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

Read the following description I am from Seattle, Washington. Seattle is a city in the United States. It is near the border of Canada in the northwest corner of the USA. I live in a town called Olympia which is on the Pudget Sound. I live in a house in a street in the countryside. The street is called "Bear Street" and the house is old - more than 100 years old! I am an English teacher at a school in the center of the town. I like books and taking photographs. I usually have lunch at school. I usually go home by car. We have all kinds of food in Olympia. I like Italian food very much. Sometimes, I go to an Italian restaurant in Seattle. The restaurant is called "Luigi's". Italian food is great! Here are the rules for when to use "A, An or The": a = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the 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.

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

An adjective describes how something 'is'. For this reason, we usually use the verb 'to be' when using adjectives. Adjectives are used to describe nouns. Example: He is a good doctor. Rule: Adjectives describe nouns. The adjective is always invariable. Example: beautiful trees, they are happy Be careful! Adjectives don't have a singular and plural form OR a masculine, femine and neuter form. Adjectives are always the same! Never add a final -s to an adjective. Adjectives can also be placed at the end of a sentence if they describe the subject of a sentence. Example: My doctor is excellent.

NOT!!: difficults books

Rule: Adjectives are placed before the noun. Example: a wonderful book very interesting people Be careful!

Don't place an adjective after the noun

NOT!!: an apple red

Adjective Placement - How to Use Adjectives

When using more than one adjective to describe a noun place the adjectives in the following order before the noun. NOTE: We usually use no more than three adjectives preceding a noun. 1. Opinion Example: an interesting book, a boring lecture 2. Dimension Example: a big apple, a thin wallet 3. Age Example: a new car, a modern building, an ancient ruin 4. Shape Example: a square box, an oval mask, a round ball

5. Color Example: a pink hat, a blue book, a black coat 6. Origin Example: some Italian shoes, a Canadian town, an American car 7. Material Example: a wooden box, a woolen sweater, a plastic toy Here are some examples of nouns modified with three adjectives in the correct order based on the list above. Notice that the adjectives are not separated by commas. A wonderful old Italian clock. (opinion - age - origin) A big square blue box. (dimension - shape - color) A disgusting pink plastic ornament. (opinion - color - material) Some slim new French trousers. (dimension - age - origin)

Using Adverbs
Adverbs modify verbs. They tell you How something is done. Example: How does he she sing? - She sings beautifully. Rule: Adverbs are often formed by adding -ly to an adjective Example: beautiful - beautifully, careful - carefully Be Careful! Some adjectives don't change in the adverb form. The most important of these are: fast - fast, hard - hard Good is probably the most important exception. The adverb form of 'good' is 'well'. Unfortunately, this is a common mistake that many Americans make!

NOT!!: He plays tennis good. Rule: Adverbs can also modify an adjective. In this case, the adverb is placed before teh adjective. Example: She is extremely happy. They are absolutely sure. Be Careful! Do not use 'very' with adjectives that express an increased quality of a basic adjective Example: good - fantastic

NOT!!: She is a very beautiful woman.

Rule: Adverbs of frequency (always, never, sometimes, often, etc.) usually come before the main verb Example: He is often late for class. Do you always eat in a restaurant? They don't usually travel on Fridays. Be Careful! Adverbs of frequency expressing infrequency are not usually used in the negative or question form. NOT!!: Does she rarely eat fish? They don't seldom go to the cinema. Adverbs of frequency are often placed at the beginning of a sentence. Example: Sometimes, he likes to go to museums. Adverbs of frequency follow - come after - the verb 'to be'. Example: He is sometimes late for work.

Q. What are the different types of pronouns? A.

There are four types of pronouns: Subject Pronouns, Object Pronouns, Possessive Pronouns and Demonstrative Pronouns. Here is a list and explanation showing the different types of pronouns:

Subject Pronouns - I, you, he, she, it, we, you, they function as the 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. Note that the possessive pronouns are similar to possessive adjectives (my, his, her). The difference is that the object follows the possessive adjective but does not follow the possessive pronoun. For example - Possessive Pronoun: That book is mine. - Possessive Adjective: That is my book. That house is mine. This is yours. I'm sorry, that's his. Those books are hers. Those students are ours. Look over there, those seats are yours. Theirs will be green.

Demonstrative Pronouns - this, that, these, those refer to things. 'this' and 'that' refer 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 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. They bought their children a lot of presents.

Conditionals
Listed below are examples, uses and formation of Conditionals followed by a quiz. Examples Conditional 0 If I am late, my father takes me to school. She doesn't worry if Jack stays out after school. Conditional 1 If it rains, we will stay at home. He will arrive late unless he hurries up. Usage Situations that are always true if something happens. NOTE This use is similiar to, and can usually be replaced by, a time clause using 'when' (example: When I am late, my father takes me to school.) Often called the "real" conditional because it is used for real - or possible - situations. These situations take place if a certain condition is met. NOTE

In the conditional 1 we often use unless which means 'if ... not'. In other words, '...unless he hurries up.' could also Peter will buy a new car, if be written, '...if he doesn't hurry up.'. he gets his raise. Conditional 2 If he studied more, he would pass the exam. I would lower taxes if I were the President. They would buy a new house if they had more money. Conditional 3 If he had known that, he would have decided differently. Jane would have found a new job if she had stayed in Boston. Often referred to as the "past" conditional because it concerns only past situations with hypothetical results. Used to express a hypothetical result to a past given situation. Often called the "unreal" conditional because it is used for unreal - impossible or improbable - situations. This conditional provides an imaginary result for a given situation. NOTE The verb 'to be', when used in the 2nd conditional, is always conjugated as 'were'.

Structure Conditional 0 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a

comma + the present simple in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If he comes to town, we have dinner We have dinner if he comes to town.

Conditional 1 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a comma + will + verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If he finishes on time, we will go to the movies. We will go to the movies if he finishes on time.

Conditional 2 is formed by the use of the past simple in the if clause followed by a comma + would + verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If they had more money, they would buy a new house. They would buy a new house if they had more money.

Conditional 3 is formed by the use of the past perfect in the if clause followed by a comma + would have + past participle in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses. If Alice had won the competition, life would have changed. Life would have changed if Alice had won the competition.

This - That - These - Those - Here - There

Read the conversations below: David: Frank: David: Frank: there? David: David: Frank: David: Frank: David: Could you give me that book on the table over there? Do you mean this book here? Yes, that book. Here you are. Oh, could you give me those magazines on the table over These? Sure, here you are. Is there an apple on that table over there? Yes, there is. Here it is. Great, are there any oranges? No, there aren't. Oh, here they are, next to me on this table.

Look at the chart below: We use "here" for something which is near to us. Example: Here is the pencil in my hand. We use "this" for one object (singular) which is here (near to us). Example: This is a book in my hand. We use "these" for more than one object (plural) which are here (near to us). Example: These are my friends next to me. We use "there" for one object (singular) which exists - or "is" (near to us). Example: There is (There's) a table next to the window. We use "there" for something which is far from us. Example: There is the pen next to the lamp. We use "that" for one object (singular) which is there. Example: That is his car over there. We use "those" for more than one object (plural) which are there. Example: Those are his toys over there. We use "there" for more than one object (plural) which exist - or "are". Example: There are (There're) many of my friends at the party tonight.

Preposition Use - in / at / to / nothing - prepositions of place and movement

IN Use 'in' with static (non-movement) verbs and cities, countries, states, etc.: AT Use 'at' with static (non-movement) verbs and places: TO Use 'to' with verbs of movement such as go, come, drive, etc.: go to work drive to California at the cinema at work at home stay in the USA work in New York

IMPORTANT NOTES The use of ' ' (nothing) With verbs of movement and the noun 'home' - He went home. - they drove home. With the verb 'visit' - She visited France last summer.

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

IN Use 'in' with spaces: in a room / in a building in a garden / in a park

Use 'in' with bodies of water: in the water

in the sea in a river

Use 'in' with lines: AT Use 'at' with places: at at at at the the the the bus-stop door cinema end of the street in a row / in a line in a queue

Use 'at' with places on a page: at the top of the page at the bottom of the page

Use 'at' in groups of people: ON Use 'on' with surfaces: on the ceiling / on the wall / on the floor on the table at the back of the class at the front of the class

Use 'on' with small islands: I stayed on Maui.

Use 'on' with directions: on the left on the right straight on

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

In / at / on the front We say 'in the front / in the back' of a car We say 'at the front / at the back' of buildings / groups of people We say 'on the front / on the back' of a piece of paper

Preposition Use - in / at / on - prepositions of time and date

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: AT Use 'at' with precise time: ON Use 'on' with days of the week: on Monday on Fridays at six o'clock at 10.30 at two p.m. in a few weeks in a couple of days

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'

Preposition Use - for / while / during

FOR Use 'for' with a period of time to express the duration or 'how long' something has happened: WHILE Use 'while' plus a verb form: while I was watching TV while I lived in New York for three weeks for many years

DURING Use 'during' with a noun to express 'when' something happens: during class during my vacation during the discussion

Noun + Prepositions
FOR Use 'for' preceded by the following nouns: a check for (amount of money) Example: She gave me a check for $50. a demand for something Example: Unfortunately, there wasn't enough demand for our product. a need for something Example: There is a real need for discipline in this class. a reason for something Example: I have a reason for doing that! IN

Use 'in' preceded by the following nouns: a rise in something Example: There has been a rise in prices recently. an increase in something Example: We have seen many increases in production levels. a fall in something Example: There has been a fall in prices recently. a decrease in something Example: We have seen many decreases in production levels. OF Use 'of' preceded by the following nouns: a cause of something Example: She is the cause of all his problems. a photograph OR a picture of something or someone Example: He took a photograph of the mountains. TO Use 'to' preceded by the following nouns: damage to something Example: I did a lot of damage to my car the other day. an invitation to a celebration of some type Example: We were invited to their wedding. reaction to something Example: Her reaction to his behavior was quite funny. a solution to a problem Example: He provided the solution to our financial situation.

an attitude to something (or TOWARDS something) Example: Your attitude to your problems doesn't help them get resolved. WITH Use 'with' preceded by the following nouns:

a relationship with someone or something Example: My relationship with Mary is wonderful.

a connection with someone or something Example: His connections with the CIA are very limited.

a contact with someone or something Example: Have you had any contact with Sarah? BETWEEN Use 'between' preceded by the following nouns:

a connection between TWO things Example: There is no connection between the two crimes.

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

a contact between TWO things Example: There is little contact between the two parents.

a difference between TWO things Example: There is no difference between those two colors.

Prepositions + Nouns
BY Use 'by' with the following nouns: to pay by check (credit card) Example: I paid the bill by check.

to do something by accident Example: I broke the vase by mistake.

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

to do something by chance Example: I saw Jack at the supermarket by chance.

a play, song, book, etc. by someone

Example: The opera 'Otello' is by Giuseppe Verdi. FOR Use 'for' with the following nouns: (to go / come) for a walk Example: Let's go for a walk. (to go / come) for a swim Example: We went for a swim as soon as we arrived. (to go / come) for a drink Example: Would you like to come over for a drink? (to go / come) for a visit Example: I'd love to come for a visit sometime. (to have something) for breakfast / lunch / dinner / supper (US English) Example: I had bacon and eggs for breakfast. IN Use 'in' with the following nouns: to be OR to fall in love with someone Example: I fell in love with my wife at first sight. in my opinion

Example: In my opinion, we need to invest in some development. ON Use 'on' with the following nouns: (to be) on fire Example: Help! The house is on fire! (to be) on the telephone / phone Example: I think Tom is on the phone at the moment. on television Example: There is a good film on television tonight. on the radio Example: Mahler's fifth was on the radio last night. (to be / go) on a diet Example: I really need to go on a diet. (to be / go) on strike Example: The sanitary engineers have gone on strike again. (to be / go) on holiday (UK English) / vacation (American English) Example: I really need to go on vacation soon. (to be / go) business Example: He went away this weekend on business. (to be / go) on a trip Example: We were on a trip this past weekend. (to be / go) a tour Example: Have you ever been on a tour of the French countryside? (to be / go) on an excursion a need for something

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

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

ABOUT Use the following adjectives followed by 'about'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions. angry / annoyed / furious about something Example: I'm really angry about our losses on the stock market! excited about something Example: He's excited about his birthday party next week. worried / upset about something Example: He's worried about his upcoming examinations. sorry about something Example: I'm very sorry about Losing your book. AT Use the following adjectives followed by 'at'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions. good / excellent / brillant at something OR at doing something Example: They are excellent at planning fun parties. bad / hopeless at something OR at doing something Example: Unfortunately, I'm hopeless at being on time. AT / BY Use the following adjectives followed by 'at' or 'by'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions. amazed / astonished / shocked / surprised at OR by something Example: I was amazed at his stamina. FOR

Use the following adjectives followed by 'for'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions. angry with someone for something Example: I'm really angry with John for his total lack of responsibility. famous for something Example: She's famous for her watercolor paintings. responsible for something Example: You'll have to speak to John, he's responsible for customer complaints. sorry for doing something Example: He says he's sorry for shouting at you. (to feel or be) sorry for someone Example: I really feel sorry for Pam. FROM Use the following adjectives followed by 'from'. different from somone / something Example: His photographs are very different from his paintings.

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

OF Use the following adjectives followed by 'of'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions. nice / kind / good / generous of someone (to do something) Example: It was very nice of him to buy me a present. mean of someone (to do something) Example: It was very mean of Susan to say that to Tom. stupid / silly of someone (to do something)

Example: I'm afraid it was stupid of me to come. intelligent / clever / sensible of someone (to do something) Example: That was quite sensible of Tom. polite of someone (to do something) Example: It was very polite of Peter to invite my sister to the party. impolite / rude of someone (to do something) Example: I can't believe how rude it was of Jack to shout at his daughter in front of all those people. unreasonable of someone (to do something) Example: Don't be so hard on yourself! It's unreasonable of you to expect to understand everything immediately. proud of something or someone Example: I'm very proud of my daughter's wonderful progress in school. ashamed of someone or something Example: She's ashamed of her bad grades. jealous / envious of someone or something Example: She's really envious of her sister's wealth. aware / conscious of something Example: Teens are often overly conscious of skin blemishes. capable / incapable of something Example: Peter is quite capable of conducting the meeting on his own. fond of someone or something Example: She is so fond of her niece. short of something Example: I'm afraid I'm short of cash tonight. tired of something

Example: I'm tired of your complaining! ON Use the following adjective followed by 'on'. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions. to be keen on something Example: She is very keen on horses. TO Use the following adjectives followed by 'to'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions. married / engaged to someone Example: Jack is engaged to Jill. nice / kind / good / generous to someone Example: She was very generous to me when I was staying with her. mean / impolite / rude / unpleasant / unfriendly / cruel to someone Example: How can you be so unfriendly to your neighbors? similar to something Example: His painting is similar to Van Gough. WITH Use the following adjectives followed by 'with'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions. angry / annoyed / furious with someone for something Example: I'm furious with my brother for having lied to me! delighted / pleased / satisfied with something Example: He is quite satisfied with his results. disappointed with something Example: She's really disappointed with her new car.

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

crowded with (people, tourists, etc.) Example: Disneyland is crowded with tourists in July.

Prepositions of Place and Direction

Look at this plan of the ground floor of a skyscraper: Here are a number of preposition combinations that can be used to describe the floor plan: Prepositions of Position at the back of at the bottom of at the top of behind between in the corner of in the middle of next to to the left of on the other side of to the right of on the side of on top of opposite Example Sentences There is a large garden in the middle of the skyscraper. The smallest room is located to the left of the internal garden. The entrance to room number three is opposite the entrance to room number two. Prepositions of Direction Here are a number of preposition that can be used to show direction and movement around the floor plan: across between into out of past

round through towards Example Sentences Walk through the exit of room two and enter into building number three. Walk across the indoor garden to reach room number five. Walk past the side entrance to reach the main entrance.

Simple Present for Beginners

Read the following interview using the simple present tense Mark: Hello, Can I ask you some questions for an interview? Jennifer: Yes, I can answer some questions. Mark: Thank you for taking the time. Now, first question: What do you do? Jennifer: I work in a library. I'm a librarian. Mark: Are you married? Jennifer: Yes, I am. Mark: What does your husband do? Jennifer: He works as a policeman. Mark: Do you usually have dinner together? Jennifer: Yes, we do. Mark: How often does your husband exercise? Jennifer: He sometimes exercises four times a week. But, he usually exercises only twice a week. Mark: Where do you like going on holiday? Jennifer: We rarely go on holiday. However, we like going to the mountains if we can. Mark: What type of books do you read? Jennifer: I often read horror stories. Mark: Thank you very much for answering my questions. Jennifer: You're welcome! Take a look at the following conjugation chart. Notice from the above dialogue and following chart that the present simple is often used to describe what we do every day. We use verbs of frequency (always, sometimes, usually, etc.) which indicate a habit. Examples Where do you work? The store opens at 9 o'clock. She lives in New York. Usage Permanent or long-lasting situations

I usually get up at 7 o'clock. She doesn't often go to Regular habits and daily the cinema. routines When do they usually have lunch? The Earth revolves around the Sun. What does 'strange' mean? Water doesn't boil at 20.

Facts

I love walking around late at night during the summer. She hates flying! Feelings What do you like? I don't want to live in Texas. He doesn't agree with you. I think he is a wonderful student. What do you consider your best accomplishment?

Opinions and states of mind

The plane leaves at 4 p.m. When do courses begin Timetables and schedules this semester? The train doesn't arrive until 10.35. Common present time expressions include: usually, always, often, sometimes, on Saturdays, at weekends (on weekends US English), rarely, on occasion, never, seldom Structure In the positive form add an 's' to the base form of the 3rd person singular. If the verb ends in -y preceded by a consonant, change the -y to -ies. I You eat lunch at noon. We They He eats lunch She at noon. tries to have fun. It Conjugate the helping verb 'do' + not (don't and doesn't) + the base form of the verb to make negatives. I You don't leave at noon. We They He She doesn't leave at noon. It Conjugate the helping verb 'do' (do or does) + the base form of the verb in question forms. Do I leave at noon?

Does

You We They He She It

leave at noon?

Present Simple
Listed below are examples, uses and structure of the Present Simple followed by a quiz. Examples Where do you work? The store opens at 9 o'clock. She lives in New York. I usually get up at 7 o'clock. She doesn't often go to the cinema. When do they usually have lunch? The Earth revolves around the Sun. What does 'strange' mean? Water doesn't boil at 20. I love walking around late at night during the summer. She hates flying! What do you like? I don't want to live in Texas. Usage Permanent or long-lasting situations

Regular habits and daily routines

Facts

Feelings

He doesn't agree with you. I think he is a wonderful student. Opinions and states of mind What do you consider your best accomplishment? The plane leaves at 4 p.m. When do courses begin this semester? The train doesn't arrive until 10.35.

Timetables and schedules

Common present time usually, always, often, expressions include: sometimes, on Saturdays, at weekends (on weekends US

English), rarely, on occasion, never, seldom Structure In the positive form add an 's' to the base form of the 3rd person singular. If the verb ends in -y preceded by a consonant, change the -y to -ies. I You eat lunch at noon. We They He eats lunch She at noon. tries to have fun. It Conjugate the helping verb 'do' + not (don't and doesn't) + the base form of the verb to make negatives. I You don't leave at noon. We They He She doesn't leave at noon. It Conjugate the helping verb 'do' (do or does) + the base form of the verb in question forms. I You Do leave at noon? We They He Does She leave at noon? It

Present Continuous (Progressive) for Beginners

Read the following interview using the present continuous (progressive) tense On the telephone Tracy: Hello, can I speak to Alex. Alex: This is Alex, who is speaking? Tracy: Hi, this is Tracy. Alex: Hi Tracy. What are you doing? Tracy: Oh, I'm just watching TV. What are you doing? Alex: Well, I'm cooking dinner. Tracy: What are you cooking? Alex: I'm baking some potatoes, boiling some carrots and grilling a steak. Tracy: It sounds delicious. Alex: What are you doing for dinner tonight? Tracy: Well, I don't have any plans... Alex: Would you like to come over for dinner? Tracy: Oh, I'd love to. Thanks. Alex: Great. Mary and Jack are also coming. They are arriving at seven. Tracy: OK, I'll be there at seven, too. Alex: OK, see you then. Bye. Tracy: Bye. Take a look at the following conjugation chart. Notice from the above dialogue and following chart that the present continuous (progressive) is used to describe what is happening at the moment. It is also used to describe a plan in the near future (this evening, next week, on Saturday, etc.). The present continuous (progressive) is often used with: now, at the moment, today, this morning - afternoon - evening. IMPORTANT NOTES: The present continuous (progressive) is used only with action verbs. Example: I am working at the moment NOT I am believing you. The present continuous (progressive) is also used to describe an action which is happening around this moment: Example: I'm reading 'Just in Time' this week. I'm not reading the book at this particular moment, but around this time. Examples What are you cooking? Tom is studying for his exams at the moment. It isn't raining now. We can go outside. Usage Actions happening at the present moment.

What are you doing this weekend? I'm meeting Peter tomorrow morning. We're driving to Albany this weekend. We're currently working on the Smith account. What classes are you taking this semester? We're studying Greek history this month.

Planned future events (usually in the near future)

Actions or events happening around the present moment.

Structure In the positive form, follow the form S + To be + Verb + -ing. Remember that you need to conjugate the auxiliary verb 'to be'. I am (I'm) You are (You're) eating at He, She, It is (He's, She's, It's) lunch noon. We, You, They are (We're, You're, They're) Conjugate the helping verb 'To Be' + Not + Verb + - ing to form negatives. I am not (I'm not) You are not (You aren't) He, She, It is not (He, She, It this coming isn't evening. We, You, They are not (We, You, They aren't) Conjugate the helping verb 'To Be' + S + Verb + - ing in question forms. you Are we listening to me? they he Is she listening to me? it

Present Continuous
Listed below are examples, uses and structure of the Present Continuous followed by a quiz. Examples Usage

What are you doing? She's reading in the Things that are happening now, at garden. the moment. They're not standing in the rain. I'm reading "The Surgeon's Mate" by Patrick O'Brian. Actions happening in a period Whose account are you around the present moment in working on? time. She's studying hard for her final exam. We're having leftovers this evening. What are you doing Future plans and arrangements. tomorrow afternoon? She isn't coming on Friday. at the moment, now, today, this Common present week, this month, tomorrow, next continuous time week (for future arrangements ), expressions include: currently Structure Conjugate the helping verb "be" and verb + -ing. I'm (I am) You're (You are) He's (He is) She's (She is) working today. It's (It is) We're (We are) You're (You are) They're (They are) Conjugate the helping verb "be" + not + verb + -ing. I'm not (I am not) coming this evening. You aren't (You are not) He isn't (He is not) She isn't (She is not) It isn't (It is not) We aren't (We are not)

You aren't (You are not) They aren't (They are not) Question word + conjugate the helping verb 'be' + subject + verb + -ing am I are you is he What is she doing this afternoon? is it are we are you are they

Beginner's English: Have, Have got

The differences between 'have' and 'have got' can be confusing for beginners. Here is a guide the two forms. When you finish reviewing try the 'Have / Have got' Quiz to check your understanding. Remember these important points:

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

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

Only 'have' is used when talking about actions.

Example: I usually have breakfast at 8 o'clock. NOT I usually have got breakfast at 8 o'clock.

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

Example: Do you have a fast car? NOT Have you a fast car?

'Have' and 'Have got' are only used in the present simple. Use 'have' for the past simple or future forms. Example: She had a copy of that book.

There is no contracted form for 'Have' in the positive form. The contracted form is used for 'have got' Example: I have a red bicycle. OR I've got a red bicycle. NOT I've a red bicycle. Here is a grammar chart showing the construction of the two forms: Positive I, You, We, They HAVE GOT Subject + have + got + objects They have got a new car. Contracted: They've got a new car. Positive He, She, It HAVE GOT Subject + has + got + objects He has got a new car. Contracted: He's got a new car. Positive I, You, We, They HAVE Subject + have + objects They have a new car. There is no contracted form Positive He, She, It HAVE Subject + have + objects She has a new car. There is no contracted form Question I, You, We, They HAVE GOT (?) + have + subject + got? How many children have you got? There is no contracted form

Question He, She, It HAVE GOT (?) + has + subject + got? How many children has he got? There is no contracted form Question I, You, We, They HAVE (?) + do + subject + have? How many children do you have? There is no contracted form Question He, She, It HAVE (?) + does + subject + have? How many children does he have? There is no contracted form Negative I, You, We, They HAVE GOT Subject + have + not + got + objects We have not got a dog. Contraction: We haven't got a dog. Negative He, She, It HAVE GOT Subject + has + not + got + objects She has not got a dog. Contraction: She hasn't got a dog. Negative I, You, We, They HAVE Subject + do + not + have + objects They do not have a dog. Contraction: They don't have a dog. Negative He, She, It HAVE GOT Subject + does + not + have + objects She does not have a dog. Contraction: She doesn't have a dog.