Phrasal Verbs List

Phrasal verbs are usually two-word phrases consisting of verb + adverb or verb + preposition. Think of them as you would any other English vocabulary. Study them as you come across them, rather than trying to memorize many at once. Use the list below as a reference guide when you find an expression that you don't recognize. The examples will help you understand the meanings. If you think of each phrasal verb as a separate verb with a specific meaning, you will be able to remember it more easily. Like many other verbs, phrasal verbs often have more than one meaning. This list shows about 200 common phrasal verbs, with meanings and examples. Only the most usual meanings are given. Some phrasal verbs may have additional meanings. As well as learning their meanings, you need to learn how to use phrasal verbs properly. Some phrasal verbs require a direct object (someone/something), while others do not. Some phrasal verbs can be separated by the object, while others cannot. Review this phrasal verbs grammar from time to time so that you don't forget the rules! Verb ask someone out ask around Meaning invite on a date ask many people the same question equal reverse support explode add air Example Brian asked Judy out to dinner and a movie. I asked around but nobody has seen my wallet. Your purchases add up to $205.32. You'll have to back up your car so that I can get out. My wife backed me up over my decision to quit my job. The racing car blew up after it crashed into the fence. We have to blow 50 balloons up for the party.

add up to something back something up back someone up blow up blow something up

break down

stop functioning (vehicle, machine) get upset

Our car broke down at the side of the highway in the snowstorm. The woman broke down when the police told her that her son had died. Our teacher broke the final project downinto three separate parts. Somebody broke in last night and stole our stereo. The firemen had to break into the room to rescue the children. I need to break these shoes in before we run next week. The TV station broke in to report the news of the president's death. My boyfriend and I broke up before I moved to America. The kids just broke up as soon as the clown started talking. The prisoners broke out of jail when the guards weren't looking. I broke out in a rash after our camping trip. This sad music is bringing me down. My grandparents brought me u

break down

break somethingdown

divide into smaller parts force entry to a building enter forcibly

break in break into something

break something in

wear something a few times so that it doesn't look/feel new interrupt

break in

break up

end a relationship start laughing (informal) escape

break up

break out

break out insomething bring someone down bring someone up

develop a skin condition make unhappy raise a child

p after my parents died. bring something up start talking about a subject vomit My mother walks out of the room when my father brings up sports. He drank so much that he brought his dinner up in the toilet. We called around but we weren't able to find the car part we needed. I called the company back but the offices were closed for the weekend. Jason called the wedding off because he wasn't in love with his fianc. The professor called on me for question 1. We called on you last night but you weren't home. Give me your phone number and I will callyou up when we are in town. You are still mad. You need to calm downbefore you drive the car. I don't care for his behaviour. You'll have to run faster than that if you want to catch up with Marty. We will get the hotel keys when we check in.

bring something up

call around

phone many different places/people return a phone call

call someone back

call something off

cancel

call on someone

ask for an answer or opinion visit someone phone

call on someone call someone up

calm down

relax after being angry not like (formal) get to the same point as someone else arrive and register at a

not care forsomeone/something catch up

check in

hotel or airport check out checksomeone/somethin gout check outsomeone/something cheer up cheer someone up chip in leave a hotel look at carefully, investigate look at (informal) become happier make happier help You have to check out of the hotel before 11:00 AM. The company checks out all new employees. Check out the crazy hair on that guy! She cheered up when she heard the good news. I brought you some flowers to cheer youup. If everyone chips in we can get the kitchen painted by noon. Please clean up your bedroom before you go outside. I came across these old photos when I was tidying the closet. The top and bottom come apart if you pull hard enough. My nephew came down with chicken pox this weekend. The woman came forward with her husband's finger prints. The art of origami comes from Asia. I am counting on you to make dinner while I am out. Please cross out your old

clean something up

tidy, clean

come acrosssomething

find unexpectedly separate

come apart

come down withsomething come forward

become sick

volunteer for a task or to give evidence originate in rely on draw a line

come fromsomewhere count onsomeone/something cross something out

through cut back onsomething consume less

address and write your new one. My doctor wants me to cut back onsweets and fatty foods. We had to cut the old tree in our yarddown after the storm. Your father cut in while I was dancing with your uncle. The bus driver got angry when that carcut in.

cut something down

make something fall to the ground interrupt pull in too closely in front of another vehicle start operating (of an engine or electrical device) remove with something sharp stop providing

cut in cut in

cut in

The air conditioner cuts in when the temperature gets to 22C. The doctors cut off his leg because it was severely injured. The phone company cut off our phone because we didn't pay the bill. My grandparents cut my father off when he remarried. I cut this ad out of the newspaper.

cut something off

cut something off

cut someone off

take out of a will

cut something out

remove part of something (usually with scissors and paper) beat up, ransack (Br.E., informal) do again (N.Amer.)

dosomeone/somethingov er do something over

He's lucky to be alive. His shop was done over by a street gang. My teacher wants me to do my essayover because

she doesn't like my topic. do away withsomething discard It's time to do away with all of these old tax records. Do your coat up before you go outside. It's snowing! It's a fancy restaurant so we have todress up. Andrea dropped back to third place when she fell off her bike. I might drop in/by/over for tea sometime this week. I have to drop my sister off at work before I come over.

do something up dress up drop back

fasten, close wear nice clothing move back in a position/group come without an appointment take someone/somet hing somewhere and leave them/it there quit a class, school etc eat at a restaurant eventually reach/do/decide break into pieces fall to the ground separate from an interior (of hair, teeth) become loose

drop in/by/over

dropsomeone/something off

drop out eat out end up

I dropped out of Science because it was too difficult. I don't feel like cooking tonight. Let's eat out. We ended up renting a movie instead of going to the theatre. My new dress fell apart in the washing machine. The picture that you hung up last night fell down this morning. The money must have fallen out of my pocket. His hair started to fall out when he was only 35.

fall apart fall down

fall out fall out

and unattached figure something out understand, find the answer to write information in blanks (Br.E.) to write information in blanks (N.Amer.) fill to the top discover discover I need to figure out how to fit the piano and the bookshelf in this room. Please fill in the form with your name, address, and phone number. The form must be filled out in capital letters.

fill something in

fill something out

fill something up find out find something out

I always fill the water jug up when it is empty. We don't know where he lives. How can we find out? We tried to keep the time of the party a secret, but Samantha found it out. I tried to get my point across/over to the judge but she wouldn't listen. I was surprised how well my new girlfriend and my sister got along/on. My grandfather can get around fine in his new wheelchair. We worked so hard this year that we had to get away for a week. Jason always gets away with cheating in his maths tests. We got back from our vacation last week.

get somethingacross/ov er

communicate, make understandable like each other

get along/on

get around

have mobility

get away

go on a vacation

get away withsomething get back

do without being noticed or punished return

get something back

receive something you had before retaliate, take revenge become interested in something again step onto a vehicle recover from an illness, loss, difficulty overcome a problem finally find time to do (N.Amer.:get around to something) meet (usually for social reasons) get out of bed stand reveal hidden information about someone take the bride to the altar ruin a secret

Liz finally got her Science notes back from my roommate. My sister got back at me for stealing her shoes. She stole my favourite hat. I finally got back into my novel and finished it. We're going to freeze out here if you don't let us get on the bus. I just got over the flu and now my sister has it. The company will have to close if it can'tget over the new regulations. I don't know when I am going to get round to writing the thank you cards. Let's get together for a BBQ this weekend. I got up early today to study for my exam. You should get up and give the elderly man your seat. His wife gave him away to the police. My father gave me away at my wedding. My little sister gave the

get back at someone

get back intosomething

get on something

get over something

get over something

get round tosomething

get together

get up get up give someone away

give someone away give something away

surprise partyaway by accident. give something away give something to someone for free return a borrowed item reluctantly stop fighting or arguing give to many people (usually at no cost) quit a habit stop trying follow someone try to achieve something compete, oppose start, proceed return to a place leave home to go on a social event date The library was giving away old books on Friday. I have to give these skates back to Franz before his hockey game. My boyfriend didn't want to go to the ballet, but he finally gave in. They were giving out free perfume samples at the department store. I am giving up smoking as of January 1st. My maths homework was too difficult so Igave up. My brother tried to go after the thief in his car. I went after my dream and now I am a published writer. We are going against the best soccer team in the city tonight. Please go ahead and eat before the food gets cold. I have to go back home and get my lunch. We're going out for dinner tonight. Jesse has been going out with Luke since they met last winter.

give something back

give in

give something out

give something up give up go after someone go after something go against someone

go ahead go back go out

go out with someone

go over something

review

Please go over your answers before you submit your test. I haven't seen Tina for a long time. I think I'll go over for an hour or two. When I was young, we went withoutwinter boots. My best friend and I grew apart after she changed schools. My roses grew back this summer. When Jack grows up he wants to be a fireman. Elizabeth needs a new pair of shoes because she has grown out of her old ones. This bike is too big for him now, but he should grow into it by next year. I handed my old comic books down to my little cousin. I have to hand in my essay by Friday. We will hand out the invitations at the door. The police asked the man to hand overhis wallet and his weapons. Hang in there. I'm sure you'll find a job very soon.

go over

visit someone nearby suffer lack or deprivation stop being friends over time regrow become an adult get too big for

go without something grow apart

grow back grow up grow out ofsomething

grow into something

grow big enough to fit give something used to someone else submit to distribute to a group of people give (usually unwillingly) stay positive (N.Amer., informal)

hand something down

hand something in hand something out hand something over

hang in

hang on hang out

wait a short time (informal) spend time relaxing (informal) end a phone call prevent from doing/going hide an emotion wait a short time hold firmly using your hands or arms rob

Hang on while I grab my coat and shoes! Instead of going to the party we are just going to hang out at my place. He didn't say goodbye before he hung up. I had to hold my dog back because there was a cat in the park. Jamie held back his tears at his grandfather's funeral. Please hold on while I transfer you to the Sales Department. Hold onto your hat because it's very windy outside. A man in a black mask held the bank upthis morning. Keep on stirring until the liquid comes to a boil. We kept our relationship from our parents for two years. Try to keep the wet dog out of the living room. If you keep those results up you will get into a great college. I need you to be on time. Don't let medown this time. Can you let the cat in before you go to school?

hang up holdsomeone/something back hold something back hold on

hold ontosomeone/something holdsomeone/something up keep on doingsomething keep something fromso meone keepsomeone/something out keep something up

continue doing not tell

stop from entering continue at the same rate fail to support or help, disappoint allow to enter

let someone down let someone in

look aftersomeone/something look down onsomeone

take care of think less of, consider inferior try to find be excited about the future investigate

I have to look after my sick grandmother. Ever since we stole that chocolate bar your dad has looked down on me. I'm looking for a red dress for the wedding. I'm looking forward to the Christmas break. We are going to look into the price of snowboards today. Look out! That car's going to hit you! Don't forget to look out for snakes on the hiking trail. Can you look over my essay for spelling mistakes? We can look her phone number up on the Internet.

look forsomeone/something look forward tosomething look into something

look out

be careful, vigilant, and take notice be especially vigilant for check, examine search and find information in a reference book or database have a lot of respect for invent, lie about something forgive each other apply cosmetics to confuse two or more things

look out forsomeone/something look something over look something up

look up to someone make something up make up

My little sister has always looked up to me. Josie made up a story about why we were late. We were angry last night, but we made up at breakfast. My sisters made me up for my graduation party. I mixed up the twins' names again!

make someone up mix something up

pass away pass out

die faint

His uncle passed away last night after a long illness. It was so hot in the church that an elderly lady passed out. The professor passed the textbooks outbefore class. I passed up the job because I am afraid of change. Thanks for buying my ticket. I'll pay youback on Friday. That bully will pay for being mean to my little brother. I picked out three sweaters for you to try on. I'll point my boyfriend out when he runs by. You can put the groceries down on the kitchen counter. The students put the substitute teacherdown because his pants were too short. We are putting off our trip until January because of the hurricane. The neighbours put the fire out before the firemen arrived. I have to put the crib together before the

pass something out

give the same thing to many people decline (usually something good) return owed money be punished for doing something bad choose indicate with your finger put what you are holding on a surface or floor insult, make someone feel stupid postpone

pass something up

pay someone back pay for something

pick something out pointsomeone/somethin gout put something down

put someone down

put something off

put something out

extinguish

put somethingtogether

assemble

baby arrives. put up withsomeone/something put something on tolerate I don't think I can put up with three small children in the car. Don't forget to put on your new earrings for the party.

put clothing/accesso ries on your body meet unexpectedly drive a vehicle over a person or thing rehearse, review

run intosomeone/something run oversomeone/something run over/throughsomething

I ran into an old schoolfriend at the mall. I accidentally ran over your bicycle in the driveway. Let's run over/through these lines one more time before the show. The child ran away from home and has been missing for three days. We ran out of shampoo so I had to wash my hair with soap. My letter got sent back to me because I used the wrong stamp. Our boss set a meeting up with the president of the company. The police set up the car thief by using a hidden camera. I want to shop around a little before I decide on these boots. He always shows off on his

run away

leave unexpectedly, escape have none left

run out

send something back

return (usually by mail) arrange, organize trick, trap

set something up

set someone up

shop around

compare prices

show off

act extra special

for people watching (usually boastfully) sleep over stay somewhere for the night (informal) organize, resolve a problem continue doing something, limit yourself to one particular thing stop the energy flow, turn off start the energy flow, turn on resemble a family member purposely break into pieces return an item

skateboard

You should sleep over tonight if the weather is too bad to drive home. We need to sort the bills out before the first of the month. You will lose weight if you stick to the diet.

sort something out

stick to something

switch something off switch something on

The light's too bright. Could you switch itoff. We heard the news as soon as weswitched on the car radio. I take after my mother. We are both impatient. He took the car brakes apart and found the problem. I have to take our new TV back because it doesn't work. My plane takes off in five minutes. Take off your socks and shoes and come in the lake!

take after someone take something apart

take something back

take off take something off

start to fly remove something (usually clothing) remove from a place or thing

take something out

Can you take the garbage out to the street for me?

take someone out

pay for someone to go somewhere with you rip into pieces

My grandparents took us out fo r dinner and a movie. I tore up my ex-boyfriend's letters and gave them back to him. When I think back on my youth, I wish I had studied harder. I'll have to think this job offer over before I make my final decision. We threw our old furniture away when we won the lottery. Please turn the TV down while the guests are here. I turned the job down because I don't want to move. Your mother wants you to turn the TV offand come for dinner. It's too dark in here. Let's turn some lights on. Can you turn the music up? This is my favourite song.

tear something up

think back

remember (often + to, sometimes + on) consider

think something over

throw somethingaway

dispose of

turn something down

decrease the volume or strength (heat, light etc) refuse

turn something down

turn something off

stop the energy flow, switch off start the energy, switch on increase the volume or strength (heat, light etc) appear suddenly

turn something on

turn something up

turn up

Our cat turned up after we put posters up all over the neighbourhood.

try something on

sample clothing

I'm going to try these jeans on, but I don't think they will fit. I am going to try this new brand of detergent out. The kids used all of the toothpaste up so we need to buy some more. We have to wake up early for work on Monday. You can warm your feet up in front of the fireplace. I always warm up by doing sit-ups before I go for a run. Most of my make-up wore off before I got to the party. I work out at the gym three times a week. Our plan worked out fine. We have to work out the total cost before we buy the house.

try something out use something up

test finish the supply

wake up warmsomeone/somethin gup warm up wear off work out work out work something out

stop sleeping increase the temperature prepare body for exercise fade away exercise be successful make a calculation

Common Phrases and Expressions in English

Here are a few common phrases and expressions used by native speakers of English in their everyday speech. To suggest another or ask a language related question, click here.

Word/Expression: to wolf something down Quick translation: to eat something quickly Example: "I wolfed down that sandwich so quickly." My interpretation: Wolves are known for eating their food quickly, for fear that another wolf will get to it before them. So to "wolf something down" is to eat as quickly as a wolf does. Word/Expression: gotta Quick translation: to have to/to need to Example: "I gotta leave now." Word/Expression: to go (expression used where food is sold) Quick translation: to carry out/to take out with you Example: a waiter or salesperson may ask "Would you like (your food) to go?" Word/Expression: sick (when used to describe a person's mind or an event) Quick translation: strange or perverted Example: "That person is sick!" or "What he did to her is sick!" Word/Expression: What's up? Quick translation: a very casual way to say "Hi" or "How are you?" or "What is happening here?" Word/Expression: handy Quick translation: very useful, very industrious, or able to fix things themself Example: "Her husband is very handy around the house." Word/Expression: to catch a taxi / cab to hail a cab/taxi Quick translation: to get a taxi / cab Example: "Let's catch a taxi to the restaurant."

Word/Expression: to catch a TV show/newstory/conversation Quick translation: to hear or see something Example: "Did you catch the news last night?" Word/Expression: to have time Quick translation: to have sufficient available time Example: "If we have time, we can stay at the bar until 11:00 p.m." Word/Expression: to threaten to kill someone Quick translation: to be very mad with someone Example: "I'm going to kill her when I see her." Word/Expression: "Whatever floats your boat." Quick translation: whatever pleases you Example: "I'd prefer to go on Sunday." Response: "OK, whatever floats your boat." Word/Expression: shaky/sketchy Quick translation: unsafe, unclear, not a good idea Examples: "I'm not sure what my boss wants me to do. His directions were a bit sketchy." OR "Should you go there? Isn't that neighborhood a bit shaky/sketchy?" Word/Expression: "I'm outta here" (I am out of here) Quick translation: I am leaving now Word/Expression: guy/guys Quick translation: a man/a group of men or a group of men AND women. Examples: "Hi guys (men and/OR women)... what's up?" "That guy (man only) is strange." "Those guys (men, or group of men and women) are also coming with us." Further clarification: Guy (singular) can only refer to a MAN. Guys (plural) can apply to a group of men and/or women. Word/Expression: to double-check Quick translation: to re-check or verify Example: "You should double-check our bank account balance before we plan our vacation trip."

Word/Expression: "You gotta be kidding me." Quick translation: "You must be joking." OR "What you are saying cannot be true." Word/Expression: gonna (pronounced like "gunna") Quick translation: going to .... Example: "I'm gonna clean the bathroom today."

Collocation Lists
On this page you can find a few short lists of collocations to give you more of an idea about them. Many good learner's dictionaries show collocations associated with specific words. There are also dictionaries of collocations, though these are more difficult to find.
Some common verbs

have have have have have have have have have have have a bath a drink a good time a haircut a holiday a problem a relationship a rest lunch sympathy take take a break take a chance take a look take a rest take a seat take a taxi take an exam take notes take someone's place take someone's temperature pay pay pay pay pay a fine attention by credit card cash save save save save do do do do do do do do do do

do business nothing someone a favour the cooking the housework the shopping the washing up your best your hair your homework break break a habit break a leg break a promise break a record break a window break someone's heart break the ice break the law break the news to someone break the rules save electricity energy money one's strength keep keep keep keep make make make make make make make make make make

make a difference a mess a mistake a noise an effort furniture money progress room trouble catch catch a ball catch a bus catch a chill catch a cold catch a thief catch fire catch sight of catch someone's attention catch someone's eye catch the flu keep a diary a promise a secret an appointment

pay interest pay someone a compliment pay someone a visit pay the bill pay the price pay your respects come come come come come come come come come come come come come come come come come come come come come close complete with direct early first into view last late on time prepared right back second to a compromise to a decision to an agreement to an end to a standstill to terms with to a total of under attack

save save save save save save

someone a seat someone's life something to a disk space time yourself the trouble

keep keep keep keep keep keep

calm control in touch quiet someone's place the change

go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go go abroad astray bad bald bankrupt blind crazy dark deaf fishing mad missing on foot online out of business overseas quiet sailing to war yellow get get get get get get get get get get get get get get get get get get get get

get a job a shock angry divorced drunk frightened home lost married nowhere permission pregnant ready started the impression the message the sack upset wet worried

Miscellaneous

Time bang on time dead on time early 12th century free time from dawn till dusk great deal of time

Business English annual turnover bear in mind break off negotiations cease trading chair a meeting close a deal a a a a a a

Classifiers ball of string bar of chocolate bottle of water bunch of carrots cube of sugar pack of cards

late 20th century make time for next few days past few weeks right on time run out of time save time spare time spend some time take your time tell someone the time time goes by time passes waste time

close a meeting come to the point dismiss an offer draw a conclusion draw your attention to launch a new product lay off staff go bankrupt go into partnership make a loss make a profit market forces sales figures take on staff

a pad of paper

Prepositions Short List

A short list of 70 common English prepositions
Here is a list of 70 of the more common one-word prepositions. Many of these prepositions have more than one meaning. Please refer to a dictionary for precise meaning and usage. See also Prepositions Listfor a complete list of all prepositions with example sentences.

aboard about above across after against along amid among anti around as at before behind below beneath beside besides between beyond but by concerning considering despite down during except excepting excluding following

for from in inside into like minus near of off on onto opposite outside over past per plus regarding round save since than through to toward towards under underneath unlike until up upon versus via

with within without

Animal Idioms
Quiz Idiom ants in one's pants Meaning unable to sit still or remain calm out of nervousness or excitement sex education Example Sentence Lisa had ants in her pants the day before her interview.

(the) birds and the bees cat nap

I learned about the birds and the bees when my baby brother was born. I'm going to have a cat nap while you're cooking dinner. It looks like the cat's got your tongue, Lucy. Are you always this quiet? I was going to take a ride on Geoff's motorcyle, but I chickened out when he gave me a helmet to wear. Arthur clammed up when I asked him about his family. My sister is such a copy cat. First she bought the same car as me, and now she's applying to my school. I sleep in the basement during

a short sleep

cat's got one's tongue chicken out

said about someone who doesn't speak (usually due to shyness) to decide not to do something out of fear (usually just before)

clam up

become quiet suddenly

copy cat

a person who does the same thing as someone else

dog days

very hot days

the dog days of August. dropping like flies eager beaver dying/giving up quickly My roses are dropping like flies in this early frost. Ever since he got his new drill set my husband has been an eager beaver around the house. I knew something fishy was going on when I saw all of my friends' cars in my mom's driveway. My teacher had a cow when she realized nobody had done the homework. Hold your horses! I'll be done in the washroom in a minute. Holy cow! I can't believe you ate everything on your plate. If you're going to horse around, please go outside. My aunt got the lion's share of the inheritance. I don't think Marsha is coming out tonight. She's still in the dog house for forgetting Aaron's birthday.

a person who is excited about doing certain work

fishy

odd, suspicious

have a cow

get extremely upset (often over something minor) wait and be patient

hold your horses holy cow!

Wow, I'm surprised!

horse around get the lion's share in the dog house

play roughly

get the greatest percentage in trouble with another person

kill two birds with one stone

get two things done at once

If you pick the groceries up when you drop George off for his shift, you will kill two birds with one stone. The gas station is kitty corner to the library. Who let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party?

kitty corner

diagonal direction

let the cat out of the bag (a) little bird told me

reveal a secret

I heard something (usually secretive or unknown) from someone (not named) go straight for something

A little bird told me that you are thinking of quitting your job.

make a beeline

My grandma made a beeline for the smoking room as soon as she got off the airplane. Our one-year-old is saying bad words now. I told my husband, "Monkey see, monkey do!" We have a nest egg that we might have to use if Jim goes on sick leave. I pigged out on pancakes so I don't have room for lunch. I forgot my umbrella, and it was raining cats and dogs.

monkey see, monkey do

silly/unintelligent people tend to copy each other's actions

nest egg

money saved for the future

pig out

eat a lot of something

raining cats and dogs

raining heavily

rat race

fierce, competitive struggle for power, position etc begin to suspect trickery etc

I'm ready to leave this rat race and retire in Mexico.

smell a rat

I asked my brothers not to tell my parents that I went out, but I could smell a rat as soon as I opened the door. I know Jenny is pregnant, because I heard itstraight from the horse's mouth.

straight from the horse's mouth take the bull by the horns until the cows come home

directly from the original source

face a challenge or danger boldly

If you really think you deserve a promotion, you'll have to take the bull by the horns. I could eat pizza and icecream until the cows come home.

for a very long time

Body Idioms
Quiz Idiom all ears Meaning fully listening Example Sentence Give me a minute to finish my work and then I'll be all ears to hear about your project. Today's the big game, eh? Break a leg! My sister didn't get cold feet until she put her wedding gown on. These cakes are delicious, but they cost an arm and a leg. I cried my heart out when my best friend moved away. I stayed out all night. When I eventually got home I had to face the music from my wife. I have to hire Mia. She's my own flesh and blood. Thanks for listening to me complain about my boss. I just needed to get this off

break a leg

good-luck

cold feet

nervous just before a big event

cost an arm and a leg

be very expensive

cry your heart out face the music

cry very hard

meet, stand up to unpleasant conseqences, for example criticism or punishment relative

(my) flesh and blood get something off one's chest

tell someone your problems

my chest. give a hand, lend a hand have one's head in the clouds help (someone) do something be unaware or unrealistic about something I can give you a hand when you move if you like. Amy has her head in the clouds if she thinks she's going to pass her exams without studying. My brother is head over heels for his new girlfriend. The kids gave Anthony a head start in the bicycle race because he was the youngest. I was in over my head when I agreed to babysit the triplets and the dogs. I'll keep an eye on the dinner while you're on the phone. Keep your chin up. I'm sure you'll make some friends soon. I learned my multiplication tables by heart in the fourth grade. Go to the cottage and let your hair downthis

head over heels head start

deeply in love

an earlier start

in over one's head

taking on a task that you can't handle

keep an eye on

take care of, watch in order to protect

keep one's chin up

try to be cheerful

learn by heart, know by heart let one's hair

memorize

relax, have fun

down (my) lips are sealed promise to keep a secret

weekend. Don't worry, I won't tell your mother how much you spent. My lips are sealed. It makes my blood boil when people don't tie up their dogs. I heard that they might be opening a post office in our neck of the woods soon. My uncle's an old hand at car repair. He'll know what the problem is. My daughter wants a tatoo. I told her she'd get one over my dead body. The party organizers deserve a pat on the back for a job well done. We don't know if the weather will be good enough for camping. We'll have to play it by ear. I was just pulling your leg. I'm not really a police officer.

makes my blood boil

makes me very angry

neck of the woods

nearby location or region

(an) old hand

an experienced person

over my dead body

not unless I'm dead and can't stop you

pat on the back

recognition or a thankyou

play something by ear

do something without a plan

pull one's leg

joke or tease someone

rule of thumb

basic rule (not always followed)

The rule of thumb is that the students wear black pants and white shirts. The couple don't see eye to eye on how to train their pets. I passed my exam by the skin of my teeth. I stuck my neck out for Bessie when she was thrown out of her house. I need three spoonfuls of sugar in my tea. I have a sweet tooth. I'm a bit thick in the head when it comes to reading a map. I'm washing my hands of Mary's addiction. She is going to have to get some professional help.

see eye to eye

agree

(by the) skin of one's teeth stick your neck out

just barely

help someone a lot, with possible bad consequences for oneself a love of sugar or sweet things

sweet tooth

thick in the head

not very intelligent

wash one's hands of something

stop dealing with an issue or problem

Idiom beet red

Meaning dark red (usually to describe face) bruised and beaten straight forward, very clear faint the odd or bad member of the group born into a rich family catch someone in the act of doing something wrong or illegal the perfect chance

Example Sentence My sister's face turned beet red when I caught her singing in front of a mirror. We found the poor guy black and blue near the train tracks. The rules we gave the kids were black and white. No answering the phone or the door. I always black out at the sight of blood. My oldest brother was the black sheep in our family. He dropped out of school at fifteen. Keiko hasn't worked a day in her life. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. The kids were caught red handed stealing chocolate bars.

black and blue black and white

black out black sheep

born with a silver spoon in one's mouth catch red handed

golden opportunity grass is always greener on the other side

The models' conference was a golden opportunityfor me to sell my beauty products. I always wanted to go to university, but now I wish I had time to get a job. Grass is always greener on the other side. Writing personal email in the office is a grey areathat needs to be discussed at the next meeting. The builders were given the green light to begin the tower.

you always want what you don't have

grey area, gray area

something without a clear rule or answer permission

the green light

green with envy (have a) green thumb have the blues in the dark

very jealous be skillful in the garden be sad or depressed unaware

I am green with envy over Julio's new wardrobe. You can tell by her flower garden that Sheila has agreen thumb. I always have the the blues during the winter time. Antoine left his wife in the dark about their honeymoon destination until they got to the airport. When we were in the red we almost had to sell the house. We only go out for dinner once in a blue moon. I got a phone call from a long lost cousin out of the blue last week. There is still some red tape to deal with in terms of the inheritance. I caught the red eye so that I would see the sunrise over the mountains. When relatives come to town my grandmother rolls out the red carpet. Paula imagines Hollywood with rose coloured glasses. I saw red when that guy grabbed my sister's purse. My mom was tickled pink when my father brought roses home for her. Suzanne doesn't show her true colours when we have guests

in the red once in a blue moon out of the blue

in debt very rarely unexpectedly

red tape

official or bureaucratic tasks an airplane flight that takes off after midnight treat someone like royalty unrealistic view be very angry very pleased and appreciative real self

red eye

roll out the red carpet rose coloured glasses see red tickled pink

true colours

over. white lie an innocent lie to protect another person's feelings with distinction We told Grandma that her cake was delicious, which was actually a white lie. I passed my road test with flying colours.

with flying colours

Clothing Idioms
Quiz Idiom at the drop of a hat (have a) bee in one's bonnet Meaning without needing any advance notice something that is annoying someone Example Sentence My Grandma will babysit for anyone at the drop of a hat. Milan has had a bee in his bonnet all day, but he won't tell me what's wrong. His comment about Manfred's handicap wasbelow the belt.

below the belt

beyond what is fair or socially acceptable not fitting anymore

bursting at the seams caught with one's pants down

I ate too much. I'm bursting at the seams in these jeans. My students caught me with my pants downon Monday. I forgot about the field trip.

unprepared

(have a) card up one's sleeve

have a secret or reserve plan

I think Josh has a card up his sleeve cause he wants me to wear a dress to the fast-food restaurant. It's almost exam time, so I need to buckle downthis weekend. Let's go to the mall after school. There's a hundred dollar bill burning a hole in my pocket. My cousin was dressed to kill on her birthday.

buckle down

work extra hard

burn a hole in one's pocket

money that one is tempted to spend

dress to kill, dress to the nines fit like a glove

dress in nice or sexy clothes

fit perfectly (tight to one's body) in great detail, extremely carefully do by instinct, not by plan

Anita's prom dress fits me like a glove. The police looked for fingerprints with a fine-tooth comb. I had never taught art to kids before. I had to fly by the seat of my pants. Please handle my grandmother's tea set with kid gloves. We buy hand-me-down skates because the kids' feet grow so quickly. The fans cheered when the hockey player got ahat trick.

fine-tooth comb fly by the seat of one's pants

handle with kid gloves hand-me-down

treat delicately

used clothing

hat trick

three goals scored by one person

in one's birthday suit keep one's shirt on keep something zipped off the cuff

in the nude

The swimmers in the lake were in their birthday suits. I know you're in a hurry, but please keep your shirt on. We know we're having a boy, but we're keeping it zipped from the grandparents. I didn't have a speech prepared. Everything I said was off the cuff. Marco will have to pull up his socks if he wants to make the football team. Put a sock in it! I'm trying to tell a story. I can't remember where the Christmas decorations are. I'll have to put my thinking cap on. Put yourself in Amber's shoes. She doesn't even have a car to drive.

try to stay calm

keep something a secret

said without planning

pull up one's socks

try harder

put a sock in it

stop talking

put one's thinking cap on

think hard in order to solve a problem

put oneself in someone else's shoes

imagine what it would be like to be in someone else's situation let someone else do all of the work

ride one's coattails

It was a group project, but everyone rode Andrew's coattails. The celebrities rolled up their sleeves and washed cars for

roll up one's

get down to hard

sleeves take one's hat off to someone

work recognize or honour someone for something display emotions openly

charity. I take my hat off to Jim. The doctors said he'd never walk, and he just ran a marathon. My Dad's not afraid to cry. He always wears his heart on his sleeve. By the looks of things, the kids wear the trousers in this household.

wear one's heart on one's sleeve wear the trousers

be in charge, make the rules

Food Idioms
Quiz Idiom apple of one's eye Meaning a person that is adored by someone be pregnant Example Sentence Baby Jessica is the apple of her father's eye.

(have a) bun in the oven

I don't think Jan will come to the bar because she has a bun in the oven. I don't want my little brother hanging around with the bad eggs on the street. I thought I was just going to interview the secretary, but they let me talk to the big cheesehimself. Just explain the bread and butter of your report. You don't have to go into details. My husband has had to bring home the baconever since I broke my leg. We'll have to butter Angie up before we tell her the news about the broken vase. Rick wants to have his cake and eat it too. He wants to be single

bad egg

a person who is often in trouble

big cheese

very important person (VIP)

bread and butter

necessities, the main thing

bring home the bacon

earn the income

butter someone up

be extra nice to someone (usually for selfish reasons) want more than your fair share or

(have one's) cake and eat it

too

need

but he doesn't want me to date anyone else. Simon is the first carrot top I've ever gone out with. I love reading cheesy romance novels because I don't have to think. I thought I was afraid of flying, but I was cool as a cucumber all the way to England. We hired the cream of the crop to entertain us at the Christmas party. The mirror is broken and we can't fix it. There's no need to cry over spilled milk.

carrot top

person with red or orange hair silly

cheesy

cool as a cucumber

very relaxed

cream of the crop (don't) cry over spilled milk

the best

get upset over something that has happened and cannot be changed cup of coffee

cup of joe

Let's stop for a cup of joe before we head to work. Opera isn't exactly my cup of tea.

(not my) cup of tea

something you enjoy (usually used negatively) urge someone to do something be very cold

egg someone on freeze one's buns off

The gang tried to egg us on but we didn't want to fight. I froze my buns off at the ice rink.

full of beans

have a lot of (silly) energy extremely good pay for minimal work receive without working for something

The kids were full of beans after the circus. The unionized grocers have been enjoying thegravy train for twenty years. The professor's daughter had her college diplomahanded to her on a silver platter.

gravy train

(have something) handed to someone on a silver platter hard nut to crack

difficult to understand (often a person) a controversial or difficult subject simply

Angelo is a hard nut to crack when something is bothering him like this. Choosing a location for our new store is a hot potato right now. In a nutshell, I'm having a bad day. I'm nuts about classical music these days.

hot potato

in a nutshell

nuts about something, someone out to lunch

like a lot

crazy or mad

Harry has been out to lunch ever since he lost his job. Your daughter is one smart cookie. She reads much higher than her grade level. Except for a bit of peach fuzz, the baby came out bald.

one smart cookie

a very intelligent person

peach fuzz

small amount of hair growth

piece of cake put all of ones eggs in one basket

very easy rely on one single thing

The exam was a piece of cake. Even though I'm majoring in Art, I'm taking a maths course because my Dad says I shouldn'tput all of my eggs in one basket. The car was souped up with shiny rims and a loud stereo.

souped up

made more powerful or stylish bought by many people make something more exciting

sell like hot cakes spice things up

The new Harry Potter books sold like hot cakes. I wanted to spice things up in the office, so I bought some red and gold paint. On Monday, I'm going to spill the beans about my travel plans. Take Mandy's advice with a pinch of salt. She doesn't always do her research. You're going to have to really use your noodleon this crossword puzzle. It's an extra difficult one.

spill the beans

reveal the truth

take something with a pinch (grain) of salt use your noodle

don't consider something 100% accurate use your brain

Geography and Weather Idioms

Quiz Idiom (on) cloud nine Meaning extremely happy Example Sentence Andrea was on cloud nine when she bought her new car. I had to dig deep to find my old report cards. The clothes at the thrift shop are dirt cheap. Lucile is really down to earth for a woman with so much money. I can't talk to Nancy about my boyfriend problems. She's only a fair-weather friend. The kids had a field day at the water slide park. My grades started going downhill when I got a parttime job. Nobody trained me at work. I just went with the flow. I'm exhausted. I think I'll hit the hay early tonight.

dig deep

look hard for information very inexpensive

dirt cheap

down to earth

natural or real (personality)

fair-weather friend

a person who is only a friend in good times

a field day

a very enjoyable time

go downhill

get progressively worse

go with the flow hit the hay

continue in the same way as others go to sleep

hit the road

leave

It's getting late. We had better hit the road. It's hard to keep my head above water with all of these medical bills. Who knows which way the wind will blow? I just hope Jesse gets one of the jobs he's applied for. The car only got a tiny dent. You're making a mountain out of a molehill. The doctor said my heart is doing better, but I'm not out of the woods yet. I knew I was over the hill when I started needing glasses to read. Whenever I had a dance recital, my older brother always rained on my parade. They didn't bother inviting Charles to the party because he's alway a stick-in-themud. Wow! Your shower was as quick as lightning. The lost tickets were just

keep one's head above water know which way the wind blows

have just enough money to live

know how things will turn out

make a mountain out of a molehill out of the woods

make a small problem seem big

clear of danger

over the hill

past middle age

rain on someone else's parade stick-in-themud

ruin somebody else's happiness

a loner or person who won't join in

(as) quick as lightning the tip of the

very fast

a small part of a large

iceberg take a raincheck under the weather

problem accept at a later date

the tip of the iceberg. I'd love to go out for dinner, but can I take araincheck? I was feeling under the weather so I went back to bed. If my Dad finds out I had a party I'll be up the creek. The skiier in the green coat won by a landslide. My Dad has a new girlfriend. I got wind of itover dinner tonight.

ill

up the creek

in trouble

win by a landslide (get) wind of something

win by a lot of points

overhear something about someone or something (often gossip)

Sports Idioms
Quiz Sports idioms generally originate from a specific sport such as baseball or sailing. Over time these phrases have come to mean something that can be used in everyday life. While most sports idioms can still be used when discussing sports, they are even more common in other areas of life, especially the business world. You can study these idioms just as you would any other vocabulary. Look at the model sentences and practise writing your own. When you think you have mastered all of the idioms, take the quiz and test your knowledge. More importantly, try using them at work, school, and social events. You will sound like a pro!

Idiom sport of origin across the board cards at this stage in the game any sport the ball is in your court tennis

Meaning

Example Sentence

equal for everyone

Ten percent raises were given across the board.

at this time

Nobody knows who is going to win the election at this stage in the game. "Do you think I should accept the job offer?" "Don't ask me. The ball is in your court now". I think you're barking up the wrong tree by blaming Matt for the missing money. George blind-sided Eric with his fist at the bar. If you wear that dress to the beauty pageant you are going to blow the competition away. While our boss is on vacation, Bob will call the shots. The staff members chipped in 5 dollars each to buy Jody a birthday gift. It's coming down to the

it's your decision or responsibility to do something now

bark up the wrong tree hunting blind-sided any sport blow the competition away any sport call the shots billiards chip in gambling

you've got the wrong person or idea to not see something coming win easily

make the decisions

help by donating money or time

down to the wire

right at the end

horse racing front runner track one of the people who is expected to win start before all others be comfortable doing something after some time

wire to get these done on time. Angela is a front runner for the new supervisor position.

get a head start horse racing get into the full swing tennis

They gave the walkers a head start in the run for cancer. It will probably take a month of working at my new job before I get into the full swing of things. The child got off the hook for stealing because the security camera was broken. You should give Nadine a fair shake before you decide she isn't good enough for the job.

get off the hook fishing

escape, have responsibility removed try for a while before giving up

give something or someone a fair shake gambling get a second wind sailing

have a burst of energy after tiring

I was exhausted after 3 kilometres of running, but I got a second wind after I passed the beach. Give it your best shot and you may just make it to the finals.

give it your best shot hunting give one a run for one's money horseracing

try your hardest

try one's hardest to defeat another person

I know the other team is expected to win, but let'sgive them a run for their money tonight.

go overboard sailing

do or say more than you need to

You can't believe everything Janice says about Rick. She tends to go overboard when she's complaining about him. Andy is asking for a salary increase, and I'm going to go to bat for him if the boss says no. The Blues have the upper hand in the tournament, because none of their players is injured. Amanda was hitting below the belt when she called Adrian an unfit father. The renovations were going along great until wehit a snag with the carpet installation. The children hold all the aces when it comes to the father-son baseball tournament. I think Alice's pregnancy is in the home stretch.

go to bat for someone baseball have the upper hand cards

defend someone

have a better chance of winning or succeeding

hit below the belt martial arts hit a snag boating

do or say something that is very unfair or cruel come up against a problem

hold all the aces cards the home stretch baseball hot shot (big shot) hunting jump the gun

expected to win or succeed

almost the end

a person who thinks they are the best

Even though Luke only placed 20th in the ski race, he thinks he's a hot shot. I guess I jumped the gun by buying Pam and Steve a

start too early

track

wedding gift. They called off the engagement. try not to fall behind in work or other duties We are so busy during the tourist season I can barely keep my head above water.

keep one's head above water swimming learn the ropes sailing let her rip boating level playing field any field sport long shot hunting

understand new things go ahead now

The first week on the job you will just be learning the ropes. Okay, here are the keys to your new car. Let her rip! The spelling bee is a level playing field because all of the kids are in grade nine. Jim thinks we can afford the house, but I think it'sa long shot. I didn't get a second interview, so I'm pretty sure I won't make the cut. George and Stan are neck and neck in the hockey pool. Either of them could win the money. I told Lily it was no sweat for us to babysit next weekend. I think Jerry was still drunk at work on Sunday because he wasn't playing with a full

everyone has an equal chance

a very difficult thing to accomplish

make the cut any sport

be chosen to be part of a team or group

neck and neck horse racing

to be in a close tie with someone

no sweat any sport not playing with a full deck of cards

no problem

not having full brain capacity

cards not up to par golf not good enough for a job or position

deck of cards. I'm afraid your resume isn't up to par for the engineering position. You were way off base when you said Bill needed to lose weight. We are on target to meet our budget this month. The new receptionist is really on the ball when it comes to answering the phone. All of the students laughed when Joe gave an answer that was out in left field.

to be off base baseball

not making a fair or true remark

on target darts on the ball baseball

doing the right thing to succeed ready and able

out in left field baseball

nowhere near being true, nowhere near doing something correctly not as good as someone

out of someone's league team sport par for the course golf plenty of other fish in the sea fishing race against time

I'd like to date Maria, but I'm afraid I'm out of her league.

an expected circumstance

Waiting in line is par for the course at Christmas time.

there are many other men and women to date there is almost no time left to

I know you still love Jack, but remember there areplenty of other fish in the sea. It's a race against time to find

track

accomplish something get even with a person after a previous battle a guess

a kidney donor for my cousin.

settle a score with someone any sport shot in the dark hunting

My brother wants to settle the score with that guy who stole my wallet. I was lucky to win the quiz. All my answers wereshots in the dark. You're skating on thin ice by not sending in your college application before now. Please can everyone be seated so we can start the ball rolling. It's time you stepped up to the plate and apologized for your mistake. Sorry, I can't go to the movies today, but I'd love to take a rain check. I hate to take sides, but I think Jerry is right about the paint colour. Even though this new job will mean relocating, I think you should take the bull by the horns for once. I think I took the wind out of

skate on thin ice skating start the ball rolling ball sports step up to the plate baseball take a rain check baseball take sides any sport

do something risky, take a chance

begin something

do the honourable thing, take responsibility accept at a later time

choose a person or group to support

take the bull by the horns bull fighting

accept the challenge and try your hardest

take the wind

make someone feel

out of one's sails sailing throw in the towel boxing

deflated

Angela's sailswhen I told her she was a terrible singer.

give up

If they don't accept our offer this time we are going to throw in the towel and look at houses elsewhere. Let's take some time out and grab a coffee. The school's no smoking policy is three strikes and you're out. Nancy is going to be fired in no time. She already has two strikes against her for coming in late. I don't have a work visa, so they have to pay meunder the table. The other team was missing half of its players. Wewon hands down.

time out any sport three strikes and you're out baseball two strikes against baseball

break

you only get three chances

you only have one chance remaining

under the table gambling

illegally

win hands down gambling

easy victory

Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns are substances, concepts etc that we cannot divide into separate elements. We cannot "count" them. For example, we cannot count "milk". We can count "bottles of milk" or "litres of milk", but we cannot count "milk" itself. Here are some more uncountable nouns:

music, art, love, happiness advice, information, news furniture, luggage rice, sugar, butter, water electricity, gas, power money, currency

We usually treat uncountable nouns as singular. We use a singular verb. For example:

This news is very important. Your luggage looks heavy.

We do not usually use the indefinite article a/an with uncountable nouns. We cannot say "an information" or "a music". But we can say a something of:

a piece of news a bottle of water a grain of rice

We can use some and any with uncountable nouns:

I've got some money. Have you got any rice?

We can use a little and much with uncountable nouns:

I've got a little money. I haven't got much rice.

Uncountable nouns are also called "mass nouns". Here are some more examples of countable and uncountable nouns: Countable dollar Uncountable money

song suitcase table battery bottle report tip journey job view

music luggage furniture electricity wine information advice travel work scenery

When you learn a new word, it's a good idea to learn whether it's countable or uncountable.

Countable Nouns
Countable nouns are easy to recognize. They are things that we can count. For example: "pen". We can count pens. We can have one, two, three or more pens. Here are some more countable nouns:

dog, cat, animal, man, person bottle, box, litre coin, note, dollar cup, plate, fork table, chair, suitcase, bag

Countable nouns can be singular or plural:

My dog is playing. My dogs are hungry.

We can use the indefinite article a/an with countable nouns:

A dog is an animal.

When a countable noun is singular, we must use a word like a/the/my/this with it:

I want an orange. (not I want orange.) Where is my bottle? (not Where is bottle?)

When a countable noun is plural, we can use it alone:

I like oranges. Bottles can break.

We can use some and any with countable nouns:

I've got some dollars. Have you got any pens?

We can use a few and many with countable nouns:

I've got a few dollars. I haven't got many pens.

"People" is countable. "People" is the plural of "person". We can count people:

There is one person here.

There are three people here.

Tenses
The English Tense System The links below are to lessons for each of the 12 basic tenses. In each lesson we look at two aspects of the tense:

Structure: How do we make the tense? Use: When and why do we use the tense?

Some lessons look at additional aspects, and most of them finish with a quiz to check your understanding. Many English learners worry too much about tense. If you stopped 100 native English speakers in the street and asked them about tense, 1 of them might give you an intelligent answer - if you were lucky. The other 99 would know little about terms like "past perfect" or "present continuous". And they would know nothing about aspect, voice or mood. But they can all speak fluent English and communicate effectively. Of course, for ESL it helps to know about tenses, but don't become obsessed with them. Be like those native speakers! Speak naturally! Present Tense I do do, I do Present Continuous Tense I am doing, I am doing tomorrow Present Perfect Tense I have done Present Perfect Continuous Tense I have been doing Past Tense I did do, I did Past Continuous Tense I was doing Past Perfect Tense I had done Past Perfect Continuous Tense I had been doing Future Tense I will do Future Continuous Tense I will be doing Future Perfect Tense I will have done

Future Perfect Continuous Tense I will have been doing

Glossary of English Grammar Terms

Active Voice In the active voice, the subject of the verb does the action (eg They killed the President). See also Passive Voice. Adjective A word like big, red, easy, French etc. An adjective describes a noun or pronoun. Adverb A word like slowly, quietly, well, often etc. An adverb modifies a verb. Article The "indefinite" articles are a and an. The "definite article" is the. Auxiliary Verb A verb that is used with a main verb. Be, do and have are auxiliary verbs. Can, may, must etc are modal auxiliary verbs. Clause A group of words containing a subject and its verb (for example: It was late when he arrived). Conjunction A word used to connect words, phrases and clauses (for example: and, but, if). Infinitive The basic form of a verb as in to work or work. Interjection An exclamation inserted into an utterance without grammatical connection (for example: oh!, ah!, ouch!,well!). Modal Verb An auxiliary verb like can, may, must etc that modifies the main verb and expresses possibility, probability etc. It is also called "modal auxiliary verb". Noun A word like table, dog, teacher, America etc. A noun is the name of an object, concept, person or place. A "concrete noun" is something you can

see or touch like a person or car. An "abstract noun" is something that you cannot see or touch like a decision or happiness. A "countable noun" is something that you can count (for example: bottle, song, dollar). An "uncountable noun" is something that you cannot count (for example: water, music, money). Object In the active voice, a noun or its equivalent that receives the action of the verb. In the passive voice, a noun or its equivalent that does the action of the verb. Participle The -ing and -ed forms of verbs. The -ing form is called the "present participle". The -ed form is called the "past participle" (for irregular verbs, this is column 3). Part Of Speech One of the eight classes of word in English - noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, preposition, conjunction and interjection. Passive Voice In the passive voice, the subject receives the action of the verb (eg The President was killed). See also Active Voice. Phrase A group of words not containing a subject and its verb (eg on the table, the girl in a red dress). Predicate Each sentence contains (or implies) two parts: a subject and a predicate. The predicate is what is said about the subject. Preposition A word like at, to, in, over etc. Prepositions usually come before a noun and give information about things like time, place and direction. Pronoun A word like I, me, you, he, him, it etc. A pronoun replaces a noun. Sentence A group of words that express a thought. A sentence conveys a statement, question, exclamation or command. A sentence contains or implies a subject and a predicate. In simple terms, a sentence must contain a verb and (usually) a subject. A sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop (.), question mark (?) or exclamation mark (!).

Subject Every sentence contains (or implies) two parts: a subject and a predicate. The subject is the main noun (or equivalent) in a sentence about which something is said. Tense The form of a verb that shows us when the action or state happens (past, present or future). Note that the name of a tense is not always a guide to when the action happens. The "present continuous tense", for example, can be used to talk about the present or the future. Verb A word like (to) work, (to) love, (to) begin. A verb describes an action or state.

The 8 English Parts of Speech These are the words that you use to make a sentence. There are only 8 types of word - and the most important is the Verb!

Verbs be, have, do, work Nouns man, town, music Adjectives a, the, 69, big Adverbs loudly, well, often Pronouns you, ours, some Prepositions at, in, on, from Conjunctions and, but, though Interjections ah, dear, er, um