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
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

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
TO

Use 'to' with movement from one place to another:

I went to school.
Did you go to work?
Let's go to the shopping mall.

DO NOT Use 'to' with 'home'

Test your understanding with this short quiz.

2
Use "some" in positive sentences. We use some for both countable and uncountable
nouns.

Example: I have some friends.

Use "any" in negative sentences or questions. We use any for both countable and
uncountable nouns.

Example: Do you have any cheese? - He doesn't have any friends in Chicago.

Use "some" in questions when offering or requesting something that is there.

Example: Would you like some bread? (offer) - Could I have some water? (request)

Use "any" in negative sentences or questions. We use any for both countable and
uncountable nouns.

Example: Do you have any cheese? - He doesn't have any friends in Chicago.

Use "some" words - somebody, someone, somewhere and something - in positive

sentences.

Example: He lives somewhere near here.

Use "any" words - anybody, anyone, anywhere and anything - in negative sentences or
questions.

Example: Do you know anything about that boy? - She doesn't have anywhere to go.
 3

a = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) with
consonants
She 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 the listener
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 repeat that 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 general
I like Russian tea.
She likes reading books.
DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about meals, places, and transport
He has breakfast at home.
I go to university.
He comes to work by taxi.
Rank Word Rank Word Rank Word Rank Word
1 The 126 name 251 open 376 ten
2 Of 127 very 252 seem 377 simple
3 To 128 through 253 together 378 several
4 And 129 just 254 next 379 vowel
5 A 130 form 255 white 380 toward
6 In 131 much 256 children 381 war
7 Is 132 great 257 begin 382 lay
8 It 133 think 258 got 383 against
9 You 134 say 259 walk 384 pattern
10 That 135 help 260 example 385 slow
11 He 136 low 261 ease 386 center
12 Was 137 line 262 paper 387 love
13 For 138 before 263 Often 388 person
14 On 139 turn 264 always 389 money
15 Are 140 cause 265 music 390 serve
16 With 141 same 266 Those 391 appear
17 As 142 mean 267 Both 392 road
18 I 143 differ 268 Mark 393 map
19 His 144 move 269 Book 394 science
20 They 145 right 270 Letter 395 rule
21 Be 146 boy 271 Until 396 govern
22 At 147 old 272 Mile 397 pull
23 One 148 too 273 River 398 cold
24 Have 149 does 274 Car 399 notice
25 This 150 tell 275 Feet 400 voice
26 From 151 sentence 276 Care 401 fall
27 Or 152 set 277 second 402 power
28 had 153 three 278 Group 403 town
29 by 154 want 279 Carry 404 fine
30 hot 155 air 280 Took 405 certain
31 but 156 well 281 Rain 406 fly
32 some 157 also 282 Eat 407 unit
33 what 158 play 283 Room 408 lead
34 there 159 small 284 Friend 409 cry
35 we 160 end 285 began 410 dark
36 can 161 put 286 Idea 411 machine
37 out 162 home 287 Fish 412 note
38 other 163 read 288 mountain 413 wait
39 were 164 hand 289 North 414 plan
40 all 165 port 290 Once 415 figure
41 your 166 large 291 Base 416 star
42 when 167 spell 292 Hear 417 box
43 up 168 add 293 Horse 418 noun
44 use 169 even 294 cut 419 field
45 word 170 land 295 sure 420 rest
46 how 171 here 296 watch 421 correct
47 said 172 must 297 color 422 able
accept
allow
ask
believe
borrow
break
bring
buy
can/be able
cancel
change
clean
comb
complain
cough
count
cut
dance
draw
drink
drive
eat
explain
fall
fill
find
finish
fit
fix
fly
forget
give
go
have
hear
hurt
know
learn
leave
listen
live
look
lose
make/do
need
open
close/shut
organise
pay
play
put
rain
read
reply
run
say
see
sell
send
sign
sing
sit
sleep
smoke
speak
spell
spend
stand
start/begin
study
succeed
swim
take
talk
teach
tell
think
translate
travel
try
turn off
turn on
type
understand
use
wait
wake up
want
watch
work
worry
write

TOP 100 MISSPELT WORDS IN ENGLISH

Here are the 100 English words which many people have problems spelling!

acceptable equipment library referred

accidentally exhilarate lightning reference

accommodate exceed maintenance relevant

acquire existence manoeuvre religious

acquit experience memento restaurant

a lot fiery millennium ridiculous

amateur foreign miniature rhythm

apparent fourth mischievous sandal

argument gauge noticeable schedule

atheist generally occasion scissors

believe grammar occasionally sensible

calendar grateful occur / occurred separate

category guarantee occurrence special

cemetery harass official success

 to / too / two
changeable height parallel

tomorrow
collectible hierarchy parliament

their / they're /
committed ignorance pastime
there

conscience immediate pigeon

twelfth

conscientious independent possession

tyranny

conscious indispensable preferable

until

definite(ly) intelligence principal / principle

vacuum

disappear its / it's privilege

vicious

discipline judgement questionnaire

weather

drunkenness knowledge receive

weird

embarrass leisure recommend

you're / your

4
'Like' can be used as a verb or as a preposition. There are a number of common questions with
'like' that are easy to confuse.

What's he like? - 'What like?' is used to ask about a person's or object's character and
is general in nature.
What does he like? - This use of the verb 'like' is for general preferences. 'Like' as a verb
is generally followed by the 'ing' form of the verb (I like playing tennis).
What does she look like? - 'Like' is used as a preposition to express physical appearance.
In this case, 'like' can also mean 'similar to' if you are making a comparison to other
people.
What would you like to drink? - Another common use of 'like' is in 'would like' to
express wishes. Note that 'would like' is followed by the infinite form of the verb NOT
the '-ing' form.
be - was/were
become - became
 begin - began
break - broke
bring - brought
build - built
buy - bought
come - came
cost - cost
cut - cut
do - did
drink - drank
eat - ate
find - found
fly - flew
get - got
give - gave
go - went
have - had
keep - kept
know - knew
leave - left
make - made
meet - met
pay - paid
put - put
read - read
say - said
see - saw
sell - sold
send - sent
speak - spoke
spend - spent
take - took
teach - taught
tell - told
think - thought

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 subject of 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 her when 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
something belongs to someone. 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 'these' refer
to something 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 - my, your, his, her, its, our, your, their are often confused with
possessive pronouns. The possessive adjective modifies the noun following it in order to
show possession.

I'll get my books.

Is that your car over there?
That is his teacher, Mr Jones.
I want to go to her store.
Its color is red.
Can we bring our children?
You are welcome to invite your husbands.

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'

Verb + 'ing' OR Verb + Infinitive

When two verbs are used together, the second verb is often in the gerund form (-ing) or the
infinitive. There are no specific rules concerning which verbs take which form. Like irregular
verbs, you will need to learn which form a verb takes.

Common Verbs + 'ing'

go
enjoy
quit
discuss
mind
can't stand
suggest

Examples:

They go jogging on Saturdays.

I don't mind helping you.
They can't stand driving in traffic jams.

Common Verbs + Infinitive

promise
plan
refuse
want
need
decide
hope

Examples:

I promised to help him.

Alice needs to start that task.
He decided to quit his job.

Use the present simple to talk about activities or routines which take place on a regular basis.

Positive Sentences Subject + present conjugation of verb + objects

I / You drive to work every day.

She / He / It drives to work every day.

You / We / They drive to work every day.

Negative Sentences

Subject + do not + base form of verb + objects

I / You don't (do not) use a computer every day.

She / He / It doesn't ( does not) use a computer at work. It

You / We / They don't (do not) use a typewriter at work.

Question Form

Wh? + do + subject + base form of verb ?

When do I / you arrive at work?

What does he / she / it use at work?

Where do we / you / they keep the paper?

Modals are verbs that modify other verbs. The most common modals are:

Can
Should
Must

Note that all subjects take the same form of the modal.

Positive

Subject + Modal + Base Form of Verb + Objects

Examples

He can play the piano.

I must leave soon.

Negative

Subject + Modal + Not + Base Form of Verb + Objects

Examples

They can't visit next week.

You shouldn't go to that film.

Question

Modal + Subject + Base Form of Verb + Objects

Examples

Can you help me?

What should I do?
Giving Advice with Should

'Should' is used when asking for or giving advice. It is also used when asking for suggestions.

Examples

I think you should see a doctor.

What type of job should I get?

Expressing Ability with Can

'Can' is used to speak abilities.

Examples

He can speak Japanese.

Can you play golf?

Asking for Permission with May

'May' is used to ask for permission.

Examples

May I help you?

May I visit you this afternoon?

NOTE: In spoken English, 'Can I ...?' is often used instead of 'May I ...?'

The future with 'Will' is used in a variety of situations discussing the future. Use the following
forms with 'will'. Notice that 'will' or 'won't' is used for ALL subjects.

Positive

Subject + will + base form of verb + object(s)

Negative

Subject + will + not + base form of verb + object(s)

Question

(Question Word) + will + subject + base form of verb?

Used for spontaneous decisions. Spontaneous decisions are decisions made AT the moment of
speaking.
Examples

Jack's hungry. I'll make her a sandwich.

That's difficult! I'll help you with the problem.

Used for predictions:

Examples

It will snow tomorrow.

She won't win the game.

Used for scheduled public events

Examples

The concert will begin at 8 o'clock.

When will the train leave?
The class won't start next week.

Used for promises

Examples

Will you marry me?

I'll help you with your homework after class.

Future with 'Going to'

The future with 'going to' is used to speak about future intentions or plans made before the
present moment. Use the following forms with 'going to'.

Positive

Subject + to be + going to + base form of verb + object(s)

Negative

Subject + to be + not + going to + base form of verb + object(s)

Question

(Question Word) + to be + subject + going to + base form of verb?

Examples We are going to study French next semester.
Where are you going to stay in France?
She isn't going to take a vacation this year.

Used for planned decisions. Planned decisions are decisions made BEFORE the moment of
speaking.

Examples

I'm going to study Languages at university next year.

We're going to stay at the Hilton in New York next week.

Used for predicting an action that you see is about to happen:

Examples

Watch out! You're going to hit that car!

Look at those clouds. It's going to rain.

Used for future intentions:

Examples

I'm going to be a policeman when I grow up.

Katherine is going to study English when she goes to University.

Countable and Uncountable

Uncountable

Use the singular form of the verb with uncountable nouns. Use both 'some' and any' with
uncountable nouns when speaking about specific objects.

Examples

Do you have any butter?

There is some juice in the bottle.

If you are speaking in general, do not use a modifier.

Examples

Do you drink coca cola?

He doesn't eat meat.
Countable

Use the plural form of the verb with countable nouns. Use both 'some' and 'any' with countable
nouns when speaking about specific objects.

Examples

There are some magazines on the table.

Has he got any friends?

If you are speaking in general, use the plural form of the noun.

Examples

They love books by Hemingway.

She doesn't eat apples.

Expressions for Use with Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Use the following expressions with uncountable nouns.

most
much, lots of, a lot of
some
a little, little

Examples

There is lots of interest in the project.

She's got some money left in the bank.
There's little time to finish.

Use the following expressions with countable nouns.

many, lots of, a lot of

several
some
not many, only a few, few

Examples

There are a lot of pictures on the wall.

We have several friends in Chicago.
She bought some envelopes this afternoon.
There are only a few people in the restaurant.
What are countable nouns?

Countable nouns are individual objects, people, places, etc. which can be counted.

books, Italians, pictures, stations, men, etc.

A countable noun can be both singular - a friend, a house, etc. - or plural - a few apples, lots of
trees, etc.

Use the singular form of the verb with a singular countable noun:

There is a book on the table.

That student is excellent!

Use the plural form of the verb with a countable noun in the plural:

There are some students in the classroom.

Those houses are very big, aren't they?

What are uncountable nouns?

Uncountable nouns are materials, concepts, information, etc. which are not individual objects
and can not be counted.

information, water, understanding, wood, cheese, etc.

Uncountable nouns are always singular. Use the singular form of the verb with uncountable
nouns:

There is some water in that pitcher.

That is the equipment we use for the project.

Adjectives with Countable and Uncountable Nouns.

Use a/an with countable nouns preceded by an adjective(s):

Tom is a very intelligent young man.

I have a beautiful grey cat.

Do not use a/an with uncountable nouns preceded by an adjective(s):

That is very useful information.

There is some cold beer in the fridge.

Some uncountable nouns in English are countable in other languages. This can be confusing!
Here is a list of some of the most common, easy to confuse uncountable nouns.
accommodation
advice
baggage
bread
equipment
furniture
garbage
information
knowledge
luggage
money
news
pasta
progress
research
travel
work

We use the comparative and superlative form to compare and contrast different objects in
English. Use the comparative form to show the difference between two objects. Example: New
York is more exciting than Seattle. Use the superlative form when speaking about three or more
objects to show which object is 'the most' of something. Example: New York is the most exciting
city in the USA.

Here is a chart showing how to construct the comparative form in English. Notice in the example
sentences that we use 'than' to compare the two objects:

One Syllable Adjectives

add '-er' to end of the adjective (Note: double the final consonant if preceded by a vowel) remove
the 'y' from the adjective and add 'ier'

Example: cheap - cheaper / hot - hotter / high - higher

Example Sentences

Yesterday was hotter than today.

This book is cheaper than that book.

Two Syllable Adjectives Ending in '-y'

Example: happy - happier / funny - funnier

Example Sentences
I am happier than you.
That joke was funnier than his joke.

Two, Three or More Syllable Adjectives

place 'more' before the adjective

Example: interesting - more interesting / difficult - more difficult

Example Sentences

London is more expensive than Madrid.

This test is more difficult than the last test.

IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS

There are some important exceptions to these rules. Here are two of the most important
exceptions:

good

good - adjective
better - comparative

Example Sentences

This book is better than that one.

I am better at tennis than my sister.

bad

bad - adjective
worse - comparative

Example Sentences

His French is worse than mine.

His singing is worse than Tom's.

Here is a chart showing how to construct the superlative form in English:

One Syllable Adjectives

Place 'the' before the adjective and add '-est' to end of the adjective (Note: double the final
consonant if preceded by a vowel).

Example: cheap - the cheapest / hot - the hottest / high - the highest

Example Sentences

Today is the hottest day of the summer.

This book is the cheapest I can find.

Two, Three or More Syllable Adjectives

Place 'the most' before the adjective.

Example: interesting - the most interesting / difficult - the most difficult

Example Sentences:

London is the most expensive city in England.

That is the most beautiful painting here.

Two Syllable Adjectives Ending in '-y' Place 'the' before the adjective and remove the 'y' from
the adjective and add 'iest'.

Example: happy - the happiest / funny - the funniest

Example Sentences

New York is the noisiest city in the USA.

He is the most important person I know.

IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS

There are some important exceptions to these rules. Here are two of the most important
exceptions:

good

good - adjective
the best - superlative

Example Sentences

Peter is the best golf player in the school.

This is the best school in the city.
bad

bad - adjective
the worst - superlative

Example Sentences

Jane is the worst student in the class.

This is the worst day of my life.

Time expressions are used to indicate the time at / during which an action took place. Common
time expressions include:

Present forms: everyday, on Fridays, at the moment, now, as well as adverbs of frequency such
as always, usually, sometimes (for present habits and routines). Days of the weeks followed by 's'
such as Mondays, Tuesdays, etc.

Examples

He sometimes finishes work early.

Marjorie is listening to the radio at the moment.
Peter goes jogging on Saturdays.

Past forms: when I was ..., last week, day, year, etc., yesterday, ago (two weeks ago, three years
ago, four months ago, etc.)

Examples

He visited his friends last week.

I didn't see you two days ago.
Jane flew to Boston yesterday.

Future forms: next week, year, etc., tomorrow, by (the end of the week, Thursday, next year,
etc.) in X time (in two weeks time, in four months time, etc.)

Examples

I'm going to attend a conference next week.

It won't snow tomorrow.
They're going to visit New York in two weeks.

Perfect forms: since, yet, already, just, for

Examples
Michael has worked here since 1998.
Have you finished reading the paper yet?
He's just gone to the bank.

Use adverbs of frequency to say how often you do something. Adverbs of frequency are often
used with the present simple because they indicate repeated or routine activities. For example,
They often go out for dinner.

Adverbs of frequency include (form most often to least often):

always
usually
often
sometimes
occasionally
seldom
rarely
never

If the sentence has one verb (e.g. no auxiliary verb) put the adverb in the middle of the sentence
after the subject and before the verb.

Examples

Tom usually goes to work by car.

Janet never flies. She always goes by bus.

Adverbs of frequency come after the verb 'be':

Examples

I am never late for work.

Peter is often at school.

If the sentence has more than one verb (e.g. auxiliary verb), put the adverb of frequency before
the main verb.

Examples

I can never remember anything!

They have often visited Rome.

When using adverbs of frequency in the question or negative form, put the adverb of frequency
before the main verb.
Examples

She doesn't often visit Europe.

Do you usually get up early?

Use the imperative form when giving instructions or orders. The imperative is also very common
in written instructions. Be careful when you use the imperative, as it is often considered impolite
in English. If someone asks you for instructions, use the imperative. If, on the other hand, you
would like to request that someone do something use a polite question form.

There is only one imperative form for both 'you' singular and plural.

Examples:

Hurry up!
Take the first left, go straight on and the supermarket is on the left.

Positive

Base Form of Verb + Objects

Turn the music down, please.

Insert coins into the slot.

Negative

Do + Not + Base Form of Verb + Objects

Do not smoke in this building. Don't rush, I'm not in a hurry.

Adjectives Modify Nouns

Adjectives are placed directly before a noun:

Examples:

Tom is an excellent singer.

I bought a comfortable chair.

She's thinking about buying a new house.

Adjectives are also used in simple sentences with the verb 'to be'. In this case, the
adjective describes the subject of the sentence:

Examples:
 Jack is happy.

Peter was very tired.

Mary'll be excited when you tell her.

Adverbs

Adverbs Modify Verbs, Adjectives and Other Adverbs

Adverbs are easily recognized because they end in '-ly' (with a few exceptions!):

Examples:

Adjective - careful / Adverb - carefully

Adjective - quick / Adverb - quickly

Adverbs are often used at the end of a sentence to modify the verb:

Examples:

Jack drove carelessly.

Tom played the match intelligently.

Jason talks about his classes constantly.

The present perfect is used to say what has happened recently and has an effect on the present
moment. We often use 'just', 'yet' and 'already' to express the relationship to the present moment.

Examples

Have you seen Mary yet?

They've already had dinner.
She's just been to the dentist's.

The present perfect is also used to express something which has happened up to the present
moment of time.

Examples
Have you worked here for a long time?
Peter's lived here since 1987.
She hasn't had much fun this week.

Positive Form

Subject + have + past participle + object(s)

Examples

Peter's lived here since 1987.

We've been very busy today.

Negative Form

Subject + have + not + past participle + object(s)

Examples

I haven't been to class very often this month.

She hasn't had much fun this week.

Question Form

(Wh?) + have + subject + past participle?

Examples

Have you worked here for a long time?

Where have you been?

Present Perfect for Unspecified Past

When speaking about an experience that has happened at an UNSPECIFIED point in time before
the present moment use the present perfect.

Examples

I've been to New York three times.

They've lived in many places.
She's studied in London.

NOTE: In this use of the present perfect, we are talking about things that have happened up to
the present moment. Whenever you speak about something that has happened up to now
without giving a precise point in time, use the present perfect.
Use of 'For', 'Since' and 'How long'

Use 'for' to indicate a duration or period of time.

Examples

He has lived here for seven years.

We have been here for six weeks.
Shirley has played tennis for a long time.

Use 'since' to indicate a specific point in time.

Examples

I've worked here since 2004.

She's gone to dancing lessons since April.
They've been unhappy since they left college.

Use 'How long' in the question form to ask about duration.

Examples

How long have you played the piano?

How long has he worked here?
How long has she been with you?

Use the past simple to talk about activities or routines which take place at a specified time in the
past. Notice that all subjects take the same conjugation of the verb. Regular verbs end in '-ed'.

visit - visited
enjoy - enjoyed

Irregular verbs have various forms and each verb needs to be learned.

see - saw
think - thought

The past simple is used to express a finished past action which occurs at a specific moment in the
past.

Examples
She visited Iran last month.
They didn't go to Tom's party last weekend.
Where did you go on vacation last summer?

The following time signifiers often indicate a specific point in time.

last
ago
in ... (plus a year or month)
yesterday
when ... (plus a phrase)

Examples

They had lunch at home last week.

He left the company many years ago.
Susan bought a new car in May.
He telephoned his friend in Rome yesterday.
I played golf when I was a teenager.

Positive Form

Subject + past form of verb + object(s) + time

Examples

They flew to Chicago last month.

Peter completed his course three weeks ago.

Negative Form

Subject + did + not + base form of verb + object(s) + (time)

Examples

They didn't expect to see you at Christmas.

She didn't understand the question.

Question Form

(Wh?) + did + subject + base form of verb + (object(s))+ (time)?

Examples

Where did you study French?

When did you arrive last week?
Use the present continuous to speak about what is happening at the present moment in time.

Positive Form

Subject + to be + verb + ing + objects

Examples

He is watching TV.
They're playing tennis at the moment.

Negative Form

Subject + are not + verb + ing + objects

Examples

She isn't studying at the moment.

We aren't working now.

Question Form

Wh? + do + subject + verb + ing + objects ?

Examples

What are you doing?

Are you cooking dinner now?

NOTE: We use time expressions like 'at the moment, currently, this week - month' with this form
of the present continuous.

Present Simple

Use the present simple to talk about activities or routines which take place on a regular basis.

Examples

I often go jogging on Saturdays.

He usually has coffee for breakfast.

Present Continuous
Use the present continuous to speak about what is happening at the present moment in time,
around the present moment, or for a future scheduled event.

Examples

We're working on the Smith account this month.

She's watching TV at the moment.

Stative Verbs

Stative verbs are verbs which express a state. Action verbs are verbs which express something a
person does.

Examples

I hope to see you soon. (stative verb) He is cooking dinner at the moment. (action verb)

Stative verbs cannot be used in the continuous forms. Here is a list of common stative verbs:

believe
understand
think (opinion)
want
hope
smell
taste
feel
sound
look
seem
appear

Sometimes the past simple and the present perfect are confused. It is important to remember that
the past simple is used to express a finished past action which occurs at a specific moment in the
past. The present perfect is used to express something that happened at an unspecified moment
in the past. For example, if I visited Paris in 2004, I could express this in two ways:

Past Simple

I visited Paris in 2004.

I went to Paris a few years ago.

Note that the moment in time is specific - in 2004, a few years ago.
Present Perfect

I've been to Paris.

I've visited Paris.

In this case, the moment of my visit is not specific. I am speaking about an experience that I have
had in my life up to this moment in time.

This is the key to understanding the difference between the past simple and the present perfect.
The past simple expresses something which happened at a specific time in the past. The
present perfect expresses something that I have experienced in my life without giving the
exact time.

Types of Verbs
Before you begin the verb tense lessons, it is extremely important to understand
that NOT all English verbs are the same. English verbs are divided into three groups: Normal
Verbs, Non-Continuous Verbs, and Mixed Verbs.

Group I Normal Verbs

Most verbs are "Normal Verbs." These verbs are usually physical actions which you can see
somebody doing. These verbs can be used in all tenses.

Normal Verbs

to run, to walk, to eat, to fly, to go, to say, to touch, etc.

Examples:

I eat dinner every day.

I am eating dinner now.

Group II Non-Continuous Verbs

The second group, called "Non-Continuous Verbs," is smaller. These verbs are usually things you
cannot see somebody doing. These verbs are rarely used in continuous tenses. They include:

Abstract Verbs

to be, to want, to cost, to seem, to need, to care, to contain, to owe, to exist...

Possession Verbs

to possess, to own, to belong...

Emotion Verbs

to like, to love, to hate, to dislike, to fear, to envy, to mind...

Examples:

He is needing help now. Not Correct

He needs help now. Correct

He is wanting a drink now. Not Correct

He wants a drink now. Correct

Group III Mixed Verbs

The third group, called "Mixed Verbs," is the smallest group. These verbs have more than one
meaning. In a way, each meaning is a unique verb. Some meanings behave like "Non-Continuous
Verbs," while other meanings behave like "Normal Verbs."

Mixed Verbs

to appear, to feel, to have, to hear, to look, to see, to weigh...

List of Mixed Verbs with Examples and Definitions:

to appear:

Donna appears confused. Non-Continuous Verb

Donna seems confused.
My favorite singer is appearing at the jazz club tonight. Normal Verb
My favorite singer is giving a performance at the jazz club tonight.

to have:

I have a dollar now. Non-Continuous Verb

I possess a dollar.
I am having fun now. Normal Verb
I am experiencing fun now.

to hear:

She hears the music. Non-Continuous Verb

She hears the music with her ears.
She is hearing voices. Normal Verb
She hears something others cannot hear. She is hearing voices in her mind.
to look:

Nancy looks tired. Non-Continuous Verb

She seems tired.
Farah is looking at the pictures. Normal Verb
She is looking with her eyes.

to miss:

John misses Sally. Non-Continuous Verb

He is sad because she is not there.
Debbie is missing her favorite TV program. Normal Verb
She is not there to see her favorite program.

to see:

I see her. Non-Continuous Verb

I see her with my eyes.
I am seeing the doctor. Normal Verb
I am visiting or consulting with a doctor. (Also used with dentist and lawyer.)
I am seeing her. Normal Verb
I am having a relationship with her.
He is seeing ghosts at night. Normal Verb
He sees something others cannot see. For example ghosts, aura, a vision of the future,
etc.

to smell:

The coffee smells good. Non-Continuous Verb

The coffee has a good smell.
I am smelling the flowers. Normal Verb
I am sniffing the flowers to see what their smell is like.

to taste:

The coffee tastes good. Non-Continuous Verb

The coffee has a good taste.
I am tasting the cake. Normal Verb
I am trying the cake to see what it tastes like.

to think:

He thinks the test is easy. Non-Continuous Verb

He considers the test to be easy.
 She is thinking about the question. Normal Verb
She is pondering the question, going over it in her mind.

to weigh:

The table weighs a lot. Non-Continuous Verb

The table is heavy.
She is weighing herself. Normal Verb
She is determining her weight.

Some Verbs Can Be Especially Confusing:

to be:

Joe is American. Non-Continuous Verb

Joe is an American citizen.
Joe is being very American. Normal Verb
Joe is behaving like a stereotypical American.
Joe is being very rude. Normal Verb
Joe is behaving very rudely. Usually he is not rude.
Joe is being very formal. Normal Verb
Joe is behaving very formally. Usually he is not formal.

NOTICE: Only rarely is "to be" used in a continuous form. This is most commonly done when a
person is temporarily behaving badly or stereotypically. It can also be used when someone's
behavior is noticeably different.

to feel:

The massage feels great. Non-Continuous Verb

The massage has a pleasing feeling.
I don't feel well today. Sometimes used as Non-Continuous Verb
I am a little sick.
I am not feeling well today. Sometimes used as Normal Verb
I am a little sick.

NOTICE: The second meaning of "feel" is very flexible and there is no real difference in
meaning between "I don't feel well today" and "I am not feeling well today."
Active / Passive Verb Forms
Sentences can be active or passive. Therefore, tenses also have "active forms"
and "passive forms." You must learn to recognize the difference to successfully speak English.

Active Form

In active sentences, the thing doing the action is the subject of the sentence and the thing
receiving the action is the object. Most sentences are active.

[Thing doing action] + [verb] + [thing receiving action]

Examples:

Passive Form

In passive sentences, the thing receiving the action is the subject of the sentence and the thing
doing the action is optionally included near the end of the sentence. You can use the passive form
if you think that the thing receiving the action is more important or should be emphasized. You
can also use the passive form if you do not know who is doing the action or if you do not want to
mention who is doing the action.

[Thing receiving action] + [be] + [past participle of verb] + [by] + [thing doing action]

Examples:
Active / Passive Overview

Active Passive

Once a week, Tom cleans the Once a week, the house is cleaned by
Simple Present
house. Tom.

Present Right now, Sarah is writing the Right now, the letter is being written
Continuous letter. by Sarah.

Simple Past Sam repaired the car. The car was repaired by Sam.

The salesman was helping the The customer was being helped by
Past
customer when the thief came into the salesman when the thief came into
Continuous
the store. the store.

Many tourists have visited that That castle has been visited by many
Present Perfect
castle. tourists.

Present Perfect Recently, John has been doing the Recently, the work has been being
Continuous work. done by John.

George had repaired many cars Many cars had been repaired by
Past Perfect before he received his mechanic's George before he received his
license. mechanic's license.

The restaurant's fantastic dinners had

Chef Jones had been preparing the
Past Perfect been being prepared by Chef Jones
restaurant's fantastic dinners for two
Continuous for two years before he moved to
years before he moved to Paris.
Paris.

Simple Future Someone will finish the work by The work will be finished by 5:00
will 5:00 PM. PM.

Simple Future Sally is going to make a beautiful A beautiful dinner is going to be

be going to dinner tonight. made by Sally tonight.

Future
At 8:00 PM tonight, John will be At 8:00 PM tonight, the dishes will be
Continuous
washing the dishes. being washed by John.
will
Future
At 8:00 PM tonight, John is going At 8:00 PM tonight, the dishes are
Continuous
to be washing the dishes. going to be being washed by John.
be going to

Future Perfect They will have completed the The project will have been completed
will project before the deadline. before the deadline.

Future Perfect They are going to have completed The project is going to have been
be going to the project before the deadline. completed before the deadline.

Future Perfect The famous artist will have been The mural will have been being
Continuous painting the mural for over six painted by the famous artist for over
will months by the time it is finished. six months by the time it is finished.

The mural is going to have been

Future Perfect The famous artist is going to have
being painted by the famous artist for
Continuous been painting the mural for over
over six months by the time it is
be going to six months by the time it is finished.
finished.

Used to Jerry used to pay the bills. The bills used to be paid by Jerry.

My mother would always make the The pies would always be made by
Would Always
pies. my mother.

Future in the
I knew John would finish the work I knew the work would be finished by
Past
by 5:00 PM. 5:00 PM.
Would

Future in the
I thought Sally was going to make I thought a beautiful dinner was going
Past
a beautiful dinner tonight. to be made by Sally tonight.
Was Going to

Present Perfect
FORM

[has/have + past participle]

Examples:
 You have seen that movie many times.
Have you seen that movie many times?
You have not seen that movie many times.

Complete List of Present Perfect Forms

USE 1 Unspecified Time Before Now

We use the Present Perfect to say that an action happened at an unspecified time before now. The
exact time is not important. You CANNOT use the Present Perfect with specific time expressions
such as: yesterday, one year ago, last week, when I was a child, when I lived in Japan, at that
moment, that day, one day, etc. We CAN use the Present Perfect with unspecific expressions
such as: ever, never, once, many times, several times, before, so far, already, yet, etc.

Examples:

I have seen that movie twenty times.

I think I have met him once before.
There have been many earthquakes in California.
People have traveled to the Moon.
People have not traveled to Mars.
Have you read the book yet?
Nobody has ever climbed that mountain.
A: Has there ever been a war in the United States?
B: Yes, there has been a war in the United States.

How Do You Actually Use the Present Perfect?

The concept of "unspecified time" can be very confusing to English learners. It is best to
associate Present Perfect with the following topics:

TOPIC 1 Experience

You can use the Present Perfect to describe your experience. It is like saying, "I have the
experience of..." You can also use this tense to say that you have never had a certain experience.
The Present Perfect is NOT used to describe a specific event.
Examples:

I have been to France.

This sentence means that you have had the experience of being in France. Maybe you
have been there once, or several times.
I have been to France three times.
You can add the number of times at the end of the sentence.
I have never been to France.
This sentence means that you have not had the experience of going to France.
I think I have seen that movie before.
He has never traveled by train.
Joan has studied two foreign languages.
A: Have you ever met him?
B: No, I have not met him.

TOPIC 2 Change Over Time

We often use the Present Perfect to talk about change that has happened over a period of time.

Examples:

You have grown since the last time I saw you.

The government has become more interested in arts education.
Japanese has become one of the most popular courses at the university since the Asian
studies program was established.
My English has really improved since I moved to Australia.

TOPIC 3 Accomplishments

We often use the Present Perfect to list the accomplishments of individuals and humanity. You
cannot mention a specific time.

Examples:

Man has walked on the Moon.

Our son has learned how to read.
Doctors have cured many deadly diseases.
Scientists have split the atom.
TOPIC 4 An Uncompleted Action You Are Expecting

We often use the Present Perfect to say that an action which we expected has not happened.
Using the Present Perfect suggests that we are still waiting for the action to happen.

Examples:

James has not finished his homework yet.

Susan hasn't mastered Japanese, but she can communicate.
Bill has still not arrived.
The rain hasn't stopped.

TOPIC 5 Multiple Actions at Different Times

We also use the Present Perfect to talk about several different actions which have occurred in the
past at different times. Present Perfect suggests the process is not complete and more actions are
possible.

Examples:

The army has attacked that city five times.

I have had four quizzes and five tests so far this semester.
We have had many major problems while working on this project.
She has talked to several specialists about her problem, but nobody knows why she is
sick.

Time Expressions with Present Perfect

When we use the Present Perfect it means that something has happened at some point in our lives
before now. Remember, the exact time the action happened is not important.

Sometimes, we want to limit the time we are looking in for an experience. We can do this with
expressions such as: in the last week, in the last year, this week, this month, so far, up to now,
etc.

Examples:
 Have you been to Mexico in the last year?
I have seen that movie six times in the last month.
They have had three tests in the last week.
She graduated from university less than three years ago. She has worked for three
different companies so far.
My car has broken down three times this week.

NOTICE

"Last year" and "in the last year" are very different in meaning. "Last year" means the year
before now, and it is considered a specific time which requires Simple Past. "In the last year"
means from 365 days ago until now. It is not considered a specific time, so it requires Present
Perfect.

Examples:

I went to Mexico last year.

I went to Mexico in the calendar year before this one.
I have been to Mexico in the last year.
I have been to Mexico at least once at some point between 365 days ago and now.

USE 2 Duration From the Past Until Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)

With Non-Continuous Verbs and non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Present Perfect
to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now. "For five minutes,"
"for two weeks," and "since Tuesday" are all durations which can be used with the Present
Perfect.

Examples:

I have had a cold for two weeks.

She has been in England for six months.
Mary has loved chocolate since she was a little girl.

Although the above use of Present Perfect is normally limited to Non-Continuous Verbs and non-
continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, the words "live," "work," "teach," and "study" are sometimes
used in this way even though they are NOT Non-Continuous Verbs.

ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.

Examples:

You have only seen that movie one time.

Have you only seen that movie one time?

ACTIVE / PASSIVE

Examples:

Many tourists have visited that castle. Active

That castle has been visited by many tourists. Passive