) - - sent
14) shake - -
15) - won -
51
Irregular Verbs - Form
Write the forms of the following irregular verbs into the correct column:
sprang, began, flown, gave, choose, shake, forgot, written, sink, draw
Infinitive Simple Past Past Participle
52
10 PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE TENSES
The most common tenses in English
Tense Signal
words Use Form Examples
Simple Present
every day
sometimes
always often usually
seldom never first ... then
something happens repeatedly how often something happens one action follows another things in general after the following verbs (to love, to hate, to think, etc.) future meaning: timetables, programmes
infinitive he/she/it + -s
I work he works I go he goes
Present Progressive
now
at the moment
Look! Listen!
something is happening at the same time of speaking or around it future meaning: when you have already decided and
arranged to do it (a fixed plan, date)
to be (am/are/is) + infinitive + -ing
I'm working
he's working I'm going he's going
Simple Past
last ...
... ago in 1990
yesterday
action took place in the past, mostly connected with an expression of time (no connection to the present)
regelmäßig: infinitive + -ed unregelmäßig:
2. Spalte
I worked he worked I went he went
Past Progressive
an action happened in the middle of another action - someone was doing sth. at a certain time (in the past) - you don't know whether it was finished or not
was/were + infinitive + -ing
I was working he was working I was going he was going
53
Simple Present Perfect
yet
never
ever already
so far,
up to now, zum Teil: since
for
recently
you say that sth. has happened or is finished in the past and it has a connection to the present action started in the past and continues up to the present
have/has +
past participle
(infinitive + -ed) oder
(3. Spalte)
I've worked he's worked I've gone he's gone
Present Perfect Progressive
emphasis: length of time of an action
action began in the past and has just stopped how long the action has been happening
have/has + been + infinitive + -ing
I've been working he's been working I've been going he's been going
Simple Past Perfect
mostly when two actions in a story are related to each other: the action which had already happened is put into Past Perfect, the other action into Simple Past the past of the Present Perfect
had + past participle (infinitive + -ed) oder
(3. Spalte)
I had worked he had worked I had gone he had gone
will - future
predictions about the future (you think that sth. will happen) you decide to do sth. spontaneously at the time of speaking, you haven't made a decision before main clause in if clause type I
will + infinitive
I'll work
he'll work I'll go he'll go
going to - future
when you have already decided to do sth. in the future what you think what will happen
be (am/are/is) + going to + infinitive
I'm going to work he's going to work I'm going to go he's going to go
54
TABLE OF ENGLISH TENSES
Simple Present Simple Past Simple Future
I study English every day. Two years ago, I studied English in England.
If you are having problems, I will help you study English. I am going to study English next year.
Present Continuous Past Continuous Future Continuous
I am studying English now. I was studying English when you called yesterday.
I will be studying English when you arrive tonight. I am going to be studying English when you arrive tonight.
Present Perfect Past Perfect Future Perfect
I have studied English in several different countries.
I had studied a little English before I moved to the U.S.
I will have studied every tense by the time I finish this course. I am going to have studied every tense by the time I finish this course.
Present Perfect Continuous Past Perfect Continuous Future Perfect Continuous
I have been studying English for five years.
I had been studying English for five years before I moved to the U.S.
I will have been studying English for over two hours by the time you arrive. I am going to have been studying English for over two hours by the time you arrive.
55
Tense Signal
words Use Form
Examples
affirmative
Examples
negative
Examples
interrogative
I work. I don't work.
Do I work?
He works. He doesn't work.
Does he work?
I go. I don't
go. Do I go?
Simple Present or Present Simple
every day
sometimes
always
often
usually
seldom
never
first ...
then
something happens repeatedly how often something happens one action follows another things in general after the following verbs (to love, to hate, to think, etc.) future meaning: timetables, programmes
infinitive
he/she/it + -s
He goes. He doesn't go.
Does he go?
I'm working.
I'm not
working. Am I working?
He's working.
He isn't working.
Is he working?
I'm going. I'm not going.
Am I going? Present Progressive or Present Continuous
now
at the
moment
Look!
Listen!
something is happening at the same time of speaking or around it future meaning: when you have already decided and arranged to do it (a fixed plan, date)
to be
(am/are/is) + infinitive + -ing
He's going. He isn't going.
Is he going?
I worked. I didn't work.
Did I work?
He worked. He didn't work.
Did he work?
I went. I didn't go.
Did I go?
Simple Past or Past Simple
last ...
... ago
in 1990
yesterday
action took place in the past, mostly connected with an expression of time (no connection to the present)
regular: infinitive + -ed irregular: 2nd column
of table of irregular
verbs
He went. He didn't
go. Did he go?
I was working.
I wasn't working.
Was I working?
He was working.
He wasn't working.
Was he working?
Past Progressive or Past Continuous
while an action happened in the middle of another action
was/were + infinitive + -ing
I was I wasn't Was I going?
56
going. going. someone was doing sth. at a certain time (in the past) - you do not know whether it was finished or not
He was going.
He wasn't
going. Was he going?
I have worked.
I haven't worked.
Have I worked?
He has worked.
He hasn't worked.
Has he worked?
I have gone.
I haven't gone.
Have I gone? Simple Present Perfect or Present Perfect
just
yet
never
ever
already
so far,
up to now,
since
for
recently
you say that sth. has happened or is finished in the past and it has a connection to the present action started in the past and continues up to the present
have/has + past participle* *(infinitive + -ed) or (3rd column of table of
irregular verbs)
He has gone.
He hasn't
gone. Has he gone?
I have
been working.
I haven't
been working.
Have I been working?
He has
been working.
He hasn't
been working.
Has he been working?
I have
been going.
I haven't
been going.
Have I been going?
Present Perfect Progressive or Present Perfect Continuous
all day
the whole day
how long
since
for
action began in the past and has just stopped how long the action has been happening
emphasis: length of
time of an action
have/has + been + infinitive + -ing
He has
been going.
He hasn't
been going.
Has he been going?
I had worked.
I hadn't worked.
Had I worked?
He had worked.
He hadn't worked.
Had he worked?
I had gone. I hadn't gone.
Had I gone? Simple Past Perfect or Past Perfect (Simple)
already
just
never
mostly when two actions in a story are related to each other: the action which had already happened is put into Past Perfect, the other action into Simple Past the past of the Present Perfect
had + past
participle* *(infinitive + -ed) or (3rd column of table of
irregular
verbs) He had gone.
He hadn't gone.
Had he gone?
57
I had been working.
I hadn't
been working.
Had I been working?
He had been working.
He hadn't been working.
Had he been working?
I had been going.
I hadn't
been going.
Had I been going?
Past Perfect Progressive or Past Perfect Continuous
how long
since
for
how long something had been happening before something else happened
had + been + infinitive + ing
He had
been going.
He hadn't
been going.
Had he been going?
I'll work. I won't work.
Will I work?
He'll work. He won't work.
Will he work?
I'll go. I won't go.
Will I go?
will - future
predictions about the future (you think that sth. will happen) you decide to do sth. spontaneously at the time of speaking, you haven't made a decision before main clause in type I of the if clauses
will + infinitive
He'll go. He won't go.
Will he go?
I'm going
to work.
I'm not
going to work.
Am I going to work?
He's going
to work.
He's not
going to work.
Is he going
to work?
I'm going
to go.
I'm not going to go.
Am I going to go?
going to - future
when you have already decided to do sth. in the future what you think what will happen
be (am/are/is) + going to + infinitive
He's going to go.
He's not going to go.
Is he going to go?
I'll be working.
I won't be working.
Will I be working?
He'll be
working.
He won't be
working.
Will he be working?
I'll be going.
I won't be going.
Will I be going?
Future Progressive or Future Continuous
An action will be in progress at a certain time in the future. This action has begun before certain time. It happens because it normally happens.
will + be + infinitive + ing
He'll be going.
He won't be going.
Will he be going?
58
I'll have worked.
I won't
have worked.
Will I have worked?
He'll have worked.
He won't have worked.
Will he have worked?
I'll have gone.
I won't
have gone.
Will I have gone?
Simple Future Perfect or Future Perfect Simple
sth. will already have happened before a certain time in the future
will + have + past participle* *(infinitive + -ed) or (3rd column
of table of
irregular verbs)
He'll have gone.
He won't
have gone.
Will he have gone?
I'll have
been
working.
I won't
have
been working.
Will I have been working?
He'll have
been working.
He won't
have been
working.
Will he have been working?
I'll have been going.
I won't
have been going.
Will I have been working?
Future Perfect Progressive or Future Perfect Continuous
sth. will already have happened before a certain time in the future emphasis:
length of time of an
action
will + have
+ been + infinitive + ing
He'll have been going.
He won't have been going.
Will he have been working?
I would work.
I wouldn't work.
Would I work?
He would work.
He wouldn't
work.
Would he work?
I would go. I wouldn't
go. Would I go?
Conditional Simple
sth. that might happen main clause in type II of the Conditional sentences
would + infinitive
He would go.
He wouldn't go.
Would he go?
I would be working.
I wouldn't be working.
Would I be working?
He would
be working.
He wouldn't
be working.
Would he be working?
I would be going.
I wouldn't
be going. Would I be going?
Conditional Progressive or Conditional Continuous
sth. that might happen emphasis:
length of time of an
action
would + be + infinitive + ing
He would be going.
He wouldn't
be going.
Would he be going?
Conditional sth. that would + I would I wouldn't Would I have
59
have worked.
have worked.
worked?
He would
have worked.
He wouldn't have
worked.
Would he have worked?
I would have gone.
I wouldn't
have gone.
Would I have gone?
Perfect
might have happened in the past (It's too late now.) main clause in type III of the if clauses
have + past participle* *(infinitive + -ed) or (3rd column of table of
irregular verbs)
He would have gone.
He wouldn't have gone.
Would I have gone?
I would
have been
working.
I wouldn't
have been
working.
Would I have been working?
He would
have been going.
He wouldn't
have been going.
Would he have been working?
I would have been going.
I wouldn't
have
been going.
Would I have been going?
Conditional Perfect Progressive or Conditional Perfect Continuous
sth. that might have happened in the past (It's too late now.) emphasis:
length of
time of an action
would + have + been + infinitive + ing
He would
have been going.
He wouldn't
have
been going.
Would he have been going?
We sometimes use Continuous instead of Progressive. Some signal words can be found in more tenses. We did not list signal words in the future tenses as there are no definite ones. Always remember what action is described.
60
English tenses - How to fill in the verbs
Here you will find 4 examples where you have to fill in the correct form of the verb. Study the steps which show you you to fill in the verb form into different types of sentences. Do not follow the text in grey.
What are signal words?
Signal words help you to put in the correct tense. You can easily put in the correct form of the verb if you know the signal word and which tense it demands.
signal word tense
every ... (day)
sometimes
often
usually
seldom
Simple Present
now
at the moment
Look!
Listen!
Present Progressive
last ...
... ago
yesterday
in 1990
Simple Past
yet
ever
already
so far
up to now
Present Perfect
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EXERCISES TOPICS COVERED
Verb Tense Exercise 1 Simple Present and Present Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 2 Simple Present and Present Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 3 Simple Past and Past Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 4 Simple Past and Past Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 5 Simple Past and Present Perfect
Verb Tense Exercise 6 Simple Past and Present Perfect
Verb Tense Exercise 7 Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 8 Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 9 Present Continuous and Present Perfect Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 10 Present Continuous and Present Perfect Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 11 Simple Past and Past Perfect
Verb Tense Exercise 12 Simple Past, Present Perfect, and Past Perfect
Verb Tense Exercise 13 Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 14 Present Perfect, Past Perfect, Present Perfect Continuous, and Past Perfect Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 15 Present Continuous, Simple Past, Present Perfect Continuous, and Past Perfect Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 16 Present and Past Tenses with Non-Continuous Verbs
Verb Tense Exercise 17 Present and Past Tense Review
Verb Tense Exercise 18 Will and Be Going to
Verb Tense Exercise 19 Will and Be Going to
Verb Tense Exercise 20 Will and Be Going to
Verb Tense Exercise 21 Simple Present and Simple Future
Verb Tense Exercise 22 Simple Present and Simple Future
Verb Tense Exercise 23 Simple Future and Future Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 24 Simple Present, Simple Future, Present Continuous, and Future Co
Verb Tense Exercise 25 Future Perfect and Future Perfect Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 26 Future Perfect and Future Perfect Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 27 Future Perfect and Future Perfect Continuous
Verb Tense Exercise 28 Future Perfect and Future Perfect Continuous
62
Verb Tense Exercise 1
Simple Present / Present Continuous Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate tenses
1. Every Monday, Sally (drive) her kids to football practice.
2. Usually, I (work) as a secretary at ABT, but this summer I (study) French at a
language school in Paris. That is why I am in Paris.
3. Shhhhh! Be quiet! John (sleep) .
4. Don't forget to take your umbrella. It (rain) .
5. I hate living in Seattle because it (rain, always) .
6. I'm sorry I can't hear what you (say) because everybody (talk) so loudly.
7. Justin (write, currently) a book about his adventures in Tibet. I hope he can find a good
publisher when he is finished.
8. Jim: Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?
Denise: Oh, I'm sorry, I can't. I (go) to a movie tonight with some friends.
9. The business cards (be, normally ) printed by a company in New York. Their prices (be)
inexpensive, yet the quality of their work is quite good.
10. This delicious chocolate (be) made by a small chocolatier in Zurich, Switzerland.
63
Verb Tense Exercise 2
Simple Present / Present Continuous
A Trekking Journal November 12, 1997
Today (be) the second day of my trek around Mount Annapurna. I am exhausted and my legs
(shake) ; I just hope I am able to complete the trek. My feet (kill, really) me and
my toes (bleed) , but I (want, still) to continue.
Nepal is a fascinating country, but I have a great deal to learn. Everything (be) so different, and I
(try) to adapt to the new way of life here. I (learn) a little bit of the language to make
communication easier; unfortunately, I (learn, not) foreign languages quickly. Although I
(understand, not) much yet, I believe that I (improve, gradually) .
I (travel, currently) with Liam, a student from Leeds University in England. He (be)
a nice guy, but impatient. He (walk, always) ahead of me and (complain)
that I am too slow. I (do) my best to keep up with him, but he is younger and stronger
than I am. Maybe, I am just feeling sorry for myself because I am getting old.
Right now, Liam (sit) with the owner of the inn. They (discuss) the differences
between life in England and life in Nepal. I (know, not) the real name of the owner, but everybody
(call, just) him Tam. Tam (speak) English very well and he (try) to teach
Liam some words in Nepali. Every time Tam (say) a new word, Liam (try) to repeat it.
Unfortunately, Liam (seem, also) to have difficulty learning foreign languages. I just hope we don't
get lost and have to ask for directions.
64
Verb Tense Exercise 3
Simple Past / Past Continuous
1. A: What (you, do) when the accident occurred?
B: I (try) to change a light bulb that had burnt out.
2. After I (find) the wallet full of money, I (go, immediately) to the police and (turn)
it in.
3. The doctor (say) that Tom (be) too sick to go to work and that he (need)
to stay at home for a couple of days.
4. Sebastian (arrive) at Susan's house a little before 9:00 PM, but she (be, not)
there. She (study, at the library) for her final examination in French.
5. Sandy is in the living room watching television. At this time yesterday, she (watch, also)
television. That's all she ever does!
6. A: I (call) you last night after dinner, but you (be, not) there. Where were you?
B: I (work) out at the fitness center.
7. When I (walk) into the busy office, the secretary (talk) on the phone with a
customer, several clerks (work, busily) at their desks, and two managers (discuss, quietly)
methods to improve customer service.
8. I (watch) a mystery movie on TV when the electricity went out. Now I am never going to find out
how the movie ends.
9. Sharon (be) in the room when John told me what happened, but she didn't hear anything
because she (listen, not) .
65
10. It's strange that you (call) because I (think, just) about you.
11. The Titanic (cross) the Atlantic when it (strike) an iceberg.
12. When I entered the bazaar, a couple of merchants (bargain, busily) and (try)
to sell their goods to naive tourists who (hunt) for souvenirs. Some young boys
(lead) their donkeys through the narrow streets on their way home. A couple of men (argue)
over the price of a leather belt. I (walk) over to a man who (sell) fruit
and (buy) a banana.
13. The firemen (rescue) the old woman who (be) trapped on the third floor of the
burning building.
14. She was so annoying! She (leave, always) her dirty dishes in the sink. I think she (expect,
actually) me to do them for her.
15. Samantha (live) in Berlin for more than two years. In fact, she (live) there when
the Berlin Wall came down.
66
Verb Tense Exercise 4
Simple Past / Past Continuous Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate tenses,
Last night, while I was doing my homework, Angela (call) . She said she (call)
me on her cell phone from her biology classroom at UCLA. I asked her if she
(wait) for class, but she said that the professor was at the front of the hall
lecturing while she (talk) to me. I couldn't believe she (make) a phone
call during the lecture. I asked what was going on.
She said her biology professor was so boring that several of the students (sleep, actually)
in class. Some of the students (talk) about their plans for the
weekend and the student next to her (draw) a picture of a horse. When Angela
(tell) me she was not satisfied with the class, I (mention) that my
biology professor was quite good and (suggest) that she switch to my class.
While we were talking, I (hear) her professor yell, "Miss, are you making a phone
call?" Suddenly, the line went dead. I (hang) up the phone and went to the
kitchen to make dinner. As I (cut) vegetables for a salad, the phone rang once
again. It (be) Angela, but this time she wasn't sitting in class.
67
Verb Tense Exercise 5
Simple Past / Present Perfect Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate tenses.
1. A: Did you like the movie "Star Wars?"
B: I don't know. I (see, never) that movie.
2. Sam (arrive) in San Diego a week ago.
3. My best friend and I (know) each other for over fifteen years. We still get together once a week.
4. Stinson is a fantastic writer. He (write) ten very creative short stories in the last year. One day,
he'll be as famous as Hemingway.
5. I (have, not) this much fun since I (be) a kid.
6. Things (change) a great deal at Coltech, Inc. When we first (start) working here
three years ago, the company (have, only) six employees. Since then, we (expand)
to include more than 2000 full-time workers.
7. I (tell) him to stay on the path while he was hiking, but he (wander) off into the
forest and (be) bitten by a snake.
8. Listen Donna, I don't care if you (miss) the bus this morning. You (be) late to
work too many times. You are fired!
9. Sam is from Colorado, which is hundreds of miles from the coast, so he (see, never) the ocean.
He should come with us to Miami.
68
10. How sad! George (dream) of going to California before he died, but he didn't make it. He (see,
never) the ocean.
11. In the last hundred years, traveling (become) much easier and very comfortable. In the 19th
century, it (take) two or three months to cross North America by covered wagon. The trip (be)
very rough and often dangerous. Things (change) a great deal in the last hundred
and fifty years. Now you can fly from New York to Los Angeles in a matter of hours.
12. Jonny, I can't believe how much you (change) since the last time I (see) you.
You (grow) at least a foot!
13. This tree (be) planted by the settlers who (found) our city over four hundred
years ago.
14. This mountain (be, never) climbed by anyone. Several mountaineers (try) to
reach the top, but nobody (succeed, ever) . The climb is extremely difficult and many people
(die) trying to reach the summit.
15. I (visit, never) Africa, but I (travel) to South America several times. The last
time I (go) to South America, I (visit) Brazil and Peru. I (spend) two
weeks in the Amazon, (hike) for a week near Machu Picchu, and (fly) over the
Nazca Lines.
69
Verb Tense Exercise 6
Simple Past / Present Perfect
Since computers were first introduced to the public in the early 1980's, technology (change)
a great deal. The first computers (be) simple machines designed for
basic tasks. They (have, not) much memory and they (be, not) very
powerful. Early computers were often quite expensive and customers often (pay)
thousands of dollars for machines which actually (do) very little. Most
computers (be) separate, individual machines used mostly as expensive
typewriters or for playing games.
Times (change) . Computers (become) powerful machines with very
practical applications. Programmers (create) a large selection of useful programs
which do everything from teaching foreign languages to bookkeeping. We are still playing
video games, but today's games (become) faster, more exciting interactive
adventures. Many computer users (get, also) on the Internet and (begin)
communicating with other computer users around the world. We (start)
to create international communities online. In short, the simple, individual
machines of the past (evolve) into an international World Wide Web of
knowledge.
70
Verb Tense Exercise 7
Present Perfect / Present Perfect Continuous
Robin: I think the waiter (forget) us. We (wait) here for over half an
hour and nobody (take) our order yet.
Michele: I think you're right. He (walk) by us at least twenty times. He probably
thinks we (order, already) .
Robin: Look at that couple over there, they (be, only) here for five or ten minutes
and they already have their food.
Michele: He must realize we (order, not) yet! We (sit) here for
over half an hour staring at him.
Robin: I don't know if he (notice, even) us. He (run) from table to
table taking orders and serving food.
Michele: That's true, and he (look, not) in our direction once.
71
Verb Tense Exercise 8
Present Perfect / Present Perfect Continuous
1. Judy: How long (be) in Canada?
Claude: I (study) here for more than three years.
2. I (have) the same car for more than ten years. I'm thinking about buying a new one.
3. I (love) chocolate since I was a child. You might even call me a "chocoholic."
4. Matt and Sarah (have) some difficulties in their relationship lately, so they (go)
to a marriage counselor. I hope they work everything out.
5. John (work) for the government since he graduated from Harvard University. Until recently, he
(enjoy) his work, but now he is talking about retiring.
6. Lately, I (think) about changing my career because I (become) dissatisfied
with the conditions at my company.
7. I (see) Judy for more than five years and during that time I (see) many changes
in her personality.
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Verb Tense Exercise 9
Present Continuous / Present Perfect Continuous
1. It (rain) all week. I hope it stops by Saturday because I want to go to the beach.
2. Sid: Where is Gary?
Sarah: He (study, at the library) for his German test on Wednesday. In fact, he (review)
for the test every day for the last week.
3. You look really great! (You, exercise) at the fitness center ?
4. Frank, where have you been? We (wait) for you since 1 PM.
5. Tim: What is that sound?
Nancy: A car alarm (ring) somewhere down the street. It (drive) me crazy - I
wish it would stop! It (ring) for more than twenty minutes.
6. Joseph's English (improve, really) , isn't it? He (watch) American
television programs and (study) his grammar every day since he first arrived in San Diego. Soon
he will be totally fluent.
7. Dan: You look a little tired. (You, get) enough sleep lately?
Michelle: Yes, I (sleep) relatively well. I just look tired because I (feel) a little
sick for the last week.
Dan: I hope you feel better soon.
Michelle: Thanks. I (take, currently) some medicine, so I should feel better in a couple of
days.
73
Verb Tense Exercise 10
Present Continuous / Present Perfect Continuous
Mr. Smith: So tell me a little bit about yourself, Mr. Harris. I would like to find out a little bit more about your
background.
Mr. Harris: I (work) in the insurance industry for over ten years. I worked for Met Life for six
years and World Insurance for four and a half. During that time, I heard many good things about Hollings Life
Insurance and that's why I (apply) for the new sales position.
Mr. Smith: Tell me a little about your hobbies and interests.
Mr. Harris: In my spare time, I hike in the mountains outside of town, volunteer at the Sierra Club and play
tennis. In fact, I (compete) in a tennis tournament this weekend.
Mr. Smith: Really, how long (you, play) tennis ?
Mr. Harris: I (play) since high school. I love the sport.
Mr. Smith: Great! We like dedication here at Hollings Life. You mentioned you volunteer at the Sierra Club. I
(work, currently) with them on the sea turtle project. We (try) to create a
wildlife sanctuary near the bay.
Mr. Harris: Do you know Frank Harris? He's my brother. He (work, presently) on the same
project.
Mr. Smith: I know Frank quite well. Any brother of Frank's would be a welcome addition to Hollings Life. Just
one more thing, we (look) for somebody who is fluent in Spanish; many of our clients are from
Mexico.
Mr. Harris: No problem. I (study) Spanish since elementary school.
Mr. Smith: Sounds like you are the perfect candidate.
74
Verb Tense Exercise 11
Simple Past / Past Perfect
I can't believe I (get) that apartment. I (submit) my application last
week, but I didn't think I had a chance of actually getting it. When I (show) up to
take a look around, there were at least twenty other people who (arrive) before
me. Most of them (fill, already) out their applications and were already leaving.
The landlord said I could still apply, so I did.
I (try) to fill out the form, but I couldn't answer half of the questions. They (want)
me to include references, but I didn't want to list my previous landlord because I
(have) some problems with him in the past and I knew he wouldn't recommend
me. I (end) up listing my father as a reference.
It was total luck that he (decide) to give me the apartment. It turns out that the
landlord and my father (go) to high school together. He decided that I could have
the apartment before he (look) at my credit report. I really lucked out!
75
Verb Tense Exercise 12
Simple Past / Present Perfect / Past Perfect
1. When I (arrive) home last night, I discovered that Jane (prepare) a beautiful
candlelight dinner.
2. Since I began acting, I (perform) in two plays, a television commercial and a TV drama.
However, I (speak, never even) publicly before I came to Hollywood in 1985.
3. By the time I got to the office, the meeting (begin, already) without me. My boss (be)
furious with me and I (be) fired.
4. When I (turn) the radio on yesterday, I (hear) a song that was popular when I
was in high school. I (hear, not) the song in years, and it (bring) back some great
memories.
5. Last week, I (run) into an ex-girlfriend of mine. We (see, not) each other in years,
and both of us (change) a great deal. I (enjoy) talking to her so much that I (ask)
her out on a date. We are getting together tonight for dinner.
6. When Jack (enter) the room, I (recognize, not) him because he (lose)
so much weight and (grow) a beard. He looked totally different!
7. The Maya established a very advanced civilization in the jungles of the Yucatan; however, their culture
(disappear, virtually) by the time Europeans first (arrive) in the New World.
76
Verb Tense Exercise 13
Past Perfect / Past Perfect Continuous I'm sorry I left without you last night, but I told you to meet me early because the show started
at 8:00. I (try) to get tickets for that play for months, and I didn't want to miss it.
By the time I finally left the coffee shop where we were supposed to meet, I (have)
five cups of coffee and I (wait) over an hour. I had to leave because
I (arrange) to meet Kathy in front of the theater.
When I arrived at the theater, Kathy (pick, already) up the tickets and she was
waiting for us near the entrance. She was really angry because she (wait) for
more than half an hour. She said she (give, almost) up and (go) into
the theater without us.
Kathy told me you (be) late several times in the past and that she would not make
plans with you again in the future. She mentioned that she (miss) several movies
because of your late arrivals. I think you owe her an apology. And in the future, I suggest you
be on time!
77
Verb Tense Exercise 14
Present Perfect / Past Perfect Present Perfect Continuous / Past Perfect Continuou s
1. It is already 9:30 PM and I (wait) here for over an hour. If John does not get here in the next
five minutes, I am going to leave.
2. I was really angry at John yesterday. By the time he finally arrived, I (wait) for over an hour. I
almost left without him.
3. Did you hear that Ben was fired last month? He (work) for that import company for more than
ten years and he (work) in almost every department. Nobody knew the company like he did.
4. I (see) many pictures of the pyramids before I went to Egypt. Pictures of the monuments are
very misleading. The pyramids are actually quite small.
5. Sarah (climb) the Matterhorn, (sail) around the world, and (go)
on safari in Kenya. She is such an adventurous person.
6. Sarah (climb) the Matterhorn, (sail) around the world and (go)
on safari in Kenya by the time she turned twenty-five. She (experience) more by
that age than most people do in their entire lives.
7. When Melanie came into the office yesterday, her eyes were red and watery. I think she (cry) .
78
Verb Tense Exercise 15
Present Continuous / Simple Past Present Perfect Continuous / Past Perfect Continuou s
My English is really getting better. I (try) to learn the language since 1985, but only recently have
I been able to make some real progress. By the time I started high school in 1988, I (study) the
language for almost three years; however, I was only able to introduce myself and utter a few memorized
sentences. For a couple more years, I (struggle) through grammar and vocabulary lessons,
which made absolutely no difference. Nothing worked, so I decided to study abroad.
I found an exchange program in England that sounded like the perfect answer. I (stay) with a
host family for one month. It was a huge disappointment! I (sit) there the whole time staring at the
host mother and father hoping that there would be some breakthrough. Nothing.
When I returned, I mentioned to a friend that I (have) problems with the language for years. He
recommended that I spend a year in an English speaking country. I decided to go abroad again. I (research)
exchange programs for a couple of weeks and finally decided on a school in the United States.
Well, it worked. I (live) and (study) in the U.S. for more than two years. I (stay)
here for at least another year before I return home. By then, I should be completely fluent.
79
Verb Tense Exercise 16
Present and Past Tenses and Non-Continuous Verbs
1.a. Look, I (have) two tickets for the circus.
b. Look, I (hold) two tickets for the circus.
2.a. We (be) there for more than half an hour by the time the show began.
b. We (wait) there for more than half an hour by the time the show began.
3.
a. Sam (sit) in the seat next to me when the clown threw a bucket of water at me.
b. Sam (be) in the seat next to me when the clown threw a bucket of water at me.
4.
a. One clown was juggling while he (balance) a glass of wine on his head.
b. One clown was juggling while he (have) a glass of wine on his head.
5.
a. I (love) the circus ever since I was a child.
b. I (go) to the circus ever since I was a child.
6.
a. Right now, I (see) two elephants doing tricks in the ring.
b. Right now, I (look) at two elephants doing tricks in the ring.
80
Verb Tense Exercise 17
Present and Past Tense Review
Lars: Excuse me, which movie are you waiting for?
Tony: We (wait) for the new Stars Wars movie. In fact, we (wait) here for more
than five hours.
Lars: Five hours? When did you arrive?
Tony: We (get) here at 6:00 o'clock this morning. More than forty people (stand, already)
here waiting for tickets when we arrived.
Lars: I can't believe that! Are you serious?
Tony: Yeah, people (take) Star Wars movies seriously. In fact, this particular showing has been
sold out for over a week. We (wait, just) in line to get a good seat in the theater.
Lars: When did you buy your tickets?
Tony: I (buy) them last week by phone. I (know) tickets would be hard to get
because I (see) a news interview with a group of people standing in line to get tickets. They (wait)
in line for almost a month to buy tickets for the first showing.
Lars: I don't believe that!
Tony: It's true. They (camp) out in front of Mann's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles for about a
month because they (want) to be the first people to see the movie.
81
Verb Tense Exercise 18
Will / Be Going To
1. A: Why are you holding a piece of paper?
B: I (write) a letter to my friends back home in Texas.
2. A: I'm about to fall asleep. I need to wake up!
B: I (get) you a cup of coffee. That will wake you up.
3. A: I can't hear the television!
B: I (turn) it up so you can hear it.
4. We are so excited about our trip next month to France. We (visit) Paris, Nice and Grenoble.
5. Sarah (come) to the party. Oliver (be) there as well.
6. Ted: It is so hot in here!
Sarah: I (turn) the air-conditioning on.
7. I think he (be) the next President of the United States.
8. After I graduate, I (attend) medical school and become a doctor. I have wanted to be a
doctor all my life.
9. A: Excuse me, I need to talk to someone about our hotel room. I am afraid it is simply too small for four
people.
B: That man at the service counter (help) you.
10. As soon as the weather clears up, we (walk) down to the beach and go swimming.
82
Verb Tense Exercise 19
Will / Be Going To 1. Mark: What are you doing with those scissors?
Beth: I (cut) that picture of the ocean out of the travel magazine.
Mark: What (you, do) with it?
Beth: I (paint) a watercolor of the ocean for my art class, and I thought I could use this
photograph as a model.
2. Mark: (you, do) me a favor, Sam?
Sam: Sure, what do you want me to do?
Mark: I (change) the broken light bulb in the lamp above the dining room table. I need
someone to hold the ladder for me while I am up there.
Sam: No problem, I (hold) it for you.
3. Gina: Where are you going?
Ted: I (go) to the store to pick up some groceries.
Gina: What (you, get) ?
Ted: I (buy) some milk, some bread, and some coffee.
4. John: Wow, it's freezing out there.
Jane: I (make) some coffee to warm us up. Do you want a piece of pie as well?
John: Coffee sounds great! But I (have) dinner with some friends later, so I'd better skip the pie.
Jane: I (go) to dinner tonight too, but I'm having a piece of pie anyway.
5. Frank: I heard you're taking a Spanish class at the community college.
Tom: Yeah, I (go) to Guatemala next spring and I thought knowing a little Spanish would make
the trip easier.
Frank: I (visit) my brother in Marseilles next year.
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Verb Tense Exercise 20
Will / Be Going To
1. Michael: Do you think the Republicans or the Democrats (win) the next election?
Jane: I think the Republicans (win) the next election.
John: No way! The Democrats (win) .
2. Susan: We (go) camping this weekend. Would you like to come along?
Sam: That sounds great, but I don't have a sleeping bag.
Susan: No problem. I (lend) you one. My family has tons of camping gear.
3. Barbara: I (buy) a new car this weekend, but I'm a little worried because I don't really know
much about cars. I'm afraid the salesman (try) to take advantage of me when he sees how little I
know.
Dave: I used to work for a mechanic in high school and I know a lot about cars. I (go) with you to
make sure you are not cheated.
4. Gina: Fred and I (visit) Santa Fe next summer. Have you ever been there?
Margaret: My family lives in Santa Fe! I (give) you my parents' phone number. When you get to
Santa Fe, just call them and they (give) you a little tour of the town. They can show you some of
the sights that most tourists never see.
5. Pam: Can you see my future in the crystal ball? What (happen) next year?
Fortune Teller: You (meet) a man from the East Coast, perhaps New York or maybe Boston.
You (marry) that mystery man.
Pam: Forget the man! I want to know if I (get) a new job.
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Verb Tense Exercise 21
Simple Present / Simple Future
1. Today after I (get) out of class, I (go) to a movie with some friends.
2. When you (arrive) in Stockholm, call my friend Gustav. He (show) you around
the city and help you get situated.
3. A: Do you know what you want to do after you (graduate) ?
B: After I (receive) my Master's from Georgetown University, I (go) to graduate
school at UCSD in San Diego. I (plan) to complete a Ph.D. in cognitive science.
4. If it (snow) this weekend, we (go) skiing near Lake Tahoe.
5. Your father (plan) to pick you up after school today at 3:00 o'clock. He (meet)
you across the street near the ice cream shop. If something happens and he cannot be there, I
(pick) you up instead.
6. If the people of the world (stop, not) cutting down huge stretches of rain forest, we
(experience) huge changes in the environment during the twenty-first century.
7. If Vera (keep) drinking, she (lose, eventually) her job.
8. I promise you that I (tell, not) your secret to anybody. Even if somebody (ask)
me about what happened that day, I (reveal, not) the truth to a single person.
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Verb Tense Exercise 22
Simple Present / Simple Future
1. Michael: After you (leave) work, will you please drop by the grocery store and pick up some
milk and bread?
Marie: No problem, I (pick) up the groceries and be home by 6 o'clock.
Michael: Great. You will probably get home before I (do) .
2. Ari: By the time we (get) to the movie theater, the tickets are going to be sold out.
Sarah: Don't worry. I told Jane we might be arriving just before the movie (start) . She (buy)
our tickets and meet us in the lobby.
Ari: That place is huge! We (find, never) her in that crowded lobby.
Sarah: Calm down, we (meet) each other near the entrance.
3. Terry: If the weather (be) good tomorrow, maybe we should go to the beach.
Jennifer: I have a better idea. If it (be) nice out, we'll go to the beach; and if it (rain)
, we'll see a movie.
Terry: I guess we will have to wait until we (get) up in the morning to find out what we are going to
do.
4. Max: What are you going to do tomorrow after work?
Sean: I (meet) some friends at the cafe across the street. Would you like to come along?
Max: No thanks! My brother is coming to town and I (pick) him up from the airport at 7 o'clock.
Sean: We (be, probably) at the cafe until 9 o'clock. Why don't you join us after you (pick)
him up.
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Verb Tense Exercise 23
Simple Future / Future Continuous 1. Sandra: Where is Tim going to meet us?
Marcus: He (wait) for us when our train arrives. I am sure he (stand) on the
platform when we pull into the station.
Sandra: And then what?
Marcus: We (pick) Michele up at work and go out to dinner.
2. Ted: When we get to the party, Jerry (watch) TV, Sam (make) drinks, Beth
(dance) by herself, and Thad (complain) about his day at work.
Robin: Maybe, this time they won't be doing the same things.
Ted: I am absolutely positive they (do) the same things; they always do the same things.
3. Florence: Oh, look at that mountain of dirty dishes! Who (wash) all of those?
Jack: I promise I (do) them when I get home from work.
Florence: Thanks.
Jack: When you get home this evening, that mountain will be gone and nice stacks of sparkling clean dishes
(sit) in the cabinets.
4. Doug: If you need to contact me next week, I (stay) at the Hoffman Hotel.
Nancy: I (call) you if there are any problems.
Doug: This is the first time I have ever been away from the kids.
Nancy: Don't worry, they (be) be fine.
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Verb Tense Exercise 24
Simple Present / Simple Future Present Continuous / Future Continuous
1. Right now, I am watching TV. Tomorrow at this time, I (watch) TV as well.
2. Tomorrow after school, I (go) to the beach.
3. I am going on a dream vacation to Tahiti. While you (do) paperwork and (talk)
to annoying customers on the phone, I (lie) on a sunny, tropical beach. Are you
jealous?
4. We (hide) when Tony (arrive) at his surprise party. As soon as he opens the
door, we (jump) out and (scream) , "Surprise!"
5. We work out at the fitness center every day after work. If you (come) over while we (work)
out, we will not be able to let you into the house. Just to be safe, we (leave) a key
under the welcome mat so you will not have to wait outside.
6. While you (study) at home, Magda (be) in class.
7. When I (get) to the party, Sally and Doug (dance) , John (make)
drinks, Sue and Frank (discuss) something controversial, and Mary (complain)
about something unimportant. They are always doing the same things. They are so
predictable.
8. When you (get) off the plane, I (wait) for you.
9. I am sick of rain and bad weather! Hopefully, when we (wake) up tomorrow morning, the sun
(shine) .
10. If you (need) to contact me sometime next week, I (stay) at the Sheraton in
San Francisco.
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Verb Tense Exercise 25
Simple Future / Future Perfect 1.Margaret: Do you think everything will be finished when I get back from the store?
Jerry: Don't worry. By the time you get back, I (pick) up the living room and (finish)
washing the dishes. Everything will be perfect when your parents arrive.
Margaret: I hope so. They (arrive) around 6 o'clock.
Jerry: Everything (be) spotless by the time they get here.
2.Nick: I just have two more courses before I graduate from university. By this time next year, I (graduate)
, and I will already be looking for a job.
Stacey: Does that scare you? Are you worried about the future?
Nick: Not really. I (go) to a career counselor and get some advice on how to find a good job.
Stacey: That's a good idea.
Nick: I am also going to do an internship so that when I leave school, I (complete, not only)
over 13 business courses, but I (work, also) in the real world.
3. Stan: Did you hear that Christine (take) a vacation in South America this winter?
Fred: I can't believe how often she goes abroad. Where exactly does she want to go?
Stan: She (visit) Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.
Fred: At this rate, she (visit) every country in the world by the time she's 50.
4. Judy: How long have you been in Miami?
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Elaine: I have only been here for a couple of weeks.
Judy: How long do you plan on staying?
Elaine: I love Miami, so I (stay) here for an extended period of time. When I go back home, I
(be) here for more than three months.
Judy: Wow, that's quite a vacation! You (see, definitely) just about everything there is to
see in Miami by then.
5.
Jane: I can't believe how late we are! By the time we get to the dinner, everyone (finish, already)
eating.
Jack: It's your own fault. You took way too long in the bathroom.
Jane: I couldn't get my hair to look right.
Jack: Who cares? By the time we get there, everyone (left) . Nobody (see, even)
your hair.
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Verb Tense Exercise 26
Future Perfect / Future Perfect Continuous
1. By the time we get to Chicago this evening, we (drive) more than four hundred miles. We are
going to be exhausted.
2. When Sarah goes on vacation next month, she (study) German for over two years. She
should be able to communicate fairly well while she is in Austria.
3. I have not traveled much yet; however, I (visit) the Grand Canyon and San Francisco by the
time I leave the United States.
4. By the time you finish studying the verb tense tutorial, you (master) all twelve tenses
including their passive forms.
5. Drive faster! If you don't hurry up, she (have) the baby by the time we get to the hospital.
6. I came to England six months ago. I started my economics course three months ago. When I return to
Australia, I (study) for nine months and I (be) in England for exactly one
year.
7. Margie just called and said she would be here at 8 o'clock. By the time she gets here, we (wait)
for her for two hours.
8. Frank just changed jobs again. If he keeps this up, he (change) jobs at least four or five
times by the end of the year.
9. Come over to my house around 9 o'clock. By then, I (complete) my history essay and we
can go see a movie.
10. In June, my grandmother and grandfather (be) married for fifty years.
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Verb Tense Exercise 27
Future Perfect / Future Perfect Continuous 1.Jack: Have you been watching the Eco-Challenge on TV?
Janet: Isn't that exciting? It has got to be the most unbelievably difficult sporting event in the world.
Jack: I know. By the time they finish the course, they (raft) more than 150 miles down a raging
river, (hike) through 80 miles of jungle, (climb) a volcano and (kayak)
through shark-infested waters.
Janet: And don't forget that they (move) for at least eight days straight.
2. Oliver: When are going to get your bachelor's degree, Anne?
Anne: I am going to finish my degree next June. By the time I graduate, I (go) to four different
colleges and universities, and I (study) for more than seven years.
Oliver: Wow, that's a long time!
Anne: And I plan to continue on to get a Ph.D.
Oliver: Really? How long is that going to take?
Anne: By the time I finally finish studying, I (be) a student for over 13 years.
3. Max: Sarah has been in the kitchen all day long.
Jake: It doesn't sound like she's having a very good Thanksgiving.
Max: She (cook) for over seven hours by the time everyone arrives for dinner this
afternoon. Hopefully, she (finish) everything by then.
Jake: Maybe we should help her out.
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4. Mike: It's 6:00, and I have been working on my essay for over three hours.
Sid: Do you think you (finish) by 10:00? There's a party at Donna's tonight.
Mike: I (complete, probably) the essay by 10:00, but I (work) on
it for more than seven hours, and I don't think I am going to feel like going to a party.
5. Fred: By the time they finish their trip across Yosemite National Park, they (hike) for more
than six days.
Ginger: And they (be, not) in a bed or (have) a shower in almost a week!
Fred: When we pick them up, they (eat) camping food for days, and I am sure they will be
starving.
Ginger: I think we had better plan on taking them directly to a restaurant.
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Verb Tense Exercise 28
Future Continuous / Future Perfect Continuous 1.Simona: Margaret is really going to speak Spanish well when she gets back from that language school in
Mexico.
Isabelle: Hopefully! She (take) classes for more than six months.
Simona: She is going to be able to speak Spanish with some of our Latin American clients.
Isabelle: Good. Two clients from Peru (visit) us next month when Margaret returns. We need
someone to entertain them while they are here.
2. Jason: I am leaving!
Nurse: If you would please wait, the doctor will be with you in ten minutes. The doctor is having some problems
with a patient.
Jason: The doctor was having problems with that patient an hour ago. If I wait another ten minutes, I am sure he
(have, still) problems with her. By the time he's finally ready to see me, I (wait)
for more than two hours.
3. Frank: What are you going to be doing tomorrow at five?
Debbie: I (paint) my living room walls.
Frank: Still? How long have you been working on your living room?
Debbie: Forever. By the time I finish, I (redecorate) the living room for over a week.
Frank: Too bad. I was going to ask if you wanted to see a movie. What about the day after tomorrow?
Debbie: Sorry, I (move) furniture and (put) up drapes.
4. Mr. Jones: What are you going to be doing next year at this time?
Mr. McIntyre: I (work) for a big law firm in New Orleans.
Mr. Jones: I didn't know you were leaving Baton Rouge.
Mr. McIntyre: I got a great job offer which I just can't refuse. Besides, by the time I move, I (live)
in Baton Rouge for over twenty years. I think it's about time for a change.
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Verb Tense Practice Test
Cumulative Verb Tense Review
1. You look really great! (you, work) out at the fitness center recently?
2. A: What (you, do) when the accident occurred?
B: I (try) to change a light bulb that had burnt out.
3. I (have) the same car for more than ten years. I'm thinking about buying a new one.
4. If it (snow) this weekend, we (go) skiing near Lake Tahoe.
5. A: What do you call people who work in libraries?
B: They (call) librarians.
6. I came to England six months ago. I started my economics course three months ago. When I return to
Australia, I (study) for nine months and I (be) in England for exactly one
year.
7. Sam (arrive) in San Diego a week ago.
8. Samantha (live) in Berlin for more than two years. In fact, she (live) there when
the Berlin wall came down.
9. If Vera (keep) drinking, she (lose, eventually) her job.
10. The Maya established a very advanced civilization in the jungles of the Yucatan; however, their culture
(disappear, virtually) by the time Europeans first (arrive) in the New
World.
11. Shhhhh! Be quiet! John (sleep) .
12. It (rain) all week. I hope it stops by Saturday because I want to go to the beach.
13. Listen Donna, I don't care if you (miss) the bus this morning. You (be) late to
work too many times. You are fired!
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14. I am sick of rain and bad weather! Hopefully, when we (wake) up tomorrow morning, the sun
(shine) .
15. I have not traveled much yet; however, I (visit) the Grand Canyon and San Francisco by the
time I leave the United States.
16. I (see) many pictures of the pyramids before I went to Egypt. Pictures of the monuments are
very misleading. The pyramids are actually quite small.
17. In the last hundred years, traveling (become) much easier and very comfortable. In the 19th
century, it (take) two or three months to cross North America by covered wagon. The trip (be)
very rough and often dangerous. Things (change) a great deal in the last hundred
and fifty years. Now you can fly from New York to Los Angeles in a matter of hours.
18. Joseph's English (improve, really) , isn't it? He (watch) American
television programs and (study) his grammar every day since he first arrived in San Diego. Soon
he will be totally fluent.
19. When I (arrive) home last night, I discovered that Jane (prepare) a beautiful
candlelight dinner.
20. If you (need) to contact me sometime next week, I (stay) at the Sheraton in
San Francisco.
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Verb Tense Final Test
Cumulative Verb Tense Review
1. When Carol (call) last night, I (watch) my favorite show on television.
2. I (work) for this company for more than thirty years, and I intend to stay here until I retire!
3. Sharon (love) to travel. She (go) abroad almost every summer. Next year, she plans to go to Peru.
4. Thomas is an author. He (write) mystery novels and travel memoirs. He (write)
since he was twenty-eight. Altogether, he (write) seven novels, three collections of short stories and a book of poetry.
5. We were late because we had some car problems. By the time we (get) to the train station,
Susan (wait) for us for more than two hours.
6. Sam (try) to change a light bulb when he (slip) and (fell) .
7. Everyday I (wake) up at 6 o'clock, (eat) breakfast at 7 o'clock and (leave)
for work at 8 o'clock. However, this morning I (get) up at 6:30, (skip)
breakfast and (leave) for work late because I (forget) to set my alarm.
8. Right now, Jim (read) the newspaper and Kathy (make) dinner. Last night at
this time, they (do) the same thing. She (cook) and he (read) the
newspaper. Tomorrow at this time, they (do, also) the same thing. She (prepare)
dinner and he (read) . They are very predictable people!
9. By this time next summer, you (complete) your studies and (find) a job. I, on
the other hand, (accomplish, not) anything. I (study, still) and you
(work) in some new high paying job.
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11. GERUND OR INFINITIVE Gerund after prepositions (verbs) We use the Gerund after prepositions. verb + preposition Exception: to Here we use the phrase: looking forward to + Gerund Example: I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.
We use the Gerund after the following phrases:
accuse of They were accused of breaking into a shop.
agree with I agree with playing darts.
apologize for They apologize for being late.
believe in She doesn't believe in getting lost in the wood.
blame for The reporter is blamed for writing bad stories.
complain about She complains about bullying.
concentrate on Do you concentrate on reading or writing ?
congratulate sb. on I wanted to congratulate you on making such a good speech.
cope with He is not sure how to cope with getting older.
decide against They decided against stealing the car.
depend on Success may depend on becoming more patient.
dream about/of Sue dreams of being a pop star.
feel like They feel like going to bed.
get used to You must get used to working long hours.
insist on The girls insisted on going out with Mark.
look forward to I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.
prevent sb. from sth. How can I prevent Kate from working in this shop?
rely on sth. He doesn't rely on winning in the casino.
succeed in How then can I succeed in learning chemistry?
specialize in The firm specialized in designing websites.
stop sb. from I stopped Andrew from smoking.
talk about/of They often talk about travelling to New Zealand.
think of Frank thinks of playing chess.
warn sb. against We warned them against using this computer.
worry about The patient worries about having the check-up.
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Put in the correct preposition. Example: He concentrates __ physics. Answer: He concentrates on physics.
1) My friend is good playing volleyball.
2) She complains bullying.
3) They are afraid losing the match.
4) She doesn't feel working on the computer.
5) We are looking forward going out at the weekend.
6) Laura dreams living on a small island.
7) Andrew apologized being late.
8) Do you agree staying in a foreign country?
9) The girls insisted going out with Kerry.
10) Edward thinks climbing trees this afternoon. The Infinitive with to
the first Gagarin was the first to fly in a spaceship.
the last Peter was the last to watch the film. after:
the next He is the next to get his passport.
I'm happy to be here. after: adjectives
It's better not to smoke.
after:
certain verbs (agree, choose, forget, hope, learn, promise, regret, want, …)
I learn to drive a car.
I don't know what to say. after: question words
Can you tell me how to get to the bus stop?
after: want/would like I want you to help me.
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verb + object + to-infinitive I helped my dad to clean the car.
NOTE!!! I want to help you. I want you to help me.
The Infinitive without to after auxiliaries/modals can He can run very fast.
could As a boy he could run very fast.
may I may fly to Africa this summer.
might I might fly to Africa this summer.
must I must go now.
mustn't You mustn't smoke here.
needn't You needn't go.
shall We shall sing a song.
should We should sing a song.
will She will cook a meal for his birthday.
would She would cook a meal for his birthday.
after to do do I don't know.
after the following expressions: had better You had better clean up your room.
would rather Susan would rather study for her exam tomorrow.
would sooner I would sooner read a book than watch this film.
why not Why not ask your neighbour for help?
why should we Why should we go by car?
why should we not Why should we not go by car?
after verbs of perception + object (action has finished): feel She feels the rain fall on her face.
hear I heard Peter sing a song.
notice Mandy noticed the boy climb the tree.
see They saw him climb up the roof.
watch He watched the thieves steal a car.
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after let + object:
Sandy let her child go out alone. let
Mother let her daughter decide on her own.
let's Let's go for a walk through the park.
after make + object: make She made Peggy and Samantha clean the room.
Gerund or to-infinitive - Exercise 1
Gerund and Infini Gerund, to-inf initi en 462
Put in the verbs in brackets in the Gerund or the to-infinitive. Example: They go on _______ (read) the book. Answer: They go on reading the book.
1) I can't imagine Peter (go) by bike.
2) He agreed (buy) a new car.
3) The question is easy (answer).
4) The man asked me how (get) to the airport.
5) I look forward to (see) you at the weekend.
6) Are you thinking of (visit) London?
7) We decided (run) through the forest.
8) The teacher expected Sarah (study) hard.
9) She doesn't mind (work) the night shift.
10) I learned (ride) the bike at the age of 5.
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Gerund or Infinitive - Exercise 2 Gerund and Infini Gerund, Inf initive en 464
Put in the verbs in brackets in the Gerund or the infinitive. Example: They promised ______ (sell) the old comics. Answer: They promised to sell the old comics.
1) We decided (buy) a new car.
2) They've got some work (do).
3) Peter gave up (smoke) .
4) He'd like (fly) an aeroplane.
5) I enjoy (write) picture postcards.
6) Do you know what (do) if there's a fire in the shop?
7) Avoid (make) silly mistakes.
8) My parents wanted me (be) home at 11 o'clock.
9) I dream about (build) a big house.
10) I'm hoping (see) Lisa.
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12.PREPOSITIONS
Prepositions of time
Preposition Use Examples
in months in July; in September
year in 1985; in 1999
seasons in summer; in the summer of 69
part of the day in the morning; in the afternoon; in the evening
in
duration in a minute; in two weeks
part of the day at night
time of day at 6 o'clock; at midnight
celebrations at Christmas; at Easter at
fixed phrases at the same time
days of the week on Sunday; on Friday
date on the 25th of December*
special holidays on Good Friday; on Easter Sunday; on my birthday
on
a special part of a day on the morning of September the 11th*
after later than sth. after school
ago how far sth. happened (in the past) 6 years ago
before earlier than sth. before Christmas
between time that separates two points between Monday and Friday
by not later than a special time by Thursday
during through the whole of a period of time during the holidays
for period of time for three weeks
from ... to from... till/until
two points form a period from Monday to Wednesday from Monday till Wednesday from Monday until Wednesday
past time of the day 23 minutes past 6 (6:23)
since point of time since Monday
till/until no later than a special time till tomorrow until tomorrow
to time of the day 23 minutes to 6 (5:37)
up to not more than a special time up to 6 hours a day
within during a period of time within a day
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Prepositions at, in, on
Preposition Examples
We sit in the room.
I see a house in the picture.
There are trouts in the river.
He lives in Paris.
I found the picture in the paper.
He sits in the back of the car.
He gets in the car.
She likes walking in the rain.
My cousin lives in the country.
There are kites in the sky.
The boys stand in a line.
There is a big tree in the middle of the garden.
I have to stay in bed.
You mustn't park your car in front of the school.
The robber is in prison now.
She sits at the desk.
Open your books at page 10.
I stay at my grandmother's.
I stand at the door.
in
Look at the top of the page.
The car stands at the end of the street.
Can we meet at the corner of the street?
I met John at a party.
Pat wasn't at home yesterday.
I study economics at university.
The childen are at gandmother's.
He's looking at the park.
He always arrives late at school.
The map lies on the desk.
The picture is on page 10.
The photo hangs on the wall.
He lives on a farm.
Dresden lies on the river Elbe.
at
Men's clothes are on the second floor.
He lives on Heligoland.
The shop is on the left.
My friend is on the way to Moscow.
Write this information on the front of the letter.
on
When she was a little girl people saw unrealistic cowboy films on TV.
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Prepositions of place and direction
Preposition Use Examples
above higher than sth. The picture hangs above my bed.
across from one side to the other side You mustn't go across this road here. There isn't a bridge across the river.
after one follows the other The cat ran after the dog. After you.
against directed towards sth. The bird flew against the window.
along in a line; from one point to another
They're walking along the beach.
among in a group I like being among people.
around in a circular way We're sitting around the campfire.
behind at the back of Our house is behind the supermarket.
below lower than sth. Death Valley is 86 metres below sea level.
beside next to Our house is beside the supermarket.
between sth./sb. is on each side Our house is between the shop and the school.
by near He lives in the house by the river.
close to near Our house is close to the supermarket.
down from high to low He came down the hill.
from the place where it starts Do you come from Tokyo?
in front of in the direction it faces Our house is in front of the supermarket.
inside opposite of outside You shouldn't stay inside the castle.
into entering sth. You shouldn't go into the castle.
near close to Our house is near the supermarket.
next to beside Our house is next to the supermarket.
off away from sth. The cat jumped off the roof.
onto moving to a place The cat jumped onto the roof.
opposite on the other side Our house is opposite the supermarket.
out of leaving sth. The cat jumped out of the window.
outside opposite of inside Can you wait outside?
over above sth./sb. The cat jumped over the wall.
past going near sth./sb. Go past the post office.
round in a circle We're sitting round the campfire.
through going from one point to the other point
You shouldn't walk through the forest.
to towards sth./sb. I like going to Australia. I've never been to Africa.
towards in the direction of sth. We ran towards the castle.
under below sth. The cat is under the table.
up from low to high He went up the hill.
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Time Prepositions 1 Multiple Choice Exercises
Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct prepositions:
at, in, on, until, no preposition
1.Jane is arriving ……. January 26 ………2 o'clock …….the afternoon.
2. It snows here every year ……. December. We always go outside and play in the snow
……. Christmas day.
3. Michael is leaving ……. Friday ……. noon.
4. Frankie started working for her law firm …….1995.
5. Franklin began working on the project ……. yesterday.
6. Normally, ……. New Year's Eve, it's tradition to kiss the one you love ……. midnight.
7 Don't be ridiculous; there were no telephones ……. the seventeenth century! The telephone
was invented ……. the 1870s.
8. The plane leaves ……. tomorrow morning ……. 8:00 AM.
9. The hills here are covered with wildflowers ……. early spring.
10. We met at the restaurant ……. 6:30 and stayed ……. 10:30. Bottom of Form
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Time Prepositions 2 Multiple Choice Exercises
Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct prepositions:
at, in, on, by, for, no preposition
1. She always gets up early ……. the morning, so she can make it to class ……. time.
2. I was sick, so I didn't go to work ……. last Thursday, but I did go to work
…….Friday.
3. Mary stopped talking ……. the middle of her story, and suddenly started to cry. I
think we were all crying ……. the time she finished telling us what had happened.
4. Late ……. night, you can here coyotes howling in the distance.
5. Just wait a second, I'll be there …….a minute.
6. I need to give my parents a call. I haven't talked to them ……. over a month.
7. Barbara is going to start her new job ……. next September..
8. The professor said ……. the first day of the course that there would be a big final
test ……. the end of the semester.
9. I have been sitting here ……. more than an hour. If they don't arrive ……. the next
ten minutes, I'm leaving.
10. We were really worried ……. first because the banks were closed ……. Saturdays,
so we couldn't exchange money. But ……. the end, everything worked out because we
were able to exchange money at the hotel.
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Location Prepositions 1 Multiple Choice Exercise
Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct prepositions:
at, in, on
1. We have DSL Internet access ……. work, but I don't have a high-speed
connection ……. home.
2. The kids are learning about the Civil War ……. their history class …….school.
3. Toby was ……. the hospital for two weeks after his motorcycle accident ……. the
freeway.
4. Jane and Debbie saw dolphins ……. the ocean while they were having a picnic
……. the beach.
5. Fred loves to go camping ……. the desert, but Kyle prefers to camp ……. the
mountains.
6. The conference was held ……. a ski resort ……. Telluride, a small town …….
southwest Colorado.
7. You can buy stamps ……. the post office ……. Delancy Street.
8. The old man who was standing ……. the corner yelled at the kids who were
playing ……. the street.
9. While they were hiking ……. Ridgeback Mountain, Laurelle and Frank saw a
bear ……. the woods.
10. They have a small house ……. a lake in the countryside. When visit them, I
always love to sit ……. the shore and watch the kids.
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Location Prepositions 2 Multiple Choice Exercise
Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct prepositions:
At, in, on
1. You can buy your rail passes ……. the ticket counter …….any train station ……. the
country.
2. The brown bears found ……. Kodiak Island are the largest ……. the world.
3. There is no life ……. the moon, but there are many forms of life ……. the ocean floor.
4. She bought her wedding dress ……. an exclusive shop …….Fifth Avenue.
5. Nathan was able to exchange money ……. the exchange counter …….the airport.
6. If you want anything to eat, there is a freshly baked chocolate cake ……. the table ……. the
kitchen and plenty of food …….the refrigerator.
7. While Shirley was in Tacy's department store …….the mall, she ran into Evan and Lea
……. the furniture department.
8. While Dave was ……. the top of the Eiffel Tower, he could see several tourist boats …….
the Seine, the river that runs through Paris.
9. I stood ……. line for thirty minutes …….the ticket window ……the movie theater to get
tickets for the film.
10. Mike was sitting …. his desk …. his office …. work when Bill called; Bill was …. Asia on
business.
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Direction Prepositions 1 Multiple Choice Exercise
Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct prepositions:
Down, in, into, out, of, up, up to
5. Top of Form
1. Donna went ……. the store, but I don't think she found what she was looking for
because she came back …….. almost immediately.
2. As Samantha was climbing ……. the swimming pool, she slipped and fell back……..
3. The post office is just ……. the street on the left near the hospital.
4. Lily had problems climbing back ……. the tree house because she had injured her ankle as
she was climbing……..
5. She didn't have any difficulty pulling …… the parking space, but as she was backing …….,
she scratched the car parked next to her.
6. Although you can take an elevator ……. the top of the Eiffel Tower, we decided to walk
……... I was exhausted by the time we got to the top.
7. When Mrs. Sims saw the kids playing on the roof she screamed, "You kids had better
come ……. there, right now!"
8. You can go ……. now; Dr. Wilson is ready to see you.
9. Our customer service center will help you solve that problem. Just walk ……. the hall and
take the elevator ……. the second floor.
10. Just as Debbie was stepping ……. the elevator, she realized she was on the wrong floor,
so she quickly jumped back …….before the doors closed.
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Direction Prepositions 2 Multiple Choice Exercise
Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct prepositions
Across, along, around, over, through, under
Top of Form
1. While they were hiking …the forest, Laurelle and Frank saw a mountain lion.
2. We walked …. the river looking for a way to get ….it, but there was no bridge.
3. When the kids saw the snake in the grass, they started running …. screaming hysterically.
4. The train passed …. nine tunnels on the way to Denver.
5. They strolled …. the beach watching the sunset.
6. The plane flew …. the Grand Canyon on the way to Los Angeles.
7. Several animals, including emus, ran …. the road in front of the car as they were driving ….
the outback of Australia.
8. They walked …. the building twice looking for the entrance.
9. The cruise ship passed …. the Golden Gate Bridge as it was leaving San Francisco.
10. His dog is always trying to escape from the backyard. Sometimes he manages to jump ….
the fence, and sometimes he digs a hole and crawls …. it.
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Position Prepositions Multiple Choice Exercise
Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct prepositions
At, next to, on, under
Top of Form
1. The computer printer is ….. the table ….. the computer.
2. Shawn and Noel stood ….. the tree waiting for the rain to stop.
3. I didn't see the mailbox even though I was standing right ….. it.
4. Everybody was already sitting ….. the table waiting for dinner to be served.
5. Every evening, the dog sits ….. the dinner table begging for food.
7. Debra was sitting ….. the computer surfing the Internet.
8. I asked the woman standing ….. me on the bus where I should get out.
9. My car keys were ….. the desk, but I couldn't see them because they were ….. a
magazine.
10. When I went to buy the concert tickets, there was nobody .…. the ticket sales window.
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Bottom of Form
Position Prepositions 2 Multiple Choice Exercise
Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct prepositions
Behind, in, infront of, on
Top of Form
1. Her wallet wasn't ….. her purse; it was ….. her coat pocket.
2. Tony had an ink stain ….. his coat pocket.
3. Philip waited ….. the movie theater for Simone, so they could buy tickets and go in
together.
4. While Sam was talking to the bank teller, the woman ….. him in line kept sighing
impatiently.
5. There was a sign ….. the restaurant saying that it was closed for renovations.
6. His grandfather, who had passed away years before, was ….. the painting which was
hanging ….. the wall.
7. Shelly didn't see Bobby because he was hiding …... the couch.
8. Frank had his passport ….. his hand as he boarded the plane.
9. There is an electrical outlet ….. the desk. Can you help me move the desk, so I can plug in
the computer?
10. The kids were sitting ….. the floor ….. the TV when Barbara came home.
Bottom of Form
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Preposition Combinations 1
Choose the correct answer for each sentence.
1.The probability ____________
A. ? of winning a lottery is actually higher than being struck by lightning.
B. ? to winning a lottery is actually higher than being struck by lightning.
C. ? winning a lottery is actually higher than being struck by lightning.
2.English is an example ____________
A. ? of a language that stresses content words within sentences.
B. ? about a language that stresses content words within sentences.
C. ? a language that stresses content words within sentences.
3.Large volcanic eruptions, such as Mt. St. Helens in 1980, can have a serious ____________
A. ? effect climate patterns around the world.
B. ? effect to climate patterns around the world.
C. ? effect on climate patterns around the world.
4.So far, police investigating the accident have found no evidence ____________
A. ? driver negligence.
B. ? of driver negligence.
C. ? to driver negligence.
5.This restaurant is famous ____________
A. ? with its seafood.
B. ? for its seafood.
C. ? about its seafood.
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6.The ancient Roman Empire, which included most of Europe and Asia Minor at its height, was primarily ____________
A. ? based agriculture.
B. ? based at agriculture.
C. ? based on agriculture.
7.Not knowing local customs can often lead ____________
A. ? misunderstandings when people go abroad.
B. ? to misunderstandings when people go abroad.
C. ? for misunderstandings when people go abroad.
8.Workers often go on strike when their salaries don't keep pace with increases in the cost ____________
A. ? with living.
B. ? of living.
C. ? to living.
9.I wasn't sure if you'd be satisfied ____________
A. ? to the report I handed in last week.
B. ? with the report I handed in last week.
C. ? the report I handed in last week.
10.Are you familiar enough ____________
A. ? to this city to recommend a good restaurant?
B. ? this city to recommend a good restaurant?
C. ? with this city to recommend a good restaurant?
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Preposition Combinations 2
Choose the correct answer for each sentence.
1.Some of the president's economic advisors believe ____________
A. ? in spending more tax dollars to boost the ailing economy.
B. ? to spending more tax dollars to boost the ailing economy.
C. ? spending more tax dollars to boost the ailing economy.
2.Human rights activists fight ____________
A. ? against injustice wherever they find it.
B. ? to injustice wherever they find it.
C. ? for injustice wherever they find it.
3.A tidal wave struck Bangladesh in 1990, and resulted ____________
A. ? were approximately 200,000 deaths.
B. ? in approximately 200,000 deaths.
C. ? with approximately 200,000 deaths.
4.There are many factors which contribute ____________
A. ? a healthy economy.
B. ? to a healthy economy.
C. ? for a healthy economy.
5.As a family counsellor, she often has to deal ____________
A. ? with cases involving family violence.
B. ? cases involving family violence.
C. ? to cases involving family violence.
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6.Everyone thinks he'll go far in this company because he has all the qualities necessary ____________
A. ? with success.
B. ? by
C. ? for success.
7.Can you help me? I'm having difficulty ____________
A. ? with this new computer program.
B. ? from this new computer program.
C. ? to this new computer program.
8.I haven't lived in this city very long, so I'm still not accustomed ____________.
A. ? to the climate.
B. ? with the climate.
C. ? for the climate.
9.While growing up in the orphanage, he often wished he belonged ____________
A. ? at a family.
B. ? to a family.
C. ? with a family.
10.The cause ____________
A. ? for the recent city-wide power failure is still unknown.
B. ? the recent city-wide power failure is still unknown.
C. ? of the recent city-wide power failure is still unknown.
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Mixed Prepositions 1 Multiple-Choice
At, from, in, into, out, to, up, upon
Suddenly Uncle Henry stood ----------. "There's a cyclone coming, Em," he called ---------- his wife. "I'll go look after the stock." Then he ran toward the sheds where the cows and horses were kept. Aunt Em dropped her work and came ---------- the door. One glance told her of the danger close ---------- hand. "Quick, Dorothy!" she screamed. "Run for the cellar!" Toto jumped ---------- of Dorothy's arms and hid under the bed, and the girl started to get him. Aunt Em, badly frightened, threw open the trap doo---------- the floor and climbed down the ladder --------- the small, dark hole. Dorothy caught Toto--------- last and started to follow her aunt. When she was halfway across the room there came a great shriek --------- the wind, and the house shook so hard that she lost her footing and sat down suddenly ----------he floor.
An excerpt from "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum
Mixed Prepositions 2 Multiple-Choice
At, into, to, up, with, on
AFRICAN TRAVEL JOURNAL
January 9, 1995
We took a morning bus---------Arusha, and after checking ---------a very simple hotel, started our search for
a safari company. We went to Sunny Safaris, but nothing seems to be going soon. Next, we went to Cheetah
Safaris. They have a safari going --------- Tuesday. It sounds like a good deal --------- $65 a day; we didn't
want to search forever, so we chose them. While walking around town this afternoon, we met Joan and Per
from Lamu. They introduced us --------- Senara who will be taking the Safari --------- us tomorrow. Later,
we had dinner --------- a less than exiting restaurant.
January 10, 1995
Our first day of safari! Uh, oh! Unfortunately, we had a late start after trying to get some cash for Reiner and
Walter. On the way --------- the park, our driver John first stopped --------- two gas stations, and then we
went to his house to pick --------- some clothes. We didn't get --------- Lake Manyara until after one o'clock.
Can you believe John actually suggested stopping --------- a restaurant before going --------- the park? We
all said, "No way!"
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Mixed Prepositions 3 around, as, in, of, to
Bigfoot, also known Sasquatch, is an alleged ape-like animal said to inhabit the
remote forested areas of much North America, with many of the sightings
occurring the Pacific northwest of the United States and British Columbia,
Canada. Bigfoot is sometimes described a large, bipedal hairy hominoid creature,
and many believe that this animal, or its close relatives, may be found the world under different regional names, such as the Yeti of Tibet and Nepal. Bigfoot is also one of the more famous examples of cryptozoology, a subject that has been dismissed
pseudoscience by mainstream researchers. It is because of that in addition
unreliable eyewitness accounts and a lack physical evidence
that very few scientists accept the likelihood Bigfoot's existence. Most who have expressed an opinion consider the stories of Bigfoot to be a combination
unsubstantiated folklore and hoaxes.
Mixed Prepositions 4 across, at, between, in, of, since, to, under
Turkey is a Eurasian country that stretches the Anatolian peninsula in southwestern Asia and the Balkan region of southeastern Europe. The region comprising
modern Turkey has seen the birth major civilizations including the Byzantine and
Ottoman Empires. Owing its strategic location the intersection of two
continents, Turkey's culture is a unique blend Eastern and Western tradition,
often described as a bridge the two civilizations. Turkey is a democratic, secular,
unitary, constitutional republic whose political system was established in 1923 the
leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk following the fall of the Ottoman Empire the aftermath of World War I. Since then, Turkey has increasingly integrated with the West while
continuing to foster relations with the Eastern world. It is a founding member the United Nations, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in
Europe, a member state of the Council of Europe 1949 and of NATO
1952.
119
Mixed Prepositions 5 in, of, on, to, with
Ruth Handler, an American businesswoman, watched her daughter Barbara at play paper dolls, and noticed that she often enjoyed giving them adult roles. At the time, most children's toy dolls were representations
of infants. Realizing that there could be a gap the market, she suggested the idea of an adult-bodied
doll her husband Elliot, a co-founder the Mattel toy company. He was unenthusiastic
about the idea, as were Mattel's directors. But during a trip Germany 1956 with her
children Barbara and Kenneth, Ruth Handler discovered a German doll called the Bild Lilli doll a
shop window. The adult-figured Lilli doll was exactly what Handler had mind, so she purchased three
of them. She gave one her daughter and took the others back Mattel. The Lilli doll was
based a popular character appearing in a comic strip of a German newspaper. Lilli was a working girl who knew what she wanted and was not above using men to get it. The Lilli doll was first sold
Germany 1955, and although it was initially sold to adults, it became popular
children who enjoyed dressing her up in outfits that were available separately. On her return
the United States, Handler reworked the design of the doll and it was given a new name, Barbie, after Handler's daughter Barbara. The doll made its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York
March 9, 1959. This date is also used as Barbie's official birthday.
Mixed Prepositions 6 by, for, in, of, on, to Long before any recorded human history in Yellowstone National Park, a massive volcanic eruption spewed an
immense volume ash that covered all of the western U.S., much the Midwest, northern Mexico and some areas of the eastern Pacific Coast. The eruption dwarfed that of Mt. St. Helens
1980 and left a huge caldera. Yellowstone typically erupts every 600,000 900,000 years with the last event occurring 640,000 years ago. Its eruptions are among the largest known to have ever
occurred Earth, producing drastic climate change the aftermath. The park was named
the yellow rocks seen the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - a deep gash in the
Yellowstone Plateau that was formed floods during previous ice ages and river erosion from the Yellowstone River.
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Mixed Prepositions 7 Among, into, on, of, out, to, at
Suddenly she came upon a little three-legged table, all made solid glass; there was nothing
it except a tiny golden key, and Alice's first thought was that it might belong
one of the doors of the hall; but, alas! either the locks were too large, or the key was too
small, but any rate it would not open any them. However, on the second time round, she came upon a low curtain she had not noticed before, and behind it was a little door about
fifteen inches high: she tried the little golden key in the lock, and her great delight it fitted!
Alice opened the door and found that it led a small passage, not much larger than a rat-hole:
she knelt down and looked along the passage the loveliest garden you ever saw. How she
longed to get of that dark hall, and wander about those beds of bright flowers and those cool fountains, but she could not even get her head through the doorway; 'and even if my
head would go through,' thought poor Alice, 'it would be very little use without my shoulders.' An excerpt from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll Mixed Prepositions 8 In, of, on, into, from Complete the text below by choosing the correct prepositions, then press "Check" to check your answers. I went down even into the vaults, where the dim light struggled, although to do so was a dread
my very soul. Into two of these I went, but saw nothing except fragments old coffins and piles of dust. In the third, however, I made a discovery.
There, in one of the great boxes, of which there were fifty in all, a pile of newly dug earth, lay the Count! He was either dead or asleep. I could not say which, for eyes were open and stony, but without the glassiness of death, and the cheeks had the warmth of life through all their pallor. The lips
were as red as ever. But there was no sign movement, no pulse, no breath, no beating
the heart.
I bent over him, and tried to find any sign of life, but vain. He could not have lain there long,
for the earthy smell would have passed away a few hours. By the side of the box was its
cover, pierced with holes here and there. I thought he might have the keys him, but when I
went to search I saw the dead eyes, and in them dead though they were, such a look hate,
though unconscious of me or my presence, that I fled the place, and leaving the Count's room by the window, crawled again up the castle wall. Regaining my room, I threw myself panting upon the bed and tried to think. An excerpt from "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
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Mixed Prepositions 9 By, into, in, on, to, with PIZZA BIANCO
This pizza is made no toppings other than salt and oil and is served as a snack.
Preparation: Preheat oven 500°F. Whisk together hot water and 1/2 a teaspoon of kosher salt until most of the salt is dissolved, then
whisk one tablespoon of oil.
Coat the dough lightly flour, then stretch it a floured surface into a 13- by 9-inch
rectangle. Transfer the dough an oiled baking pan, stretching the dough to cover the bottom
of the pan. Dimple the dough pressing your fingertips all over, then brush the oil mixture.
Bake the pizza a pan on the bottom rack of the oven until it is golden brown top
and bottom, about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the pizza a rack, then brush it with the remaining oil and sprinkle it with the remaining kosher salt. Serve the pizza warm, torn
pieces. Makes 4 servings. Mixed Prepositions 10 For, into, up, in, on
His wife had always spoiled him outrageously. No doubt of that. Take, example, the matter of the pillows merely. Old man Minick slept high. That is, he thought he slept high. He liked two
plump pillows his side of the great, wide, old-fashioned cherry bed. He would sink
them with a vast grunting and sighing and puffing expressive of nerves and muscles relaxed
and gratified. But the morning there was always one pillow the floor. He had
thrown it there. Always, the morning, there it lay, its plump white cheek turned
reproachfully at him from the side of the bed. Ma Minick knew this, naturally, after forty years of the cherry bed. But she never begrudged him that extra pillow. Each morning, when she arose,
she picked it on her way to shut the window. Each morning the bed was made
with two pillows his side of it, as usual. An excerpt from "Gigolo" by Edna Ferber
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13. MODAL VERBS
Modal Example Uses
Can They can control their own budgets.
We can’t fix it.
Can I smoke here?
Can you help me?
Ability / Possibility
Inability / Impossibility
Asking for permission
Request
Could Could I borrow your dictionary?
Could you say it again more slowly?
We could try to fix it ourselves.
I think we could have another Gulf War.
He gave up his old job so he could work for us.
Asking for permission.
Request
Suggestion
Future possibility
Ability in the past
May May I have another cup of coffee?
China may become a major economic power.
Asking for permission
Future possibility
Might We'd better phone tomorrow, they might be eating their
dinner now.
They might give us a 10% discount.
Present possibility
Future possibility
Must We must say good-bye now.
They mustn’t disrupt the work more than necessary.
Necessity / Obligation
Prohibition
Ought to We ought to employ a professional writer. Saying what’s right or correct
Shall
(More
common in
the UK than
the US)
Shall I help you with your luggage?
Shall we say 2.30 then?
Shall I do that or will you?
Offer
Suggestion
Asking what to do
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Should We should sort out this problem at once.
I think we should check everything again.
Profits should increase next year.
Saying what’s right or correct
Recommending action
Uncertain prediction
Will I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk.
I'll do that for you if you like.
I’ll get back to you first thing on Monday.
Profits will increase next year.
Instant decisions
Offer
Promise
Certain prediction
Would Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me?
Would you pass the salt please?
Would you mind waiting a moment?
"Would three o`clock suit you?" - "That’d be fine."
Would you like to play golf this Friday?
"Would you prefer tea or coffee?" - "I’d like tea please."
Asking for permission
Request
Request
Making arrangements
Invitation
Preferences
Note:
1) Do not use modals for things which happen definitely. The sun rises in the East.
2) They do not have an -s in the 3rd person singular. He can play football.
3) Questions are formed without do/does/did. Can he speak Spanish?
4) It follows a full verb in the infinitive. They must read the book.
5) There are no past forms (except could and would). He was allowed to watch the film.
6) When you use the past particple, you tell about things which did not happen in the past.
You should have told me.
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Form
positive negative
long form contracted form long form contracted form
can -- cannot can't
could -- could not couldn't
may -- may not --
might -- might not --
ought to -- ought not to oughtn't to
-- -- need not needn't
shall 'll shall not shan't
should 'd -- shouldn't
will 'll will not won't
would 'd would not wouldn't
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Modal Verbs Exercise 1
can could have to must might sh ould
1. Ted's flight from Amsterdam took more than 11 hours. He--------- be exhausted after such a long flight. He
prefer to stay in tonight and get some rest.
2. If you want to get a better feeling for how the city is laid out, you ---------- walk downtown and explore the
waterfront.
3. Hiking the trail to the peak ----------be dangerous if you are not well prepared for dramatic weather changes.
You research the route a little more before you attempt the ascent.
4. When you have a small child in the house, you -------- leave small objects lying around. Such objects ---------be
swallowed, causing serious injury or even death.
5. Dave: ---------you hold your breath for more than a minute?
Nathan: No, I can't.
6. Jenny's engagement ring is enormous! It ---------have cost a fortune.
7. Please make sure to water my plants while I am gone. If they don't get enough water, they----------- die.
8. I ---------speak Arabic fluently when I was a child when we lived in Egypt. But after we moved back to Canada,
I had very little exposure to the language and forgot almost everything I knew as a child. Now, I --------just say a
few things in the language.
9. The book is optional. My professor said we ---------read it if we needed extra credit. But we --------- read it if we
don't want to.
10. Leo: Where is the spatula? It ---------be in this drawer but it's not here.
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Nancy: I just did a load of dishes last night and they're still in the dish washer. It ------be in there. 11. You ----------
- take your umbrella along with you today. The weatherman on the news said there's a storm north of here and it
rain later on this afternoon.
12. -------- we pull over at the next rest stop? I really --------- use the bathroom and I don't know if I hold it until we
get to Chicago.
13. Oh no! Frank's wallet is lying on the coffee table. He ------- have left it here last night.
14. Ned: --------- I borrow your lighter for a minute?
Stephen: Sure, no problem. Actually, you -------- keep it if you want to. I've given up smoking.
15. I ----------- believe she said that to Megan! She --------- insult her cooking in front of everyone at the party last
night. She -----------have just said she was full or had some salad if she didn't like the meal.
16. Do you -------- chew with your mouth open like that? Geez, it's making me sick watching you eat that piece of
pizza.
17. Mrs. Scarlett's body was found in the lounge just moments ago, and it's still warm! Nobody has left the
mansion this evening, so the killer ------be someone in this room. It be any one of us!
18. Ted: I don't know why Denise starting crying when I mentioned the wedding.
Pamela: It -------- have been what you said about her brother. Or, perhaps she is just nervous. After all, the big
day is tomorrow.
19. --------- you always say the first thing that pops into your head? --------you think once in awhile before you
speak?
20. I was reading the book last night before I went to bed. I never took it out of this room. It --------- be lying
around here somewhere. Where -------- it be?
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Modal Verbs Exercise 2
Negative and past forms are also used in this lesson. Some gaps may have more than one correct answer. must have to
1. I be at the meeting by 10:00. I will probably take a taxi if I want to be on time.
2. You submit the application if it has not been completely filled out. Check that the name, address,
and background information are correct. If the form is not accurate and complete, you will be rejected and you
will reapply at a later date.
3. Tina: Look at these flowers - they're beautiful! But, there's no card. Who could have sent them? Stephanie: It
have been David. He's the only one who would send you flowers.
4. You forget to pay the rent tomorrow. The landlord is very strict about paying on time.
5. You be so rude! Why don't you try saying "please" once in a while.
6. If you are over 18 in California, you take a driver training course to get a driver's license. You
can have a friend or a family member teach you instead. But remember, you still get your permit
before you start practicing.
7. You be rich to be a success. Some of the most successful people I know haven't got a penny to
their name.
8. Ed: My car broke down in Death Valley last week. I have it towed more than a hundred miles to
the nearest mechanic.
Lilly: That have cost a fortune!
9. While hiking in Alaska, you keep an eye out for bears. If you see one, you
approach it. They are beautiful animals; however, they are wild and unpredictable in nature. You
be afraid of them, but educating yourself about the dangers can help keep you safe.
10. I go to work tomorrow because it is Memorial Day. The best thing about a day off from work is
that I get up at 6:00; I can sleep in till noon if I want to.
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11. Yesterday, I cram all day for my French final. I didn't get to sleep until after midnight.
12. Nate: Oh no! I completely forgot we were supposed to pick Jenny up at the airport.
Barbara: She still be sitting there waiting for us.
13. Ingrid received a scholarship to Yale University which will cover 100% of the tuition. She
worry at all about the increasing cost of education.
14. When I was a child my grandmother was continually correcting our manners. She always used to say, "One
eat with one's mouth open." Or, she would correct us by saying, "One rest one's
elbows on the table." And every time I wanted to leave the table, she would say, "One ask to be
excused."
15. I've redone this math problem at least twenty times, but my answer is wrong according to the answer key.
The answer in the book be wrong!
Modal Verbs Exercise 3 Positive and negative forms can be used. Some gaps may have more than one answer.
might must should
1. Nancy said you didn't need to buy her anything for her birthday, but I really think you at least get her
some flowers or a nice bottle of wine.
2. Debbie said she was really busy this week, but I think she show up at the party if she doesn't have
to work overtime on Friday.
3. Nina said she would come over right after work, so she be here by 6:00.
4. Oh my God, he's unconscious. Don't move him - he have internal injuries. Somebody call an
ambulance.
5. You be kidding! That can't be true.
6. Dan: Where's the remote control? I want to change the channel.
Fiona: I don't know. It be under the couch. Or, perhaps I absent-mindedly took it into the kitchen. I'll
check in there.
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7. For most people, learning a language is a challenging undertaking. Experts agree that to make the most of
your language learning experience, you practice the language regularly and push yourself to maintain
old vocabulary while acquiring new words and expressions.
8. New research suggests that exercise can reduce the chance of heart disease as well as cancer. That's why I
told my father that he start walking once a day.
9. We should invite Sally and her husband to come to the picnic on Saturday. We haven't seen them in weeks,
and they really enjoy a nice day at the beach.
10. Tim: While I was a student, I spent a year and a half studying Pygmy culture in the Central African Republic.
My research focused on unique aspects of the their social structure and religion. Simona: That have
been absolutely fascinating!
11. We had better call Tony to see if he's at home before we go over to his house. He be there and we
don't want to drive all the way over there for nothing.
12. At first, my boss didn't want to hire Sam. But, because I had previously worked with Sam, I told my boss that
he take another look at his resume and reconsider him for the position.
13. You worry so much. It doesn't do you any good. Either you get the job, or you don't. If you don't,
just apply for another one. Eventually, you will find work.
14. I would love to go on the cruise to Tahiti with Robin and Michelle. But such a luxurious trip cost a
fortune. I doubt I could afford something like that.
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Modal Verbs Exercise 4 1. Unfortunately, James and Michelle had already made plans, so they come with us to the
exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
2. They have had several major snow storms in the mountains during the last month. We had better call the
highway patrol to check road conditions. The road to Smithsville be passable.
3. We should call Tim before we go over to his house; he be there. I don't want to drive all the
way there for nothing.
4. In order to win the pie eating contest, Norman would have to eat sixteen pies in ten minutes. He
possibly eat that many pies - he would explode!
5. I know Eve wants to go to the ballet with us, but we'd better call her before we get her ticket. She works
Wednesday nights, and she be able to get time off that evening.
6. Susan hear the speaker because the crowd was cheering so loudly.
7. It be a bad idea to take some snacks along while we're hiking. Last time, we got so hungry
we had to come back early without finishing the hike.
8. Jerry might be angry, or he . You never really know with him because he's so
temperamental.
9. Jerry be angry at me. I've never done anything to upset him.
10. The lamp be broken. Maybe the light bulb just burned out.
11. When you were a child, you could swim from here to the little island in the middle of the river,
you? At least, that's what your father told me.
12. She possibly be the winner of the talent show! The other acts were much better than hers.
13. Frank and Sarah get tickets to the concert. The concert was sold out a little over an hour
after tickets went on sale.
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14. I heard that band is really popular, and tickets sell out quickly. You get tickets if you wait too
long.
15. That concert has been sold out for weeks. You get tickets even if you knew the band
personally. It's impossible!
16. It be a bad idea to get a car alarm for your new sports car. New cars tend to attract thieves.
17. That possibly be Mr. Jones. He's lost so much weight that he looks like a completely
different person.
18. You do the job if you didn't speak Arabic fluently.
19. Jane and Bill have gotten the invitation to the party. Perhaps, that's why they didn't show
up. I doubt they would actually skip your birthday party - they're your best friends!
20. I have left my keys at Simon's house. I wouldn't have been able to drive home if I had done
that. They must be somewhere here in the apartment. Let's keep looking.
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Modal Verbs Exercise 5 1.
Donna: If I won the ten million dollar lottery jackpot, I afford to quit my job and travel the world.
Sam: Where you go if you had that much money?
Donna: I don't know, I choose to spend a year in Paris - or perhaps I go to Kenya.
Sam: How often do you buy lottery tickets?
Donna: Never... I guess if I want to win the lottery, I try buying some tickets.
Sam: That help.
2.
Waitress: Hi, my name is Sandy - I'll be your waitress tonight. What can I get for you?
Tony: I haven't decided yet. Is there anything you recommend? Is there anything you think I
try?
Waitress: You try the Cajun catfish - or perhaps the Gumbo. They're both delicious.
Tony: That sounds wonderful, but that be a little too spicy for me. Actually, the prawns sound
good. Umm, I have the barbecued prawns?
Waitress: Sure, you like a salad with that?
3.
Jan: What we look for in a candidate when we vote in a presidential election?
Peter: I think citizens vote for a President who has the ability to improve the quality of life in the
United States.
Jan: What you do if you were President of the United States?
Peter: I focus on reducing environmental pollution.
Jan: Every candidate always says he's going to do that, but it's a really complicated problem - it's not one which
is easily solved. What makes you think you actually stop pollution?
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14. PARTICIPLES
1) present participle
The present participle is often used when we want to express an active action. In English we add -ing to the infinitive of the verb.
Use of the present participle
He is reading a book. Progressive/ Continuous tense
He was reading a book.
Reading books is fun. Gerund
He likes reading books.
Look at the reading boy.
He came reading around the corner.
He sat reading in the corner. Participle
I saw him reading.
2-1) past participle
The present participle is often used when we want to express a passive action. In English we add -ed to the infinitive of regular verbs. We use the 3rd column of the table of the irregular verbs.
Use of the past participle
He has forgotten the pencil. Perfect tenses
He had forgotten the pencil.
A house is built. Passive voice
A house was built.
Look at the washed car.
The car washed yesterday is blue. Participle
He had his car washed.
2-2) Compounds with the past participle
This combination is also known as perfect participle. It is used to form an active sentence with the past participle. There is a time gap between the actions.
past participle and having
Having read the book the boy came out of the room.
One action happened after the other.
present participle
The boy came reading out of the room. Both actions happened at the same time.
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Use the words in brackets as participles in the gaps. Example: _________ news (surprise) Lösung: surprising news
1) a boy (wait)
2) an story (interest)
3) a car (break)
4) the pizza (forget)
5) the father (work)
6) I saw him . (go)
7) the computer (repair)
8) the students (talk)
9) fans (excite)
10) the girl next door (live)
Put in the verbs in brackets as participles present participle or past participle into the gaps. Example: I talked to the man _______ the newspaper. Answer: I talked to the man reading the newspaper.
1) He saw his friend (go) out with Sue.
2) The bus crashed into the blue car (drive) down the hill.
3) Peter hurt his leg (do) karate.
4) The umbrella (find) at the bus stop belongs to John Smith.
5) The people (dance) in the street are all very friendly.
6) I heard my mother (talk) on the phone.
7) My uncle always has his car (wash).
8) We stood (wait) for the taxi.
9) (look) down from the tower we saw many people walking in the streets.
10) The people drove off in a (steal) car.
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Put in the verbs in brackets as Past Participle into the gaps. Example: _______ politicians (shock) Answer: shocked politicians
1) watches (repair)
2) computers (steal)
3) fans (fascinate)
4) students (bore)
5) boys (confuse)
6) umbrellas (forget)
7) girls (disappoint)
8) comics (swap)
9) doctors (worry)
10) queens (amuse)
Put in the verbs in brackets as Present Participle into the gaps. Example: _______ birds (fly) Answer: flying birds
1) dogs (bark)
2) children (play)
3) girls (scream)
4) cowboys (dance)
5) ducks (swim)
6) babies (cry)
7) water (run)
8) teachers (sing)
9) leaves (fall)
10) people (lie)
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15. ACTIVE / PASSIVE VERB FORMS
Sentences can be active or passive. Therefore, tenses also have "active forms" and "passive forms." You must learn to recognize the difference to successfully speak English.
In Active Sentences, the thing doing the action is the subject of the sentence and the thing receiving the action is the object. Most sentences are active.
[Thing doing action] + [verb] + [thing receiving action]
In Passive Sentences, the thing receiving the action is the subject of the sentence and the thing doing the action is optionally included near the end of the sentence. You can use the passive form if you think that the thing receiving the action is more important or should be emphasized. You can also use the passive form if you do not know who is doing the action or if you do not want to mention who is doing the action.
[Thing receiving action] + [be] + [past participle of verb] + [by] + [thing doing action]
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Active / Passive Overview
Active Passive
Simple Present
Once a week, Tom cleans the house. Once a week, the house is cleaned by Tom.
Present Continuous
Right now, Sarah is writing the letter.
Right now, the letter is being written by Sarah.
Simple Past Sam repaired the car. The car was repaired by Sam.
Past Continuous
The salesman was helping the customer when the thief came into the store.
The customer was being helped by the salesman when the thief came into the store.
Present Perfect
Many tourists have visited that castle.
That castle has been visited by many tourists.
Present Perfect Continuous
Recently, John has been doing the work.
Recently, the work has been being done by John.
Past Perfect George had repaired many cars before he received his mechanic's license.
Many cars had been repaired by George before he received his mechanic's license.
Past Perfect Continuous
Chef Jones had been preparing the restaurant's fantastic dinners for two years before he moved to Paris.
The restaurant's fantastic dinners had been being prepared by Chef Jones for two years before he moved to Paris.
Simple Future will
Someone will finish the work by 5:00 PM.
The work will be finished by 5:00 PM.
Simple Future be going to
Sally is going to make a beautiful dinner tonight.
A beautiful dinner is going to be made by Sally tonight.
Future Continuous will
At 8:00 PM tonight, John will be washing the dishes.
At 8:00 PM tonight, the dishes will be being washed by John.
Future Continuous
At 8:00 PM tonight, John is going to be washing the dishes.
At 8:00 PM tonight, the dishes are going to be being washed by John.
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be going to
Future Perfect will
They will have completed the project before the deadline.
The project will have been completed before the deadline.
Future Perfect be going to
They are going to have completed the project before the deadline.
The project is going to have been completed before the deadline.
Future Perfect Continuous will
The famous artist will have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is finished.
The mural will have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the time it is finished.
Future Perfect Continuous be going to
The famous artist is going to have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is finished.
The mural is going to have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the time it is finished.
Used to Jerry used to pay the bills. The bills used to be paid by Jerry.
Would Always
My mother would always make the pies.
The pies would always be made by my mother.
Future in the Past Would
I knew John would finish the work by 5:00 PM.
I knew the work would be finished by 5:00 PM.
Future in the Past Was Going to
I thought Sally was going to make a beautiful dinner tonight.
I thought a beautiful dinner was going to be made by Sally tonight.
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Rewrite the sentences using Passive voice. Example: Peter writes a letter. Answer: A letter is written. Or A letter is written by Peter. 1) Julia rescued three cats. 2) The students handed in the reports. 3) Maria crashed into the blue car. 4) Alex learned the poem. 5) Steven has forgotten the book. 6) The mechanic has not repaired the DVD recorder. 7) They play handball. 8) Sue puts the rucksack on the floor. 9) The girls had lost the match. 10) The teacher is not going to open the window.
Passive sentences in the Simple Past – Exercise 1 Example: Frank built a house. Answer: A house was built. or A house was built by Frank. 1) The dog bit the old lady. 2) Oliver taught the children. 3) The police arrested the thieves. 4) Grandmother told good stories. 5) The man stole the blue car. 6) We won the match. 7) Victoria rode the brown horse. 8) Jack swam the 200 metres. 9) Tom and Max ate five hamburgers. 10) She bought four apples. Passive - Sentences in the Simple Present – Exercise 2 Example: Frank builds a house. Answer: A house is built. or A house is built by Frank. 1) Mr Jones watches the film. 2) The people speak English. 3) He reads comics. 4) We play volleyball. 5) They sing the song. 6) I take photos. 7) She does the housework. 8) The policemen help the children. 9) He writes text messages. 10) Mother waters the flowers. . Passive sentences with two objects – Example: Tim gave Lisa some flowers. Answer: Some flowers were given to Lisa by Tim. or Lisa was given some flowers by Tim. 1) They don't speak English in this shop. 2) Kevin asked Dennis a question. 3) Somebody built the house last year. 4) She gives him a box. 5) Max will look after him. 6) The waiter brought Fred a big steak. 7) Somebody broke into our bungalow last Friday. 8) The teacher told us a joke. 9) They will meet Doris at the station. 10) Michael has not sent me a text message.
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Passive - various tenses – Exercise 1 Example: A letter __________ by Peter. (to write - Simple Present) Answer: A letter is written by Peter.
1) The words by the teacher today. (to explain - Simple Present)
2) We a letter the day before yesterday. (to send - Simple Past)
3) This car . It's too old. (not/to steal - will-future)
4) This street because of snow. (already/to close - Present Perfect)
5) A new restaurant next week. (to open - will-future)
6) He to the party yesterday. (to invite - Simple Past)
7) The blue box . (can/not/to see - Simple Present)
8) I the book by my friend last Sunday. (to give - Simple Past)
9) The dishes by my little brother. (not/to wash - Present Perfect)
10) I by Robert. (not/to ask - will-future)
16. REPORTED SPEECH
Reported commands
If you put a command into Reported speech there are some steps which are the same like in statements: (changing of the person, backshift of tenses, changing of expressions of time).
The form is mostly: form of to tell + to + infinitive.
Affirmative commands Negative commands
Father: "Do your homework." Teacher. "Don't talk to your neighbour."
Father told me to do my homework. The teacher told me not to talk to my neighbour.
Reported questions
If you put a question into Reported speech there are some steps which are the same like in statements: (changing of the person, backshift of tenses, changing of expressions of time).
In Reported speech there is no question anymore, the sentence becomes a statement. That's why the word order is: subject - verb
Question without question words (yes/no questions): Peter: "Do you play football?" - Peter asked me whether (if) I played football.
Question with question words: Peter: "When do you play football?" - Peter asked me when I played football.
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Reported speech - English Grammar
Statements
1) If the sentence starts in the present, there is no backshift of tenses in Reported speech. Example: Susan: "I work in an office." Susan says that she works in an office.
2) If the sentence starts in the past, there is often backshift of tenses in Reported speech. (see: Note) Example: Susan: "I work in an office." Susan said that she worked in an office.
Backshift of tenses
from to
Simple Present Simple Past
Simple Past
Present Perfect
Past Perfect
Past Perfect
will would
Progressive forms
am/are/is was/were
was/were
has been
had been
had been
Backshift of tenses
from to
Peter: "I work in the garden." Peter said that he worked in the garden.
Peter: "I worked in the garden."
Peter: "I have worked in the garden."
Peter: "I had worked in the garden."
Peter said that he had worked in the garden.
Peter: "I will work in the garden." Peter said that he would work in the garden.
Peter: "I can work in the garden." Peter said that he could work in the garden.
Peter: "I may work in the garden." Peter said that he might work in the garden.
Peter: "I would work in the garden." (could, might, should, ought to)
Peter said that he would work in the garden. (could, might, should, ought to)
Progressive forms
Peter: "I'm working in the garden." Peter said that he was working in the garden.
Peter: "I was working in the garden."
Peter: "I have been working in the garden."
Peter: "I had been working in the garden."
Peter said that he had been working in the garden.
If the sentence contains an expression of time, you must change it as well.
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Peter: "I worked in the garden yesterday." Peter said that he had worked in the garden the day before.
Shifting of expressions of time
this (evening) that (evening)
today/this
day that day
these (days) those (days)
now then
(a week) ago (a week) before
last weekend the weekend before / the previous weekend
here there
next (week) the following (week)
tomorrow the next/following day
Note:
In some cases the backshift of tenses is not necessary, e.g. when statements are still true.
John: "My brother is at Cambridge university."
John said that his brother was at Cambridge university. Or
John said that his brother is at Cambridge university.
or
Mandy: "The sun rises in the East."
Mandy said that the sun rose in the East. Or
Mandy said that the sun rises in the East.
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Reported speech - simple statements - Exercise 1
Finish the sentences using Reported speech. Always change the tense, although it is sometimes not necessary. Example: Peter: "I clean the black shoes." Peter told me that ____________________________ Answer: Peter told me that he cleaned the black shoes.
1) John: "Mandy is at home."
John said that .
2) Max: "Frank often reads a book."
Max told me that .
3) Susan: "I'm watching TV."
Susan said to me that .
4) Simon: "David was ill."
Simon said that .
5) Peggy: "The girls helped in the house."
Peggy told me that .
6) Richard: "I am going to ride a skateboard."
Richard said to me that .
7) Stephen and Claire: "We have cleaned the windows."
Stephen and Claire told me that .
8) Charles: "I didn't have time to do my homework."
Charles remarked that .
9) Mrs Jones: "My mother will be 50 years old."
Mrs Jones told me that .
10) Jean: "The boss must sign the letter."
Jean said that .
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Reported commands, affirmative sentences - Exercise 2
Finish the sentences using Reported speech. Always change the tense, although it is sometimes not necessary. Example: Peter: "Clean the black shoes!" Peter told me _________________________ Answer: Peter told me to clean the black shoes.
1) Andrew: "Clean the blue bike!"
Andrew told me .
2) Jessica: "Write a text message!"
Jessica told me .
3) Nelly: "Help Peter's sister!"
Nelly told me .
4) Fred: "Wash your hands!"
Fred told me .
5) Anna: "Open the window!"
Anna told me .
6) Tom: "Come at 8!"
Tom told me .
7) Teacher: "Do your homework!"
The teacher told me .
8) Doris: "Dance with me!"
Doris told me .
9) Sabine: "Meet Sandy at the station!"
Sabine told me .
10) Victoria: "Check your e-mails!"
Victoria told me .
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Reported commands, negations - Exercise 2
Finish the sentences using Reported speech. Always change the tense, although it is sometimes not necessary. Example: Peter: "Don't clean the black shoes!" Peter told me _________________________ Answer: Peter told me not to clean the black shoes.
1) Karen: "Don't play football in the garden!"
Karen told me .
2) Teacher: "Don't forget your homework!"
The teacher reminded me .
3) Mike: "Don't shout at Peter!"
Mike told me .
4) Yvonne: "Don't talk to your neighbour!"
Yvonne told me .
5) Denise: "Don't open the door!"
Denise told me .
6) Marcel: "Don't sing that song!"
Marcel reminded me .
7) Jane: "Don't watch the new film!"
Jane advised me .
8) Walter: "Don't ring Romy on Sunday!"
Walter told me .
9) Lisa: "Don't fly via Paris!"
Lisa advised me .
10) Jamie: "Don't eat so much junk food!"
Jamie reminded me .
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Reported speech - statements with expressions of time - Exercise 2
Finish the sentences using Reported speech. Always change the tense, although it is sometimes not necessary. Example: Peter: "I cleaned the black shoes yesterday." Peter told me that _________________________________ Answer: Peter told me that he had cleaned the black shoes the day before.
1) Emily: "Our teacher will go to Leipzig tomorrow."
Emily said that .
2) Helen: "I was writing a letter yesterday."
Helen told me that .
3) Robert: "My father flew to Dallas last year."
Robert told me that .
4) Lisa: "Tim went to the stadium an hour ago."
Lisa said that .
5) Patricia: "My mother will celebrate her birthday next weekend."
Patricia said that .
6) Michael: "I am going to read a book this week."
Michael said to me that .
7) Jason and Victoria: "We will do our best in the exams tomorrow."
Jason and Victoria told me that .
8) Andrew: "We didn't eat fish two days ago."
Andrew remarked that .
9) Alice: "I spent all my pocket money on Monday."
Alice complained that .
10) David: "John had already gone at six."
David said that .
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Reported questions - Exercise 1
Finish the sentences using Reported speech. Always change the tense, although it is sometimes not necessary. Example: Peter: "Did John clean the black shoes?" Peter asked me _________________________________ Answer: Peter asked me if John had cleaned the black shoes.
1) Christopher: "Do you want to dance?"
Christopher asked me .
2) Betty: "When did you come?"
Betty wanted to know .
3) Mark: "Has John arrived?"
Mark asked me .
4) Ronald: "Where does Maria park her car?"
Ronald asked me .
5) Elisabeth: "Did you watch the latest film?"
Elisabeth asked me .
6) Mandy: "Can I help you?"
Mandy wanted to know .
7) Andrew: "Will Mandy have lunch with Sue?"
Andrew asked me .
8) Justin: "What are you doing?"
Justin asked me .
9) Frank: "How much pocket money does Lisa get?"
Frank wanted to know .
10) Anne: "Must I do the shopping?"
Anne asked .
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Reported questions - Exercise 2
Finish the sentences using Reported speech. Always change the tense, although it is sometimes not necessary. Example: Peter: "Did John clean the black shoes yesterday?" Peter asked me _________________________________________ Answer: Peter asked me if John had cleaned the black shoes the day before.
1) Mandy: "Are the boys reading the book?"
Yesterday Mandy asked me .
2) Jason: "Who gave you the laptop?"
Yesterday Jason wanted to know .
3) Robert: "Is Tim leaving on Friday?"
Yesterday Robert asked me .
4) Daniel: "Will it rain tomorrow?"
Yesterday Daniel asked me .
5) Jennifer: "Where do you play football today?"
Yesterday Jennifer wanted to know .
6) Nancy: "Why didn't Nick go to New York last summer?"
Yesterday Nancy wanted to know .
7) Barbara: "Must I do my homework this afternoon?"
Yesterday Barbara asked me .
8) Linda: "Did Max fly to London two weeks ago?"
Yesterday Linda wanted to know .
9) Grandmother: "Where are my glasses?"
Yesterday Grandmother asked me .
10) A man: "When does the train to Liverpool leave?"
Yesterday a man asked me .
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17. CONDITIONAL SENTENCES, types I, II, III
Conditional sentences, type I, Exercise 1 - mixed
Form a Conditional sentence - type I. Only use the will-future in the main clauses. Example: Thomas ________ (not/to catch) the bus if he _________ (to get up) late. Answer: Thomas will not catch the bus if he gets up late. or Thomas won't catch the bus if he gets up late.
1) If you (to dive) into this river, you (to hurt) yourself.
2) If the sun (to shine), the children (to play) outside.
3) Richard (to walk) to school if he (to miss) the bus.
4) Emily (to buy) the cola if you (to pack) the picnic basket.
5) If I (to be) in Venice, I (to rent) a boat.
6) Michael's teacher (to phone) his parents if he (to write) text messages during the lesson.
7) If she (to answer) this question correctly, she (to get) an extra point.
8) My sister (to be) angry if I (to turn) on the music too loud.
9) Your room (to look) much tidier if you (to keep) your hamster in the cage.
10) If we (to surf) the Internet, we (to find) a lot of information about Loch Ness.
Conditional sentences, type II, mixed exercise 1
Put the verbs in brackets into the gaps. Form a Conditional sentence - type II. Mind the position of the if-clause. Example: Thomas ________ (not/to buy) a new car if he _________ (to win) won 10,000 Euros. Answer: Thomas would not buy a new car if he won 10,000 Euros. or Thomas wouldn't buy a new car if he won 10,000 Euros.
1) If you (to help) your grandma, I (to do) the shopping.
2) Andrew (to water) the flowers if he (to stay) at home.
3) If she (to have) 5 pounds more, she (to buy) herself this T-shirt.
4) If they (to offer) me the job, I (to take) it.
5) You (to have) summer holidays from June till August if you (to live) in the USA.
6) We (to sell) the bike for 20 Euros if Ron (to repair) it.
7) If you (to use) a pencil, the drawing (to be) perfect.
8) The children (to be) happy if he (to teach) them English.
9) If Ireen (to visit) us, we (to go) out tonight.
10) They (to come) again if he (to plan) a second stay.
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Conditional sentences, type III, Fill-in Exercise 1
Example: Thomas _______ (not/to buy) a new car if he _________ (to win) 20,000 Euros. Answer: Thomas would not have bought a new car if he had won 20,000 Euros. or Thomas wouldn't have bought a new car if he'd won 20,000 Euros.
1) If he (to come) earlier, he (to meet) Tina.
2) The water in the pool (to be) warmer if the sun (to shine) more often.
3) If Betty (to write) more applications, she (to get) an apprenticeship.
4) If I (to see) you, I (to talk) to you.
5) We (to given) the man the documents if we (to know) him.
6) If you (to phone) me, I (to record) the show.
7) They (to understand) the film if they (to read) the book.
8) If the car (to turn) left, the old lady (to cross) the street.
9) If she (to realize) the red traffic light, she (to stop).
10) The boys (to win) the match if they (to train) regularly.
18. QUANTIFIERS
a lot of/lots of
These phrases are mainly used in informal English. lots of sounds a bit more informal than a lot of. Both forms are used in singular and in plural sentences.
It is not the phrase a lot of or lots of which determines singular or plural, but the subject of the sentence (here water and computers).
A lot of water is wasted. Lots of water is wasted.
singular
A lot of computers are needed at schools. Lots of computers are needed at schools.
plural
In formal English plenty of or much and many is used for a lot of/lots of.
Plenty of water is wasted. Much water is wasted.
singular
Plenty computers are needed at schools. Many computers are needed at schools.
plural
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much or many
much: uncountable nouns (milk, marmalade, money, time etc.) many: countable nouns (bottles of milk, jars of marmalade, dollars, minutes etc.)
Examples: How much money have you got? How many dollars have you got?
In informal English these questions are often answered with a lot of/lots of. There is no much difference between the two phrases.
a little or a few
a little: non countable nouns (milk, marmalade, money, time etc.) a few: countable nouns (bottles of milk, jars of marmalade, dollars, minutes etc.)
Examples: He has a little money left. He has a few dollars left.
some, any
some: affirmative statements, offers, requests and in questions when you expect the answer "yes"
any: negative statements, questions
Have you got any bananas? No, we haven't got any. But we've got some oranges.
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something, anything and other compounds with some/any
Compounds with some and any
The compounds with some and any are used like the single words some/any.
Compounds Examples
something anything
There is something wrong with our car.
someone anyone*
There is someone at the door.
somebody anybody*
I would like to be somebody.
someday Someday he'll be rich.
sometime anytime
We saw her sometime last month.
sometimes I sometimes take the bus to school.
someplace anyplace somewhere anywhere
Can't you sing somewhere else?
somehow anyhow someway anyway
She looked ill, somehow.
anymore I can't help you anymore.
* There is no much difference between someone/anyone and somebody/anybody.
Examples: There's someone at the door. I'd like to be somebody.
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Put in something, someone, somewhere or anything, anyone, anywhere into the gaps. Example: I need _________ to drink. Answer: I need something to drink.
1) I've got in my eye.
2) There is at the door.
3) We haven't heard about Peter. Is he ill?
4) Do you live near Mandy?
5) wants to see you.
6) Has seen my bag?
7) My teacher asked me .
8) Can I have to drink?
9) Don't worry. can tell you where the post-office in this town is.
10) I don't know about it.
EXERCISE 1 - much or many? - Choose the correct answer.
1) pupils
2) time
3) money
4) dollars
5) milk
6) children
7) water
8) fun
9) dogs
10) people
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EXERCISE 2 - much or many? - Choose the correct answer.
1) CDs
2) music
3) cups
4) juice
5) time
6) pencils
7) cheese
8) cornflakes
9) pizzas
10) lemonade
EXERCISE 1 - some or any? - Choose the correct answer.
1) We need bananas.
2) You can't buy posters in this shop.
3) We haven't got oranges at the moment.
4) Peter has bought new books.
5) She always takes sugar with her coffee.
6) I have seen nice postcards in this souvenir shop.
7) There aren't folders in my bag.
8) I have magazines for you.
9) There are apples on the table.
10) Pam does not have pencils on her desk.
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EXERCISE 2 - some or any? - Choose the correct answer.
1) Have you got tomatoes?
2) There are exercise books on the floor.
3) Did you get the ketchup? No, they hadn't got .
4) You should eat fresh fruit.
5) We had to wait for minutes.
6) Is there lemonade left?
7) They didn't sing songs.
8) Here are cornflakes, but there isn't milk.
9) I'm looking for good music.
10) There is no butter in the fridge. Let's go and get .
EXERCISE 3 - some or any - Choose the correct answer.
1) Can I have of these kiwis?
2) We saw dolphins in the sea.
3) They went to town without money.
4) Buy some apples if you see .
5) Would you like more tea?
6) Come and see me time you want.
7) He never does work.
8) You can take bus to the city centre.
9) Peter never gives his mother help.
10) There's hardly coffee left.
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19. PHRASAL VERBS
Put + Prepositions
Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks using the words in the box below
away back behind down in off on out over up
1. I think she is absolutely horrible. I don't know how you can put with her.
2. I'm not rich! I can't afford to put that kind of money.
3. Put your warm sweater - it's really cold outside.
4. Karen carefully put the glass statue on the counter; she didn't want to break it.
5. After I finished doing the laundry, I asked Susan to help me put everything .
6. After two years in North Dakota, Sam put for a transfer to an air force base in California.
7. "Put your hands your back," said the police officer to the thief, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you..."
8. Don't put doing your homework. Do it now, so it will be out of the way and you can do something fun tonight.
9. She is always putting the people at school. I don't think she respects anyone there.
10. Magda put the blanket her son to keep him warm as he slept.
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Pass + Prepositions
Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks using the words in the box below
around away back by into off out over through up
1. The exhaust fumes from the cars were so strong that Sherry passed . 2. When they offered me that job in Miami, I immediately accepted. There was no way I was going to
pass the opportunity to move to Florida.
3. After I took a quick look at the ancient vase, I passed it to the art dealer. I could see she was afraid I was going to break it.
4. He tried to pass the painting as an original Picasso, but I recognized at once that it was a fake. 5. The Buddhist monk told me that the old woman had not really died. He said she had simply passed
her next life.
6. The police helicopter passed our house several times while they were looking for the prisoner who had escaped.
7. Every day, when the yellow bus passes my house on its way to school, I think of my childhood in Iowa and simpler times.
8. I momentarily lost my cell phone connection when the train passed the tunnel.
9. My grandfather lived a very long and active life. He didn't pass until he was 107 years old.
10. One by one, we passed the pictures so that everyone could see what a talented photographer Jerry had become.
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Take + Prepositions
Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks using the words in the box below
after away back down for in off on out over
1. John is going to take Cybil for a nice dinner and a late-night film.
2. She should never have taken so much responsibility at work if she wasn't willing to work nights and weekends.
3. I hate that picture which is hanging over the couch. Can we please take it ?
4. I said you were a nice person, but I take it . You are absolutely horrible!
5. Jessica was taken by the con artist. He stole over ten thousand dollars from her.
6. We went down to the beaches near Cape Canaveral to watch the space shuttle take . The launch was magnificent.
7. There was a military coup d'etat in the tiny nation. The military took the capital city and gained control of the government.
8. Jim really takes his father. They look the same, they act the same - they even have the same laugh!
9. You thought I stole your wallet?! What kind of person do you take me ?
10. When the police discovered his history of drunk driving, they took his driver's license.
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Turn + Prepositions
Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks using the words in the box below
around away down in into off on out over up
1. I was afraid there wasn't enough light in the room when I took these pictures, but they actually
turned great!
2. Can you please turn the air-conditioning. It's really hot in here.
3. When I heard my favorite song on the radio, I turned it really loud and danced around my apartment.
4. I applied to Yale University, but they turned me .
5. We have to turn our research papers by next Wednesday. 6. They were showing so many commercials during that movie that I finally just got up and turned
the TV.
7. The witch turned the handsome prince a frog. 8. Although Sam wanted to keep the bag of money he found in the bus station, he knew he should turn
it to the authorities.
9. The tailor told her to turn so he could adjust the hemline of the dress. 10. Those nomads are incredibly hospitable. Someone seeking food and shelter would never be turned
.
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Bring + Prepositions Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks using the words in the box below.
along around away back into on out over
through up
1. His heart attack was brought ….. by too much stress at work.
2. I didn't realize he had gotten divorced. I'm so embarrassed - I wish I hadn't
brought ….. his wife at the party.
3. Your new dress really brings ….. the color of your eyes.
4. Don't you bring those dirty shoes ….. my clean house!
5. What exactly did you bring ….. from the experience. Did you learn anything at
all?
6. They brought a pizza and some beer ….. and we watched an old movie on
television.
7. You are only allowed to bring two bottles of wine ….. customs when you
enter this country.
8. When we go camping, don't forget to bring ….. the binoculars so we can look
for wildlife.
9. Lisa is going to pick Ted up at the airport and bring him ….. to the house.
10. Sarah doesn't want to go skiing this winter, but we still have time to bring
her….. .
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Check + Prepositions Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks using the words in the box below.
back by for into off on out over through with
1. First, we checked ….. the hotel, and then we took a taxi over to the
convention center.
2. I am just going to make a quick call to check ….. the kids and make sure that
everything is OK.
3. Your luggage will be checked ….. to Los Angeles, so you don't need to worry
about it when you transfer planes in Houston.
4. We are going to check ….. the new dance club downtown. Do you want to
come along?
5. Danny has been sick for over a week. We are going to check ….. later to see
how he is doing.
6. Dinner at Fillipi's sounds like a great idea, but let me check ….. my wife first
to see if she has already made plans for Friday. If we are free, we would love to
join you.
7. Health professionals suggest women regularly perform self examinations to
check ….. early indications of breast cancer. If cancer is detected early,
treatment is highly effective.
8. After Burt dropped his camera, he carefully checked it ….. to make sure it
wasn't damaged.
9. Patricia always keeps a detailed list of her daily tasks. As she completes
each task, she checks it ….. her list and moves on to the next one.
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Come + Prepositions Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks using the words in the box below.
across along away into off out over through up
with
1. He came ….. a lot of money at a very early age, so he has never had to work.
2. We are going to the beach later. Would you like to come….. ?
3. At first, he comes ….. as rather shy. But when you get to know him, you'll
notice he has a hilarious sense of humor.
4. They were having problems with the ship's radio, so none of the messages
came ….. clearly.
5. The pictures I took on vacation came ….. great. I can't wait to show them to
you.
6. Although the negotiations lasted more than two weeks, the representatives
came ….. feeling like they had accomplished nothing.
7. Sam and Evan came ….with a great marketing strategy for their new product.
8. The toy doesn't come ….. batteries. You have to buy them separately.
9. Camille is coming ….. for dinner tonight.
10. When I tried to open the door, the knob came ….. in my hand and I was
stuck in the room for more than two hours
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Go + Prepositions
Gap-fill Exercise Fill in the blanks using the words in the box below
away by down into off on out over through under
1. They were party animals in college. They went ………. almost every night and rarely came home before four o'clock in the morning. 2. I am sorry I interrupted you. Please, go ……….. I really want to hear the end of your story. 3. Our neighbor's car alarm went ……….several times last night, so I didn't sleep well at all. 4. The project is classified by the military, so I am not allowed to go ………. the details. Let's just say it's going to cost the government a lot of money. 5. The test is fairly complicated. I would suggest going ……….your notes from class a couple of times before you try to take it. 6. I'll mail that letter for you. I go ………the post office on my way to work. 7. Did you see that news report about the hikers who were lost in the mountains for more than a week? I couldn't believe everything they went ……….. Their story was absolutely incredible. 8. Jerry really struggled to keep his business going. But after months without any customers, it finally went ……….. 9. I had the hiccups for over half an hour. Luckily, my friend Jane showed me a trick to make them go ……….. 10. The doctor made Joe lie in a cold bath to help his fever go ………..
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Keep + Prepositions
Gap-fill Exercise Fill in the blanks using the words in the box below
around away back down in off on out over up
1. There was a sign on the door that said, "Keep ……… !" 2. I ran the entire marathon, but I wasn't able to keep ………with the rest of the runners. In fact, I was the last to finish. 3. I don't have much shelf space, so I keep my books ……….the television. 4. If you take the medicine on an empty stomach, you will have problems keeping it ……. 5. Watch out, there's a rattlesnake! Everybody keep ………. ! 6. You need to keep the ice cream ……….the refrigerator until we have dessert. Otherwise, it will melt. 7. I told you to keep the dog ………the bed. I don't want dog hair all over the bedspread. 8. The roast chicken is on the table. Can you keep the cat ………from it until everyone sits down for dinner? 9. The house is so dusty that I have to keep a cover…….. the computer to make sure it stays clean. 10. Fire is a real danger that everyone should be aware of. I always keep a fire extinguisher ………, just in case of an emergency.
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Look + Prepositions
Gap-fill Exercise Fill in the blanks using the words in the box below
after around away down for into out over through up
1. While you are hiking in the forest, you need to look ………for rattlesnakes. They are often lying on the trails. 2. If you don't know his phone number, you can look it……… in the phone book. 3. The police are going to look ……… the recent robberies in the neighborhood. Hopefully, they will find the thief. 4. While he was looking ………. the papers, he noticed a couple of spelling mistakes. 5. If you look ………the telescope, you can see the rings around Saturn. 6. Sandy is going to look ……… the children while we are at the business dinner. 7. When there is an eclipse, you should look ……..from the sun. Looking at the sun can sometimes damage your eyes. 8. I lost my keys. Can you help me look ……… them? 9. The lost child stood there in the middle of the store looking ………trying to find his parents. 10. She always looks ……… on people who don't agree with her. I think she is very arrogant.
Get + Prepositions (Part 1) between down in into off on out over under My dog, Rover, is so difficult to control. He is always getting ……….the couch when I am not in the room. I always tell him to get ……….of the furniture, but he just lies there looking at me. Last week, I was sitting on the couch with my girlfriend. He jumped up on the couch and tried to get ……….us. I immediately yelled, "Get ……….!" But, he just sat there, desperate for attention. When I eat dinner, he always gets ……….the table and begs for food. Another problem is that I live next to a main road. He somehow gets ……….of the house and gets ………. the fence. I'm afraid he is going to get hurt. And last week, he got ……….my closet and chewed up my shoes. I don't know how he got ……….- I usually keep the door closed. I think I need to take him to an obedience school.
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Get + Prepositions (Part 2) across along around back to into out through to together up Dear Mom and Dad, I finally got ……….. that philosophy class I was telling you about. It wasn't easy. It's a required course and there is no way to get ………. it. The professor, Dr. Schmitt, seems very good, but I think his class is going to be quite a challenge. Yesterday was the first day of the course. He gave everyone in the class a syllabus describing the homework and the exams. I couldn't believe how much he expects us to do. Several of the students immediately got ………. and left the room. After they were gone, Professor Schmitt started asking the remaining students philosophical questions. They all had great answers, but then he got ……….me. "What is art?" he asked me. I tried to answer him, but I couldn't get what I wanted to say ……….to him. He smiled at me and got three or four art books………. He passed the art books around and asked us to discuss the question in groups. The people in my discussion group were really great; we all really enjoyed debating the question. Since we got ……… so well, we have decided to form a study group, so we can help each other get ………this class. I know my grades haven't been the best, but with the help of this study group I should be able to get it ……… and do better this semester. Well, I need to get ……….work and finish my assignments for tomorrow. Everybody take care, and I'll see you at Thanksgiving. Love, Steve Get + Prepositions (Part 3) back by down into on out over through together with Welcome to "Introduction to Computers and the Internet." This course is designed to help inexperienced computer users get ………. their fear of technology and get ……….it "technically." We are going to teach you how to get ………. with computers and get ………. the Internet. I am your instructor, Mr. Pfeffer, and these are my two assistants, Mrs. Frank and Miss DePaul. Together, we are going to help you get ……….these lessons. By the time you get ………. of this class, you will have mastered the concepts you need to successfully navigate the Web. First, I would like everyone to get ……….groups and choose a computer. Once you have gotten ………and chosen a place to sit, we will get ……….to work. We will be learning about different browsers and how they function. We will teach you how to interpret the layout of a web page and how to know where to click to move to other parts of the web site. At that point, we are going to take a short fifteen minute break. After you all get ………. to class, we are going to discuss web-based content. We are going to teach you how to find the content you want using sources such as Yahoo or Alta Vista. So, let's get started.
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Get + Prepositions (Part 4)
around to at down down to in into out out of over with up on
Becoming a chef isn't easy. It seems like I just cook twenty-four hours a day. From 8 AM to 3 PM I work at a restaurant downtown to earn money to pay for cooking school. From 4 PM to 7 PM I have classes, and then I have to take the train home. I don't
usually get until after 8 PM and I have to make myself dinner before I start
doing my cooking homework. By the time I get doing my assignments, I am exhausted and I can't stand looking at food. Unfortunately, I have no choice, I have to practice preparing special dishes for class. Practicing is constantly a problem; either my roommates are bothering me or the dog is
trying to get the food. Yesterday, while I was trying to prepare steak tartar and
chocolate mousse, the dog ran into the kitchen and tried to get the counter. I
screamed, "Get !" but he wouldn't stop. My roommates aren't much better.
While I was trying to get the dog the kitchen, my roommate, Fred, showed up
and got the bag of chocolate I needed for my mousse. I took one look at him
eating my chocolate and yelled, "Get !"
By the time I got work, it was after 10 o'clock. I just wanted to get the
cooking ; I didn't even care if I did a good job. How am I supposed to learn to cook under these condition
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Get + Prepositions (Part 5)
ahead around back to behind into off through to together up
I finally left my job and it was the best decision I've ever made. My work was
incredibly boring - I just couldn't get it. I didn't want to keep doing the same
old thing every day, so I quit. My dad always said that if you want to get in this world, you need to be aggressive. I let all my friends and family know that I was
looking for a new job. The news got fast. Within a week, I received a call from my cousin Joe, who works for a travel agency. He said that they had gotten
in their filing at work and they needed someone to help out. I told him I didn't
want to do clerical work, but he suggested we get to talk about the position. To make a long story short, we had lunch last week. He told me that if I did the job for a few weeks, it might lead to another position with the agency. I told him that I would
think about his offer and get him in a couple of days. I think I am going to
accept the job. The hours are great. I wouldn't have to get work until 11
o'clock in the morning, and I would get work at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
The idea of being able to sleep in every morning sounds great. Even if I got at 9 AM, I could still have breakfast and make it to work on time. I don't really want to file
all day, but if I can just get the next few weeks, I might have some good job opportunities.
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20. IDIOMS The English language is one of the vastest and most vivid languages in the world. It is made up of over 1.5 million words. Over and above that, the same word can have a variety of different meanings depending on the context it is put in; two (or more) words can have the exact same spelling but are pronounced differently, depending on their meanings. Today's article will mainly focus on those combinations of words which are commonly referred to as idioms or idiomatic expressions. It is important to point out that idioms use language in a non-literal (and sometimes metaphorical) way.
One of the most famous idioms, yet quite easy to understand!
This implies that ‘the meaning of the idiomatic expression cannot be deduced by looking at the meaning of the individual words that it is made up of' (Cambridge Encyclopaedia of the English Language, David Crystal). Another important feature to point out is that idioms are fixed, which means that people cannot just decide to make up their own. The following is a list of some of the most widely-used idioms in everyday English and their meanings. This will hopefully help to illustrate Crystal's point in the previous paragraph clearly. Idioms, can you guess their meanings? (Answers belo w)
1. A penny for your thoughts 2. Add insult to injury 3. A hot potato 4. Once in a blue moon 5. Caught between two stools 6. See eye to eye 7. Hear it on the grapevine 8. Miss the boat 9. Kill two birds with one stone 10. On the ball 11. Cut corners 12. To hear something straight from the horse's mouth 13. Costs an arm and a leg 14. The last straw 15. Take what someone says with a pinch of salt 16. Sit on the fence 17. The best of both worlds 18. Put wool over other people's eyes 19. Feeling a bit under the weather 20. Speak of the devil!
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Meanings
1. This idiom is used as a way of asking someone what they are thinking about. 2. When people add insult to injury, they make a bad situation even worse. 3. This idiom is used to speak of an issue (especially in current affairs) which many people
are talking about. 4. This is used when something happens very rarely. 5. When someone finds it difficult to choose between two alternatives. 6. This idiom is used to say that two (or more people) agree on something. 7. This means ‘to hear a rumour' about something or someone. 8. This idiom is used to say that someone missed his or her chance at something. 9. This means ‘to do two things at the same time'. 10. When someone understands the situation well. 11. When something is done badly to save money. For example, when someone buys
products that are cheap but not of good quality. 12. To hear something from the authoritative source. 13. When something is very expensive. 14. The final problem in a series of problems. 15. This means not to take what someone says too seriously. There is a big possibility that
what he/she says is only partly true. 16. This is used when someone does not want to choose or make a decision. 17. All the advantages. 18. This means to deceive someone into thinking well of them. 19. Feeling slightly ill. 20. This expression is used when the person you have just been talking about arrives.
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21. WRITING
Analysing texts
These sentences can be useful for analysing texts. You only need to substitute the red words. Have a look at Feelings and Phrases for talks for further information.
The text
The story is about two teenagers.
The action takes place in London.
The text is divided into 5 parts.
The characters
The main characters are Peter and Mary.
I think Peter is brave because he rescues Mary.
In line 27 he says ...
In my opinion Mandy shouldn't have gone out alone.
The characters in the story change.
At first Peter is helpless. Later he becomes brave.
Summarizing the text
The main point is that Peter likes Mandy.
The difficult thing is that Mandy doesn't see this.
The turning point in the story is when Mandy falls off the tree.
On the one hand Mandy likes Peter, on the other hand she doesn't like his friends.
That's why ...
My opinion
I think that the story is nice.
My point of view is that ...
My first impression was ...
I like/don't like the story/poem/song.
I thought that the story would end like that.
The ending of the story didn't surprise me.
I think that this only happens in films.
I must admit that ...
The message of the story is ...
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Creative Writing - English as a foreign language
We talk about Creative Writing when we write a text about a special topic. There are various topics to write about when you learn a foreign language. Let's show some examples.
At an early stage you are able to write short texts e.g. about My hometown or My hobbies
and interests. Intermediate learners are able to write texts about pros and cons, like: Which do you prefer? - holidays at home or abroad? Advanced students should write texts about more specific topics. Let's think of Martin Luther King and his words: "I have a
dream."
Do not forget: Write simple sentences, don't make your structures too complicated If you follow some rules, it's not complicated to write English texts.
1) Read the task and think twice before you begin.
2) Collect ideas. Make notes on a sheet of paper.
3) Arrange your text, avoid repetitions. Think of an introduction and a conclusion.
4) Write the draft.
5) Read your text again and have a look at the vocabulary and the grammar. Use an English-English dictionary to check the usage of the words. Remind the word order in sentences and questions. Think of additional information you could use in your text.
6) Write your text.
7) Read your text again and watch for spelling mistakes.
Creative Writing - Topics
There are a lot of topics to write about. We've listed some down here.
Me and others
Let me introduce myself...
My sister/brother
My father's/mother's job
My best friend
People I like
Problems of young people
What I think about fashion
My strangest dream
Who can be a hero?
Would you do any voluntary activity?
My world
My home town
Which do you prefer - city life or country life?
Holidays at home or abroad?
I'm happy when...
If I had a million dollars...
Living as a teenager in my country
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Hobbies and leisure
Cost of Cds/DVDs
My hobbies and interests
My favourite pop group
My favourite sport
An interesting weekend
An interesting film/book
My last holidays in...
Plans for my next holidays
I have a dangerous hobby
Education and work
Applying for a job
Give arguments for or against teenage working
My dream job
My dream school
My favourite subject
School uniforms
Schools in the USA/Britain and Germany
Healthy life
What's my day like?
What I like to eat...
At the doctor's
Try to convince your friend to stop smoking/drinking/taking drugs
My attitude towards sport
My favourite sports
I like fast food
I'm a vegetarian
Me as a consumer
I like/don't like shopping
Pocket money - how much do you get - how much do you need?
Do you save money?
Life on earth
My pet
How can you save the environment?
Endangered animals
Skiing and the environment
Why I like animals
Media and Arts
Do you like reading?
Which do you prefer - reading a book or watching the film?
I like my mobile phone
I like watching TV.
I like playing on the computer.
There's too much violence on TV
Success changes people - what do you think?
The world of English
Life in Britain/the USA/Australia/Northern Ireland (or another English speaking country)
Why should people speak English?
Past, Present and Future
A day without electricity
My future wife/husband
How do you see yourself in 10 years?
Christmas - an old tradition that should be kept or big business for the industry
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Summary writing
Remember to summarize the text you've read. Use the following tips:
1) Shorten the text in such a way that all facts are in the summary. Leave out examples, evaluations and interpretations.
2) Skim the text. You should know what is the main content of it. Read the headline carefully. It is important.
3) Read the text again to understand more details. You must have understood the whole text.
4) Make notes (use keywords). Underline important words in the text.
5) Form sentences with the help of your keywords. These sentences should reflect the main content of the text.
6) Connect the sentences using suitable conjunctions. The first sentence should describe the main content of the text.
7) Use Simple Present or Simple Past. Write sentences in Reported speech.
8) Sometimes you have to change the persons.
9) Check your summary. Watch out for spelling mistakes.
Example of an informal letter
2nd May
Dear John(,) Thanks for your last letter and the nice photos................ ..................................................................................................................... Sorry, but I have to finish. Hope to hear from you again. Take care, Peter
tips:
- the date: top right hand corner (day/month-BE - or month/day-AE) - comma after name not necessary, but begin after that with a CAPITAL letter - ending: Take care, Cheers, Yours, Love, then a comma and your name
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Commercial English - Letters
You write to How to begin the letter How to end the letter
Dear Sir/Madam (BE) (AE) Yours faithfully (BE)
Dear Sir or Madam (BE) (AE) Yours truly (AE) an unknown firm/person (BE) (AE)
To whom it may concern (AE) Truly yours (AE)
Yours faithfully (BE)
Yours truly (AE) a woman whose name you don't know
Dear Madam (BE) (AE)
Truly yours (AE)
Yours faithfully (BE)
Yours truly (AE) a man whose name you don't know
Dear Sir (BE) (AE)
Truly yours (AE)
Yours sincerely (BE)
Very truly yours (AE) a person whose name you know
Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Fisher (BE) (AE)
Sincerely (yours) (AE)
(With) Best wishes (BE) (AE)
Yours (BE)
Love (BE)
All the best (AE)
a person you know personally
Dear Ann/John (BE) (AE)
Kindest/Best regards (AE)
Example of a formal letter
MICHAEL WARRENS LTD - 78 Court Street - Nottingham - UK
Mrs Sara Fisher Manager 18 St. James Avenue
Bournemouth HB3 4LN 4th October 2004
Our ref: US / HK 1082 Your ref: SP / T
Dear Mrs Fisher,
Your order
We are pleased to acknowledge your order no. 202 dated 1st October 2001. Your order is already dealt with. We will inform you when the consignment is ready for delivery.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information.
We thank you for your custom and again look forward to being of service to you in the future. Yours sincerely,
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M Warrens (Mr) Enc
The envelope
The position of the address is the same like in the letter.
Steet, Road and Avenue can be written in abbreviations (St), (Rd) (Av).
The postcode/zip code you write under the town
Write the name of the country in CAPITAL LETTERS.
Example: Mr Michael Warrens Software 78 Court St Nottingham WQ1 6P0 UNITED KINGDOM
In the corner top left you can find the following phrases:
Air Mail
Confidential
Express
Fragile
Please forward
Postage paid
Printed Matter
Private/Personal
Registered
Sample
To be called for
Urgent
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20. DIALOUGES AND SENTENCES
Sentences
Asking the way
At a hotel
Freetime/hobbies
Letter about school and job
Meeting people
On the phone
Restaurant (waiter - guest)
Useful sentences for role-plays
At a hotel
At a souvenir shop
At a supermarket
At the cinema
In Dresden
School
Talk to an English speaking guest
Travel
Asking the way - Questions and answers
Vocabulary (pictures)
Useful phrases:
Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the station, please?
Excuse me, I'm looking for the town hall.
How far is it from the church to the station?
Is it far from the church to the station?
It takes about 10 minutes by bus.
It's a 10-minute walk.
The church is within walking distance.
What's the best way to the station?
Where is the nearest bus stop?
Where is the next bus stop?
You can't miss it.
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At the hotel
1) The guest
Have you got a single room for tonight?
I'd like to stay in a double room.
Do all the rooms have air-conditioning?
Is breakfast included?
When do you serve breakfast?
Could you give me a call at 7 tomorrow morning, please?
I'd like to pay in cash/by credit card/by traveller's cheque (AE: check).
2) The receptionist
Hello, can I help you?
Would you like a room with a bath or a shower?
How long would you like to stay at our hotel?
How would you like to pay?
Your room is on the second floor on the right.
Sorry, we're fully booked for tonight.
Sorry, we are full up. (AE*)
Is there anything else I can do for you?
*AE: American English
My hobbies and interests
My favourite hobby is playing snooker.
I like listening to pop-music.
At weekends I sometimes go to a disco or to the cinema.
I listen to bands like ...
I'm interested in punk.
While listening to hard-rock I can get everything off my chest.
In summer I like to go swimming.
In winter I go skiing.
I like visiting friends and talking about this and that.
My friend and I do lots of jigsaw puzzles.
Playing football is fun.
One of my hobbies is writing letters to my pen-friends.
I do a paper route to earn a little money.
Sometimes I read so much that I forget the housework.
When the weather is bad, I read books or watch TV.
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I enjoy working on the computer.
I got a new computer for my birthday.
Once a week I do some handball practice.
I go training every evening.
When it's not so hot, I go rollerskating.
I want to tell you something about my family.
I've got two older brothers.
My mother works as a clerk in an office.
When we are on holidays I like walking in the mountains.
On Saturdays I have to cook for the family.
I collect my cousin from the kindergarten.
Now and then I do babysitting.
Writing a letter about my school
I'm sorry, I couldn't write earlier because I was ill.
Thanks for the letter and the wonderful photos of your hometown.
It was interesting to hear about school life in Britain.
I attend the "name of the school".
It's a Secondary Modern School.
How much homework do you get every day?
In your letter you asked me to tell you something about schools in Saxony.
There are 15 boys and 12 girls in my class.
My friends and I don't get very good marks.
We like jokes better than school.
I studied for the English test all evening.
How are you and how are you enjoying your job?
Tell me about your working hours, your pay and your holidays.
I'm going to start an apprenticeship as a mechanic on August 1st.
It's very difficult to get an interesting job here.
In September I have to start work.
I have made up my mind to become a nurse.
I can write good stories when I feel like it.
I don't like school very much.
I'm planning to visit Wales next year.
Now I have to finish this letter.
The sun is shining and therefore we want to go swimming.
I'm looking forward to getting your letter.
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Meeting people
1) Greetings
Welcome to London.
Good morning/afternoon/evening.
G' day.
Good day.
Hello.
Hi.
Goodbye.
Bye-bye.
Bye.
See you. (CU)
Cheers.
Say goodbye to Peter from me.
Say hello to Peter from me.
Please give my love to Peter.
I'd like you to meet Peter.
May I introduce you to Peter?
May I introduce Peter to you?
2) Asking
Excuse me?
How do you do?
How are you?
I'm fine, thanks.
Not too bad.
3) Introducing
I'd like you to meet Peter.
May I introduce you to Peter?
May I introduce Peter to you?
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4) Various (wishes, thanks, offers)
Lovely day today, isn't it?
Good luck!
Congratulations.
Many happy returns of the day.
Happy birthday!
Bless you!
Get well soon!
Could you do me a favour?
May I offer you a drink?
Are you sure you wouldn't like to come in?
Thank you very much!
Thank you.
Many thanks.
Thanks a lot. - You're welcome.
Would you excuse me, please?
It doesn't matter.
On the phone
Who is this, please?
This is ...
... speaking.
I'll phone back later.
I've got the wrong number.
Please leave a message after the beep.
Can I take a message?
Can I speak to ..., please?
Just a moment, please.
I'll ring you at about ...
Thank you for ringing.
I must ring off now.
I can't get through. The line's busy.
There is no reply.
This is a bad connection.
Can I use my mobile?
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At the restaurant
1) The waiter
What can I do for you?
Can I help you?
Can I take your coat?
Have you booked a table?
How many are you?
Would you follow me, please?
Can I take your order, sir/madam?
What would you like to start with?
What would you like to drink?
What would you like for dessert?
How would you like your steak? (rare, medium, well done)
Do you want a salad with it?
What kind of dressing?
Anything to drink?
Do you want a dessert?
The burgers are very good.
Sorry, the hamburgers are off.
Is everything all right?
Did you enjoy your meal?
Are you paying together?
May I show you to a table?
If you wait, there'll be a table for you free in a minute.
Do you want vegetables with it?
Why don't you try the pizza?
It'll take about 20 minutes.
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2) The guest
A table for two, please.
May we sit at this table?
The menu, please.
What's on the menu?
Do you want fish?
What's Irish Stew like?
We're not ready yet.
The steak for me, please.
Can you bring me the ketchup, please?
A salad, please.
I'll have the same.
That's all, thank you.
Can I have the bill (AE: check), please?
This is on me.
Here you are.
The rest is for you.
Have you got wine by the glass?
I'd prefer red wine.
Please bring us another beer.
Could I have chips (AE: French Fries) instead of salad?
What can you recommend?
Please bring me the bill (AE: check) with my coffee.
I think you've made a mistake.
Useful sentences for role-plays
At the hotel
1 Hello. My name is ... I'm 15 and I come from Munich.
2 I booked a room two weeks ago.
3 I need a single room.
4 There must be a bath, telephone and TV in the room.
5 When do you serve breakfast?
6 How much is the room per day?
7 My room is on the second floor.
8 Can I have the bill, please?
9 Can I have a room again next month?
10 I need the room from May the first to May the third.
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In a souvenir shop
1 A newspaper, please.
2 Can I have a town map, please?
3 Have you got picture postcards?
4 I need stamps as well.
5 I was here last week.
6 How much is everything?
7 Can you repeat the price, please?
8 Here you are. Thank you very much.
9 I like going to souvenir shops.
10 The shop assistant was very friendly, wasn't he/she?
In a supermarket
1 There is a supermarket near here.
2 What can I get there?
3 You can get there nearly everything?
4 Women's clothes is on the second floor.
5 I prefer the blue blouse to the yellow blouse.
6 I haven't seen such a big supermarket before.
7 How much are the tomatoes?
8 I'm coming back in the next days.
9 I like shopping with a friend.
10 How can I get to the nearest station/bus stop from here?
At the cinema
1 I like watching films.
2 I prefer going to the cinema because it's more interesting.
3 What's on at the cinema?
4 How much is a ticket?
5 Are there any tickets for Saturday?
6 I'm interested in crime and adventure films.
7 Last week I watched "Independence Day".
8 My favorite actor/actress is ......
9 What about going to the cinema together?
10 The film was exciting, not boring.
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In London
1 My friend is visiting me in London this weekend.
2 I'm meeting him/her at the station.
3 I'm looking forward to seeing him/her.
4 Have you been to London before?
5 Do you like the town?
6 We are going to Tower Bridge by boat.
7 London is one of the most interesting and one of the nicest cities I have ever been to.
8 Come back next year.
9 A visit to the zoo would be nice.
10 London has got amazing theatres and Museums.
My school
1 I like my school.
2 I've got interesting subjects.
3 I've found lots of friends here.
4 I've attended this school for 6 years.
5 I'm good at Maths. I'm not so good at Biology.
6 I'm leaving school in summer.
7 I'm going to start an apprenticeship as a shop assistant.
8 I hope to pass my exams well.
9 Are you going to prepare for the exams with me?
10 Have you got an apprenticeship?
Talk to an English speaking guest
1 Hello. My name is ... I'm 15 and I come from Munich.
2 Do you understand me?
3 I've been learning English for 6 years.
4 How are you?
5 I like having guests.
6 My family are going to visit me in summer.
7 I'd like to come to England.
8 My friend is also interested in travelling to England.
9 Could he stay overnight there?
10 See you.
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English is spoken in the following countries:
The Commonwealth of Nations has 54 member countries scattered all over the wide world.
Asia: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and India.
Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique , Mauritius,
Seychelles, Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana,
Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
America: Canada, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Belize, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda,
Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago
and Guyana.
Europe: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta.
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Papua-New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu,
Vanuatu, Nauru, Kiribati, Fiji and Western Samoa.
Approximately 500 million people speak English as their first language.
The countries with the highest populations of native English speakers are, in descending order:
United States (350 million), United Kingdom (70 million), Canada (25.2 million), Australia
(20.5 million), Nigeria (5 million), Ireland (4 million), South Africa (3.7 million), and New
Zealand (3.6 million) 2010 Census.
English today is probably the third largest language by number of native speakers, after
Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. However, when combining native and non-native speakers it is
probably the most commonly spoken language in the world.
Estimates that include second language speakers are over 2 billion depending on how literacy
or mastery is defined and measured. Linguistics professor David Crystal calculates that non-
native speakers now outnumber native speakers by a ratio of 4 to 1. India has more than 600
million people who speak English as a second language. In total out of 7 billion people on this
planet 2.5billion speak English.