THE VERB COULD
THE VERB COULD
Could
"Could" is used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. "Could" is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of "can."
Examples:
· Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city. possibility
· Nancy could ski like a pro by the age of 11. past ability
· You could see a movie or go out to dinner. suggestion
· Could I use your computer to email my boss? request
· We could go on the trip if I didn't have to work this weekend. conditional
Using "Could" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "could" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future
Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future
You can also use:
could
possibility
1. John could be the one who stole the money.
2. John could have been the one who stole the money.
3. John could go to jail for stealing the money.
1. Mary couldn't be the one who stole the money.
2. Mary couldn't have been the one who stole the money.
3. Mary couldn't possibly go to jail for the crime.
might,
may
could
conditional
of can
1. If I had more time, I could travel around the world.
2. If I had had more time, I could have traveled around the world.
3. If I had more time this winter, I could travel around the world.
1. Even if I had more time, I couldn't travel around the world.
2. Even if I had had more time, I couldn't have traveled around the world.
3. Even if I had more time this winter, I couldn't travel around the world.
could
suggestion
1. NO PRESENT FORM
2. You could have spent your vacation in Hawaii.
3. You could spend your vacation in Hawaii.
NO NEGATIVE FORMS
could
past ability
I could run ten miles in my twenties.
I could speak Chinese when I was a kid.
"Could" cannot be used in positive sentences in which you describe a momentary or one-time ability.
Yesterday, I could lift the couch by myself. Not Correct
I couldn't run more than a mile in my twenties.
I couldn't speak Swahili.
"Could" can be used in negative sentences in which you describe a momentary or one-time ability.
Yesterday, I couldn't lift the couch by myself. Correct
be able to
could
polite request
Could I have something to drink?
Could I borrow your stapler?
Requests usually refer to the near future.
Couldn't he come with us?
Couldn't you help me with this for just a second?
Requests usually refer to the near future.
can,
may,
might
REMEMBER: "Could not" vs. "Might not"
"Could not" suggests that it is impossible for something to happen. "Might not" suggests you do not know if something happens.
Examples:
· Jack might not have the key. Maybe he does not have the key.
· Jack could not have the key. It is impossible that he has the key.
malaakjabr
Could
"Could" is used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. "Could" is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of "can."
Examples:
· Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city. possibility
· Nancy could ski like a pro by the age of 11. past ability
· You could see a movie or go out to dinner. suggestion
· Could I use your computer to email my boss? request
· We could go on the trip if I didn't have to work this weekend. conditional
Using "Could" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "could" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future
Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future
You can also use:
could
possibility
1. John could be the one who stole the money.
2. John could have been the one who stole the money.
3. John could go to jail for stealing the money.
1. Mary couldn't be the one who stole the money.
2. Mary couldn't have been the one who stole the money.
3. Mary couldn't possibly go to jail for the crime.
might,
may
could
conditional
of can
1. If I had more time, I could travel around the world.
2. If I had had more time, I could have traveled around the world.
3. If I had more time this winter, I could travel around the world.
1. Even if I had more time, I couldn't travel around the world.
2. Even if I had had more time, I couldn't have traveled around the world.
3. Even if I had more time this winter, I couldn't travel around the world.
could
suggestion
1. NO PRESENT FORM
2. You could have spent your vacation in Hawaii.
3. You could spend your vacation in Hawaii.
NO NEGATIVE FORMS
could
past ability
I could run ten miles in my twenties.
I could speak Chinese when I was a kid.
"Could" cannot be used in positive sentences in which you describe a momentary or one-time ability.
Yesterday, I could lift the couch by myself. Not Correct
I couldn't run more than a mile in my twenties.
I couldn't speak Swahili.
"Could" can be used in negative sentences in which you describe a momentary or one-time ability.
Yesterday, I couldn't lift the couch by myself. Correct
be able to
could
polite request
Could I have something to drink?
Could I borrow your stapler?
Requests usually refer to the near future.
Couldn't he come with us?
Couldn't you help me with this for just a second?
Requests usually refer to the near future.
can,
may,
might
REMEMBER: "Could not" vs. "Might not"
"Could not" suggests that it is impossible for something to happen. "Might not" suggests you do not know if something happens.
Examples:
· Jack might not have the key. Maybe he does not have the key.
· Jack could not have the key. It is impossible that he has the key.
malaakjabr
THE VERB SHOULD
THE VERB SHOULD
Should
"Should" is most commonly used to make recommendations or give advice. It can also be used to express obligation as well as expectation.
Examples:
· When you go to Berlin, you should visit the palaces in Potsdam. recommendation
· You should focus more on your family and less on work. advice
· I really should be in the office by 7:00 AM. obligation
· By now, they should already be in Dubai. expectation
Using "Should" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "should" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future
Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future
You can
also use:
should
recommendation, advisability
1. People with high cholesterol should eat low-fat foods.
2. Frank should have eaten low-fat foods. That might have prevented his heart attack.
3. You really should start eating better.
1. Sarah shouldn't smoke so much. It's not good for her health.
2. Sarah shouldn't have smoked so much. That's what caused her health problems.
3. Sarah shouldn't smoke when she visits Martha next week. Martha hates when people smoke in her house.
ought to
should
obligation
I should be at work before 9:00.
We should return the video before the video rental store closes.
"Should" can also express something between recommendation and obligation. "Be supposed to" expresses a similar idea and can easily be used in the past or in negative forms.
NO NEGATIVE FORMS
be supposed to
should
expectation
1. Susan should be in New York by now.
2. Susan should have arrived in New York last week. Let's call her and see what she is up to.
3. Susan should be in New York by next week. Her new job starts on Monday.
1. Susan shouldn't be in New York yet.
2. Susan shouldn't have arrived in New York until yesterday.
3. Susan shouldn't arrive in New York until next week.
ought to,
be supposed to
malaak jabr
Should
"Should" is most commonly used to make recommendations or give advice. It can also be used to express obligation as well as expectation.
Examples:
· When you go to Berlin, you should visit the palaces in Potsdam. recommendation
· You should focus more on your family and less on work. advice
· I really should be in the office by 7:00 AM. obligation
· By now, they should already be in Dubai. expectation
Using "Should" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "should" behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use
Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future
Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future
You can
also use:
should
recommendation, advisability
1. People with high cholesterol should eat low-fat foods.
2. Frank should have eaten low-fat foods. That might have prevented his heart attack.
3. You really should start eating better.
1. Sarah shouldn't smoke so much. It's not good for her health.
2. Sarah shouldn't have smoked so much. That's what caused her health problems.
3. Sarah shouldn't smoke when she visits Martha next week. Martha hates when people smoke in her house.
ought to
should
obligation
I should be at work before 9:00.
We should return the video before the video rental store closes.
"Should" can also express something between recommendation and obligation. "Be supposed to" expresses a similar idea and can easily be used in the past or in negative forms.
NO NEGATIVE FORMS
be supposed to
should
expectation
1. Susan should be in New York by now.
2. Susan should have arrived in New York last week. Let's call her and see what she is up to.
3. Susan should be in New York by next week. Her new job starts on Monday.
1. Susan shouldn't be in New York yet.
2. Susan shouldn't have arrived in New York until yesterday.
3. Susan shouldn't arrive in New York until next week.
ought to,
be supposed to
malaak jabr
THE PRESENT SIMPLE
THE PRESENT SIMPLE
FORM
[VERB] + s/es in third person
Examples:
· You speak English.
· Do you speak English?
· You do not speak English.
USE 1 Repeated Actions
Use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually does not do.
Examples:
· I play tennis.
· She does not play tennis.
· Does he play tennis?
· The train leaves every morning at 8 AM.
· The train does not leave at 9 AM.
· When does the train usually leave?
· She always forgets her purse.
· He never forgets his wallet.
· Every twelve months, the Earth circles the Sun.
· Does the Sun circle the Earth?
USE 2 Facts or Generalizations
The Simple Present can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact was true before, is true now, and will be true in the future. It is not important if the speaker is correct about the fact. It is also used to make generalizations about people or things.
Examples:
· Cats like milk.
· Birds do not like milk.
· Do pigs like milk?
· California is in America.
· California is not in the United Kingdom.
· Windows are made of glass.
· Windows are not made of wood.
· New York is a small city. It is not important that this fact is untrue.
USE 3 Scheduled Events in the Near Future
Speakers occasionally use Simple Present to talk about scheduled events in the near future. This is most commonly done when talking about public transportation, but it can be used with other scheduled events as well.
Examples:
· The train leaves tonight at 6 PM.
· The bus does not arrive at 11 AM, it arrives at 11 PM.
· When do we board the plane?
· The party starts at 8 o'clock.
· When does class begin tomorrow?
USE 4 Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)
Speakers sometimes use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is happening or is not happening now. This can only be done with Non-Continuous Verbsand certain Mixed Verbs.
Examples:
· I am here now.
· She is not here now.
· He needs help right now.
· He does not need help now.
· He has his passport in his hand.
· Do you have your passport with you?
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
· You only speak English.
· Do you only speak English?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
· Once a week, Tom cleans the car. Active
· Once a week, the car is cleaned by Tom. Passive
malaak jabr
FORM
[VERB] + s/es in third person
Examples:
· You speak English.
· Do you speak English?
· You do not speak English.
USE 1 Repeated Actions
Use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually does not do.
Examples:
· I play tennis.
· She does not play tennis.
· Does he play tennis?
· The train leaves every morning at 8 AM.
· The train does not leave at 9 AM.
· When does the train usually leave?
· She always forgets her purse.
· He never forgets his wallet.
· Every twelve months, the Earth circles the Sun.
· Does the Sun circle the Earth?
USE 2 Facts or Generalizations
The Simple Present can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact was true before, is true now, and will be true in the future. It is not important if the speaker is correct about the fact. It is also used to make generalizations about people or things.
Examples:
· Cats like milk.
· Birds do not like milk.
· Do pigs like milk?
· California is in America.
· California is not in the United Kingdom.
· Windows are made of glass.
· Windows are not made of wood.
· New York is a small city. It is not important that this fact is untrue.
USE 3 Scheduled Events in the Near Future
Speakers occasionally use Simple Present to talk about scheduled events in the near future. This is most commonly done when talking about public transportation, but it can be used with other scheduled events as well.
Examples:
· The train leaves tonight at 6 PM.
· The bus does not arrive at 11 AM, it arrives at 11 PM.
· When do we board the plane?
· The party starts at 8 o'clock.
· When does class begin tomorrow?
USE 4 Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)
Speakers sometimes use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is happening or is not happening now. This can only be done with Non-Continuous Verbsand certain Mixed Verbs.
Examples:
· I am here now.
· She is not here now.
· He needs help right now.
· He does not need help now.
· He has his passport in his hand.
· Do you have your passport with you?
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:
· You only speak English.
· Do you only speak English?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
· Once a week, Tom cleans the car. Active
· Once a week, the car is cleaned by Tom. Passive
malaak jabr
PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
The PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE indicates continuing action, something going on now. This tense is formed with the helping "to be" verb, in the present tense, plus the present participle of the verb (with an -ing ending): "I am buying all my family's Christmas gifts early this year. She is working through the holiday break. Dierdreis being a really good girl in these days before Christmas".
The present progressive can suggest that an action is going to happen in the future, especially with verbs that convey the idea of a plan or of movement from one place or condition to another: "The team is arriving in two hours. He's moving to Portland this summer." Because the present progressive can suggest either the present or the future, it is usually modified by adverbs of time.
Generally, progressive forms occur only with what are called dynamic verbs and not with stative verbs. If you wish to review that concept now
Singular
Plural
I am walking
we are walking
you are walking
you are walking
he/she/it is walking
they are walking
Singular
Plural
I am sleeping
we are sleeping
you are sleeping
you are sleeping
he/she/it is sleeping
they are sleeping
Singular
Plural
I am being
we are being
you are being
you are being
he/she/it is being
they are being
malaak jabr
The PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE indicates continuing action, something going on now. This tense is formed with the helping "to be" verb, in the present tense, plus the present participle of the verb (with an -ing ending): "I am buying all my family's Christmas gifts early this year. She is working through the holiday break. Dierdreis being a really good girl in these days before Christmas".
The present progressive can suggest that an action is going to happen in the future, especially with verbs that convey the idea of a plan or of movement from one place or condition to another: "The team is arriving in two hours. He's moving to Portland this summer." Because the present progressive can suggest either the present or the future, it is usually modified by adverbs of time.
Generally, progressive forms occur only with what are called dynamic verbs and not with stative verbs. If you wish to review that concept now
Singular
Plural
I am walking
we are walking
you are walking
you are walking
he/she/it is walking
they are walking
Singular
Plural
I am sleeping
we are sleeping
you are sleeping
you are sleeping
he/she/it is sleeping
they are sleeping
Singular
Plural
I am being
we are being
you are being
you are being
he/she/it is being
they are being
malaak jabr
The Verb "Can"
How is the verb tense "can" used?
The verb tense "can" is used as both an auxiliary verb and a modal verb? Can is almost always used with a main verb.
Can is used to:
Can't is used to state:
- to request something
- to state the something is not allowed
- to request a favor from someone
- to request something not be done
- to ask for help
- to state the inability of something or someone
- to state the possibility of an event/activity
- to deny permission
- to state the ability of someone/something
- najla gusti
the verb be
The verb be takes on different forms in the present and past.
I
He
She
It
You
They
we
Present
am
is
is
is
are
are
are
Contraction
'm
's
's
's
're
're
're
Past
was
was
was
was
were
were
were
The verb be indicates existence, temporary condition or permanent status.
It is really hot today.
Grady's not here right now.
Greg and Tim are engineers.
Trudy was sick yesterday.
Hawaii is in the Pacific Ocean.
The base form is be, the past participle is been, and the -ing form is being.
I'll be back tomorrow.
He has been a doctor since 1998.
She is being nice today.
The verb be is also used in progressive tenses, passives and prepositional collocations :
Progressive tenses:He is writing a letter to his brother.
Jeff was cleaning the house this morning.
The Holleys have been living there since April.
Passive voice:The people were surprised by the news.
Craig was stopped by the policeman.
Prepositional collocations:Tracy is fond of chocolates.
Cassie is not afraid of snakes.
I'm interested in making money.
najla gusti
I
He
She
It
You
They
we
Present
am
is
is
is
are
are
are
Contraction
'm
's
's
's
're
're
're
Past
was
was
was
was
were
were
were
Grady's not here right now.
Greg and Tim are engineers.
Trudy was sick yesterday.
Hawaii is in the Pacific Ocean.
He has been a doctor since 1998.
She is being nice today.
Jeff was cleaning the house this morning.
The Holleys have been living there since April.
Passive voice:The people were surprised by the news.
Craig was stopped by the policeman.
Prepositional collocations:Tracy is fond of chocolates.
Cassie is not afraid of snakes.
I'm interested in making money.
najla gusti
ENGLISH
1. FormThe infinitive is the base form of a verb. It may be preceded by 'to' (the to-infinitive) or stand alone (the base or zero infinitive).
2. Infinitive with or without 'to'The to-infinitive is used:
2. Infinitive with or without 'to'The to-infinitive is used:
- after certain verbs. e.g. want, wish, agree, fail, mean, decide, learn
- after the auxiliaries to be to, to have to, & ought to
- in the pattern 'it is + adjective + to-infinitive'
- #BASSANT
Rules ComparativeSuperlative
+ -er
+ -est
tall
taller
tallest
one syllable with the spelling consonant + single vowel + consonant: double the final consonant:
fat
fatter
fattest
big
bigger
biggest
sad
sadder
saddest
Number of syllablesComparativeSuperlativetwo syllables+ -er OR more + adj+ -est OR most + adjending in: -y, -ly, -ow
ending in: -le, -er or -ure
these common adjectives - handsome, polite, pleasant, common, quiet
happy
happier/ more happy
happiest/ most happy
yellow
yellower/ more yellow
yellowest/ most yellow
simple
simpler/ more simple
simplest/ most simple
tender
tenderer/ more tender
tenderest/ most tender
If you are not sure, use MORE + OR MOST +
Note: Adjectives ending in '-y' like happy, pretty, busy, sunny, lucky etc:. replace the -y with -ier or -iest in the comparative and superlative form
busy
busier
busiest
Number of syllablesComparativeSuperlativethree syllables or moremore + adjmost + adjimportantmore important
most importantexpensivemore expensivemost expensive
Examples
+ -er
+ -est
tall
taller
tallest
one syllable with the spelling consonant + single vowel + consonant: double the final consonant:
fat
fatter
fattest
big
bigger
biggest
sad
sadder
saddest
Number of syllablesComparativeSuperlativetwo syllables+ -er OR more + adj+ -est OR most + adjending in: -y, -ly, -ow
ending in: -le, -er or -ure
these common adjectives - handsome, polite, pleasant, common, quiet
happy
happier/ more happy
happiest/ most happy
yellow
yellower/ more yellow
yellowest/ most yellow
simple
simpler/ more simple
simplest/ most simple
tender
tenderer/ more tender
tenderest/ most tender
If you are not sure, use MORE + OR MOST +
Note: Adjectives ending in '-y' like happy, pretty, busy, sunny, lucky etc:. replace the -y with -ier or -iest in the comparative and superlative form
busy
busier
busiest
Number of syllablesComparativeSuperlativethree syllables or moremore + adjmost + adjimportantmore important
most importantexpensivemore expensivemost expensive
Examples
- A cat is fast, a tiger is faster but a cheetah is the fastest
- A car is heavy, a truck is heavier, but a train is the heaviest
- A park bench is comfortable, a restaurant chair is more comfortable, but a sofa is themost comfortable -BASSANT
سوف نتعرف فى هذا الدرس على المضارع البسيط حيث أنه يتكون من الفعل
فى المصدر ويضاف إليه Sاو ES اذا كان الفاعل ضمير مفرد غائبا او اسما مثل
(He, She ,It) -
عندما ينتهى الفعل S , Ch, O, X, SH يضاف إليه ES
He does his homework
She gets up early at 7 AM
They play tennis
He watches the T.V
استخدامه
يستخدم
للتعبير عن الحقائق
The sun rises in the east and
sets in the west
يستخدم
للتعبير عن العادات المتكرره
I usually get up at 7 AM
They play tennis on Sundays
تكوين
السؤال
اذا
كان الفعل لا ينتهى ب S فلابد ان نستخدم Do
I work -------> Do I
work?
اذا كان الفعل ينتهى ب S او ES فنضع Does لعمل السؤال
He play tennis on Mondays --------> Does he play tennis on Mondays?
النفى
اذا
كان الفعل لا ينتهى ب S فنضع Do not قبل الفعل الرئيسى
I play football ---------> I do not
play football
اذا كان الفعل ينتهى ب S او ES فنضع Does لعمل السؤال
She speak Russian -------> she does
not speak Russian
razan madi
فى المصدر ويضاف إليه Sاو ES اذا كان الفاعل ضمير مفرد غائبا او اسما مثل
(He, She ,It) -
عندما ينتهى الفعل S , Ch, O, X, SH يضاف إليه ES
He does his homework
She gets up early at 7 AM
They play tennis
He watches the T.V
استخدامه
يستخدم
للتعبير عن الحقائق
The sun rises in the east and
sets in the west
يستخدم
للتعبير عن العادات المتكرره
I usually get up at 7 AM
They play tennis on Sundays
تكوين
السؤال
اذا
كان الفعل لا ينتهى ب S فلابد ان نستخدم Do
I work -------> Do I
work?
اذا كان الفعل ينتهى ب S او ES فنضع Does لعمل السؤال
He play tennis on Mondays --------> Does he play tennis on Mondays?
النفى
اذا
كان الفعل لا ينتهى ب S فنضع Do not قبل الفعل الرئيسى
I play football ---------> I do not
play football
اذا كان الفعل ينتهى ب S او ES فنضع Does لعمل السؤال
She speak Russian -------> she does
not speak Russian
razan madi
Forms of Main VerbsMain verbs (except the verb "be") have 3, 4 or 5 forms. The verb "be" has 8 forms. In the table below, the # column shows the actual number of forms for the given verb.
We use these forms to make all the tenses and other verb structures, in all moods, aspects and voices.
base
V1past simple
V2past participle
V3present participle3rd person singular present simple#reg.workworkedworkingworks4irreg.cutcuttingcuts3 make made making makes4singsangsungsingingsings5havehadhavinghas4dodiddonedoingdoes5basepast simple
(2 forms)past participlepresent participlepresent simple
(3 forms)#bewas
werebeenbeingam
are
is8In the above examples:
Infinitive
There are two possibilities for the infinitive:
Note that the "to" is NOT a preposition. It is an "infinity marker" or "particle".At school, students often learn by heart the base, past simple and past participle (sometimes called V1, V2, V3, meaning Verb 1, Verb 2, Verb 3) for irregular verbs. They may spend many hours chanting: sing, sang, sung; go, went, gone; have, had, had; etc. They do not learn these for regular verbs for one very simple reason - the past simple and past participle are always the same: they are formed by adding "-ed" to the base.
They do not learn the present participle and 3rd person singular present simple for regular or irregular verbs for another very simple reason - they never change. The present participle is always made by adding "-ing" to the base, and the 3rd person singular present simple is always made by adding "s" to the base (though there are some variations in spelling).
Note that "have", "do" and "be" also function as helping or auxiliary verbs, with exactly the same forms.
Example SentencesThese example sentences use main verbs in different forms.
Base - Infinitive
(except 3rd person singular)
We use these forms to make all the tenses and other verb structures, in all moods, aspects and voices.
base
V1past simple
V2past participle
V3present participle3rd person singular present simple#reg.workworkedworkingworks4irreg.cutcuttingcuts3 make made making makes4singsangsungsingingsings5havehadhavinghas4dodiddonedoingdoes5basepast simple
(2 forms)past participlepresent participlepresent simple
(3 forms)#bewas
werebeenbeingam
are
is8In the above examples:
- cut has 3 forms: cut, cutting, cuts
- work has 4 forms: work, worked, working, works
- sing has 5 forms: sing, sang, sung, singing, sings
- be has 8 forms: be, was, were, been, being, am, is, are
Infinitive
There are two possibilities for the infinitive:
- base form (the "bare infinitive")
- to + base form (the "to-infinitive")
Note that the "to" is NOT a preposition. It is an "infinity marker" or "particle".At school, students often learn by heart the base, past simple and past participle (sometimes called V1, V2, V3, meaning Verb 1, Verb 2, Verb 3) for irregular verbs. They may spend many hours chanting: sing, sang, sung; go, went, gone; have, had, had; etc. They do not learn these for regular verbs for one very simple reason - the past simple and past participle are always the same: they are formed by adding "-ed" to the base.
They do not learn the present participle and 3rd person singular present simple for regular or irregular verbs for another very simple reason - they never change. The present participle is always made by adding "-ing" to the base, and the 3rd person singular present simple is always made by adding "s" to the base (though there are some variations in spelling).
Note that "have", "do" and "be" also function as helping or auxiliary verbs, with exactly the same forms.
Example SentencesThese example sentences use main verbs in different forms.
Base - Infinitive
- She helped him work on his homework.
- We heard them sing their national anthem.
- I want to have a drink.
- To be, or not to be, that is the question:
- Work well!
- Make this.
- Have a nice day.
- Be quiet!
(except 3rd person singular)
- I work in London.
- You sing well.
- They have a lot of money.
- I can work tomorrow.
- You must sing louder.
- They might do it.
- You could be right.
- I worked yesterday.
- She cut his hair last week.
- They had a good time.
- They were surprised, but I was not.
- I have worked here for five years.
- He needs a folder made of plastic.
- It is done like this.
- I have never been so happy.
- I am working.
- Singing well is not easy.
- Having finished, he went home.
- You are being silly!
- He works in London.
- She sings well.
- She has a lot of money.
- It is Vietnamese.
- #BASSANT
Forms of Helping VerbsWe use helping verbs (auxiliary verbs) with main verbs. The tables on this page show the forms of all helping verbs.
There are 2 groups of helping verbs:
1. Primary helping verbsWe use primary helping verbs to change the tense or voice of the main verb, and to make questions and negatives. There are only three primary helping verbs: do, have, be. These verbs can also function as main verbs. When we use them as helping verbs, here are the forms that we use:
base3rd person singular present simplepast simpledodoesdidhavehashadbasepresent simple
(3 forms)past simple
(2 forms)present participlepast participlebeam
are
iswas
werebeingbeenLook at these example sentences using primary helping verbs with main verbs:
invariablemodal verbscan
couldmay
mightwill
wouldshall
shouldmustought tosemi-modal verbsneeddareused to
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There are 2 groups of helping verbs:
1. Primary helping verbsWe use primary helping verbs to change the tense or voice of the main verb, and to make questions and negatives. There are only three primary helping verbs: do, have, be. These verbs can also function as main verbs. When we use them as helping verbs, here are the forms that we use:
base3rd person singular present simplepast simpledodoesdidhavehashadbasepresent simple
(3 forms)past simple
(2 forms)present participlepast participlebeam
are
iswas
werebeingbeenLook at these example sentences using primary helping verbs with main verbs:
- Do you like him?
- He does go home sometimes.
- I did not see her.
- They have finished their homework.
- Has he arrived yet?
- John had not called for three weeks.
- They will be eating when we arrive.
- I am feeling sick.
- Are you working at the moment?
- Jo is not watching TV.
- Tara was cooking when I phoned.
- Were you expecting me?
- My car is being repaired.
- I have been working all day.
invariablemodal verbscan
couldmay
mightwill
wouldshall
shouldmustought tosemi-modal verbsneeddareused to
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The structure of the Present Perfect is:
subject+auxiliary have+main verbconjugated in Present Simple have, haspast participleThe auxiliary verb (have) is conjugated in the Present Simple: have, has
The main verb is invariable in past participle form: -ed (or irregular)
For negative sentences we insert not between the auxiliary verb and the main verb.
For question sentences, we exchange the subject and the auxiliary verb.
Look at these example sentences with the Present Perfect tense:
subjectauxiliary verb main verb +Ihave seenET.+Youhave eatenmine.-Shehasnotbeento Rome.-Wehavenotplayedfootball.?Haveyou finished? ?Havethey doneit?Contraction with Present PerfectWhen we use the Present Perfect in speaking, we often contract the subject and auxiliary verb. We also sometimes do this in informal writing.
I have→I'veYou haveYou'veHe has
She has
It has
John has
The car hasHe's
She's
It's
John's
The car'sWe haveWe'veThey haveThey've
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subject+auxiliary have+main verbconjugated in Present Simple have, haspast participleThe auxiliary verb (have) is conjugated in the Present Simple: have, has
The main verb is invariable in past participle form: -ed (or irregular)
For negative sentences we insert not between the auxiliary verb and the main verb.
For question sentences, we exchange the subject and the auxiliary verb.
Look at these example sentences with the Present Perfect tense:
subjectauxiliary verb main verb +Ihave seenET.+Youhave eatenmine.-Shehasnotbeento Rome.-Wehavenotplayedfootball.?Haveyou finished? ?Havethey doneit?Contraction with Present PerfectWhen we use the Present Perfect in speaking, we often contract the subject and auxiliary verb. We also sometimes do this in informal writing.
I have→I'veYou haveYou'veHe has
She has
It has
John has
The car hasHe's
She's
It's
John's
The car'sWe haveWe'veThey haveThey've
- You've told me that before.
- John's seen Harry Potter.
- You haven't got a chance.
- She hasn't heard from him.
- It has eaten. (Present Perfect tense, active voice)
- It is eaten. (Present Simple tense, passive voice)
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For and Since with Present Perfect TenseWe often use for and since with perfect tenses:
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- We use for to talk about a period of time: five minutes, two weeks, six years
- We use since to talk about a point in past time: 9 o'clock, 1st January, Monday
- I have been here for twenty minutes.
- I have been here since 9 o'clock.
- John hasn't called for six months.
- John hasn't called since February.
- He has worked in New York for a long time.
- He has worked in New York since he left school.
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Personal PronounsPersonal pronouns represent specific people or things. We use them depending on:
Here are the personal pronouns, followed by some example sentences:
numberpersongenderpersonal pronounssubjectobjectsingular1stmale/ femaleIme2ndmale/ femaleyouyou3rdmalehehimfemalesheherneuterititplural1stmale/ femaleweus2ndmale/ femaleyouyou3rdmale/ female/ neutertheythemExamples (in each pair, the first sentence shows a subject pronoun, the second an object pronoun):
- number: singular (eg: I) or plural (eg: we)
- person: 1st person (eg: I), 2nd person (eg: you) or 3rd person (eg: he)
- gender: male (eg: he), female (eg: she) or neuter (eg: it)
- case: subject (eg: we) or object (eg: us)
Here are the personal pronouns, followed by some example sentences:
numberpersongenderpersonal pronounssubjectobjectsingular1stmale/ femaleIme2ndmale/ femaleyouyou3rdmalehehimfemalesheherneuterititplural1stmale/ femaleweus2ndmale/ femaleyouyou3rdmale/ female/ neutertheythemExamples (in each pair, the first sentence shows a subject pronoun, the second an object pronoun):
- I like coffee. / John helped me.
- Do you like coffee? / John loves you.
- He runs fast. / Did Ram beat him?
- She is clever. / Does Mary know her?
- It doesn't work. / Can the man fix it?
- We went home. / Anthony drove us.
- Do you need a table for three? / Did John and Mary beat you at doubles?
- They played doubles. / John and Mary beat them.
- This is our dog Rusty. He's an Alsatian.
- The Titanic was a great ship but she sank on her first voyage.
- My first car was a Mini and I treated her like my wife.
- Thailand has now opened her border with Cambodia.
- If a teacher needs help, he or she should see the principal.
- If a teacher needs help, he should see the principal.
- If a teacher needs help, they should see the principal.
- It is nice to have a holiday sometimes.
- It is important to dress well.
- It's difficult to find a job.
- Is it normal to see them together?
- It didn't take long to walk here.
- It's raining.
- It will probably be hot tomorrow.
- Is it nine o'clock yet?
- It's 50 kilometres from here to Cambridge
- #BASSANT
Demonstrative Pronounsdemonstrate (verb): to show; to indicate; to point toA demonstrative pronoun represents a thing or things:
Do not confuse demonstrative pronouns with demonstrative adjectives. They are identical, but a demonstrative pronoun stands alone, while a demonstrative adjective qualifies a noun.
- near in distance or time (this, these)
- far in distance or time (that, those)
- This tastes good.
- Have you seen this?
- These are bad times.
- Do you like these?
- That is beautiful.
- Look at that!
- Those were the days!
- Can you see those?
- This is heavier than that.
- These are bigger than those.
Do not confuse demonstrative pronouns with demonstrative adjectives. They are identical, but a demonstrative pronoun stands alone, while a demonstrative adjective qualifies a noun.
- That smells. (demonstrative pronoun)
- That book is good. (demonstrative adjective + noun)
- This is Josef speaking. Is that Mary?
- That sounds like John.
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Interrogative PronounsWe use interrogative pronouns to ask questions. The interrogative pronoun represents the thing that we don't know (what we are asking the question about).
There are four main interrogative pronouns: who, whom, what, which
Notice that the possessive pronoun whose can also be an interrogative pronoun (an interrogative possessive pronoun).
subjectobjectpersonwhowhomthingwhatperson/ thingwhichpersonwhoseNotice that whom is the correct form when the pronoun is the object of the verb, as in "Whom did you see?" ("I saw John.") However, in normal, spoken English we rarely use whom. Most native speakers would say (or even write): "Who did you see?"Look at these example questions. In the sample answers, the noun phrase that the interrogative pronoun represents is shown in bold.
questionanswer Who told you? John told me. subjectWhom did you tell? I told Mary. objectWhat's happened? An accident's happened. subjectWhat do you want? I want coffee. objectWhich came first? The Porsche 911 came first. subjectWhich will the doctor see first? The doctor will see the patient in blue first. objectThere's one car missing. Whose hasn't arrived? John's (car) hasn't arrived. subjectWe've found everyone's keys. Whose did you find? I found John's (keys). objectNote that we sometimes use the suffix "-ever" to make compounds from some of these pronouns (mainly whoever, whatever, whichever). When we add "-ever", we use it for emphasis, often to show confusion or surprise. Look at these examples:
There are four main interrogative pronouns: who, whom, what, which
Notice that the possessive pronoun whose can also be an interrogative pronoun (an interrogative possessive pronoun).
subjectobjectpersonwhowhomthingwhatperson/ thingwhichpersonwhoseNotice that whom is the correct form when the pronoun is the object of the verb, as in "Whom did you see?" ("I saw John.") However, in normal, spoken English we rarely use whom. Most native speakers would say (or even write): "Who did you see?"Look at these example questions. In the sample answers, the noun phrase that the interrogative pronoun represents is shown in bold.
questionanswer Who told you? John told me. subjectWhom did you tell? I told Mary. objectWhat's happened? An accident's happened. subjectWhat do you want? I want coffee. objectWhich came first? The Porsche 911 came first. subjectWhich will the doctor see first? The doctor will see the patient in blue first. objectThere's one car missing. Whose hasn't arrived? John's (car) hasn't arrived. subjectWe've found everyone's keys. Whose did you find? I found John's (keys). objectNote that we sometimes use the suffix "-ever" to make compounds from some of these pronouns (mainly whoever, whatever, whichever). When we add "-ever", we use it for emphasis, often to show confusion or surprise. Look at these examples:
- Whoever would want to do such a nasty thing?
- Whatever did he say to make her cry like that?
- They're all fantastic! Whichever will you choose?
- #BASSANT
Kinds of AdverbsHere you can see the basic kinds of adverbs.
Adverbs of Manner Adverbs of Manner tell us the manner or way in which something happens. They answer the question "how?". Adverbs of Manner mainly modify verbs.
They can answer the question "when?":
Adverbs of Manner Adverbs of Manner tell us the manner or way in which something happens. They answer the question "how?". Adverbs of Manner mainly modify verbs.
They can answer the question "when?":
Adverbs of Manner Adverbs of Manner tell us the manner or way in which something happens. They answer the question "how?". Adverbs of Manner mainly modify verbs.
- He speaks slowly. (How does he speak?)
- They helped us cheerfully. (How did they help us?)
- James Bond drives his cars fast. (How does James Bond drive his cars?)
- He ran fast. She came quickly. They worked happily.
- She looked beautifully. It seems strangely. They are happily.
- Please sit here. (Where should I sit?)
- They looked everywhere. (Where did they look?)
- Two cars were parked outside. (Where were two cars parked?)
They can answer the question "when?":
- He came yesterday. (When did he come?)
- I want it now. (When do I want it?)
- They deliver the newspaper daily. (How often do they deliver the newspaper?)
- We sometimes watch a movie. (How often do we watch a movie?)
- She entirely agrees with him. (How much does she agree with him?)
- Mary is very beautiful. (To what degree is Mary beautiful? How beautiful is Mary?)
- He drove quite dangerously. (To what degree did he drive dangerously? How dangerously did he drive?)
Adverbs of Manner Adverbs of Manner tell us the manner or way in which something happens. They answer the question "how?". Adverbs of Manner mainly modify verbs.
- He speaks slowly. (How does he speak?)
- They helped us cheerfully. (How did they help us?)
- James Bond drives his cars fast. (How does James Bond drive his cars?)
- He ran fast. She came quickly. They worked happily.
- She looked beautifully. It seems strangely. They are happily.
- Please sit here. (Where should I sit?)
- They looked everywhere. (Where did they look?)
- Two cars were parked outside. (Where were two cars parked?)
They can answer the question "when?":
- He came yesterday. (When did he come?)
- I want it now. (When do I want it?)
- They deliver the newspaper daily. (How often do they deliver the newspaper?)
- We sometimes watch a movie. (How often do we watch a movie?)
- She entirely agrees with him. (How much does she agree with him?)
- Mary is very beautiful. (To what degree is Mary beautiful? How beautiful is Mary?)
- He drove quite dangerously. (To what degree did he drive dangerously? How dangerously did he drive?)
- #BASSANT
English Prepositions ListThere are about 150 prepositions in English. Yet this is a very small number when you think of the thousands of other words (nouns, verbs etc). Prepositions are important words. We use individual prepositions more frequently than other individual words. In fact, the prepositions of, to and in are among the ten most frequent words in English. Here is a short list of 70 of the more common one-word prepositions. Many of these prepositions have more than one meaning. Please refer to a dictionary for precise meaning and usage. You can also see the long preposition list (with examples) in our vocabulary section.
- aboard
- about
- above
- across
- after
- against
- along
- amid
- among
- anti
- around
- as
- at
- before
- behind
- below
- beneath
- beside
- besides
- between
- beyond
- but
- by
- concerning
- considering
- despite
- down
- during
- except
- excepting
- excluding
- following
- for
- from
- in
- inside
- into
- like
- minus
- near
- of
- off
- on
- onto
- opposite
- outside
- over
- past
- per
- plus
- regarding
- round
- save
- since
- than
- through
- to
- toward
- towards
- under
- underneath
- unlike
- until
- up
- upon
- versus
- via
- with
- within
- without
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Prepositions of PlacePrepositions of place describe the position of a person or thing in relation to another person or thing.
Look at this picture:
Now look at these example sentences based on the prepositions in the picture:
There is a cup on the table.
The helicopter hovered above the house.
The police placed a sheet over the body.
He stood in front of the door and rang the bell.
Ram sat beside Tara.
A small stream runs below that bridge.
He put the key under the doormat.
He put his hands behind his back.
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Look at this picture:
Now look at these example sentences based on the prepositions in the picture:
There is a cup on the table.
The helicopter hovered above the house.
The police placed a sheet over the body.
He stood in front of the door and rang the bell.
Ram sat beside Tara.
A small stream runs below that bridge.
He put the key under the doormat.
He put his hands behind his back.
#BASSANT
Prepositions of Place: at, in, onIn general, we use:
POINTin
ENCLOSED SPACEon
SURFACEat the cornerin the gardenon the wallat the bus stopin Londonon the ceilingat the doorin Franceon the doorat the top of the pagein a boxon the coverat the end of the roadin my pocketon the floorat the entrancein my walleton the carpetat the crossroadsin a buildingon the menuat the front desk in a caron a pageLook at these examples:
atinonat homein a caron a busat workin a taxion a trainat schoolin a helicopteron a planeat universityin a boaton a shipat collegein a lift (elevator)on a bicycle, on a motorbikeat the topin the newspaperon a horse, on an elephantat the bottomin the skyon the radio, on televisionat the sidein a rowon the left, on the rightat receptionin Oxford Streeton the way
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- at for a POINT
- in for an ENCLOSED SPACE
- on for a SURFACE
POINTin
ENCLOSED SPACEon
SURFACEat the cornerin the gardenon the wallat the bus stopin Londonon the ceilingat the doorin Franceon the doorat the top of the pagein a boxon the coverat the end of the roadin my pocketon the floorat the entrancein my walleton the carpetat the crossroadsin a buildingon the menuat the front desk in a caron a pageLook at these examples:
- Jane is waiting for you at the bus stop.
- The shop is at the end of the street.
- My plane stopped at Dubai and Hanoi and arrived in Bangkok two hours late.
- When will you arrive at the office?
- Do you work in an office?
- I have a meeting in New York.
- Do you live in Japan?
- Jupiter is in the Solar System.
- The author's name is on the cover of the book.
- There are no prices on this menu.
- You are standing on my foot.
- There was a "no smoking" sign on the wall.
- I live on the 7th floor at 21 Oxford Street in London.
atinonat homein a caron a busat workin a taxion a trainat schoolin a helicopteron a planeat universityin a boaton a shipat collegein a lift (elevator)on a bicycle, on a motorbikeat the topin the newspaperon a horse, on an elephantat the bottomin the skyon the radio, on televisionat the sidein a rowon the left, on the rightat receptionin Oxford Streeton the way
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Conjunctions
A conjunction is a word that "joins". A conjunction joins two parts of a sentence.
Here are some example conjunctions:
Coordinating conjunctionsSubordinating conjunctionsand, but, or, nor, for, yet, soalthough, because, since, unlessWe can consider conjunctions from three aspects.
FormConjunctions have three basic forms:
A conjunction is a word that "joins". A conjunction joins two parts of a sentence.
Here are some example conjunctions:
Coordinating conjunctionsSubordinating conjunctionsand, but, or, nor, for, yet, soalthough, because, since, unlessWe can consider conjunctions from three aspects.
FormConjunctions have three basic forms:
- Single Word
for example: and, but, because, although - Compound (often ending with as or that)
for example: provided that, as long as, in order that - Correlative (surrounding an adverb or adjective)
for example: so...that
- Coordinating conjunctions are used to join two parts of a sentence that are grammatically equal. The two parts may be single words or clauses, for example:
- Jack and Jill went up the hill.
- The water was warm, but I didn't go swimming. - Subordinating conjunctions are used to join a subordinate dependent clause to a main clause, for example:
- I went swimming although it was cold.
- Coordinating conjunctions always come between the words or clauses that they join.
- Subordinating conjunctions usually come at the beginning of the subordinate clause.
- Coordinating Conjunctions
- Subordinating Conjunctions
and then test your understanding with a - #BASSANT