Tenses >> Present simple

Structure of present simple

I work in a bank.
I don't (do not) work in a
bank.
Do you work in a bank?
He works in a bank.
He doesn't (does not) work
in a bank.
Does he work in a bank?
Present simple - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
I working in London. I work in London.
The gerund ing form is not
used in the present simple.
He work in London. He works in London.
The third person he she it
adds the letter s.
He work in London? Does he work in London?
!ork he in London? Does he work in London?
"uestions # third person$
does % sub&e't % infiniti(e.
)ll other persons$
do % sub&e't % infiniti(e.
He not work in London. He doesn't work in London.
*egati(es # third person$
sub&e't % doesn't %
infiniti(e.
)ll other persons$
sub&e't % don't % infiniti(e.
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Tenses >> Past simple
Structure of past simple
I saw him yesterday.
I didn't (did not) see him
yesterday.
Did you see him?
Past simple - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
I was work in London. I worked in London.
In positi(e senten'es a
helping (erb su'h as 'was'
or 'did' is not used.
He worked in London? Did he work in London?
The helping (erb 'did' is
used in past simple
+uestions.
!orked he in London? Did he work in London?
The helping (erb 'did' is
used in past simple
+uestions.
Did he wrote a letter? Did he write a letter?
The main (erb is used in
the infiniti(e form in
+uestions and negati(es.
He didn't wrote a letter. He didn't write a letter.
The main (erb is used in
the infiniti(e form in
+uestions and negati(es.
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Tenses >> Present perfect tense
Structure of present perfect
I'(e (I ha(e) seen him.
I ha(en't (ha(e not) seen
him.
Ha(e you seen him?
He's (he has) gone. He hasn't (has not) gone. Has he gone?
Present perfect simple - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
,te(en has wrote a new
book.
,te(en has written a new
book.
The past parti'iple of the
(erb must be used # wrote
is past simple written is the
past parti'iple.
Did you ha(e seen him
before?
Ha(e you seen him before?
The helping (erb 'ha(e' is
used in the present perfe't#
it is in(erted with the
person (you have be'omes
have you).
I didn't ha(e seen him
before.
I ha(en't seen him before.
The helping (erb 'ha(e' is
used in the present perfe't#
to make it negati(e we
simply add not (n't).
I am here sin'e last week.
I ha(e been here sin'e last
week.
The present perfe't is used
to show an a'tion whi'h
'ontinues to the present
(an unfinished a'tion).
I'(e been knowing him for
- years.
I'(e known him for - years.
.erbs su'h as know want
like et'. (stati(e (erbs)
suggest permanent states
not a'tions so are used in
the simple form */T the
#ing form.
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Tenses >> Past perfect tense
Structure of past perfect
I'd (I had) seen him.
0ou hadn't (had not) seen
him.
Had you seen him?
Past perfect - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
I didn't been to London. I hadn't been to London.
The helping (erb had 1
hadn't is used in the past
perfe't.
!hen I saw him I noti'ed
that he had a hair'ut.
!hen I saw him I noti'ed
that he had had a hair'ut.
The a'tion (hair'ut) whi'h
happened before another
past a'tion must be put into
the past perfe't to make
the time order 'lear to the
listener.
He told me has been to
London.
He told me he had been to
London.
His original words were$ ''I
ha(e been to London.''
Howe(er in reported
spee'h we mo(e the tense
ba'k # present perfe't
(have been) be'omes past
perfe't (had been).
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Tenses >> Future simple tense
Structure of future simple
I'll (I will) be there
tomorrow.
I won't (will not) be there
tomorrow.
!ill you be there
tomorrow?
Future simple - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
# The phone's ringing.
# /2 I'm going to answer
it.
/k #I'll answer it.
If the a'tion is de'ided at
the moment of speaking we
use will / will not
(wont!"
I'm sure he is going to
help you.
I'm sure he will help you.
!hen we say what we think
or e3pe't we use will
(wont!"
I promise I'm going to
help.
I promise I'll help.
)fter promise we usually use
will"
I'll 'all you when I'll 'ome
to my offi'e.
I'll 'all you when I 'ome to
my offi'e.
!hen we refer to the future
in ad(erbial 'lauses we
normally use present simple
(after when as soon as,
until).
If you will gi(e me your
address I'll send you a
post'ard.
If you gi(e me your
address I'll send you a
post'ard.
!hen we refer to the future
in 'onditional 'lauses we
normally use the present
simple.
I 'an't see you ne3t week.
I will return to 4aris.
I 'an't see you ne3t week.
I am returning1am going to
return to 4aris.
To show that the de'ision
was made in the past we
use the present 'ontinuous
or the 'going to' future.
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Tenses >> #oin$ to future tense
Structure of $oin$ to future
I'm (I am) going to take
my holidays in )ugust.
I'm (I am) not going to
take a holiday this year.
)re you going to take a
holiday?
He's (he is) going to wat'h
T. this e(ening.
He isn't (is not) going to
wat'h T. this e(ening.
Is he going to wat'h T. this
e(ening?
$oin$ to for future- common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
0ou know that I'll buy a
new 'ar don't you?
0ou know that I am going
to buy a new 'ar don't
you?
!e use $oin$ to for a
future a'tion that has been
de'ided before the time of
speaking.
Look5 0ou will drop your
books.
Look5 0ou are going to
drop your books.
!e use $oin$ to if we see
(and are sure) that the
a'tion will happen.
Tenses >> Future perfect simple tense
Structure of future perfect simple
The film will ha(e started
by the time we get there.
The film will not (won't)
ha(e started by the time
we get there.
Will the film have started
by the time we get there?
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Tenses >> Present continuous
Structure of present continuous
I'm (I am) reading a
book.
I'm (I am) not
reading.
)re you reading?
He's (he is) reading a
book.
He is not (he's not1he isn't)
reading a book.
Is he reading a book?
Present continuous - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
They still waiting for you.
They are still waiting for
you.
to form a 'ontinuous tense
we use %e & -in$"
They are still waiting for
you?
)re they still waiting for
you?
Do they still waiting for
you?
)re they still waiting for
you?
!here they are waiting for
you?
!here are they waiting for
you?
In +uestions the sub&e't
(they) and the au3iliary
(erb (be) 'hange pla'es.
,he doesn't wat'hing T.. ,he isn't wat'hing T..
To form the negati(e we put
not after the (erb %e (am
not is not 6 isn't are not 6
aren't).
I'm belie(ing you. I belie(e you.
,ome (erbs are not used in
'ontinuous tenses # these
are 'alled stati(e (erbs
(e.g. believe, come from,
cost, depend, exist, feel,
hate, like).
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Tenses >> Past continuous
Structure of past continuous
I was reading a book.
I wasn't (was not)
reading.
!as I reading?
0ou were reading a
book.
0ou weren't (were not)
reading a book.
!ere you reading a book?
Past continuous - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
I waiting for him almost
two hours.
I was waiting for him
almost two hours.
!hat did he doing when
you saw him?
!hat was he doing when
you saw him?
To form the past 'ontinuous
we use was/were & in$"
!e were playing tennis
e(ery morning.
!e played tennis e(ery
morning.
!e use the past simple for
repeated a'tions in the
past.
They wat'hed T. when I
'ame.
They were wat'hing T.
when I 'ame.
!e use the past 'ontinuous
when we want to say what
was happening (what was
in progress) at a parti'ular
time in the past.
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Tenses >> Present perfect continuous tense (present perfect
pro$ressive!
Structure of present perfect continuous
They'(e (They ha(e) been
li(ing in this flat for more
than fi(e years.
Ha(e they been li(ing here
for a long time?
They ha(en't (ha(e not)
been li(ing in this flat for
(ery long.
Present perfect continuous - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
It has been rain hea(ily all
day.
It has been raining hea(ily
all day.
The stru'ture of present
perfe't 'ontinuous is
have/has %een -in$"
I ha(e sat here for two
hours.
I ha(e been sitting here for
two hours.
.erbs su'h as sit wait
speak et'. (non#stati(e
(erbs) suggest 'ontinuity
and so are mostly used in
the 'ontinuous (#ing) form.
!hi'h?
I ha(e worked here for fi(e years.
I ha(e been working here for - years.
!hen 7/TH the simple and
'ontinuous form are
possible nati(e speakers
prefer to use the
'ontinuous.
9 of 52
Tenses >> Past perfect continuous tense
Structure of past perfect continuous
I'd (I had) been working
hard.
I hadn't (had not) been
working hard.
Had you been working
hard?
Past perfect continuous - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
I had working hard so I
felt (ery tired.
I had been worked hard so
I felt (ery tired.
I had been working hard
so I felt (ery tired.
The form of the past perfe't
'ontinuous is ha' & %een
& ver%-in$.
I had been hearing the
song many times before.
I had heard the song many
times before.
,ome (erbs are not
normally used in the
'ontinuous form e.g.
stati(e (erbs su'h as know
like understand believe
hear et'.
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Tenses >> Future simple continuous (pro$ressive! tense
Structure of future simple continuous
I'll (I will) be waiting there
at fi(e o''lo'k.
I won't (will not) be waiting
there at fi(e o''lo'k.
!ill you be waiting there at
fi(e o''lo'k?
Tenses >> Present tenses use' for the future
Present tenses use' for the future
!e use the present simple when we
talk about timetables and programmes.
The train leaves at 12!!
What time does the film begin?
!e use the present continuous when
we talk about things we ha(e already
arranged to do.
"'m going to the cinema this evening
"'m not working tomorrow
Tenses >> Future perfect continuous (pro$ressive! tense
Structure of future perfect continuous
*e3t year I'll (I will) ha(e
been working in the
'ompany for 89 years
*e3t year I won't (will not)
ha(e been working in the
'ompany for 89 years
!ill you ha(e been working
in the 'ompany for 89 years
ne3t year?
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Con'itionals >> (ero con'itional sentences
Structure of )ero con'itional
If1when you heat water to
899 degrees it boils.
If1when you don't heat
water to 899 degrees it
doesn't boil.
!hat happens if1when you
heat water to 899 degrees?
(ero con'itional - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
If1when you eat too mu'h
you will get fat.
!ater boils when it will
rea'h 899:;.
If1when you eat too mu'h
you get fat.
!ater boils when it rea'hes
899:;.
!e use the present simple
in both 'lauses and it
means that the 'ondition
'an be true at any time
(it is a fa't).
"f means the same as when
in a <ero 'onditional
senten'e.
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Con'itionals >> First con'itional
Structure of first con'itional
If I see him I'll (I will) tell
him.
If you don't hurry you'll
miss the bus.
!hat will you do if there is
a problem?
First con'itional - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
If you will go to =ngland
you will impro(e your
=nglish.
If you go to =ngland you
will impro(e your =nglish.
!e use present simple in
the if#'lause.
If I find his address I send
him the letter.
If I find his address I will
send him the letter.
The main 'lause has will*
whi'h e3presses 'ertainty in
the future.
I'll tell him as soon as I will
see him.
I'll tell him as soon as I see
him.
!e use present simple in
the if#'lause.
13 of 52
Con'itionals >> Secon' con'itional
Structure of secon' con'itional
If I had more time I'd (I
would) tra(el more.
I wouldn't (would not)
refuse if you offered me
>89999.
!hat would you say if you
met "ueen =li<abeth?
Secon' con'itional - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
If I would ha(e enough
money I would buy a new
'omputer.
If I had enough money I
would buy a new 'omputer.
!e use the past simple ("
had) in the if#'lause when
we are talking about
something whi'h is unlikely
to happen or an imaginary
situation.
If you didn't hurry so
mu'h you will feel more
rela3ed.
If you didn't hurry so
mu'h you would feel more
rela3ed.
The main 'lause has woul'
& infinitive"
14 of 52
Con'itionals >> Thir' con'itional
Structure of thir' con'itional
If I'd (I had) known you
were 'oming I would'(e
(would ha(e) waited for
you.
If she hadn't been ill she
would ha(e gone to the
'inema.
!ould you ha(e done it if
you'd (you had) known
earlier?
Thir' con'itional - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
If I would ha(e asked him
he would ha(e helped me.
If I had asked him he
would ha(e helped me.
In the if#'lause we use the
past perfe't (ha' % past
participle).
If you had spoken to my
mother she would tell you
where I was.
If you had spoken to my
mother she would ha(e
told you where I was.
The main 'lause has
woul' & have & past
participle"
15 of 52
+er% structures >> +er% & %are infinitive
+er% & %are infinitive
The %are infinitive (infiniti(e without
'to') is used after 'ertain (erbs whi'h are
followed by an ob&e't$ let, make, see,
hear, feel
#y parents didn't let me watch T$ at
night
%id you see anyone enter the building
&e made me laugh
The %are infinitive is used after modal
(erbs can, should, could, might, may, et'.
&e can't sing
"t might be a good idea
+er% structures >> +er% & -in$ ($erun'!
+er% & -in$
The $erun' form (#ing) is used after
'ertain (erbs$ avoid, admit, can't stand,
deny, dislike, en'oy, hate, like, love,
mind, practise
" enjoy going to the cinema
" don't like living in a city
The $erun' form (#ing) is used after
ver% & preposition$ insist on, look
forward to, et'.
"'m looking forward to seeing you
&e insisted on seeing the shop manager
+er% structures >> +er% & to & infinitive
+er% & to infinitive
To infinitive is used after su'h (erbs
as$ agree, arrange, decide, offer, seem,
plan, want, need, promise, hope, refuse,
start, stop
" have decided to lend him the car
&e offered to help me
&e promised not say anything
To infinitive is used after 'ertain (erbs
whi'h are followed by an ob&e't$ ask, tell,
want, need
&e asked me to go there with him
(he told me to help her
+er% structures >> +er% & o%,ect & to-infinitive structure
16 of 52
+er% & o%,ect & to-infinitive structure
)fter some (erbs we need to in'lude an
ob&e't before to-infinitive.
,ome of these (erbs are$ advise, ask,
allow, expect, encourage, force, help,
invite, order, persuade, teach, tell
They considered him to be the best
person for the position
(he asked me to give her some advice
" told my assistant to send the letter
Modal verbs
-o'al ver%s >> -o'al ver%s an' their ne$atives
-o'al ver%s an' their ne$atives
positi(e negati(e
must (used for a personal opinion)
&e must be cra)y
cant
&e can't be cra)y
must / have to / has to (used for
obligation)
*ou must arrive by + o'clock
*ou have to arrive by + o'clock
can (used for ability)
" can play the guitar
cant / cannot
" can't play the guitar
can (used for possibility)
*ou can smoke here
cant / cannot / mustnt
*ou can't smoke here
*ou mustn't smoke here

17 of 52
-o'al ver%s >> -o'al ver%s in the past
-o'al ver%s in the past
present past
should be should ha(e been
'ould be 'ould ha(e been
will be would be
may be may ha(e been
might be might ha(e been
would be would ha(e been
-o'al ver%s >> Shoul' (to e.press o%li$ation!
Shoul' - to e.press o%li$ation
,tru'ture$ should % infiniti(e
!e use shoul' for the present and the
future.
!e use shoul' to gi(e ad(i'e to someone
and to say that something is a good idea.
Shoul' is weaker than have to or must"
*ou should tell them the truth
*ou shouldn't smoke, it's bad for you
" don't think you should do it
18 of 52
-o'al ver%s >> Shoul' have (to e.press past o%li$ation!
Shoul' have - to e.press unfulfille' past o%li$ation
,tru'ture$ should % ha(e % past parti'iple
!e use shoul' have for the past.
!e use shoul' have to say that
someone didn't do something but it
would ha(e been better to do it.
*ou should have told them the truth
*ou shouldn't have gone there , it was
a mistake
" don't think you should have done it
-o'al ver%s >> -ust / have to
-ust / have to
present past
I must go. 1 I ha(e to go.
(when we want to e3press obligation)
" had to go
He must be here.
It must be great.
(when we want to e3press a personal
opinion)
&e must have been here
"t must have been great
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-o'al ver%s >> Present pro%a%ility - must / cant / may /
mi$ht / coul'
-ust / cant - to e.press pro%a%ility
,tru'ture$ modal % infiniti(e without to
must be must ha(e 'an't go et'.
!e use must to e3press that we feel sure
that something is true.
They are really good, they must win
They must be very rich -ook at the
house
!e use cant to say we are sure that
something is impossible.
(he can't be ill "'ve 'ust seen her in the
shop and she looked fine
"t can't be true " don't believe it
-ay / mi$ht / coul' - to e.press pro%a%ility
,tru'ture$ modal % infiniti(e without to
may be might do 'ould go et'.
!e use may or coul' or mi$ht to say
that it is possible that something will
happen or is happening.
They may be arriving tomorrow
&e might be away on holiday
&e could be away on holiday
&e might be offered the 'ob
The negati(e of may is may not"
The negati(e of mi$ht is mi$ht not"
They both mean that it is possible that
something will not happen or is not
happening.
!e D/ */T use coul' not to e3press
probability.
&e might not be offered the 'ob
I may not pass the exam
" might not go to the match tomorrow
20 of 52
-o'al ver%s >> Past pro%a%ility - must have / cant have /
mi$ht have / may have
-ust / cant / coul'nt have - to e.press pro%a%ility in the past
,tru'ture$ modal % ha(e % past parti'iple
must ha(e been 'an't ha(e gone et'.
!e use must have to e3press that we
feel sure that something was true.
They must have left early
&e must have already gone
!e use cant have 1 coul'nt have to
say that we belie(e something was
impossible.
&e can't have escaped through this
window "t is too small
(he can't have said that
(he couldn't have said that
-ay / mi$ht / coul' have - to e.press pro%a%ility in the past
,tru'ture$ modal % ha(e % past parti'iple
may ha(e been 'ould ha(e gone might ha(e lost et'.
!e use may / coul' / mi$ht have to
say that it was possible that something
happened in the past (but we are not
899? sure).
&e may have missed the bus
The road might have been blocked
The negati(es are may not have and
mi$ht not have"
&e may not have left yet
The assistant might not have received
his message
21 of 52
Prepositions
Prepositions >> Prepositions of place
Prepositions of place
I* /* )T
inside an area or spa'e
in the city, in the sky, in
bed
in 'onta't with a surfa'e
on the wall, on the table
'lose to
at the table, at the bus stop

on a line
on the river, on the
e.uator
before nouns referring to a
pla'e or position
at the top, at the front, at
the end
but in the middle
arri(e in a 'ity
arrive in -ondon, in
/msterdam

arri(e at a small pla'e
arrive at the station, at the
meeting

when e3pressing 'towards'
point at something, smile at
someone
22 of 52
Prepositions >> Prepositions of time
Prepositions of time
I* /* )T
years (in 100+)
days of the week (on
Thursday)
hours of the 'lo'k (at 12!)
months (in 3anuary) dates (on 4 /ugust)
religious festi(als (at
5aster)
seasons (in summer) on #onday morning
points in time (at the end of
the week)
parts of the day (in the
afternoon in the morning
7@T at night)

Prepositions of time (during, for, over, or, by, until!
!e use 'urin$ to talk about something
that happens within a parti'ular period of
time to say when something takes pla'e.
!e use 'urin$ to talk about something
that happens within the same time as
another e(ent.
During my time in -ondon " visited a lot
of interesting places
&e came to work during the morning
meeting
!e use over or in to talk about
something that has been happening
'ontinuously up until the present or will
happen 'ontinuously in the future.
We've had a lot of problems over 6 in the
last few months
We expect a rise in sales over 6 in the
next few months
!e use for to say how long something
'ontinues.
" can only come for a few minutes
" was waiting for him for two hours
!e use %y to say that something will
happen or be a'hie(ed before a parti'ular
time.
"t has to be finished by two o'clock
&e should return by the end of #arch
!e use until to say that something will
'ontinue up to a parti'ular time.
We have to stay here until he comes
The concert went on until eleven o'clock
23 of 52
Prepositions >> /.amples of some prepositional ver%s
Prepositional ver%s
to agree to something
to a''ept
" don't think he will ever agree to such a
plan
to apologise for something
to say you are sorry for something
" apologi)e for not replying to your letter
sooner
to apply for something
to formally ask someone for something
su'h as a &ob or permission to do
something
Why didn't you apply for a bank loan?
to 'omplain to somebody about
something1somebody
to say you are annoyed about something
"f the service is not satisfactory, you
should complain to the customer service
about it
to 'onform to something
to be in a''ordan'e with something
This signal system doesn't conform to the
official safety standards
to 'onsist of something
to mention all of the things that something
'ontains
The delegation consists of over 2!!
people, including interpreters and
'ournalists
to hear from somebody
when someone espe'ially someone you
know well writes to you or telephones you
When was the last time you heard from
him?
to insist on something
to say that something must happen or
somebody must do something
" insist on speaking to the head of the
office
to refer to something
to talk about somebody or something in a
'on(ersation spee'h or a pie'e of writing
5veryone knows who she was referring to
in her speech
24 of 52
Prepositions >> Prepositions after a',ectives (0!
Prepositions after a',ectives
afraid of something
afraid of doing something
(he is afraid of driving on motorways
/re you afraid of the dark?
angry a%out something
angry with somebody
" am really angry about what she did
Why did she do it? " am really angry with
her
'on'erned a%out something "'m concerned about his exam results
pleased with someone 1 something " was very pleased with his performance
sorry a%out something
sorry for doing something
Was she sorry about the mistake?
"'m sorry for being late
good at something &e is good at languages
Prepositions >> Prepositions after a',ectives (1!
Prepositions after a',ectives
(un)aware of something "s he aware of the problem?
dependent on something (he is still dependent on her parents
famous for something
&e is famous for his sporting
achievements
impressed %y/with something " was very impressed by his performance
similar to something
&is interests are similar to those of his
brother
upset a%out something " was really upset about it
25 of 52
2',ectives / a'ver%s
2',ectives / a'ver%s >> 3se of a',ectives
2',ectives
!e use an ad&e'ti(e to des'ribe the
+ualities of people things pla'es et'.
7an you see the young woman at the end
of the street?
!e use an ad&e'ti(e (not an ad(erb) after
'linking' (erbs su'h as be, become, feel,
seem, smell, sound, look, et'.
"t looks interesting.
&is ideas are interesting
!e use an ad&e'ti(e to des'ribe the
ob&e't.
&is answer made his boss angry
2',ectives - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
,he was too frighten to say
a word.
,he was too frightened to
say a word.
I am (ery interesting in
this problem.
I am (ery interested in this
problem.
It was a bored film. It was a boring film.
Aany ad&e'ti(es are
parti'iple forms of (erbs.
The -e' form des'ribes how
someone feels (bored).
The -in$ form des'ribes the
person or thing that 'auses
the feeling (boring).
The 'amera works perfe't.
The 'amera works
perfe'tly.
!e use ad(erbs to say how
we do something.
,he married a Berman
young tall lawyer.
,he married a tall young
Berman lawyer.
)d&e'ti(es normally go in
the following se+uen'e$
si)e-a$e-shape-colour-
ori$in-material-purpose"
26 of 52
2',ectives / a'ver%s >> 3se of a'ver%s
2'ver%s
!e use an ad(erb to say how an a'tion is
performed.
&e speaks 5nglish fluently
(he answered correctly
!e use an ad(erb to add information
about the time1pla'e1manner.
&ow long have you lived here?
!e 'an use an ad(erb to add information
to an ad&e'ti(e.
(he was extremely happy to see him
again
" really hate travelling by train
Forms of a'ver%s
The ma&ority of ad(erbs are formed by
adding ly to an ad&e'ti(e.
There are some e3'eptions # irregular
ad(erbs.
nicely, .uickly, beautifully, happily,
economically
If the ad&e'ti(e ends in ic we add ally" basic , basically, dramatic , dramatically
,ome ad(erbs ha(e the same form as
ad&e'ti(es.
fast, daily, late, early, hard
27 of 52
2'ver%s - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
The 'amera works perfe't.
The 'amera works
perfe'tly.
!e use an ad(erb
(perfect # ad&e'ti(e
perfectly # ad(erb) when
we want to say how we do
something.
Did you work hardly today? Did you work hard today?
,ee the list of irregular
ad(erbs.
,he beha(ed rather silly.
Her beha(iour was silly.
,he beha(ed rather
stupidly.
,ome words ending in #ly
are ad&e'ti(es (friendly
likely lonely ugly) and
'annot be used as ad(erbs.
His answer sounded
'orre'tly.
He looks happily
His answer sounded
'orre't.
He looks happy.
)fter 'linking' (erbs we use
ad&e'ti(es not ad(erbs.
2',ectives / a'ver%s >> 2'ver%s of fre4uency
Wor' or'er - a'ver%s of fre4uency
)n ad(erb of fre+uen'y 'an go$
before the main (erb
&e always goes to work by bus
They never go on holiday in winter
after the (erb be
3ohn is often absent from lessons
They were usually on time
after modal (erbs should can could et'.
*ou should always turn the electricity off
#y boss can never remember my name
(ometimes and occasionally 'an go in the
front middle or end position in the
senten'e.
Sometimes she is late
(he is sometimes late
(he is late sometimes
28 of 52
2',ectives / a'ver%s >> Comparatives an' superlatives of
a',ectives
Comparative an' superlative of a',ectives
2',ective Comparative Superlative
/ne#syllable
ad&e'ti(es
old
long
older
longer
the oldest
the longest
)d&e'ti(es ending in
one (owel and one
'onsonant
big
hot
big$er
hotter
the big$est
the hottest
)d&e'ti(es ending in
#y
ugly
noisy
uglier
noisier
the ugliest
the noisiest
)d&e'ti(es with two
or more syllables
e3pensi(e
beautiful
more e3pensi(e
more beautiful
the most e3pensi(e
the most beautiful
/.ceptions
good better the best
bad worse the worst
far farther1further the farthest1furthest
29 of 52
2',ectives / a'ver%s >> 5rre$ular a'ver%s
5rre$ular a'ver%s
Aost ad(erbs are formed by adding -ly to an ad&e'ti(e (e.g. slow # slowly). Howe(er
there are some irregular ad(erbs.
a',ective a'ver%
good well
fast fast
hard hard
late late
early early
daily daily
6eporte' speech
6eporte' speech >> Structure of reporte' speech
Structures of reporte' speech
dire't spee'h
reported spee'h
(he said, 8"t is better to wait8
(he said 9that: it was better to wait
dire't spee'h
reported spee'h
&e said, 8" have never been to (pain8
&e said 9that: he had never been to
(pain
30 of 52
6eporte' speech >> Structure of reporte' 4uestions
Structures of reporte' 4uestions
dire't spee'h
reported +uestion
(he asked, 8Is it better to wait?8
(he asked if it was better to wait
dire't spee'h
reported +uestion
&e asked, 8ave you been to (pain?8
&e asked if I had been to (pain
6eporte' 4uestions - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
,he asked me why did I
work so mu'h.
,he asked me why I
worked so mu'h.
The word order in reported
+uestions is$ ,@7C=;T %
.=D7.
,he asked me it was
raining.
,he asked me if it was
raining.
0es1no +uestions ('losed
+uestions) begin with if
when they be'ome reported
+uestions.
,he asked me if I ha(e
been to 7ristol?
,he asked me if I had been
to 7ristol.
,he asked me what I do for
a li(ing.
,he asked me what I did
for a li(ing.
If the reporting (erb (in this
'ase ask) is in the past
tense the tenses used in
the original senten'e ha(e
to be 'hanged$
" am be'omes " was
" can be'omes " could
" have been be'omes " had
been.
31 of 52
Questions
7uestions >> Formin$ 4uestions
Structures of 4uestions
If there is an au3iliary (helping) (erb (be,
have, can, will, et'.) we put it %efore the
su%,ect (he, she, ", et'.)
Is anybody in the office?
ave you ever visited -ondon?
What time !ill they be here?
If there is no au3iliary (helping) (erb we
put do, does or did %efore the su%,ect"
Do you know my older brother?
Did he come in time?
!e put wh# words (when, where, why,
who, how, et'.) at the beginning of the
+uestion.
&ow long have you been waiting for me?
Where is their office?
Which colour do you like best?
!e don't use do, does or did when we use
what, which, who or whose as the
sub&e't.
What happened to you?
Who told you about it?
32 of 52
7uestions - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
!hat meant you by saying
that?
!hat did you mean by
saying that?
0ou like this film? Do you like this film?
If there is no au3iliary
(helping) (erb we put do,
does or did %efore the
su%,ect"
!here you are going this
afternoon?
!here are you going this
afternoon?
0ou did read the letter? Did you read the letter?
!e put an au3iliary (erb
before the sub&e't.
!ho did gi(e you the
information?
!ho ga(e you the
information?
!e don't use do, does or
did when we use what,
which, who or whose as the
sub&e't.
Does he knows your sister? Does he know your sister?
!here will she studies? !here will she study?
!hen there is an au3iliary
(erb the main (erb is in
the infiniti(e form.
;an you tell me where 'an
I buy a good 'amera?
;an you tell me where I
'an buy a good 'amera?
!ord order in indire't
+uestion is the same as in a
normal senten'e$ ,@7C=;T
% .=D7 %...
33 of 52
7uestions >> Formin$ in'irect 4uestions
Structures of in'irect 4uestions
!ord order in indire't +uestion is the same as in a normal senten'e$
,@7C=;T % .=D7 % ...
8irect 4uestion 5n'irect 4uestion
!here can 5 %uy ink for the printer?
;an you tell me where 5 can %uy ink for
the printer?
Why 'o you want to work for our
'ompany?
He asked me why 5 wante' to work for
their 'ompany.
!hat is the num%er of the last in(oi'e?
I am 'alling to ask you what the num%er
of the last in(oi'e is.
How mu'h 'i' it cost? Do you know how mu'h it cost?
How 'i' it happen? Did she tell you how it happene'?
34 of 52
+arious $rammar rules >> 2ll* the whole
2ll
2ll (of! we use to e3press total number
or amount of something
all (of) my friends all (of) the time
/ll 9of: my friends visited me in the
hospital
2ll (of! we usually use with un'ountable
nouns
all (of) the money all (of) the oil
(he has spent all 9of: the money on
cosmetics
2ll of we usually use with personal
pronouns it, them, et'.
all of them all of it
&ave you invited all of them?
2ll is usually pla'ed after the personal
pronoun we, they, them, us
we all they all
We all en'oyed the concert
The whole
!e usually use The whole (of) with
singular 'ountable nouns.
The 'an be repla'ed by a possessi(e
pronoun our, my et'.
the whole meeting my whole life
(he lived in the same house her whole
life
2ll or the whole
2ll or the whole 'an be used with time
e3pressions
all day 1 the whole day
all morning 1 the whole morning
35 of 52
+arious $rammar rules >> 2lrea'y* yet
2lrea'y* yet
!e use alrea'y to say that something
happened sooner than e3pe'ted.
2lrea'y usually 'omes before the main
(erb or between an au3iliary or modal
(erb and the main (erb.
" am sorry, she has already gone home
The film has already started
(he's only four years old and she is
already reading
!e use yet in +uestions or negati(e
statements to talk about things that we
e3pe'ted to happen before now.
9et usually 'omes at the end of the
senten'e.
&ave you finished the work yet?
" haven't seen the film yet
"# &ave you met him? $# ;ot yet
!e usually use the present perfe't with alrea'y and yet"
+arious $rammar rules >> :e use' to* $et use' to* use' to
:e use' to
:e use' to & noun phrase or ver%-in$
(in this pattern use' is an ad&e'ti(e and
to is a preposition).
If you are use' to something you ha(e
often done or e3perien'ed it so it's not
strange new or diffi'ult for you.
" am used to getting up early in the
morning " don't mind it
&e didn't complain about the noise
nextdoor , he was used to it
The opposite of %e use' to is %e not
use' to"
" am not used to the new system yet
36 of 52
#et use' to
#et use' to & noun phrase or ver%-
in$ (in this pattern use' is an ad&e'ti(e
and to is a preposition).
If you $et use' to something you
be'ome a''ustomed to it.
It is the pro'ess of be'oming used to
something.
" got used to getting up early in the
morning
/fter a while he didn't mind the noise in
the office , he got used to it.
3se' to
3se' to & ver% refers to a state or habit
in the past.
It is used only in the past simple.
If you use' to 'o something you did it
for a period of time in the past but you
don't do it any more.
We used to live there when " was a child
" used to walk to work everyday when "
was younger
The form of the +uestion is
'i'(nt!&su%,ect&use to %e"
The form of the negati(e is
'i'nt use to %e"
Did%n't& he use to work in your office?
We didn't use to be vegetarians
+arious $rammar rules >> 2lthou$h* even thou$h
Con,unctions - althou$h* even thou$h
!e use althou$h to make the main
statement surprising or unlikely.
"lthough he is much older than the
others, he won the race
/ven thou$h is the same as 'espite the
fact that"
" en'oyed the race, even though my
results weren't very good
37 of 52
+arious $rammar rules >> /ver* never
/ver* never
/ver 6 'at any time'E it is the opposite of
never
!e generally use ever in +uestions.
/ver goes immediately before the main
(erb.
"t was the best wine " have ever tested
&ave you ever been to <aris?
;ever 6 'at no time'
;ever goes immediately before the main
(erb.
&e has never visited me
"'ll never forget how kind he has been
!e usually use the present perfe't with ever and never
+arious $rammar rules >> <ust
<ust
<ust means a short time ago.
" have just seen him in the corridor
" had just finished it when he came
38 of 52
+arious $rammar rules >> Structure of phrasal ver%s
Structure of phrasal ver%s
) phrasal (erb 'an be
made up of$


a (erb % ad(erb throw away
a (erb % preposition look into
a (erb % ad(erb %
preposition
put up with
+arious $rammar rules >> 6elative clauses
6elative clauses
8efinin$ relati(e 'lauses are used to
spe'ify whi'h person or thing we mean.
!e don't put 'ommas between the noun
and a defining relati(e 'lause.
Who or that are used for people.
Which or that are used for things.
" have a friend who speaks five
languages
" have a friend that speaks five
languages
(he showed me the coat which she had
bought
(he showed me the coat that she had
bought
;on-'efinin$ relati(e 'lauses (e3tra
information 'lauses) are used to add
e3tra information whi'h is not ne'essary.
!e put 'ommas between the noun and a
non#defining relati(e 'lause.
Who is used for people.
Which is used for things.
That 'annot be used.
#r =ry, who speaks five languages, works
as a translator for the 5>
The area, which has very high
unemployment, is in the north of the
country
6elative clauses - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
The man who was sitting
ne3t to me he had a brown
&a'ket.
The man who was sitting
ne3t to me had a brown
&a'ket.
)fter a relati(e 'lause we
do not repeat the sub&e't.
The book what I bought
was by =dward Lear.
The book that I bought was
by =dward Lear.
/nly that or which are
possible not what
39 of 52
He lent me the book whi'h
I found it (ery useful.
He lent me the book whi'h
I found (ery useful.
) relati(e 'lause 'an ha(e
only one dire't ob&e't.
The winner that was F-
will re'ei(e >8F999.
The winner who was F-
will re'ei(e >8F999.
That 'annot be used in a
non#defining (e3tra
information) 'lause.
/ur offi'e is about two
kilometres from the 'entre
whi'h I share with my two
'olleagues.
/ur offi'e whi'h I share
with my two 'ollegues is
about two kilometres from
the 'ity 'entre.
) relati(e 'lause follows the
noun to whi'h it refers"
+arious $rammar rules >> Some* any
Some
Some$
is used with the plural form of nouns
and with un'ountable nouns
a pen, some pens
some water 9uncountable:
is used in positi(e senten'es
There is some milk in the fridge
" did some exercises
is used in offers Would you like some tea?
is used in re+uests 7ould you give me some tea, please?
2ny
2ny=
is used with the plural form of nouns
and with un'ountable nouns
a pen, any pens
any water 9uncountable:
is used in +uestions "s there any milk in the fridge?
is used in negati(e senten'es There isn't any milk in the fridge
+arious $rammar rules >> 7uestion ta$s / ta$ 4uestions
Ta$ 4uestions
40 of 52
) tag +uestion is a +uestion whi'h we add to the end of a statement be'ause we
would like to get an answer to our statement.
The tag 'ontains a sub&e't pronoun (it, he, she, et'.) whi'h mat'hes the sub&e't of
the statement and a (erb whi'h mat'hes the (erb in the statement.
If the statement is positive the tag is ne$ative.
If the statement is ne$ative the tag is positive.
It's (ery ni'e weather today isnt it? It isn't a (ery ni'e weather today is it?
,he 'an speak =nglish cant she? ,he 'an't speak =nglish can she?
0ou ha(e finished the work havent
you?
0ou ha(en't finished the work have
you?
He will arri(e on time wont he? He won't arri(e on time will he?
0ou know him 'ont you? 0ou don't know him 'o you?
He earned a lot of money 'i'nt he? He didn't earned mu'h money 'i' he?
There is enough time isnt there? There isn't enough time is there?
>ess usual ta$ 4uestions
Imperati(e
7e 'areful wont you?
Don't be late will you?
)fter let's Let's go to the 'inema shall we?
+arious $rammar rules >> Within
Within
Within means$ 'inside of the limit'.
Within 2? hours means 'in FG hours or
maybe sooner'.
!ithin a week everything should be
done
"'ll be back within a hour
+arious $rammar rules >> 2lways* still
41 of 52
2lways* still
!e use always to say that something
happens all the time (or (ery often).
" always go swimming on #onday
evenings
(he has always wanted to visit =inland
!e use always to say that something
happens all the time (in an annoying
way).
&e is always forgetting things
&e's always complaining
!e use always to say that something
e3ists for e(er.
"'ll always remember the first time " met
her
2lways is usually before the main (erbE
after an au3iliary or modal (erbE
after the (erb 'to be'.
" always have
" can always
&e is always
Still means ''ontinuing later than
e3pe'ted.'
It e3presses that someting started in the
past and is the same now.
(he is still living with her parents
Why are you still talking about it?
They still haven't mended my car 9They
haven't mended my car yet:
Still usually 'omes before the main (erb.
Still usually 'omes after the main (erb if
the main (erb is 'be'.
" still like her
%oes he still live in 7ambridge?
&e is still here
" can still run 1!! metres in less than 12
seconds
42 of 52
+arious $rammar rules >> 2s lon$ as
2s lon$ as
!e use as lon$ as to say that something
will happen only on 'ondition that
something else happens.
"'ll lend you the book, as long as you
promise to give it back to me in a week
+arious $rammar rules >> 8espite* in spite of
Prepositions - 'espite* in spite of
!e use 'espite in one half
of a senten'e to make the
rest of the senten'e
surprising.
despite something
despite % #ing
despite the fa't that
Despite the heavy traffic,
we got there on time
Despite being much older
than the others, he won the
race
5n spite of has the same
meaning as 'espite"
in spite of something
in spite of % #ing
in spite of the fa't that
In spite of the heavy
traffic, we got there on
time
In spite of the fact that he
is much older than the
others, he won the race
43 of 52
+arious $rammar rules >> /ach* every
/ach* every
/ach is used if we mean an indi(idual
member of a group.
/very 'an also be used.
We have send the invitation to each 6
every business partner
/ach of is used if we mean e(ery
member of a group and we in'lude a
possessi(e pronoun our, their et'.
/very 'annot be used in this 'ase.
We have sent the invitation to each of
our business partners
/very is used with a plural noun when it
is followed by number.
/ach 'annot be used in this 'ase.
" visit my mother every two months 6
every other day 6every second week
+arious $rammar rules >> 5n case* in case of
5n case
!e use in case to e3press that we are
doing something in preparation for
something whi'h might happen.
Take an umbrella in case it rains@
"'ll buy two bottles of wine in case one is
not enough
5n case of
!e use in case of to say what we should
do if or when something happens.
"n case of burglary, don't touch anything
and call the police immediately
44 of 52
+arious $rammar rules >> >ittle* a little* few* a few
>ittle / a little
" little is more than little.
little % un'ountable noun
little 6 nearly none nearly nothing
little time little food little money
a little % unountable noun
a little 6 some but not mu'h
a little time a little food a little money
>ittle is a negati(e idea.
!e 'an also use very little"

" can't help you " speak little 5nglish
" can't help you " speak very little
5nglish
(Ay =nglish is bad # I would like to know
=nglish better.)
>ittle has irregular 'omparati(e and
superlati(e forms.
little # less # the least
a little # more # the most
2 little is a positi(e idea. " can help youA " speak a little 5nglish
Few / a few
" few is more than few.
few % plural 'ountable noun
few 6 nearly none
few people, few books, few letters
2 few is a positi(e idea.
=ortunately, our finances are ok We still
have a few good customers
Few is a negati(e idea.
!e 'an also use very few.

"'m very sad " have few good friends
"'m very sad " have very few good
friends
(I don't ha(e many good friends # I
would like to ha(e more.)
Few has irregular 'omparati(e and
superlati(e forms.
few # fewer # the fewest
a few # more # the most
45 of 52
+arious $rammar rules >> 6elative pronouns
6elative pronouns
!e use who when we talk about people. " don't know who told you that
!e use which or that when we talk
about things.
Which is more formal than that
Which and that 'an be left out of a
defining relati(e 'lause.
"t's the watch which my husband bought
me for my birthday
"t's the watch that my husband bought
me for my birthday
"t's the watch my husband bought me for
my birthday
!e use whose to show possession.
3ohn, whose brother was also a musician,
plays over 1!! concerts every year
!e use where 6 when when we talk
about pla'e or time.
#y wife and " went to the bar where we
first met
"t was when " was living in -ondon
46 of 52
+arious $rammar rules >> Say* tell
Say / tell
!e use$ tell % somebody.
" told David about it
%id you tell him?
&e told me that he was ill
!e use$say % something.
&e said hello
&e said he was ill
!e use$ say % something % to somebody. " said hello to him
!e use tell when we are gi(ing fa'ts or information$
tell somebody (that)...
tell somebody something
tell somebody about something
tell somebody who1when1where.
(he told me 9that: she was ill
(he told me the news
Tell me about your new 'ob
&e told me where it was
47 of 52
+arious $rammar rules >> Speak* talk
Speak / talk
Speak and talk ha(e similar meanings.
They suggest that someone is using his
(oi'e or that two or more people are
ha(ing a dis'ussion.
!e 'an say$
speak to some%o'y
talk to some%o'y
speak to some%o'y a%out somethin$
talk to some%o'y a%out somethin$
&ow old were you when you learned to
speak'
What are you talking about?
Who were you speaking to on the phone?
Who were you talking to on the phone?
" was speaking to #ark about cricket
7ut we say$
speak a lan$ua$e */T talk a language
talk nonsense */T speak nonsense.
Speak to and talk to are used more
often than speak with and talk with.
&e speaks four languages
(top talking nonsense@
" was talking to Tom yesterday
+arious $rammar rules >> 3nless
3nless
!e use unless to say that something will
happen if something else doesn't stop it
happening.
*ou won't get the 'ob unless you prepare
for the interview
6 0ou will only get the &ob if you prepare
well for the inter(iew.
Don't do it unles he tells you to.
6 /nly do it if he tells you to do it.
48 of 52
Writing business letters - Useful phrases: Yours
faithfull or Yours sin!erel"
0ou already know how important it is to speak good =nglish in an international
working en(ironment. If you work for a 'ompany whi'h does business abroad you
probably read and write a lot of =nglish too. !riting &ust like speaking is
'ommuni'ation. In our letters and emails we need to e3press many things$ authority
gratitude dissatisfa'tion et'. =3pressing oursel(es well and with the 'orre't le(el of
formality is an important skill.
Do you ha(e that skill? )sk yourself these +uestions$
8o you present yourself in a professional manner when you write?
What ima$e 'o you $ive to the people who rea' your letters an' emails?
In short you want to gi(e a professional image when you write to your 'ustomers
and business partners. To get you started we'(e prepared some lists of standard
phrases. Take a look at$
?penin$ >ines Closin$ >ines 8ear Sir an' 9ours Faithfully

Opening lines
Why 'o we nee' an openin$ line in a %usiness letter or formal email?
- to make reference to previous correspon'ence
- to say how you foun' the recipients name/a''ress
- to say why you are writin$ to the recipient"
0@ #oo' ?penin$ >ines=
!ith referen'e to your letter of H Cune I ...
I am writing to en+uire about ...
)fter ha(ing seen your ad(ertisement in ... I would like ...
)fter ha(ing re'ei(ed your address from ... I ...
I re'ei(ed your address from ... and would like ...
!e1I re'ently wrote to you about ...
Thank you for your letter of H Aay.
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Thank you for your letter regarding ...
Thank you for your letter1e#mail about ...
In reply to your letter of H Aay ...
Closing lines
Why 'o we nee' a closin$ line in a %usiness letter or email?
- to make a reference to a future event
- to repeat an apolo$y
- to offer help
0@ #oo' Closin$ >ines=
If you re+uire any further information feel free to 'onta't me.
I look forward to your reply.
I look forward to hearing from you.
I look forward to seeing you.
4lease ad(ise as ne'essary.
!e look forward to a su''essful working relationship in the future.
,hould you need any further information please do not hesitate to 'onta't me.
/n'e again I apologise for any in'on(enien'e.
!e hope that we may 'ontinue to rely on your (alued 'ustom.
I would appre'iate your immediate attention to this matter.


When 'Yours faithfully' and when 'Yours sincerely' in a business
letter?
When the recipients name is unknown to you=
Dear ,ir ... 0ours faithfully
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Dear Aadam ... 0ours faithfully
Dear ,ir or Aadam ... 0ours faithfully

When you know the recipients name=
Dear Ar Hanson ... 0ours sin'erely
Dear Ars Hanson ... 0ours sin'erely
Dear Aiss Hanson ... 0ours sin'erely
Dear As Hanson ... 0ours sin'erely

!hen a''ressin$ a $oo' frien' or collea$ue=
Dear Ca'k ... 7est wishes17est regards

2''ressin$ whole 'epartments=
Dear ,irs ... 0ours faithfully
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#elephone language an$ phrases in %nglish
&o' to ans'er an$ spea( on the phone
2nswerin$ the phone
Bood morning1afternoon1e(ening 0ork
=nterprises =li<abeth Cones speaking.
!ho's 'alling please?
5ntro'ucin$ yourself
This is 4aul ,mith speaking.
Hello this is 4aul ,mith from ,peakspeak
International.
2skin$ for someone
;ould I speak to Cohn Aartin please?
I'd like to speak to Cohn Aartin please.
;ould you put me through to Cohn Aartin
please?
;ould I speak to someone who I
/.plainin$
I'm afraid Ar Aartin isn't in at the moment.
I'm sorry he's in a meeting at the moment.
I'm afraid he's on another line at the
moment.
Puttin$ someone on hol'
Cust a moment please.
;ould you hold the line please?
Hold the line please.
Pro%lems
I'm sorry I don't understand.
;ould you repeat that please?
I'm sorry I 'an't hear you (ery
well. ;ould you speak up a little
please?
I'm afraid you'(e got the wrong
number.
I'(e tried to get through se(eral
times but it's always engaged.
;ould you spell that please?
Puttin$ someone throu$h
/ne moment please. I'll see if
Ar Cones is a(ailable.
I'll put you through.
I'll 'onne't you.
I'm 'onne'ting you now.
Takin$ a messa$e
;an I take a message?
!ould you like to lea(e a
message?
;an I gi(e him1her a message?
I'll tell Ar Cones that you 'alled
I'll ask him1her to 'all you as
soon as possible.
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