Grammar List

Comparative AdjectivesComparatives

Use:Use the comparative form to talk about how two things are different.I am taller than you.This book is thicker than that one.Form:1) If an adjective has one syllable, adderto the end. If it ends inealready, just addr.tall =>taller nice=>nicerthick=>thickerlate=>later2) If an adjective ends inone vowel and one consonant, write the consonant again, then writeer. But never write awtwice.big =>bigger new =>newer (NOT newwer) thin=>thinnerslow=>slower (NOT slowwer) slim=>slimmerMy brother isthinnerthan me.3) If an adjective has two syllables and ends iny, change the y toiand adder.funny =>funnier silly =>sillierWhich of these books isfunnier?5) Some adjectives have irregular superlative forms. These are listed below.good=>betterbad =>worsefar =>furtherAdd than after a comparative adjective to compare one thing with another. However, this is not always necessary.My house is smaller than yours.

SuperlativesSuperlatives

Use:Use the superlative form to describe something that is greater than any other thing.The Amazon is the longest river in the world.Helen is the most intelligent student in the class.Form:1) Writethebefore all superlatives.2) If an adjective is short and has one syllable, addestto the end. If it ends inealready, just addst. tall =>thetallest nice =>thenicest thick =>thethickest late =>thelatest2) If an adjective ends inone vowel and one consonant, write the consonant again, then writeest. But never write awtwice. big=>thebiggest new =>thenewest(NOT newwest) thin =>the thinnest slow =>the slowest(NOT slowwest) slim =>the slimmestThe biggest catin the world is the lion.3) If an adjective has two syllables and ends iny, change the y toiand addest. funny =>thefunniest silly =>thesilliestItsthe silliestfilm Ive ever seen!4) For other adjectives with two or more syllables, DONT add est. Writemostbefore the adjective. interesting =>the mostinteresting surprising =>the mostsurprising Itsthe most interestingbook Ive ever read.5) Some adjectives have irregular superlative forms. These are listed below. good =>the bestbad =>the worst far =>the furthest6) a)Inis often (but not always) used after a superlative adjective to describe where this statement is true. London is the biggest cityinEngland. Everest is the highest mountaininthe world. My brother is the tallest personinmy family.

Adverbial phrases of frequency, time and place. Adverbial phrases of frequency, time and place

Use:An adverbial phrase is a group of words which always go together. they describe where, when or how often something happens.Adverbial phrases of frequency describehow oftensomething happens.every morning, every afternoonevery day dailyevery week weeklyevery month monthlyevery year annuallyevery Sunday on Sundays on Sunday afternoonsonce a daytwice a daythree / four / five times a dayall the timeForm:1) Adverbs of frequency often go in present simple sentences.I have toast for breakfast every day.We visit our grandparents twice a month.2) Note that on Saturday refers to one day. On Saturdays means every Saturday.Common mistakes1) Some students write adverbs of frequency in the wrong place. We every day go the park. => We go to the park every day.2) Some students use the plural form withevery. John goes swimming every days. => John goes swimming every day._____________________________________________________________________Use:Use adverbs and adverbial phrases of time to talk aboutwhenyou do something.Adverbs of time include:today, tomorrow, tonight, yesterday, tomorrow, nowadaysnow, first of all, beforehandsoon, afterwards, later, next, thenForm:1) Adverbs of time usually go at the beginning or the end of a sentence or clause.Tomorrow, Im going to the beach.Im going to the beach tomorrow.First of all, we had a drink at a caf.We had a drink at a caf first of all.Im going to the supermarket, and afterwards Im going to the library.Im going to the supermarket, and Im going to the library afterwards.2) It is more common to usethenat the beginning of a sentence or clause.Then we arrived at the castle.Im going to finish my work and then Im going to have a drink.It is more common to usesoonandnowat the end of a sentence.Were going on holiday soon.Im going home now.Common mistakes1) Dont use an adverb of time between the subject and the object of a sentence.I went yesterday to the zoo. => I went to the zoo yesterday. / Yesterday I went to the zoo.Im going now to the bank. => Im going to the bank now.2) You must use a noun afterAfterandBefore. Otherwise, useafterwardsorbeforehand.Ill be late to class tomorrow. Im going to the doctors before.=> Ill be late to class tomorrow. Im going to the doctorsbeforehand.Im going to my English class and Im going to the bar after. => Im going to my English class and Im going to the barafterwards._____________________________________________________________________Use:Use adverbs and adverbial phrases ofplaceto talk aboutwheresomething happens.Adverbs of place include:outside, inside, indoors, upstairs, downstairs(over) here, (over) thereabroad, overseasForm:1) Adverbs of place usually go after a verb.She lives abroad.Lets go indoors.2) Adverbs of place can also go after the object of the sentence.Rachel works in the office upstairs.Your bag is on the table over there.

AdverbsUse:Adverbs can be used to describe verbs. They describe HOW you do something.Examples: She walksquickly; He singsnicely.Form:1) You can make many adverbs by adding ly to an adjective.slow -> slowly; loud -> loudlyIf an adjective ends in y, change it to an i.heavy -> heavily; funny -> funnilyAdd ally to adjectives ending in ic.Physical -> physically; energetic -> energetically2) Some adverbs are irregular, and do not end inly. These include:good ->wellShe dances well.hard ->hardHe works hard.fast ->fastHe runs fast.late ->lateHe arrives late.3a) Usually, the adverb goes after the verb it describes.She talks quietlyNOTShe quietly talks.He runs fast.NOTHe fast runs.3b) If the verb has a direct object WITHOUT A PREPOSITION the adverb should go after the object.You sang that song nicely.NOTYou sang nicely that song.He did the job well.NOTHe did well the job.3c) If the verb is followed by a preposition and an object, you can put the adverb in different places.Hequicklywalked to the shop.He walkedquicklyto the shop.He walked to the shopquickly.4) Adverbs are NOT used to describe the following verbs. These verbs use adjectives.BeI am quiet.NOTI am quietly.SeemIt seems strange.NOTIt seems strangely.LookThat looks nice.NOTThat looks nicely.SmellThat smells good.NOTThat smells well.SoundThat sounds great.NOTThat sounds greatly.FeelThat feels funny.NOTThat feels funnily.5) Some words end in ly but they are not adverbs.Friendlyis an example. Friendly is an adjective. We can say She is friendly but not She talks friendly. There is no adverb for friendly, but we can say She talks in a friendly way.Elderlyandlonelyare also adjectives, not adverbs.Kindlyandearlyare adjectives and adverbs.

Articles /countable and uncountable/Uncountable Nouns

Use:Some nouns are countable you can count them. These include:apples, books, cars, treesSome nouns are uncountable you cannot count them. These include:water, oil, rice, fruit, bread, information, moneyUncountable nouns have different grammar rules from countable nouns.countable singular nounse.g. applecountable plural nounse.g. applesuncountable nounse.g. fruit

Singular countable nouns always need a determiner:a, this, that, my, the etc.Look atthatcat!Can I haveanapple?Is thisyourbag?Plural countable nouns do not need a determiner.I like apples.Dogs are friendly.But they can be used with determiners:Where aremyshoes?Arethosepens yours?Uncountable nouns do not need a determiner.I like fruit.But they can use singular determiners:Thisfruit is nice.

You can count countable nouns.Can I havefiveapples please?Youcannotcount uncountable nouns.Can I have five breads please?

Use singular verbs and determiners.Thisappleisnice.Use plural verbs and determiners.Theseapplesarenice.Use singular verbs and determiners.Thisbreadisnice.

Some determiners can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.some, a lot of, lots of, loads of, plenty of, anyWeve gotsome potatoes. We needsome bread.We dont haveany potatoes. We dont haveany bread.

Some determiners can only be used with countable nouns:several, various, a few, manySome determiners can only be used with uncountable nouns:much, a bit of, a little

-Definite and indefinite articlesDefinite and indefinite articles

Use:1) Useabefore a singular noun.I've gotabrother andasister.Use an if the noun begins with a vowel.I've gotanaunt in Texas.2) Use plural nouns or uncountable nouns to talk about things in general. Don't use an article here.

I likecats.Dolphinsare very intelligent.Crimeis increasing.

3) Usetheto talk about one particular thing, or a particular group of things.Booksare interesting. The bookon the table is interesting.Childrenare noisy. The childrenin this class are noisy.4) Useato introduce a new thing or person. Usethewhen you already know this person or thing.There isarestaurant near my house.Therestaurant serves good food.5) Usethewhen there is only one of these things.The moon is very big tonight.My dad istheonly doctor in our village.Joe isthebest student in the class.6) Usethewhen there are many things, but it is clear which one you mean.Let's go tothepub! We need to go tothesupermarket.7) Most 'general' nouns do not use an article.Lifeis not the same as it used to be NOT:The lifeHealthis important to everyone. NOT:The healthWe're worried aboutpollution. NOT:The pollution

But some general nouns usethe:the environment People are increasingly worried aboutthe environment.the weatherWhat'sthe weatherlike today?the countrysideI love walking inthe countryside.the sea / ocean I'd love to live nearthe sea.the radioThere's an interesting programme onthe radio.the theatre / cinemaWe went tothe theatrelast night.the economyThe economyis affecting everyone.

Common mistakes:

1) Some students usethewhen they talk about things in general.I love the romantic films!=> I love romantic films!

2) Some students use singular nouns withoutaorthe.I want book about the weather.=> I wantabook about the weather.3) Some students usethewhen they talk about things in general.I want the book about the weather.=> I wantabook about the weather.

Countable and uncountable/How much and how manyHow

Use:UseHowto get information about numbers and quantities.You can use it to find out about age, size, length, cost and much more.Form:1) DimensionsUseHow bigto find out about size.How big is your car?UseHow longto find out about length, andHow wideto ask about width.How long is the River Nile? How wide is it?Use the wordslongandwidein your answers to make them clear.Its a hundred miles long. Its a mile wide.2) AgeUseHow oldto find out about age.How old is your sister?You can reply:Shes tenorShes ten years oldNOT Shes ten years.3)TimeAlso useHow longto ask about time.How long is the film? Its about two hours long.How long does it take to get there? About three hours.4)QuantityUseHow muchto ask about cost. Also useHow muchwith uncountable nouns.Remember to put any uncountable nouns directly after much.How much is this bag?How much money do you have?NOTHow much do you have money?UseHow manyto ask about countable nouns. Remember to put any countable nouns directly after many.How many people are coming?NOTHow many are coming people?How manyquestions often use the wordthere.How many people are there in your class? NOT How many people are in your class?

Gerunds and InfinitivesGerunds and Infinitives

Use:1) A gerund is a verb in itsingform, used as a noun. For example:eating, going, seeingGerunds are used: a) As the subject of a sentence.Smokingis bad for you.b) After some verbs, such as:like, hate, enjoy, quit, suggest, dislike, deny I likecooking. I enjoyfishing.A good learners dictionary will tell you whether a verb is followed by a gerund or not.c) After prepositions. Im interested inbuyinga computer. Im scared ofwalkingalone in the dark.2) The infinitive form of the verb is the original verb. It can be with or without to. For example:(to) eat, (to) go, (to) see.The infinitive form is used: a) After some verbs, such as;agree, arrange, ask, promise, decide, affordI agreedto dothe work. I arrangedto seethe doctor, They decidedto getmarried.A good learners dictionary will tell you whether a verb is followed by an infinitive or not.b) To show the reason why you did something.Tony went to the post officeto paya bill.c) After adjectives.I was surprisedto seeErica. Im pleasedto meetyou.3 a) Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or infinitive with NO CHANGE in meaning: For example:start, begin, hate, like, prefer, continue She started to cry = She started crying.I hate watching horror films = I hate to watch horror films.b) Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or a infinitive, but there is a change in meaning. For example:try, remember, stopI tried to get into the house.(Getting into the house is your goal or objective). I tried climbing through the window.(Climbing through the window is one thing you tried in order to obtain your final objective.) I stopped cleaning the windows.(I was cleaning the windows and then I stopped). I stopped to clean the windows.(I was driving, and I stopped driving in order to clean the windows). I remembered to lock the door.(I remembered, and after that I locked the door). I remember locking the door.(I remember (now) that I locked the door (in the past)).

Going Tobe going toUse:Usebe going toto talk about your personal plans for the future.Im going to see my sister at the weekend.Are you going to marry Paul?Form:1) The form of the positive and negative sentences and questions is shown below.PositiveIam / mgoing toverb (infinitive form)

youare / re

he / she / itis / s

weare / re

theyare / re

NegativeIm notgoing toverb (infinitive form)

youarent OR re not

he / she / itisnt OR s not

wearent OR re not

theyarent OR re not

QuestionsAmIgoing toverb (infinitive form) ?

Areyou

Ishe / she / it

Arewe

Arethey

2) The short reply to a be going to question is Yes, I am, Yes, she is etc. You cannot contract these short sentences.Yes,hes. => Yes, he is.The short negative replies are:No, Im not.No, youre not / No, you arent. No, hes not / No he isnt. No, shes not / No she isnt. No, its not / no it isnt.No, were not / No, we arent.No, theyre not / No, they arent.

Common mistakes:1) Some students forget to add the verb be before going to.I going to see my friends tonight. =>Imgoing to see my friends tonight.2) Some students forget to invert the subject andbein questions.

What time you are going to leave?=> What timeare yougoing to leave?ImperativesImperative Forms

Use:Use the imperative form to give instructions, orders and warnings.Must is often used in signs and notices to give instructions.Form:1) Do not use a subject when giving orders.Youwash your hands. =>Wash your hands.

Always use the infinitive form of the verb, without to.Tosit down please. =>Sit down please.UseDontto make the negative form.Dontsit there!2) Written instructions on signs often useDo not, notDont.Do notcross this line.3) When giving instructions to a friend, you can soften the order by using you. However, this is usually only done in spoken English.Firstyouput the mixture into a bowl, and thenyouadd two eggs. Thenyouwhisk it.4) Some written signs use Must / Must not.All visitorsmustwear a badge.Passengersmust nottalk to the driver.Notice how plural nouns (visitors / passengers) are generally used in signs.Common mistakes:1) Some students use to after Dont / MustDont to go in that door. =>Dont go in that door.

Modals-Can /CouldCan / Could

Use:1) Usecan/ cantto talk about your abilities now.I can speak English. I cant speak German. Usecould / couldntto talk about abilities in the past.I could speak French when I was a child, but I can't now.I couldnt speak English when I was a child, but I can now.2) Usecanandcouldto make requests. Could is more polite.Can you cook this evening please?Could you pass me the salt? Use can to reply to requests. Can I sit here?=>Yes, you can. Sorry, you cant. Can you cook this evening please?=> Yes, I can. Sorry, I cant. DONT usecouldin replies.Could you lend me some money? Yes, I could. =>Yes, sure! Sorry, I cant.Form:1)Canandcouldare the same for all persons.I can/could speak Englishyoucan/could speak Englishhe / she / it can/could speak Englishwe can/could speak Englishthey can/could speak English.2) The negative form of can iscannot, orcant. The negative form ofcouldiscouldnt.3) There isalwaysaverbaftercanandcould, and the verb isalwaysin theinfinitive form(without to).Sally can help you. NOTSally can helps you. / Sally can to help you.4) Make questions by invertingcanand the subject.I can see you this afternoon.=>Can I seeyou this afternoon? You could help me.=>Could youhelp me?5) Use can/cant and could/couldnt in short answers.Can your brother swim?=> Yes, he can. No, he cant. Could you do the test?=> Yes, I could. No, I couldnt.Common mistakes:1) Some students make questions incorrectly.You can speak English?=> Can you speak English?I could sit here?=> Could I sit here?

Modals- Have ToHave to

Use:Usehave toto talk about something you must do. Ihave tostart work at eight.Usedont have toto talk about something that is not necessary. Youdont have towork tomorrow, its Saturday.Form:The positive, negative and question forms are shown in the table.PositiveI, you, we, theyhave toverb (infinitive form)(go, sleep, work)

he / she / ithas to

NegativeI, you, we, theydonthave toverb (infinitive form)(go, sleep, work)

he / she / itdoesnt

QuestionDoI, you, we, theyhave toverb (infinitive form)(go, sleep, work)?

Doeshe / she / it

Common mistakes1) Some students think thatdont have tomeansmust not, but this is not correct.You dont have to use your mobile phone in class. You mustnt use your mobile phone in class.2) Some students use havent / hasnt to make negative sentences and questions.My sister hasnt to work today. My sister doesnt have to work today.Have you to leave now? Do you have to leave now?

Modals- ShouldShould and Ought to

Use:UseShouldandOughtto give advice.Examples:You should see a doctor.You ought to find a new job.Form:ShouldShouldis a modal verb, likecanandwill,so it follows the same rules.1) Do not add s to the third person singular. He should buy a new car.NOT He shouldbuysa new car.2) To form a negative, addnot/ ntaftershould. You shouldnt do that!3) To form questions, invertshouldand the subject.What time should we arrive?4)Shouldis always followed by a verb in theinfinitiveform.I shouldtogo. =>I should go.5) You can also useshouldin the continuous form. Useshould + be + verb-ing.Why are you watching TV? You should be working!OughtOughtis a semi-modal verb. It is similar toshouldin some ways:1) Do not add s to the third person singular. Heoughtsto buy a new car. =>He ought to buy a new car.2) To form a negative, addnot/ ntafterought.You ought not to do that! However,oughtis not often used in negative sentences3) To form questions, invertoughtand the subject.What time ought we to arrive? However,oughtis not often used in questions.Oughtis different toshouldbecause:1)Oughtis always followed byto+ a verb in the infinitive form.I ought go. =>I ought to go.

Past ContinuousPast continuousUse:1) Use the past to set the scene of a story before describing what happened.It was raining.I was walkingin the park.Some kids were playingfootball nearby. Suddenly2) Use the past continuous to talk about an action which happened for some time in the past and was then interrupted. Use the past simple tense to talk about the interruption.I was cookingdinner when suddenly there was a knock at the door.3) Use the past continuous to talk about events that were in progress at a certain time.At 5 oclock yesterday afternoon,I was drivinghome from work.Note the difference in meaning:When James got home, I cooked dinner:- I started cooking AFTER he got home.When James got home, I was cooking dinner: - I started cooking BEFORE he got home.Form:PositiveIwasverb+ing

Youwere

He / She / Itwas

We / Theywere

NegativeIwasntverb+ing

Youwerent

He / She / Itwasnt

We / Theywerent

QuestionWasIverb+ing?

Wereyou

Washe / she / it

Werewe / they

Spelling Rules:If a verb ends in e, delete the e before you add ing.have=>I was having lunch.If a verb ends inone vowelandone consonant, double the consonant (except w and y).get=>He was just getting up.play=>We were playing.Common mistakes1)Some students remember the verbbebut forgeting.I was watch television.=>I was watching television.2)Some students make spelling mistakes.I wasstuding.=>I was studying.We wereeatting=>We were eating.

Past simpleUse:Use the past simple to talk about finished events in the past. Use it to tell stories, jokes and anecdotes.Form:1) Many past tense verbs are formed by adding -edto the end of the verb.want =>wantedstart =>startedIf a verb ends ine, just addd(liked, hoped).If a verb ends iny, deleteyand add ied (studied, carried). But dont do this if the verb ends in avowel + y(played, NOT plaied.stayed,NOT staied)But a lot of past tense verbs are irregular. You need to learn each one separately. Here are some examples.have => had make => madetake => took sit => satget => got feel => feltPast simple verbs are the same for all persons.I went; you went; he went; she went; they went; we went...2) Form negatives this way:I, you, he , she, we, they...didntinfinitive verbknow, see, go

Dont use the past verb in negative sentences.I didnt had dinner. => I didnt have dinner.3)Form questions this way:DidI, you, he , she, we, they...infinitive verbknow, see, go

Common mistakes:Some students use the past verb in questions.Did you saw the film? => Did you see the film?

Inseparable phrasal verbs

Use:Phrasal verbs consist of a verb and one or more prepositions. They are often used, especially in informal spoken English. The meaning of phrasal verbs is often completely different from the meaning of the verb alone.Form:1) Some phrasal verbs never use an object.get up= get out of bedI get up at seven oclock every morning.take off= leave the groundThe plane took off on time.look out= beware! be careful!Look out! That car is going to hit you!get on= be good friendsMy dad and my brother dont get on.break down= stop working (for vehicles)Our car broke down on the way home from Scotland.make up= become friends again after an argumentThe kids often fight but they always make up afterwards.

2) Some phrasal verbs need an object.get on / offsomething = exit transportGet off the bus at the next stop.look aftersomeone / something = take care of someone / somethingPlease can you look after our cats while were on holiday?see tosomething = do, arrange, prepare, organiseDont worry about dinner. Ill see to it.look intosomething = investigateThere has been a burglary at the school. Police are looking into it.get to= arrive atWhen you get to the end of the street, turn right.3) Some phrasal verbs contain three words and an object.look up tosomeone = respect someoneI look up to my teachers.look forward tosomething = be excited about (a future event)Im looking forward to the party.get on withsomeone = be good friends with someoneI dont get on with Karen.get on withsomething = continue doing somethingPlease be quiet and get on with your work.put up withsomething = tolerateI cant put up with that noise any longer!

present continuous

Use:1) Use the present continuous to talk about actions which are happening now. Ellenis havinga bath at the moment. Right now, Markis talkingto her manager.Form:PositiveIam / mverb+ing

Youare / re

He / She / Itis / s

We / Theyare / re

NegativeIm notverb+ing

Youarent / re not

He / She / Itisnt / s not

We / Theyarent / re not

QuestionAmIverb+ing

Areyou

Ishe / she / it

Arewe / they

Spelling Rules:If a verb ends in e, delete the e before you add ing.come=> Im coming.have=> Hes having lunch.Common mistakes1) Some students forget the verbbe.I watching television. => Im watching television.She not coming. => Shes not coming.2) Some students make questions incorrectly.She is working? => Is she working?3) Some students make spelling mistakes.Im studing law. => Im studying law.Present Continuous for Future

Use:The present continuous tense has two uses:1) Use it to describe what is happeningat the moment.Wheres dad? Hes watching TV in the living room.2) Use it to describe plans and arrangements in the future. Tom is arriving on the three oclock train tomorrow.Form:Make the present continuous in this way.PositiveIyou / they / wehe / she / itam / mare / reis / sverb-ing

Examples:Im going / Hes going / Were going to Spain next week.NegativeIyou / they / wehe / she / itm notarent / re notisnt / s notverb-ing

Examples:Im not going / Youre not going / She isnt going to the meeting.QuestionsAreIsyou / they / wehe / she / itverb-ing?

Examples:Are you coming / Is James coming to the party?Common Mistakes:1) Some students use will to talk about future plans. However, present continuous is the correct tense to use.Ill visitmy cousin in Paris this weekend. =>Im visitingmy cousin in Paris this weekend.

Present PerfectComparatives

Use:The present perfect is used for several reasons:1) Use it to describe events that happened in the past and arestill true now because you can see the result. Ive broken my leg! David has painted his house.2) Use it to describe experiences in your life. Ive been to New York three times in my life.However, you cannot use the present perfect to describe experiences in someones life if that person has died. Michael Jackson performed in Britain many times. NOT Michael Jackson has performed in Britain many times.3) Use it to describe events that started in the past and arestill happening now.Ive lived here all my life(and I live here now).John has worked here for 10 years(and he works here now).Never refer to afinishedtime with a present perfect verb.Form:Make the present perfect in this way.PositiveI / you / they / wehe / she / ithave / vehas / spast participle

Examples: Ive seen him; theyve gone; shes taken my bag.NegativeI / you / they / wehe / she / ithavent / ve nothasnt / s notpast participle

Examples: I havent seen him; they havent gone yet; shes not been here.QuestionsHaveHasyou / they / wehe / she / itpast participle?

Examples: Have you seen him? Has she taken my bag?Common mistakes:1) Dont use the present perfect to refer to a finished time.Ive hurt my arm yesterday. => Ive hurt my arm. Johns been to New York last month. => Johns been to New York.

How QuestionsHow

Use:UseHowto get information about numbers and quantities.You can use it to find out about age, size, length, cost and much more.Form:1) DimensionsUseHow bigto find out about size.How big is your car?UseHow longto find out about length, andHow wideto ask about width.How long is the River Nile? How wide is it?Use the wordslongandwidein your answers to make them clear.Its a hundred miles long. Its a mile wide.2) AgeUseHow oldto find out about age.How old is your sister?You can reply:Shes tenorShes ten years oldNOT Shes ten years.3)TimeAlso useHow longto ask about time.How long is the film? Its about two hours long.How long does it take to get there? About three hours.4)QuantityUseHow muchto ask about cost. Also useHow muchwith uncountable nouns.Remember to put any uncountable nouns directly after much.How much is this bag?How much money do you have?NOTHow much do you have money?UseHow manyto ask about countable nouns. Remember to put any countable nouns directly after many.How many people are coming?NOTHow many are coming people?How manyquestions often use the wordthere.How many people are there in your class? NOT How many people are in your class?

Gerunds and Infinitives

Use:1) A gerund is a verb in itsingform, used as a noun. For example:eating, going, seeingGerunds are used: a) As the subject of a sentence.Smokingis bad for you.b) After some verbs, such as:like, hate, enjoy, quit, suggest, dislike, deny I likecooking. I enjoyfishing.A good learners dictionary will tell you whether a verb is followed by a gerund or not.c) After prepositions. Im interested inbuyinga computer. Im scared ofwalkingalone in the dark.2) The infinitive form of the verb is the original verb. It can be with or without to. For example:(to) eat, (to) go, (to) see.The infinitive form is used: a) After some verbs, such as;agree, arrange, ask, promise, decide, affordI agreedto dothe work. I arrangedto seethe doctor, They decidedto getmarried.A good learners dictionary will tell you whether a verb is followed by an infinitive or not.b) To show the reason why you did something.Tony went to the post officeto paya bill.c) After adjectives.I was surprisedto seeErica. Im pleasedto meetyou.3 a) Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or infinitive with NO CHANGE in meaning: For example:start, begin, hate, like, prefer, continue She started to cry = She started crying.I hate watching horror films = I hate to watch horror films.b) Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or a infinitive, but there is a change in meaning. For example:try, remember, stopI tried to get into the house.(Getting into the house is your goal or objective). I tried climbing through the window.(Climbing through the window is one thing you tried in order to obtain your final objective.) I stopped cleaning the windows.(I was cleaning the windows and then I stopped). I stopped to clean the windows.(I was driving, and I stopped driving in order to clean the windows). I remembered to lock the door.(I remembered, and after that I locked the door). I remember locking the door.(I remember (now) that I locked the door (in the past)).

Would like/ like

Use:1) Would likemeanswant, but it is more polite.You can use it in sentences and questions.Id like a biscuit.Would you like some tea?2) You can also use it to talk about your dreams and ambitions.Id like to go to Japan.I wouldnt like to live here!You can also useIdloveandIdhateto talk about dreams.Id hate to live in the countryside.Id love to work with Simon.Form:1) Would like is the same for all persons.I would likesome tea.You would likesome tea.He / she / James would likesome tea.We would likesome tea.They / our clients would likesome tea.2) To make questions, invertthe subjectandwould.Would you / James / your clients likesome tea?3) Usewouldntto make the negative form.I wouldnt liketo work there.4)Would likecan be followed bya nounorto + verb. noun:Would you likea biscuit? verb:Would you liketo goto Malaysia?5) Inpositive sentences, you can contract would tod.I would like to go to the USA.=>Id liketo go to the USA.But NOT in negative sentences:Idnt like to work in a factory.=>I wouldnt like to work in a factory.And NOT in short answers:Would you like to have a horse?Yes, Id.=>Yes, I would.6) Be careful not to confusewould likeandlike.Useliketo talk about things you like all the time.I like chocolate cake. Its my favourite food.Usewould liketo talk about things you want now, or at some time in the future.Id like a cup of coffee please.Id like to work in a chocolate factory.

will / wont

Use:Willandwontare used to talk about the future.Willis positive andwontis negative.I will be late tomorrow.John wont be at the party next Saturday.Use will and wont to:a) Make predictions.In the year 2050, people will live under the sea.b) Make an offer or promise.Ill buy you a drink.John will help you with that box.c) Make a decision about the futureat the same time as you speak.Sorry, we dont have any tea.Thats OK,Ill havecoffee.Form:1) Will is the same for all persons.I will go, you will go, he / she will go, we will go, they will go.2)Alwayswrite a verb in the infinitive form after will.Youwill happywhen you hear the news.=>You willbehappy when you hear the news.3) You can contract will tollfor pronouns.Ill buy it. Well be late.Hell be late home today. Theyll be delighted.

But dont contractwillwith names.Markllbe late.=>Mark will be late.

4) To write questions, writewillbefore the subject.Will you buy me a drink?Will Tom get the job?5)The short answer forWillquestions is: Yes, I/you/he/she/he/they/we willNo, I/you/he/she/he/they/we wont.Do not contractwillin short answers.

Will John be late?Yes, hell.=>Yes, he will.Common mistakes:1) Some students forget to write will before the subject in questions.You will be late? =>Will you be late?2) Many students use will to talk about their plans. But you should usegoing toor thepresent continuous.I will meet my friends on Friday. =>Im meeting my friends on Saturday.Im going to meet my friends on Saturday.

Zero Conditional

Use:The first conditional structure is used to talk about something which isalways true. It always happens, on the condition that something else happens. Example: If it rains a lot, our garden floods.Form:1. Make the first conditional in this way.IfWhenUnlessIyouheshe...present simple,Iyouheshe...present simple

Examples:If you fly on a budget airline, you have to buy your own drinks. When we visit Geoff, he always cooks us a roast dinner.OrIyouheshe...present simpleifwhenunlessIyouheshe...present simple

Examples:You have to buy your own drinks if you fly on a budget airline. Geoff always cooks us a roast dinner when we visit him.2. You can also form the zero conditional with the imperative form. If you have a membership card, enter through the door on the left. Enter through the door on the left if you have a membership card.3. You can also form the zero conditional using a modal verb. If the alarm goes off, we should leave the building. If its rainy and sunny at the same time, you can often see a rainbow. 4. Different tenses can be used in the If / When (condition) clause. However, only the present simple, a modal or imperative form can be used in the result clause. If weve finished all our work, we can leave early. If people are getting enough exercise, they usually feel better emotionally as well as physically.

First ConditionalUse:The first conditional structure is used to talk about something which will or may happen in the future as a result of something else.Example: If it rains tomorrow, Ill stay at home.Form:Make the first conditional in this way.IfWhenIyouheshe...present simple,Iyouheshe...will / wontmight / might notverb(infinitive form)

Examples:If I see Tom, I will tell him the news.When you visit, we might go to the park.OrIyouheshe...will / wontmight / might notverb(infinitive form)ifwhenIyouheshe...present simple

Examples:Shell be late if she doesnt hurry up. You might not pass your exams if you watch television all the time.Common Mistakes:1) Dont usewillormightdirectly afterwillormight.IfI will arrivefirst, Ill make lunch. => IfI arrivefirst, Ill make lunch.2) Always use an infinitive verb afterwillandmight.I mightto goout tonight, if Im not too tired. => Imight goout tonight if Im not too tired.