http://www.learnenglishpk.

com/basic-english-
lessons.htm.
INTRODUCTION
Dear Students
This is a Self-Access Package (SAP) to help you deal with the New Course in English
"INTERACT IN ENGLISH", a new strategy for learning.

Here are some worries expressed by students of 'Mushroomed' language centers after
completing their language course.

"How have we been learning English?

The following are some of the activities we may have been practicing in the class rooms.

• Learning literature thoroughly.

• Learning structures.
• translating for understanding.
• drilling grammar rules.
• testing grammar through isolated sentences.

What our teachers have been doing!

• Making students listen to them.

• Dictating answers to ensure correct responses.

These practices were based on certain, beliefs about language teaching in vogue in
different decades. In the past it was believed that one could learn the use of language by
getting the knowledge of the structures and vocabulary. Little attention was paid to the
actual use of the language in the real world. We all have experienced that, at its best,
these techniques, drawn from various approaches, gave the learner the ability to produce
grammatically accurate sentences but without the ability to use the language effectively
for communication.

How is the New Course "INTERACT IN ENGLISH" different?

IT :

• is based on the needs of the students and develops their language skills.
• uses and extracts from real life situations.
• is learner centred/learner active.
• provides a number of opportunities for students to speak English.
• helps the learner to become self-reliant.
• provides opportunities for students to interact in groups and pairs.
• promotes the students ability to communicate.
• involves learners in more meaningful tasks.
• makes use of audio tapes to develop listening skills.
• sees the teacher as a manager of learning.

What is the Communicative approach?

The communicative approach is a way of teaching English in which students learn to

communicate naturally and confidently. This means that they develop the skill to read,
write, speak and listen to English in real life situations.

"INTERACT IN ENGLISH" is based on the `Communicative Approach (for further

elaboration please contact me at my phone numbers given below.)

The new role of the teacher:

• Does not dominate the class.

• Sets up learning activities and tasks, thus provides opportunities for students
active involvement.
• Acts as a guide and advisor wherever necessary but does not constantly interfere.
• Acts as a facilitator - making learning possible.

The new role of the student:

• No longer a passive listener.

• Takes an active part in class room activities.
• Is encouraged to become self-reliant.
• Finds learning meaningful since it is based on real needs.
The new role of Examinations :

• Do not test memory.

• Test communication skills in English.

Words by teacher:

I make a promise to each of my students that every effort will be made to ensure the
highest standard of tuition possible. It's not enough to just 'teach' you, I want to help
English become yours!.

Saima Naseem Khan

Take our free Self-test on learning English language to determine your

level:

This test will help you to test yourself. It will show you how quickly you will learn
English. Go to the test

Basic English - Essential Lessons for

Beginning English Learners
When to Use Any or Some
• Use "some" in positive sentences. We use some for both countable and
uncountable nouns.
Example: I have some friends.
• Use "any" in negative sentences or questions. We use any for both countable and
uncountable nouns.
Example: Do you have any cheese? - He doesn't have any friends in Chicago.
• Use "some" in questions when offering or requesting something that is there.
Example: Would you like some bread? (offer) - Could I have some water?
(request)
• Use "any" in negative sentences or questions. We use any for both countable and
uncountable nouns.
Example: Do you have any cheese? - He doesn't have any friends in Chicago.
• Use "some" words - somebody, someone, somewhere and something - in positive
sentences.
Example: He lives somewhere near here.
• Use "any" words - anybody, anyone, anywhere and anything - in negative
sentences or questions.
 Example: Do you know anything about that boy? - She doesn't have
anywhere to go.

English Prepositions - Use of In / On / To / At

IN
Use 'in' with spaces:

• in a room / in a building
• in a garden / in a park

Use 'in' with bodies of water:

• in the water
• in the sea
• in a river

Use 'in' with lines:

• in a row / in a line
• in a queue

AT
Use 'at' with places:

• at the bus-stop
• at the door
• at the cinema
• at the end of the street

ON
Use 'on' with surfaces:

• on the ceiling / on the wall / on the floor

• on the table

Use 'on' with small islands:

• I stayed on Maui.

Use 'on' with directions:

• on the left
• on the right
• straight on
TO
Use 'to' with movement from one place to another:

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

DO NOT Use 'to' with 'home'

English Articles - The / A / An

• a = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects)
with consonants
She has a dog.
I work in a factory.
• an = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects)
with vowels (a,e,i,o,u)
Can I have an apple?
She is an English teacher.
• the = definite article (a specific object that both the person speaking and the
listener know)
The car over there is fast.
The teacher is very good, isn't he?
• The first time you speak of something use "a or an", the next time you repeat that
object use "the".
I live in a house. The house is quite old and has four bedrooms.
I ate in a Chinese restaurant. The restaurant was very good.
• DO NOT use an article with countries, states, counties or provinces, lakes and
mountains except when the country is a collection of states such as "The United
States".
He lives in Washington near Mount Rainier.
They live in northern British Columbia.
• Use an article with bodies of water, oceans and seas -
My country borders on the Pacific Ocean
• DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about things in general
I like Russian tea.
She likes reading books.
• DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about meals, places, and transport
He has breakfast at home.
I go to university.
He comes to work by taxi.

English lesson - Uses of 'Like'

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

• What's he like? - 'What … like?' is used to ask about a person's or object's

character and is general in nature.
• What does he like? - This use of the verb 'like' is for general preferences. 'Like'
as a verb is generally followed by the 'ing' form of the verb (I like playing tennis).
• What does she look like? - 'Like' is used as a preposition to express physical
appearance. In this case, 'like' can also mean 'similar to' if you are making a
comparison to other people.
• What would you like to drink? - Another common use of 'like' is in 'would like'
to express wishes. Note that 'would like' is followed by the infinite form of the
verb NOT the '-ing' form.

Past Tense Irregular Verbs

The past form of regular verbs ends in 'ed'. Irregular verbs must be studied individually.
Here is a list of past forms of some of the most common irregular verbs.

be - was/were
become - became
begin - began
break - broke
bring - brought
build - built
buy - bought
come - came
cost - cost
cut - cut
do - did
drink - drank
eat - ate
find - found
fly - flew
get - got
give - gave
go - went
have - had
keep - kept
know - knew
leave - left
make - made
meet - met
pay - paid
put - put
read - read
say - said
see - saw
sell - sold
send - sent
speak - spoke
spend - spent
take - took
teach - taught
tell - told
think - thought

Pronouns (He, Him, Their, Ours etc.)

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

• Subject Pronouns - I, you, he, she, it, we, you, they function as the subject of a
sentence:

I live in New York.

Do you like playing tennis?
He doesn't want to come this evening.
She works in London.
It won't be easy.
We are studying pronouns at the moment.
You went to Paris last year, didn't you?
They bought a new car last month.

• Object Pronouns - me, you, him, her, it, us, you, them serve as the object of a
verb.

Give me the book.

He told you to come tonight.
She asked him to help.
They visited her when they came to New York.
She bought it at the store.
He picked us up at the airport.
The teacher asked you to finish your homework.
I invited them to a party.

• Possessive Pronouns - mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, yours, theirs show that
something belongs to someone. That house is mine.
This is yours.
 I'm sorry, that's his.
Those books are hers.
Those students are ours.
Look over there, those seats are yours.
Theirs will be green.
• Demonstrative Pronouns - this, that, these, those refer to things. 'this' and
'these' refer to something that is near. 'that' and 'those' refer to things that are
farther away.

This is my house.
That is our car over there.
These are my colleagues in this room.
Those are beautiful flowers in the next field.

• Possessive adjectives - my, your, his, her, its, our, your, theirare often
confused with possessive pronouns. The possessive adjective modifies the noun
following it in order to show possession.

I'll get my books.

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

Prepositions of Time - In / At / On
IN
Use 'in' months and years and periods of time:

• in January
• in 1978
• in the twenties

Use 'in' a period of time in the future:

• in a few weeks
• in a couple of days

AT
Use 'at' with precise time:

• at six o'clock
• at 10.30
• at two p.m.
ON
Use 'on' with days of the week:

• on Monday
• on Fridays

Use 'on' with specific calendar days:

• on Christmas day
• on October 22nd

IMPORTANT NOTES
in the morning / afternoon / evening - at night
We say in the morning, afternoon or evening BUT we say 'at night'

Verbs Followed by the Gerund or the Infinitive (Playing

-vs- to play)
Verb + 'ing' OR Verb + Infinitive

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

Common Verbs + 'ing'

go
enjoy
quit
discuss
mind
can't stand
suggest

Examples:

They go jogging on Saturdays.

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

Common Verbs + Infinitive

promise
plan
refuse
want
need
decide
hope

Examples:

I promised to help him.

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

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

Positive Sentences Subject + present conjugation of verb + objects

I / You drive to work every day.

She / He / It drives to work every day.
You / We / They drive to work every day.

Negative Sentences Subject + do not + base form of verb + objects

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

She / He / It doesn't ( does not) use a computer at work. It / You / We / They don't (do
not) use a typewriter at work.

Question Form
Wh? + do + subject + base form of verb ?
When do I / you arrive at work?
What does he / she / it use at work?
Where do we / you / they keep the paper?

Modal Form Basics (should, may, can)

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

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

Positive
Subject + Modal + Base Form of Verb + Objects
Examples: He can play the piano.
I must leave soon.

Negative
Subject + Modal + Not + Base Form of Verb + Objects
Examples They can't visit next week.
You shouldn't go to that film.

Question
Modal + Subject + Base Form of Verb + Objects

Examples Can you help me?

What should I do?

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

Examples I think you should see a doctor.

What type of job should I get?

Expressing Ability with Can 'Can' is used to speak abilities.

Examples He can speak Japanese.

Can you play golf?

Asking for Permission with May 'May' is used to ask for permission.

Examples May I help you?

May I visit you this afternoon?

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

Future Forms - Going to / Will

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Used for predictions:

Examples It will snow tomorrow.

She won't win the game.

Used for scheduled public events

Examples The concert will begin at 8 o'clock.

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

Used for promises

Examples Will you marry me?

I'll help you with your homework after class.

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

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

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

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

Examples We are going to study French next semester.

Where are you going to stay in France?
She isn't going to take a vacation this year.

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

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

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

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

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

Look at those clouds. It's going to rain.
Used for future intentions:
Examples I'm going to be a policeman when I grow up.
Katherine is going to study English when she goes to University.

Countries and Languages - Names and Adjectives

(England, English, French, Italy etc.)
This chart shows first the country, then language and, finally the nationality of many
major countries from around the world.

One syllable
France
French
French

Greece
Greek
Greek

ends in '-ish'

Britain
English
British

Denmark
Danish
Danish

Finland
Finnish
Finnish

Poland
Polish
Polish

Spain
Spanish
Spanish

Sweden
Swedish
Swedish
Turkey
Turkish
Turkish

ends in '-an'

Germany
German
German

Mexico
Spanish
Mexican

The United States

English
American

ends in '-ian' or '-ean'

Australia
English
Australian

Brazil
Portuguese
Brazilian

Egypt
Arabic
Egyptian

Italy
Italian
Italian

Hungary
Hungarian
Hungarian

Korea
Korean
Korean
Russia
Russian
Russian

ends in '-ese'

China
Chinese
Chinese

Japan
Japanese
Japanese

Portugal
Portuguese
Portuguese

Countable and Uncountable Expressions with Nouns

(Much, Many, A few, A lot of)
Countable and Uncountable

Uncountable

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

Examples

Do you have any butter?

There is some juice in the bottle.

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

Examples

Do you drink coca cola?

He doesn't eat meat.

Countable

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

There are some magazines on the table.

Has he got any friends?

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

Examples

They love books by Hemingway.

She doesn't eat apples.

Expressions for Use with Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Use the following expressions with uncountable nouns.

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

Examples

There is lots of interest in the project.

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

Use the following expressions with countable nouns.

many, lots of, a lot of

several
some
not many, only a few, few

Examples

There are a lot of pictures on the wall.

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

Count and Non-Count Nouns - Understanding

Nouns (baseballs, juice, etc..)
What are countable nouns?
Countable nouns are individual objects, people, places, etc. which can be counted.

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

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

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

There is a book on the table.

That student is excellent!

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

There are some students in the classroom.

Those houses are very big, aren't they?

What are uncountable nouns?

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

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

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

There is some water in that pitcher.

That is the equipment we use for the project.

Adjectives with Countable and Uncountable Nouns.

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

Tom is a very intelligent young man.

I have a beautiful grey cat.

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

That is very useful information.

There is some cold beer in the fridge.

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

Comparative Forms in English (Hot - Hotter, Good -

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

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

One Syllable Adjectives

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

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

Example Sentences

Yesterday was hotter than today.

This book is cheaper than that book.

Two Syllable Adjectives Ending in '-y'

Example: happy - happier / funny - funnier

Example Sentences

I am happier than you.

That joke was funnier than his joke.

Two, Three or More Syllable Adjectives

place 'more' before the adjective

Example: interesting - more interesting / difficult - more difficult

Example Sentences

London is more expensive than Madrid.

This test is more difficult than the last test.

IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS

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

good

• good - adjective
• better - comparative

Example Sentences

This book is better than that one.

I am better at tennis than my sister.

bad

• bad - adjective
• worse - comparative

Example Sentences

His French is worse than mine.

His singing is worse than Tom's.

Superlative Forms - Understanding the English

Superlative Form (cold - the coldest, bad - the
worst, etc.)
Here is a chart showing how to construct the superlative form in English:

One Syllable Adjectives

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

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

Example Sentences

Today is the hottest day of the summer.

This book is the cheapest I can find.

Two, Three or More Syllable Adjectives

place 'the most' before the adjective

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

Example Sentences

London is the most expensive city in England.

That is the most beautiful painting here.

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

Example: happy - the happiest / funny - the funniest

Example Sentences

New York is the noisiest city in the USA.

He is the most important person I know.

IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS

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

good

• good - adjective
• the best - superlative

Example Sentences
Peter is the best golf player in the school.
This is the best school in the city.

bad

• bad - adjective
• the worst - superlative

Example Sentences

Jane is the worst student in the class.

This is the worst day of my life.

Time Expressions and Tenses (now, ago, since, etc.)

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

Present forms: everyday, on Fridays, at the moment, now, as well as adverbs of

frequency such as always, usually, sometimes (for present habits and routines). Days of
the weeks followed by 's' such as Mondays, Tuesdays, etc.

Examples

He sometimes finishes work early.

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

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

Examples

He visited his friends last week.

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

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

Examples

I'm going to attend a conference next week.

It won't snow tomorrow.
They're going to visit New York in two weeks.
Perfect forms: since, yet, already, just, for

Examples

Michael has worked here since 1998.

Have you finished reading the paper yet?
He's just gone to the bank.

Adverbs of Frequency - Rules for Use (usually,

sometimes, never, etc.)
Use adverbs of frequency to say how often you do something. Adverbs of frequency are
often used with the present simple because they indicate repeated or routine activities.
For example, They often go out for dinner.

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

always
usually
often
sometimes
occasionally
seldom
rarely
never

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

Examples

Tom usually goes to work by car.

Janet never flies. She always goes by bus.

Adverbs of frequency come after the verb 'be':

Examples

I am never late for work.

Peter is often at school.

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

Examples
I can never remember anything!
They have often visited Rome.

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

Examples

She doesn't often visit Europe.

Do you usually get up early?

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

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

Examples:

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

Positive

Base Form of Verb + Objects

Turn the music down, please.

Insert coins into the slot.

Negative

Do + Not + Base Form of Verb + Objects

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

Adverb or Adjective - Which should I use? (good or

well, careful or carefully, etc.)
Adjectives Modify Nouns

• Adjectives are placed directly before a noun:

 Examples:

Tom is an excellent singer.

I bought a comfortable chair.

She's thinking about buying a new house.

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

Examples:

Jack is happy.

Peter was very tired.

Mary'll be excited when you tell her.

Adverbs

Adverbs Modify Verbs, Adjectives and Other Adverbs

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

Examples:

Adjective - careful / Adverb - carefully

Adjective - quick / Adverb - quickly

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

Examples:

Jack drove carelessly.

Tom played the match intelligently.

Jason talks about his classes constantly.

Present Perfect Tense

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

Have you seen Mary yet?

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

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

Examples

Have you worked here for a long time?

Peter's lived here since 1987.
She hasn't had much fun this week.

Positive Form

Subject + have + past participle + object(s)

Examples

Peter's lived here since 1987.

We've been very busy today.

Negative Form

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

Examples

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

She hasn't had much fun this week.

Question Form

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

Examples

Have you worked here for a long time?

Where have you been?

Present Perfect for Unspecified Past

When speaking about an experience that has happened at an UNSPECIFIED point in

time before the present moment use the present perfect.
Examples

I've been to New York three times.

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

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

Use of 'For', 'Since' and 'How long'

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

Examples

He has lived here for seven years.

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

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

Examples

I've worked here since 2004.

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

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

Examples

How long have you played the piano?

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

Past Simple Tense

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

visit - visited
enjoy - enjoyed

Irregular verbs have various forms and each verb needs to be learned.
see - saw
think - thought

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

Examples

She visited Iran last month.

They didn't go to Tom's party last weekend.
Where did you go on vacation last summer?

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

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

Examples

They had lunch at home last week.

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

Positive Form

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

Examples

They flew to Chicago last month.

Peter completed his course three weeks ago.

Negative Form

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

Examples

They didn't expect to see you at Christmas.

She didn't understand the question.
Question Form

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

Examples

Where did you study French?

When did you arrive last week?

Present Continuous Tense

Use the present continuous to speak about what is happening at the present moment in
time.

Positive Form

Subject + to be + verb + ing + objects

Examples

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

Negative Form

Subject + are not + verb + ing + objects

Examples

She isn't studying at the moment.

We aren't working now.

Question Form

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

Examples

What are you doing?

Are you cooking dinner now?

NOTE: We use time expressions like 'at the moment, currently, this week - month' with
this form of the present continuous.
Present Simple vs. Present Continuous (He watches TV
or He is watching TV)
Present Simple

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

Examples

I often go jogging on Saturdays.

He usually has coffee for breakfast.

Present Continuous

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

Examples

We're working on the Smith account this month.

She's watching TV at the moment.

Stative Verbs

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

Examples

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

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

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

Past Simple or Present Perfect (I have gone or I went)

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

Past Simple

I visited Paris in 2004.

I went to Paris a few years ago.

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

Present Perfect

I've been to Paris.

I've visited Paris.

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

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

English Grammar for ESL Students – Common

Grammatical Troublemakers
It's been said that English is one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn
because it has so many exceptions to its own rules. One problem students of English as a
second language face are homophones – words that sound alike but have entirely
different meanings. Another common problem is single words that can be pronounced
differently depending on the context of the sentence. Some of these words sound more or
less alike depending on the accent of the native speaker.

The following are some examples of common troublemakers. For best results, read these
through several times, and then try to identify examples of their usage in the real world.
For example, pick up an English language book you’re working through and see if you
can identify some of these homophones in action.

Red: the color vs. Read: to have read a book – Read: to be reading a book vs. Reed: a
plant

For example: John said he read the red book, but he still needed to read the book on
reeds.

Blue: the color or emotion – Blew: the past tense of the verb to blow

For example: John was feeling blue when he blew out the blue candles on his birthday
cake (blue as an emotion refers to a feeling of sadness or mild depression.)

Meet: to encounter a person – Meat: flesh of animals consumed for food

For example: John wanted to meet me at the meat counter of the grocery store.

Poor: lacking money or an adjective – Pour: as to pour a liquid from a container – Pore: a
small opening in the skin

For example: Poor John. He wanted to pour lemon juice on his skin to tighten his pores,
but he was too poor to afford it.

Right: to be correct, or the direction opposite left – Write: to compose or transcribe words
using pen and paper

For example: John was right – the best table to write at was on the right side of the
library.

Kitty: a small cat or kitten – Kitty: a group of funds pooled together

For example: John’s kitty wanted to play poker, but it had no money to ante up for the
kitty.

Weeding: to remove weeds – Wedding: a marriage ceremony

For example: John finished weeding the garden with plenty of time before the wedding
was to begin.

Desert: an arid environment – Dessert: a sweet dish or pastry often served at the end of a
meal

For example: Lost in the desert, John could only dream of the ice cream he had had for
dessert.
They’re: a contraction of the words they are – There: a location – Their: a possessive
pronoun

For example: They’re sure they left their car over there by the big oak tree.

To: the preposition – Two: the number 2 – Too: meaning also or an adverb meaning
excessively

For example: John wanted to go to the movies with his two brothers too but he was too
tired.

As you can see, although many of these word combinations can be tricky, they’re often
spelled differently. Use these clues to help determine which word to use in any given
situation.

Differences Between British and American

English
Historical background
The English language was first introduced to the Americas by British colonization,
beginning in the early 17th century. Similarly, the language spread to numerous other
parts of the world as a result of British trade and colonization elsewhere and the spread of
the former British Empire, which, by 1921, held sway over a population of about 470–
570 million people: approximately a quarter of the world's population at that time.

Over the past 400 years, the form of the language used in the Americas—especially in the
United States—and that used in the British Isles have diverged in many ways, leading to
the dialects now commonly referred to as American English and British English.
Differences between the two include pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary (lexis),
spelling, punctuation, idioms, formatting of dates and numbers, and so on, although the
differences in written and most spoken grammar structure tend to be much more minor
than those of other aspects of the language in terms of mutual intelligibility. A small
number of words have completely different meanings between the two dialects or are
even unknown or not used in one of the dialects. One particular contribution towards
formalizing these differences came from Noah Webster, who wrote the first American
dictionary (published 1828) with the intention of showing that people in the United States
spoke a different dialect from Britain.

This divergence between American English and British English once caused George
Bernard Shaw to say that the United States and United Kingdom are "two countries
divided by a common language"; a similar comment is ascribed to Winston Churchill.
Likewise, Oscar Wilde wrote, "We have really everything in common with America
nowadays, except, of course, the language" (The Canterville Ghost, 1888). Henry Sweet
predicted in 1877 that within a century, American English, Australian English and British
English would be mutually unintelligible. It may be the case that increased worldwide
communication through radio, television, the Internet, and globalization has reduced the
tendency to regional variation. This can result either in some variations becoming extinct
(for instance, the wireless, superseded by the radio) or in the acceptance of wide
variations as "perfectly good English" everywhere. Often at the core of the dialect
though, the idiosyncrasies remain.

Nevertheless, it remains the case that although spoken American and British English are
generally mutually intelligible, there are enough differences to cause occasional
misunderstandings or at times embarrassment – for example, some words that are quite
innocent in one dialect may be considered vulgar in the other.

Differences Between American and British English

If you’ve ever spoken with a British person or visited the United Kingdom, you’ve
probably noticed that, although we’re speaking the same language, there are some pretty
significant differences between American English and British English. The British
colonization of America in the 17th century brought the English language to North
America, although the language has since evolved into two separate dialects – American
English and British English. When looking at these two dialects, you’ll see some
significant differences in how they spell their words, the pronunciation that is used, and
variances of grammar between them.

Apart from these differences, you’ll also find that some words have totally different
meanings between the two versions of English. There are some words that one dialect
may use that the other may not – for example, what Americans call an “apartment,” a
British citizen would call a “flat.” Noah Webster set out to highlight these differences
and prove that the United States spoke a different language than the British, resulting in
what is now known as the American Directory. Although American English and British
English share many similarities, you may find yourself confused by the difference in the
meanings of some of the words.

The following is a list of common American English to British English translations:

American British
Argument Row
Baby carriage Pram
Band-aid Plaster
Bathroom Loo or WC
Can Tin
Chopped beef Mince
Cookie Biscuit
Corn Maize
Diaper Nappy
Elevator Lift
Eraser Rubber
Flashlight Torch
Fries Chips
Gas Petrol
Guy Bloke or chap Highway Motorway
Hood (car) Bonnet
Jello Jelly Jelly Jam
Kerosene Paraffin
Lawyer Solicitor
License plate Number plate
Line Queue
Mail Post
Motor home Caravan
Movie theater Cinema
Muffler Silencer
Napkin Serviette
Nothing Nought
Overpass Flyover
Pacifier Dummy
Pant Trouser
Parking lot Car park
Period Full stop
Pharmacist Chemist
Potato chips Crisps
Sausage Banger
Sidewalk Pavement
Soccer Football
Sweater Jumper
Trash can Bin
Truck Lorry
Trunk (car) Boot
Vacation Holiday
Vest Waistcoat
Windshield (car) Windscreen
Zip code Postal code

In addition to these differences in vocabulary, there are several changes to grammatical

rules as well. In British English, collective nouns can take either singular or plural verb
forms, while this is not the case in American English. In American English, collective
nouns are used in singular verb form using plural pronouns at times for agreement. For
example, in British English, the irregular form of a verb is commonly used as in the
words “learnt and spoilt”, while in American English, irregular verb forms are generally
not used.

If you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom in the near future, you might find it
helpful to study some of these differences before leaving. Even if you aren’t familiar
with British English, you’ll still be able to make yourself understood speaking American
English – unlike traveling to a country that speaks Spanish or another foreign language.
However, knowing these differences will help to minimize confusion while abroad,
leading to a much more enjoyable travel experience.

The following guide is meant to point out the principal differences

between these two varieties of English.

Use of the Present Perfect

In British English the present perfect is used to express an action that has occurred in the
recent past that has an effect on the present moment. For example:

I've lost my key. Can you help me look for it?

In American English the following is also possible:
I lost my key. Can you help me look for it?

In British English the above would be considered incorrect. However, both forms are
generally accepted in standard American English. Other differences involving the use of
the present perfect in British English and simple past in American English include
already, just and yet.

British English:
I've just had lunch
I've already seen that film
Have you finished your homework yet?

American English:
I just had lunch OR I've just had lunch
I've already seen that film OR I already saw that film.
Have your finished your homework yet? OR Did you finish your homework yet?

Possession
There are two forms to express possession in English. Have or Have got

Do you have a car?

Have you got a car?
He hasn't got any friends.
He doesn't have any friends.
She has a beautiful new home.
She's got a beautiful new home.

While both forms are correct (and accepted in both British and American English), have
got (have you got, he hasn't got, etc.) is generally the preferred form in British English
while most speakers of American English employ the have (do you have, he doesn't have
etc.)

The Verb Get

The past participle of the verb get is gotten in American English. Example He's gotten
much better at playing tennis. British English - He's got much better at playing tennis.

Vocabulary
Probably the major differences between British and American English lies in the choice
of vocabulary. Some words mean different things in the two varieties for example:

Mean: (American English - angry, bad humored, British English - not generous, tight
fisted)

Rubber: (American English - condom, British English - tool used to erase pencil
markings)

There are many more examples (too many for me to list here). If there is a difference in
usage, your dictionary will note the different meanings in its definition of the term. Many
vocabulary items are also used in one form and not in the other. One of the best examples
of this is the terminology used for automobiles.

• American English - hood

British English - bonnet
• American English - trunk
British English - boot
• American English - truck
British English - lorry

Once again, your dictionary should list whether the term is used in British English or
American English.

Prepositions
There are also a few differences in preposition use including the following:

• American English - on the weekend

British English - at the weekend
• American English - on a team
British English - in a team
• American English - please write me soon
British English - please write to me soon
Past Simple/Past Participles
The following verbs have two acceptable forms of the past simple/past participle in both
American and British English, however, the irregular form is generally more common in
British English (the first form of the two) and the regular form is more common to
American English.

• Burn
Burnt OR burned
• Dream
dreamt OR dreamed
• Lean
leant OR leaned
• Learn
learnt OR learned
• Smell
smelt OR smelled
• Spell
spelt OR spelled
• Spill
spilt OR spilled
• Spoil
spoilt OR spoiled

Spelling
Here are some general differences between British and American spellings:

Words ending in -or (American) -our (British) color, colour, humor, humour, flavor,
flavour etc.
Words ending in -ize (American) -ise (British) recognize, recognise, patronize, patronise
etc.

The best way to make sure that you are being consistent in your spelling is to use the
spell check on your word processor (if you are using the computer of course) and choose
which variety of English you would like. As you can see, there are really very few
differences between standard British English and standard American English. However,
the largest difference is probably that of the choice of vocabulary and pronunciation.

Self-test on learning English language to determine

your level
This test will help you to test yourself. It will show you how quickly you will learn
English. Do not send the answers to us! It is just to help you.

It asks you about 100 questions. Write your answer on paper. Then look at the "How to
calculate your English proficiency level" at the bottom of this page.
1) _____ is the school?
A- Where
B- When
C- Why
D- What

2) When _____ you going home?

A- do
B- are
C- will
D- is

3) _____ do you come from?

A- Who
B- Where
C- Which
D- What

4) _____ you like a cup of coffee?

A- Do
B- Are
C- Will
D- Would

5) I _____ been to Scotland yet.

A- have
B- haven't
C- am not
D- don't have

6) _____ you think English is easy?

A- Do
B- Are
C- Have
D- Would

7) I _____ play the piano and the trumpet.

A- do
B- can
C- don't
D- can't

8) Hubert doesn't know _____ stole his watch.

A- who
B- whose
C- when
D- where

9) _____ you eaten your dinner?

A- Do
B- Did
C- Have
D- Has

10) I _____ playing tennis when it started to rain.

A- have
B- just
C- was
D- still

11) "_____ do you come to school?" "By bus."

A- Why
B- Who
C- How
D- What

12) I bought this car three weeks _____.

A- in the past
B- ago
C- gone
D- past

13) How _____ do you think you'll study here for?

A- much
B- long
C- many
D- long time

14) How many exercises _____ you done so far?

A- do
B- will
C- have
D- are

15) I like Chopin's music very _____.

A- much
B- many
C- a lot
D- lots
16) Does David live with you? No, he _____.
A- don't
B- doesn't
C- isn't
D- aren't

17) Michael is _____ intelligent than his brother.

A- more
B- much
C- as
D- the

18) Oxford United are a _____ football team than Manchester United.
A- good
B- better
C- gooder
D- best

19) Have you _____ to Thailand?

A- ever gone
B- visit
C- ever been
D- visiting

20) I can't remember what the teacher looks _____.

A- with
B- like
C- about
D- at

21) I studied _____ three years at Huddersfield University.

A- during
B- for
C- since
D- after

22) I _____ realised she was your sister, sorry!

A- had
B- have
C- didn't
D- hadn't

23) How _____ do you weigh?

A- much
B- many
C- often
D- few

24) Don't talk to me. It _____ been a very hard day.

A- has
B- hasn't
C- was
D- is

25) Are _____ any Italians in your class?

A- we
B- they
C- there
D- exist

26) _____ you like to go to the seaside this weekend?

A- Do
B- Are
C- Could
D- Would

27) "My car isn't very clean." "_____ is mine."

A- So
B- Together
C- Neither
D- Either

28) I can't play football now, but I _____ when I was younger.
A- was
B- can
C- could
D- liked

29) If you could meet anyone, who _____ you choose?

A- could
B- will
C- have
D- would

30) Gary has _____ writing poetry ever since his parents died.
A- started
B- been
C- wanted
D- even
31) I've _____ my keys. I'll have to buy another set.
A- got
B- lost
C- bought
D- had

32) Jennifer has _____ working very late at the office recently.
A- not
B- unfortunately
C- often
D- been

33) "I went to the cinema last night." "_____ you often go to the cinema?"
A- Have
B- Why
C- Do
D- Are

34) Paper _____ made from wood.

A- has
B- has been
C- is
D- is being

35) You must _____ me to buy Rachel a present, or I'll forget.

A- recommend
B- suggest
C- remember
D- remind

36) "I often go to Razor's disco." "Really? So _____ I."

A- am
B- do
C- will
D- have

37) The gold necklace was _____ expensive for me to buy, so I bought the silver one.
A- more
B- very
C- too
D- quite

38) I want to know what happened, so please _____ me the truth.

A- tell
B- say
C- talk
D- give

39) Sarah lives _____ the eleventh floor of a block of flats.

A- in
B- on
C- at
D- to

40) "Have you still got that cold?" "No, I _____ ill last week, but I'm better now."
A- began
B- feel
C- felt
D- wasn't

41) "When _____ you move to Oxford?" "Last year."

A- will
B- have
C- do
D- did

42) If you go abroad, you _____ carry your passport with you.
A- can
B- may
C- should
D- might

43) What does your friend look _____?

A- for
B- in
C- at
D- like

44) Bill Gates, with over $100 billion, is the _____ man in the world.
A- rich
B- richer
C- richest
D- most rich

45) Jennie _____ to pass her exams to get into university.

A- will
B- must
C- has
D- should
46) Horace really _____ go to the dentist about his teeth, but he won't.
A- might
B- must
C- may
D- does

47) If you wait for a moment, _____ drive you to work.

A- I
B- I'll
C- I'm going to
D- I'd

48) Can you switch _____ the light? It's getting dark.
A- on
B- down
C- off
D- up

49) Where _____ that man I met yesterday from?

A- did
B- was
C- had
D- travelled

50) There _____ be heavy rain in the east of the country this afternoon.
A- is going to
B- will
C- has
D- must

51) Nigel isn't as tall _____ his sister.

A- as
B- than
C- for
D- like

52) When _____ you leave the cafe last night?

A- have
B- had
C- will
D- did

53) This is a difficult exercise, so _____ your time doing it.

A- have
B- take
C- spend
D- waste

54) I'm _____ to take a skiing holiday in France this winter.

A- beginning
B- wanting
C- going
D- about

55) I _____ talk to him right now, if I were you.

A- should
B- have to
C- would
D- want to

56) Would you _____ if I opened the door?

A- like
B- mind
C- believe
D- allow

57) _____ Debbie had her baby yet?

A- Does
B- Had
C- Has
D- Have

58) I went _____ in London yesterday and bought lots of nice things.
A- home
B- to shop
C- shopping
D- to house

59) There isn't _____ coke left. Someone drank the last bottle.
A- any
B- some
C- much
D- many

60) I do think you _____ to wear a big coat if you go out tonight. It's going to snow.
A- should
B- ought
C- might
D- must
61) Don't call me before 10.00pm, as I'll be _____ football on television.
A- watch
B- look
C- watching
D- looking

62) If I _____ realised you were tired, I'd have slowed down.
A- didn't
B- hadn't
C- had
D- have

63) Do you _____ if I smoke?

A- like
B- like it
C- mind
D- mind it

64) "What's this key _____?" "It's the key to the garage."
A- like
B- for
C- made of
D- belong to

65) If Jane hadn't been late, she _____ have missed the exam.
A- would
B- can't
C- wouldn't
D- couldn't

66) After no-one bought tickets to the disco, we had to call it _____.
A- off
B- down
C- over
D- away

67) It's no use _____. He never listens to complaints.

A- complain
B- to complain
C- complaining
D- in complaining

68) If I cook the dinner, will you wash _____?

A- too
B- as well
C- also
D- up

69) She's a model now, but when she was young she _____ to be very plain.
A- tried
B- had
C- use
D- used

70) At university I had to put _____ with loud music from my next door neighbour
every night.
A- along
B- up
C- out
D- myself

71) Colin walked to work, as he _____ recently sold his car.

A- had
B- had been
C- had to
D- have

72) Leslie felt ill after she ate the fish and so _____ Carl.
A- was
B- felt
C- did
D- bad

73) I wish I _____ find those old photos from school to show you.
A- can
B- could
C- have
D- had

74) I don't know where Bill is. He _____ have been here. Look, here's his note.
A- must
B- should
C- can't
D- might

75) The dog went _____ the postman and bit his leg.
A- by
B- past
C- for
D- over
76) I'm neither more intelligent _____ less intelligent than my sister.
A- and
B- nor
C- or
D- even

77) Can I have a return ticket to Oxford? Do you have _____ for a £20 note?
A- one
B- money
C- coins
D- change

78) _____ John calls soon, I'm going to call him.

A- If
B- When
C- Unless
D- As soon as

79) Here. Give me a _____ with this ladder, would you? It's a bit heavy.
A- help
B- hand
C- finger
D- lift

80) Phil _____ his windows cleaned yesterday.

A- tried
B- had
C- arranged
D- allowed

81) "Would you like a cup of tea?" "I'd _____ have coffee if you have some."
A- rather
B- wanted to
C- prefer
D- liked to

82) It's time we _____, John.

A- leave
B- leaving
C- are leaving
D- were leaving

83) Tammie would rather _____ sleep here tonight.

A- to
B- like
C- try
D- not

84) A trolley is a thing in supermarkets for keeping the things you buy _____.
A- from
B- in
C- on
D- with

85) It costs much _____ to fly than it used to, because of all the low cost airlines
around.
A- cheaper
B- less
C- lower
D- more

86) If you _____ eaten so much when you were young, you wouldn't be fat now.
A- had
B- hadn't
C- were
D- have

87) I'll never forget _____a bicycle for the first time.
A- ride
B- riding
C- that riding
D- when riding

88) _____ the time you read this, I'll be flying to Rio de Janeiro.
A- When
B- By
C- At
D- In

89) I'd rather you _____ smoke in here, if you don't mind.
A- don't
B- won't
C- didn't
D- not

90) If you want to come tonight, give me a call. If _____, I'll tell you all about it
tomorrow.
A- yes
B- no
C- so
D- not
91) If you don't study harder, you _____ the risk of failing the exam.
A- have
B- play
C- run
D- face

92) Clive _____ better hurry, or he'll miss the train.

A- would
B- should
C- had
D- might

93) No _____ which way I try to sleep, my back gives me pain.

A- matter
B- trouble
C- telling
D- minding

94) If _____ I hadn't crashed the car, I'd have some money now.
A- just
B- only
C- actually
D- me

95) Tests _____ carried out on this substance should determine its origin.
A- that
B- they
C- being
D- been

96) It _____ a long time to drive to Scotland from London.

A- needs
B- takes
C- deserves
D- requires

97) You _____ have seen Peter; he's dead!

A- must
B- can't
C- should
D- might

98) At no time _____ I suspect he was a thief.

A- can
B- did
C- that
D- which

99) The fierce snake, _____ venom is extremely toxic, is found in Eastern Australia.
A- which
B- that
C- whose
D- its

100) This conversation is useless. We're just going round in a _____ circle.
A- useless
B- harmful
C- vicious
D- dreadful

How to calculate your English proficiency level

Answers Your Level Expected course duration for English proficiency
0% - 40% Beginning 4.5 Months
41% - 53% Elementary 4 Months
54% - 66% Lower Intermediate 3 Months
67% - 79% Middle Intermediate 3 Months
80% - 90% Upper Intermediate 2 Months
91% -
Advanced 1.5 Month
100%

Correct answers key

1) A Where, 2) B are, 3) B Where, 4) D Would, 5) B haven't, 6) A Do, 7) B can, 8) A

who, 9) C Have, 10) C was, 11) C How, 12) B ago, 13) B long, 14) C have, 15) A much,
16) B doesn't, 17) A more, 18) B better, 19) C ever been, 20) B like, 21) B for, 22) D
hadn't, 23) A much, 24) A has, 25) C there, 26) D Would, 27) C Neither, 28) C could, 29)
D would, 30) B been, 31) B lost, 32) D been, 33) C Do, 34) C is, 35) D remind, 36) B do,
37) C too, 38) A tell, 39) B on, 40) C felt, 41) D did, 42) C should, 43) D like, 44) C
richest, 45) C has, 46) B must, 47) B I'll, 48) A on, 49) B was, 50) B will, 51) A as, 52) D
did, 53) B take, 54) C going, 55) C would, 56) B mind, 57) C Has, 58) C shopping, 59) A
any, 60) B ought, 61) C watching, 62) C had, 63) C mind, 64) B for, 65) C wouldn't, 66)
A off, 67) C complaining, 68) D up, 69) D used, 70) B up, 71) A had, 72) C did, 73) B
could, 74) A must, 75) C for, 76) B nor, 77) D change, 78) C Unless, 79) B hand, 80) B
had, 81) A rather, 82) D were leaving, 83) D not 84) B in, 85) B less, 86) B hadn't, 87) B
riding, 88) B By, 89) C didn't, 90) D not, 91) C run, 92) C had, 93) A matter, 94) B only,
95) C being, 96) B takes, 97) B can't, 98) B did, 99) C whose, 100) C vicious

Tips on How to Learn English Effectively

Do you want to know how to learn English effectively? If so, you are not alone. In fact,
there are many people out there today who are working to learn English as a second
language. No matter what the reason is that you are learning English, you want to make
sure that you can learn it quickly and effectively as well. Whether you are learning
English in a class, on your own, or with language teaching software, there are certain
things that you can do to make sure that you learn the language effectively. So, here are a
few tips to keep in mind that will help you on your journey towards learning the English
language.

• Make Sure You WANT to Learn

One of the first tips that can help you out if you want to know how to learn
English effectively is to make sure that you really want to learn this language. If
you really don’t want to learn, there is no book, no class, and no tips that are
going to make it simpler for you. Make sure that you ask yourself whether you
really want to learn English. If not, then it’s not for you. However, a real desire to
learn the language can go a long way.

• Figure Out What Motivates You

If you want to learn English effectively, you need to figure out what your
motivation is. Why do you want to learn English so badly? Do you want to
improve your current learning, get a better job, attend university, or enjoy your
life in an English speaking country? No matter the reason you are motivated to
learn this language, you need to understand what motivates you so you can use it
as encouragement as you learn the language.

• Decide on Some Goals

It is very important that you have goals in mind if you want to know how to learn
English effectively. Setting goals will help you to know where you want to be and
it will you to actually see your progress as you learn the language as well. Decide
what your goals are, whether you want to improve your vocabulary,
pronunciation, or even if you want to comprehend when you’re listening better.
Once you know your goals, make sure that you are working to achieve them.

• Be Sure to Practice

Practicing is probably one of the most important tips if you want to know how to
learn English effectively. The more you practice your English skills, the better
you will become at it. You can practicing by reading English, by writing emails
and letters, by listening to television or the radio in English, or even by taking
time to speak to other people who speak the English language. The more you
practice, the fewer mistakes you’ll end up making over time, and you’ll become
more effective with your English skills.
• Speak without Fear

The biggest problem most people face in learning a new language is their own
fear. They worry that they won’t say things correctly or that they will look stupid
so they don’t talk at all. Don’t do this. The fastest way to learn anything is to do it
– again and again until you get it right. Like anything, learning English requires
practice. Don’t let a little fear stop you from getting what you want.

• Surround Yourself with English

The absolute best way to learn English is to surround yourself with it. Take notes
in English, put English books around your room, listen to English language radio
broadcasts, watch English news, movies and television. Speak English with your
friends whenever you can. The more English material that you have around you,
the faster you will learn and the more likely it is that you will begin "thinking in
English."

• Work on Vocabulary Development

No matter what language you’re learning, a large vocabulary is going to be very

important. This is especially important when you are learning the English
language. One of the best ways to learn new vocabulary words is to start reading
and you can also learn more by listening to the radio or watching television.
Playing word games and doing word puzzles can also help you out when you are
trying to enhance your English vocabulary.

• Study on a Regular Basis

If you plan on learning a language, you are going to have to make studying a
priority. It’s not just something you do every now and then, but it should be done
every single day. When you study each day it is easier to retain the new things
that you learn. You’ll also find that you can review easier every day and you’ll
definitely remember what you learn a lot better as well. So, if you want to know
how to learn English effectively, then you need to make studying a priority.

• Make it Enjoyable

When you’re having fun, it actually makes it easier for you to remember things
that you learn, so make sure that you make learning English fun. Take time to do
puzzles and to play games, even if it does seem a bit childlike. They really can
help you as you learn English and provide you with excellent practice.

• Join an English Language Center

Most people have limited money, and everyone wants good value for money.
With language centers it's like holidays - we probably know what we want, but no
 single holiday offers absolutely everything we want. With language centers it's
similar, but there are important differences; you want some of the things you want
from a holiday (a nice place, things to see, etc.) but you also want the professional
service - the teaching, etc. - to be as good as possible. So click here for a
professional (but also) personal list of some of the factors you can compare.

English is an easy language to start learning because:

• it has no genders. Apart from people, all objects are 'neuter', not 'masculine' or
'feminine'. So you say 'it' for such things, and do not need to learn any genders.
• it usually has easy verb endings. Apart from a few 'irregular' verbs, verb endings
are easy, and hardly change.
• adjectives remain the same for all words - there are no different endings to learn.
• the singular and plural pronoun 'you' is the same. There is no need to decide
whether to use a polite form, or an intimate form, when speaking to someone as in
French or German. (English used to have the singular form 'thou', which was
often used in the intimate way like 'tu' or 'du'. In fact, in dialects in parts of
England, this is still sometimes used. And in the Republic of Ireland, they have a
very sensible plural form of 'you', when speaking to several people: 'yous'.)

The difficult parts of English are:

• the spelling of a word may not show what the pronunciation (way of saying) the
word is.

This is because English words came from many different sources. It is not a 'pure'
language.

• because English came from two main sources - old French, and old Anglo-Saxon,
there is a very large vocabulary of words. Words with similar meanings may have
come from both sources. For example, START (from Anglo-Saxon) and
COMMENCE (from old French). The meaning is similar, but not precisely the
same.
• native English speakers use a lot of idioms, that is - words used in a way which is
not their obvious meaning. An English speaker may say,

"I do not think much of apples."

This does not mean he doesn't often think about apples. It means that he does not
like apples very much!

Yet he might say,

"I think nothing of going for a swim before breakfast."

What this really means is that he actually likes doing this, and that it is no
problem to him!

But don't worry. You will find that you can understand and communicate even
when you have not been learning English for long!

To assess how easily you will learn, go through our Self-Test on Learning
English