gmat grammar basics

8/6/2019 GMAT Grammar Basics

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"A, An, The" definite and indefinite articles in English

Read the following description

I am from Seattle, Washington. Seattle is a city in the United States. It is near the

border of Canada in the northwest corner of the USA. I live in a town called Olympiawhich is on the Pudget Sound. I live in a house in a street in the countryside. The

street is called "Bear Street" and the house is old - more than 100 years old! I am anEnglish teacher at a school in the center of the town. I like books and taking

photographs. I usually have lunch at school. I usually go home by car. We have allkinds of food in Olympia. I like Italian food very much. Sometimes, I go to an Italian

restaurant in Seattle. The restaurant is called "Luigi's". Italian food is great!

Here are the rules for when to use "A, An or The":

a = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the sameobjects) with consonantsShe has a dog.

I work in a factory. an = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same

objects) with vowels (a,e,i,o,u)

Can I have an apple?She is an English teacher.

the = definite article (a specific object that both the person speaking and thelistener know)The car over there is fast.

The teacher is very good, isn't he?

The first time you speak of something use "a or an", the next time you repeatthat object use "the".

I live in a house. The house is quite old and has four bedrooms.

I ate in a Chinese restaurant. The restaurant was very good. DO NOT use an article with countries, states, counties or provinces, lakes and

mountains except when the country is a collection of states such as "The

United States".He lives in Washington near Mount Rainier.They live in northern British Columbia.

Use an article with bodies of water, oceans and seas -

My country borders on the Pacific Ocean

DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about things in generalI like Russian tea.

She likes reading books.

DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about Meals, places, andtransport

He has breakfast at home.I go to university.

He comes to work by taxi.

Adjectives Explanation - How to Use Adjectives -Grammar for Beginners in English


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An adjective describes how something 'is'. For this reason, we usually use the verb'to be' when using adjectives. Adjectives are used to describe nouns.

Example: He is a good doctor. Rule: Adjectives describe nouns. The adjective is

always invariable.

Example: beautiful trees, they are happy

Be careful!

Adjectives don't have a singular and plural form OR a masculine, femine andneuter form.

Adjectives are always the same! Never add a final -s to an adjective.

Adjectives can also be placed at the end of a sentence if they describe thesubject of a sentence. Example: My doctor is excellent.

NOT!!: difficults books

Rule: Adjectives are placed before the noun.

Example: a wonderful book very interesting people

Be careful!

Don't place an adjective after the noun

NOT!!: an apple red

Adjective Placement - How to Use Adjectives

When using more than one adjective to describe a noun place the adjectives in thefollowing order before the noun.

NOTE: We usually use no more than three adjectives preceding a noun.

1. Opinion

Example: an interesting book, a boring lecture

2. Dimension

Example: a big apple, a thin wallet

3. Age

Example: a new car, a modern building, an ancient ruin

4. Shape

Example: a square box, an oval mask, a round ball


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5. Color

Example: a pink hat, a blue book, a black coat

6. Origin

Example: some Italian shoes, a Canadian town, an American car

7. Material

Example: a wooden box, a woolen sweater, a plastic toy

Here are some examples of nouns modified with three adjectives in the correct order

based on the list above. Notice that the adjectives are not separated by commas.

A wonderful old Italian clock. (opinion - age - origin)

A big square blue box. (dimension - shape - color)

A disgusting pink plastic ornament. (opinion - color - material)

Some slim new French trousers. (dimension - age - origin)

Using Adverbs

Adverbs modify verbs. They tell you Howsomething is done. Example: How does he

she sing? - She sings beautifully.

Rule: Adverbs are often formed by adding -ly to an adjective

Example: beautiful - beautifully, careful - carefully

Be Careful!

Some adjectives don't change in the adverb form. The most important of

these are: fast - fast, hard - hard

Good is probably the most important exception. The adverb form of 'good' is'well'. Unfortunately, this is a common mistake that many Americans make!

NOT!!: He plays tennis good.

Rule: Adverbs can also modify an adjective. In this case, the adverb is placed beforeteh adjective.

Example: She is extremely happy. They are absolutely sure.

Be Careful!

Do not use 'very' with adjectives that express an increased quality of a basic

adjective Example: good - fantastic

NOT!!: She is a very beautiful woman.


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Rule: Adverbs of frequency (always, never, sometimes, often, etc.) usually comebefore the main verb

Example: He is often late for class. Do you always eat in a restaurant? They

don't usually travel on Fridays.

Be Careful!

Adverbs of frequency expressing infrequency are not usually used in thenegative or question form. NOT!!: Does she rarely eat fish? They don't seldom

go to the cinema.

Adverbs of frequency are often placed at the beginning of a sentence.Example: Sometimes, he likes to go to museums.

Adverbs of frequency follow - come after - the verb 'to be'. Example: He is

sometimes late for work.


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Q. What are the different types of pronouns?

A.There are four types of pronouns: Subject Pronouns, Object Pronouns, Possessive Pronouns and

Demonstrative Pronouns. Here is a list and explanation showing the different types of pronouns:

Subject Pronouns - I, you, he, she, it, we, you, they function as the subjectof a sentence:

I live in New York.Do you like playing tennis?He doesn't want to come this evening.She works in London.It won't be easy.We are studying pronouns at the moment.

You went to Paris last year, didn't you?They bought a new car last month.

Object Pronouns - me, you, him, her, it, us, you, them serve as the object of a verb.

Give me the book.He told you to come tonight.She asked him to help.They visited herwhen they came to New York.She bought it at the store.He picked us up at the airport.The teacher asked you to finish your homework.I invited them to a party.

Possessive Pronouns - mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, yours, theirs show that somethingbelongs to someone. Note that the possessive pronouns are similar to possessive adjectives (my,his, her). The difference is that the object follows the possessive adjective but does not follow the

possessive pronoun. For example - Possessive Pronoun: That book is mine. - PossessiveAdjective: That is my book.

That house is mine.This is yours.I'm sorry, that's his.Those books are hers.Those students are ours.Look over there, those seats are yours.Theirs will be green.

Demonstrative Pronouns - this, that, these, those refer to things. 'this' and 'that' refer tosomething that is near. 'that' and 'those' refer to things that are farther away.

This is my house.That is our car over there.These are my colleagues in this room.Those are beautiful flowers in the next field.

Possessive Adjectives

Possessive adjectives - my, your, his, her, its, our, your, theirare often confused with possessivepronouns. The possessive adjective modifies the noun following it in order to show possession.


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I'll get my books.Is that yourcar over there?That is his teacher, Mr Jones.I want to go to herstore.Its color is red.Can we bring ourchildren?You are welcome to invite yourhusbands.

They bought theirchildren a lot of presents.


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Conditionals

Listed below are examples, uses and formation of Conditionals followed by a quiz.

Examples Usage

Conditional 0

If I am late, my father

takes me to school.

She doesn't worry if Jack

stays out after school.

Situations that are always true if something happens.

NOTE

This use is similiar to, and can usually be replaced by, atime clause using 'when' (example: When I am late, my

father takes me to school.)

Conditional 1

If it rains, we will stay athome.

He will arrive late unlesshe hurries up.

Peter will buy a new car, ifhe gets his raise.

Often called the "real" conditional because it is used for

real - or possible - situations. These situations take placeif a certain condition is met.

NOTE

In the conditional 1 we often use unless which means 'if ...

not'. In other words, '...unless he hurries up.' could alsobe written, '...if he doesn't hurry up.'.

Conditional 2

If he studied more, he

would pass the exam.

I would lower taxes if I

were the President.

They would buy a new

house if they had moremoney.

Often called the "unreal" conditional because it is used for

unreal - impossible or improbable - situations. Thisconditional provides an imaginary result for a given

situation.

NOTE

The verb 'to be', when used in the 2nd conditional, isalways conjugated as 'were'.

Conditional 3

If he had known that, he

would have decideddifferently.

Jane would have found anew job if she had stayed

in Boston.

Often referred to as the "past" conditional because it

concerns only past situations with hypothetical results.Used to express a hypothetical result to a past givensituation.

Structure

Conditional 0 is formed by the use of the present simple in the ifclause followed by a


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comma + the present simple in the resultclause. You can also put the resultclause

first without using a comma between the clauses.

If he comes to town,

We have dinner

we have dinner

if he comes to town.

Conditional 1 is formed by the use of the present simple in the ifclause followed by acomma + will + verb (base form) in the resultclause. You can also put the result

clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If he finishes on time,

We will go to the movies

we will go to the movies.

if he finishes on time.

Conditional 2 is formed by the use of the past simple in the ifclause followed by a

comma + would + verb (base form) in the resultclause. You can also put the resultclause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If they had more money,

They would buy a new house

they would buy a new house.

if they had more money.Conditional 3 is formed by the use of the past perfect in the ifclause followed by acomma + would have + past participle in the resultclause. You can also put the result

clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If Alice had won the competition,

Life would have changed

life would have changed.

if Alice had won the competition.


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This - That - These - Those - Here - There

Read the conversations below:

David: Could you give me that book on the table over there?

Frank: Do you mean this book here?David: Yes, that book.

Frank: Here you are. Oh, could you give me those magazines on the table overthere?

David: These? Sure, here you are.

David: Is there an apple on that table over there?

Frank: Yes, there is. Here it is.David: Great, are there any oranges?

Frank: No, there aren't.David: Oh, here they are, next to me on this table.

Look at the chart below:

We use "here" for

something which is nearto us. Example: Here is

the pencil in my hand.

We use "there" for

something which is far fromus. Example: There is the

pen next to the lamp.

We use "this" for one

object (singular) which ishere (near to us).

Example: This is a bookin my hand.

We use "that" for one object(singular) which is there.

Example: That is his carover there.

We use "these" for morethan one object (plural)

which are here (near tous). Example: These

are my friends next tome.

We use "those" for more

than one object (plural)which are there. Example:

Those are his toys overthere.

We use "there" for one

object (singular) which

exists - or "is" (near tous). Example: There is(There's) a table next

to the window.

We use "there" for morethan one object (plural)

which exist - or "are".

Example: There are(There're) many of myfriends at the party

tonight.


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Preposition Use - in / at / to / nothing - prepositions ofplace and movement

IN

Use 'in' with static (non-movement) verbs and cities, countries, states, etc.:

stay in the USA

work in New York

AT

Use 'at' with static (non-movement) verbs and places:

at the cinema

at work

at home

TO

Use 'to' with verbs of movement such as go, come, drive, etc.:

go to work

drive to California

IMPORTANT NOTES

The use of ' ' (nothing)

With verbs of movement and the noun 'home' - He went home. - they drove

home.

With the verb 'visit' - She visited France last summer.

Preposition Use - in / at / on - prepositions of place

IN

Use 'in' with spaces:

in a room / in a building

in a garden / in a park

Use 'in' with bodies of water:

in the water


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in the sea

in a river

Use 'in' with lines:

in a row / in a line

in a queue

AT

Use 'at' with places:

at the bus-stop

at the door

at the cinema

at the end of the street

Use 'at' with places on a page:

at the top of the page

at the bottom of the page

Use 'at' in groups of people:

at the back of the class

at the front of the class

ON

Use 'on' with surfaces:

on the ceiling / on the wall / on the floor

on the table

Use 'on' with small islands:

I stayed on Maui.

Use 'on' with directions:

on the left

on the right straight on

IMPORTANT NOTES

In / at / on the corner

We say 'in the corner of a room', but 'at the corner (or 'on the corner') of a street'


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In / at / on the front

We say 'in the front / in the back' of a car

We say 'at the front / at the back' of buildings / groups of people

We say 'on the front / on the back' of a piece of paper

Preposition Use - in / at / on - prepositions of time anddate

IN

Use 'in' months and years and periods of time:

in January

in 1978

in the twenties

Use 'in' a period of time in the future:

in a few weeks

in a couple of days

AT

Use 'at' with precise time:

at six o'clock

at 10.30

at two p.m.

ON

Use 'on' with days of the week:

on Monday

on Fridays

Use 'on' with specific calendar days:

on Christmas day

on October 22nd

IMPORTANT NOTES

in the morning / afternoon / evening - at night

We say in the morning, afternoon or evening BUT we say 'at night'


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Preposition Use - for / while / during

FOR

Use 'for' with a period of time to express the duration or 'how long' something has

happened:

for three weeks

for many years

WHILE

Use 'while' plus a verb form:

while I was watching TV

while I lived in New York

DURING

Use 'during' with a noun to express 'when' something happens:

during class

during my vacation

during the discussion

Noun + Prepositions

FOR

Use 'for' preceded by the following nouns:

a check for (amount of money)

Example: She gave me a check for $50.

a demand for something

Example: Unfortunately, there wasn't enough demand for our product.

a need for something

Example: There is a real need for discipline in this class.

a reason for something

Example: I have a reason for doing that!

IN


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Use 'in' preceded by the following nouns:

a rise in something

Example: There has been a rise in prices recently.

an increase in something

Example: We have seen many increases in production levels.

a fall in something

Example: There has been a fall in prices recently.

a decrease in something

Example: We have seen many decreases in production levels.

OF

Use 'of' preceded by the following nouns:

a cause of something

Example: She is the cause of all his problems.

a photograph OR a picture of something or someone

Example: He took a photograph of the mountains.

TO

Use 'to' preceded by the following nouns:

damage to something

Example: I did a lot of damage to my car the other day.

an invitation to a celebration of some type

Example: We were invited to their wedding.

reaction to something

Example: Her reaction to his behavior was quite funny.

a solution to a problem

Example: He provided the solution to our financial situation.


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an attitude to something (or TOWARDS something)

Example: Your attitude to your problems doesn't help them get resolved.

WITH

Use 'with' preceded by the following nouns:

a relationship with someone or something

Example: My relationship with Mary is wonderful.

a connection with someone or something

Example: His connections with the CIA are very limited.

a contact with someone or something

Example: Have you had any contact with Sarah?

BETWEEN

Use 'between' preceded by the following nouns:

a connection between TWO things

Example: There is no connection between the two crimes.

a relationship between TWO things

Example: The relationship between the two friends was very strong.

a contact between TWO things

Example: There is little contact between the two parents.

a difference between TWO things

Example: There is no difference between those two colors.

Prepositions + Nouns

BY

Use 'by' with the following nouns:

to pay by check (credit card)

Example: I paid the bill by check.


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to do something by accident

Example: I broke the vase by mistake.

to do something by mistake

Example: I'm afraid I brought the wrong book by mistake.

to do something by chance

Example: I saw Jack at the supermarket by chance.

a play, song, book, etc. by someone

Example: The opera 'Otello' is by Giuseppe Verdi.

FOR

Use 'for' with the following nouns:

(to go / come) for a walk

Example: Let's go for a walk.

(to go / come) for a swim

Example: We went for a swim as soon as we arrived.

(to go / come) for a drink

Example: Would you like to come over for a drink?

(to go / come) for a visit

Example: I'd love to come for a visit sometime.

(to have something) for breakfast / lunch / dinner / supper (US English)

Example: I had bacon and eggs for breakfast.

IN

Use 'in' with the following nouns:

to be OR to fall in love with someone

Example: I fell in love with my wife at first sight.

in my opinion


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Example: In my opinion, we need to invest in some development.

a need for something

ON

Use 'on' with the following nouns:

(to be) on fire

Example: Help! The house is on fire!

(to be) on the telephone / phone

Example: I think Tom is on the phone at the moment.

on television

Example: There is a good film on television tonight.

on the radio

Example: Mahler's fifth was on the radio last night.

(to be / go) on a diet

Example: I really need to go on a diet.

(to be / go) on strike

Example: The sanitary engineers have gone on strike again.

(to be / go) on holiday (UK English) / vacation (American English)

Example: I really need to go on vacation soon.

(to be / go) business

Example: He went away this weekend on business.

(to be / go) on a trip

Example: We were on a trip this past weekend.

(to be / go) a tour

Example: Have you ever been on a tour of the French countryside?

(to be / go) on an excursion


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Example: We went on an excursion to Versailles when we were in Paris.

Adjective + Preposition Combinations - # 1 - about /at / by / for / from

ABOUT

Use the following adjectives followed by 'about'. Each group of adjectives have thesame or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

angry / annoyed / furious about something

Example: I'm really angry about our losses on the stock market!

excited about something

Example: He's excited about his birthday party next week.

worried / upset about something

Example: He's worried about his upcoming examinations.

sorry about something

Example: I'm very sorry about Losing your book.

AT

Use the following adjectives followed by 'at'. Each group of adjectives have the sameor related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

good / excellent / brillant at something OR at doing something

Example: They are excellent at planning fun parties.

bad / hopeless at something OR at doing something

Example: Unfortunately, I'm hopeless at being on time.

AT / BY

Use the following adjectives followed by 'at' or 'by'. Each group of adjectives have

the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

amazed / astonished / shocked / surprised at OR by something

Example: I was amazed at his stamina.

FOR


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Use the following adjectives followed by 'for'. Each group of adjectives have thesame or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

angry with someone for something

Example: I'm really angry with John for his total lack of responsibility.

famous for something

Example: She's famous for her watercolor paintings.

responsible for something

Example: You'll have to speak to John, he's responsible for customercomplaints.

sorry for doing something

Example: He says he's sorry for shouting at you.

(to feel or be) sorry for someone

Example: I really feel sorry for Pam.

FROM

Use the following adjectives followed by 'from'.

different from somone / something

Example: His photographs are very different from his paintings.

Adjective + Preposition Combinations - # 2 - 'of / on /to / with'

OF

Use the following adjectives followed by 'of'. Each group of adjectives have the sameor related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

nice / kind / good / generous of someone (to do something)

Example: It was very nice of him to buy me a present.

mean of someone (to do something)

Example: It was very mean of Susan to say that to Tom.

stupid / silly of someone (to do something)


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Example: I'm afraid it was stupid of me to come.

intelligent / clever / sensible of someone (to do something)

Example: That was quite sensible of Tom.

polite of someone (to do something)

Example: It was very polite of Peter to invite my sister to the party.

impolite / rude of someone (to do something)

Example: I can't believe how rude it was of Jack to shout at his daughter in

front of all those people.

unreasonable of someone (to do something)

Example: Don't be so hard on yourself! It's unreasonable of you to expect tounderstand everything immediately.

proud of something or someone

Example: I'm very proud of my daughter's wonderful progress in school.

ashamed of someone or something

Example: She's ashamed of her bad grades.

jealous / envious of someone or something

Example: She's really envious of her sister's wealth.

aware / conscious of something

Example: Teens are often overly conscious of skin blemishes.

capable / incapable of something

Example: Peter is quite capable of conducting the meeting on his own.

fond of someone or something

Example: She is so fond of her niece.

short of something

Example: I'm afraid I'm short of cash tonight.

tired of something


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Example: I'm tired of your complaining!

ON

Use the following adjective followed by 'on'. Use the verb 'to be' with theseexpressions.

to be keen on something

Example: She is very keen on horses.

TO

Use the following adjectives followed by 'to'. Each group of adjectives have the sameor related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

married / engaged to someone

Example:Jack is engaged to Jill.

nice / kind / good / generous to someone

Example: She was very generous to me when I was staying with her.

mean / impolite / rude / unpleasant / unfriendly / cruel to someone

Example: How can you be so unfriendly to your neighbors?

similar to something

Example: His painting is similar to Van Gough.

WITH

Use the following adjectives followed by 'with'. Each group of adjectives have the

same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

angry / annoyed / furious with someone for something

Example: I'm furious with my brother for having lied to me!

delighted / pleased / satisfied with something

Example: He is quite satisfied with his results.

disappointed with something

Example: She's really disappointed with her new car.


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bored / fed up with something

Example: Let's go. I'm fed up with this party.

crowded with (people, tourists, etc.)

Example: Disneyland is crowded with tourists in July.

Prepositions of Place and Direction

Look at this plan of the ground floor of a skyscraper:

Here are a number of preposition combinations that can be used to describe the floorplan:

Prepositions of Positionat the back of

at the bottom ofat the top of

behindbetween

in the corner of

in the middle ofnext to

to the left ofon the other side of

to the right of

on the side ofon top of

opposite

Example Sentences

There is a large garden in the middleof the skyscraper.

The smallest room is located to the left of the internal garden.

The entrance to room number three is opposite the entrance to room number two.

Prepositions of Direction

Here are a number of preposition that can be used to show direction and movement

around the floor plan:

across

betweeninto

out ofpast


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Simple Present for Beginners

Read the following interview using the simple present tense

Mark: Hello, Can I ask you some questions for an interview?

Jennifer: Yes, I can answer some questions.Mark: Thank you for taking the time. Now, first question: What do you do?

Jennifer: I work in a library. I'm a librarian.Mark: Are you married?

Jennifer: Yes, I am.Mark: What does your husband do?

Jennifer: He works as a policeman.Mark: Do you usually have dinner together?

Jennifer: Yes, we do.Mark: How often does your husband exercise?

Jennifer: He sometimes exercises four times a week. But, he usually exercises onlytwice a week.Mark: Where do you like going on holiday?

Jennifer: We rarely go on holiday. However, we like going to the mountains if we

can.Mark: What type of books do you read?

Jennifer: I often read horror stories.Mark: Thank you very much for answering my questions.

Jennifer: You're welcome!

Take a look at the following conjugation chart. Notice from the above

dialogue and following chart that the present simple is often used todescribe what we do every day. We use verbs of frequency(always,

sometimes, usually, etc.) which indicate a habit.

Examples Usage

Where do you work?The store opens at 9

o'clock.She lives in New York.

Permanent or long-lasting

situations

I usually get up at 7

o'clock.

She doesn't often go tothe cinema.

When do they usuallyhave lunch?

Regular habits and dailyroutines

The Earth revolvesaround the Sun.

What does 'strange'mean?

Water doesn't boil at20.

Facts


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I love walking around

late at night during thesummer.

She hates flying!

What do you like? Idon't want to live in

Texas.

Feelings

He doesn't agree with

you.I think he is a

wonderful student.What do you consider

your bestaccomplishment?

Opinions and states of mind

The plane leaves at 4

p.m.

When do courses begin

this semester?The train doesn't arriveuntil 10.35.

Timetables and schedules

Common present timeexpressions include:

usually, always, often,sometimes, on Saturdays, at

weekends (on weekends USEnglish), rarely, on occasion,

never, seldom

Structure

In the positive form add an 's' to the base form of the

3rd person singular. If the verb ends in -y preceded by

a consonant, change the -y to -ies.I

YouWe

They

eat lunch at noon.

HeShe

It

eats lunchtries to have fun.

at noon.

Conjugate the helping verb 'do' + not (don't anddoesn't) + the base form of the verb to make negatives.

IYou

WeThey

don't leave at noon.

He

She

It

doesn't leave at noon.

Conjugate the helping verb 'do' (do or does) + the base

form of the verb in question forms.

Do I leave at noon?


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You

We

They

Does

He

SheIt

leave at noon?


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Present Simple

Listed below are examples, uses and structure of the Present Simple followed by a

quiz.

Examples Usage

Where do you work?

The store opens at 9o'clock.

She lives in New York.

Permanent or long-lastingsituations

I usually get up at 7

o'clock.

She doesn't often go tothe cinema.

When do they usuallyhave lunch?

Regular habits and daily routines

The Earth revolves

around the Sun.What does 'strange'

mean?Water doesn't boil at

20.

Facts

I love walking around

late at night during thesummer.

She hates flying!

What do you like? Idon't want to live in

Texas.

Feelings

He doesn't agree withyou.

I think he is a wonderfulstudent.

What do you consideryour best

accomplishment?

Opinions and states of mind

The plane leaves at 4

p.m.When do courses beginthis semester?

The train doesn't arrive

until 10.35.

Timetables and schedules

Common present time

expressions include:

usually, always, often,

sometimes, on Saturdays, atweekends (on weekends US


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English), rarely, on occasion,

never, seldom

Structure

In the positive form add an 's' to the base form of

the 3rd person singular. If the verb ends in -ypreceded by a consonant, change the -y to -ies.

I

You

WeThey

eat lunch at noon.

HeShe

It

eats lunch

tries to have fun.at noon.

Conjugate the helping verb 'do' + not (don't and

doesn't) + the base form of the verb to makenegatives.

IYou

WeThey

don't leave at noon.

HeShe

It

doesn't leave at noon.

Conjugate the helping verb 'do' (do or does) + the

base form of the verb in question forms.

Do

I

YouWe

They

leave at noon?

Does

He

SheIt

leave at noon?


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Present Continuous (Progressive) for Beginners

Read the following interview using the present continuous (progressive)

tense

On the telephone

Tracy: Hello, can I speak to Alex.Alex: This is Alex, who is speaking?Tracy: Hi, this is Tracy.

Alex: Hi Tracy. What are you doing?Tracy: Oh, I'm just watching TV. What are you doing?

Alex: Well, I'm cooking dinner.Tracy: What are you cooking?

Alex: I'm baking some potatoes, boiling some carrots and grilling a steak.

Tracy: It sounds delicious.Alex: What are you doing for dinner tonight?Tracy: Well, I don't have any plans...

Alex: Would you like to come over for dinner?Tracy: Oh, I'd love to. Thanks.

Alex: Great. Mary and Jack are also coming. They are arriving at seven.Tracy: OK, I'll be there at seven, too.

Alex: OK, see you then. Bye.Tracy: Bye.

Take a look at the following conjugation chart. Notice from the above

dialogue and following chart that the present continuous (progressive) is

used to describe what is happening at the moment. It is also used todescribe a plan in the near future (this evening, next week, on Saturday,

etc.). The present continuous (progressive) is often used with: now, at themoment, today, this morning - afternoon - evening.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The present continuous (progressive) is used only with action verbs.Example: I am working at the momentNOTI am believing you.

The present continuous (progressive) is also used to describe an action which

is happening around this moment: Example: I'm reading 'Just in Time' this

week. I'm not reading the book at this particular moment, but around this

time.

Examples Usage

What are you cooking?Tom is studying for his

exams at the moment.It isn't raining now. We

can go outside.

Actions happening at thepresent moment.


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What are you doing this

weekend?I'm meeting Peter

tomorrow morning.

We're driving to Albanythis weekend.

Planned future events (usually

in the near future)

We're currently workingon the Smith account.

What classes are youtaking this semester?

We're studying Greekhistory this month.

Actions or events happeningaround the present moment.

Structure

In the positive form, follow the form S + To be + Verb

+ -ing. Remember that you need to conjugate theauxiliary verb 'to be'.

I am (I'm)You are (You're)

He, She, It is (He's, She's, It's)We, You, They are (We're,

You're, They're)

eatinglunch

atnoon.

Conjugate the helping verb 'To Be' + Not + Verb + - ing

to form negatives.

I am not (I'm not)

You are not (You aren't)He, She, It is not (He, She, It

isn'tWe, You, They are not (We,

You, They aren't)

comingthis

evening.

Conjugate the helping verb 'To Be' + S + Verb + - ing in

question forms.

Are

you

wethey

listening to me?

Isheshe

it

listening to me?


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Present Continuous

Listed below are examples, uses and structure of the Present Continuous followed by

a quiz.

Examples Usage

What are you doing?

She's reading in thegarden.

They're not standing inthe rain.

Things that are happening now, at

the moment.

I'm reading "The

Surgeon's Mate" byPatrick O'Brian.

Whose account are youworking on?

She's studying hard for

her final exam.

Actions happening in a period

aroundthe present moment intime.

We're having leftovers

this evening.What are you doing

tomorrow afternoon?She isn't coming on

Friday.

Future plans and arrangements.

Common present

continuous timeexpressions include:

at the moment, now, today, this

week, this month, tomorrow, next

week (for future arrangements ),currently

Structure

Conjugate the helping verb "be" and verb + -ing.

I'm (I am)You're (You are)

He's (He is)

She's (She is)It's (It is)

We're (We are)You're (You are)

They're (They are)

working today.

Conjugate the helping verb "be" + not + verb + -ing.

I'm not (I am not)You aren't (You are not)

He isn't (He is not)

She isn't (She is not)It isn't (It is not)

We aren't (We are not)

coming this evening.


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You aren't (You are not)

They aren't (They are not)

Question word + conjugate the helping verb 'be' +

subject + verb + -ing

What

am Iare youis he

is sheis it are we

are youare they

doing this afternoon?


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Beginner's English: Have, Have got

The differences between 'have' and 'have got' can be confusing for beginners. Here is a guide the twoforms. When you finish reviewing try the 'Have / Have got' Quiz to check your understanding.

Remember these important points:

'Have' and 'Have got' are used for possession.

Example: Jack has got a beautiful house. ORJack has a beautiful house.

Only 'have' is used when talking about actions.

Example: I usually have breakfast at 8 o'clock.NOTI usually have got breakfast at 8 o'clock.

The question form for 'have' follows regular present simple:

Example: Do you have a fast car?NOT

Have you a fast car?

'Have' and 'Have got' are only used in the present simple. Use 'have' for the past simple orfuture forms.

Example: She had a copy of that book.

There is no contracted form for 'Have' in the positive form. The contracted form is used for'have got'

Example: I have a red bicycle. OR I've got a red bicycle.NOTI've a red bicycle.

Here is a grammar chart showing the construction of the two forms:

Positive I, You, We, They HAVE GOTSubject + have + got + objectsThey have got a new car. Contracted: They've got a new car.

Positive He, She, It HAVE GOTSubject + has + got + objectsHe has got a new car. Contracted: He's got a new car.

Positive I, You, We, They HAVESubject + have + objectsThey have a new car. There is no contracted form

Positive He, She, It HAVESubject + have + objectsShe has a new car. There is no contracted form

Question I, You, We, They HAVE GOT(?) + have + subject + got?How many children have you got? There is no contracted form
http://esl.about.com/@@@NEEDPATH/bl_beginner_havegot_quiz.htmhttp://esl.about.com/@@@NEEDPATH/bl_beginner_havegot_quiz.htm


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Question He, She, It HAVE GOT(?) + has + subject + got?How many children has he got? There is no contracted form

Question I, You, We, They HAVE(?) + do + subject + have?How many children do you have? There is no contracted form

Question He, She, It HAVE(?) + does + subject + have?How many children does he have? There is no contracted form

Negative I, You, We, They HAVE GOTSubject + have + not + got + objectsWe have not got a dog. Contraction: We haven't got a dog.

Negative He, She, It HAVE GOTSubject + has + not + got + objectsShe has not got a dog. Contraction: She hasn't got a dog.

Negative I, You, We, They HAVESubject + do + not + have + objectsThey do not have a dog. Contraction: They don't have a dog.

Negative He, She, It HAVE GOTSubject + does + not + have + objectsShe does not have a dog. Contraction: She doesn't have a dog.

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