MODULE VI

TOPICS: Sports & Entertainment

FUNCTIONS:

Expressing interest. Talking about a film you have

seen. Giving personal information. Expressing
likes/dislikes. Contrasting ideas. Speculating.

AUTOR: MIGUEL BONETT

Todos Los Derechos Reservados

Centro de Ambientes Virtuales
Universidad Autónoma del Caribe CopyRight ©
Curso 2011
 ÍNDICE

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3
1. COMPARATIVES/SUPERLATIVES/RELATIVE CLAUSES) ........................................ 4
1.1. COMPARATIVES AND SUPERLATIVES .................................................................... 4
1.1.1. Types of comparisons: ................................................................................................. 5
1.2. RELATIVE CLAUSES ...................................................................................................... 6
1.2.1. Relative pronouns ......................................................................................................... 6
1.2.2. Relative adverbs ........................................................................................................... 7
1.2.3. Identifying and non-identifying relative clauses ....................................................... 8
2. PRESENT TENSES ............................................................................................................. 8
2.1.1. Present simple .............................................................................................................. 8
2.1.2. Present progressive ..................................................................................................... 9
2.1.3. Stative verbs ................................................................................................................ 10
2.1.4. Present Perfect ........................................................................................................... 11
2.1.5. Present Perfect Progressive ..................................................................................... 12
3. PAST SIMPLE..................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.1. Past Progressive ......................................................................................................... 14
3.1.2. Past Perfect ................................................................................................................. 15
3.1.3. Past Perfect Progressive ........................................................................................... 16
BIBLIOGRAFÍA ........................................................................................................................... 18

2
 INTRODUCTION

The objective for this module 1 is for the students to know how to express
interest/likes and dislikes/preferences/opinion/attitude, contrast ideas, describe
objects and places, and also give personal information.

Expressing interest.
Talking about a film you have seen.
Giving personal information.
Expressing likes/dislikes.
Contrasting ideas.
Speculating

3
 UNIDAD 1

1. COMPARATIVES/SUPERLATIVES/RELATIVE CLAUSES)

1.1. COMPARATIVES AND SUPERLATIVES

We use the comparative to compare one person or thing with another. We use the
superlative to compare one person or thing with more than one person or thing of
the same group. We often use than after a comparative and the before a
superlative. For example:

He is younger than his sister. (Comparative)

He’s the youngest person in the classroom. (Superlative)

Formation of comparatives and superlatives from adjectives and adverbs:

With one-syllable adjectives, we add –(e)r to form the comparative and –(e)st to
form the superlative. For example: small – smaller – smallest

Note: for one-syllable adjectives ending in a vowel + a consonant, we double the

consonant. For example: big – bigger – biggest

With two-syllable adjectives, we also add –er / -est.

slow – slower – slowest

Note: for adjectives ending in a consonant + y, we replace the –y with an –i. For
example:

happy – happier – happiest tidy – tidier – tidiest

4
 With other two-syllable adjectives or adjectives with more than two syllables,
comparatives and superlatives are formed with more/most. For example:

expensive – more expensive – most expensive

With adverbs that have the same form as their adjectives, we add –er/-est. For
example: hard – harder – hardest

Two-syllable or compound adverbs take more/most. For example:

Beautiful – more beautiful – most beautiful

Note: clever, common, cruel, friendly, gentle, pleasant, polite, shallow,

simple, stupid, quiet, can form their comparatives and superlatives either with –
er/-est or with more/most.

Irregular forms:

Good/well – better – best / bad/badly – worse – worst / lots/many/much – more–

most / little – less – least / far – farther/further – farthest/furthest

1.1.1. Types of comparisons:

As + adjectives + as (to show that two people or things are similar/different in

some way). In negative sentences we use not as/so ... as. For example:

This car is as expensive as that one.

Less + adjective + than (express the difference between two people or things).
The opposite is more ... than. For example:

David is less rich than his friend Mike.

The least + adjective + of/in (compares one person or thing to two or more
people or thing in the same group). The opposite is the most ... of/in. For
example:

5
They are the least hardworking people I’ve ever seen.

Even/much/a lot/far/a little/a bit/slightly + comparative (expresses the

degree of difference between two people or things). For example:

George is slightly taller than Albert.

Comparative and comparative (to show that something is increasing or

decreasing). For example:

It gets hotter and hotter every day.

The + comparative ..., the + comparative (shows that two things change
together, or that one thing depends on another thing). For example:

The more you study now, the less you will have to study for the test.

By far + the + superlative (emphasises the difference between one person or

thing and two or more people or thing in the same group). For example:

Last summer was by far the hottest we ever had.

1.2. RELATIVE CLAUSES

Relative clauses are introduced with either relative pronoun or a relative adverb.

1.2.1. Relative pronouns

We use:

Who(m)/that to refer to people.

Which/that to refer to things.

Whose with people, animals and objects to show possession (instead of a

possessive adjective).

6
 Who, which and that can be omitted when they are the object of the relative
clause; that is, when there is a noun or a subject pronoun between the relative
pronoun and the verb. For example:

She’s the woman (who) the police is/are looking for.

Whom can be used instead of who when it is the object of the relative clause.
Whom is always used instead of who or that after a preposition. For example:

That’s the man to whom the courier gave the parcel.

Who, which and that are not omitted when they are the subject of a relative
clause. For example:

The woman who is singing now is my cousin.

Whose is never omitted. For example:

That’s the man whose dog chased our cat.

That is never used after a comma or a preposition. For example:

The Italian vase, which is on the coffee table, is an antique. (NOT: ..., that is
on the coffee table ...)

1.2.2. Relative adverbs

We use:

i. When/that to refer to a time (and can be omitted). For example:

That was the year (when/that) we got married.

ii. Where to refer to a place. For example:

The hotel where we stayed is closing down.

7
iii. Why to give a reason, usually after the word reason (why can be omitted).
For example:

That’s the reason (why) I want to do this.

Notes: When using where or when, we do not need a preposition. For example:

The house where she grew up is being demolished. (NOT: The house where
she grew up in ...)

We usually avoid using prepositions before relative pronouns. For example:

The man to whom I spoke last night is here. (Formal English)

The man who/that I spoke to last night is here. (Unusual structure)
The man I spoke to last night is here. (Everyday English)

1.2.3. Identifying and non-identifying relative clauses

An identifying relative clause gives necessary information essential to the meaning

of the main sentence. It is not put in commas and is introduced with who, which,
that, whose, where, when or the reason (why). For example:
The man who teaches us English at university lives next door.

A non-identifying relative clause gives extra information and is not essential to the
meaning of the main sentence. It is put in commas and is introduced with who,
whom, which, whose, where or when. For example:
My cousin Martha, who is studying in the US, wants to be a doctor.

2. PRESENT TENSES

2.1.1. Present simple

We use the present simple for:

Facts and permanent states. For example: Tom works as a doctor.

General truths and laws of nature. For example: The sun sets in the west.

8
 Habits and routines (with always, usually, etc). For example:

She usually goes to the movies twice a month.

Schedules and programs. For example:

His plane leaves at one o’clock next Monday.

Sporting commentaries, reviews and narrations. For example:

Tony wins the ball, crosses and Lois score for Chelsea.

Feelings and emotions. For example: I love Mozart. His music is wonderful.

The time expressions we use with the present simple are: usually, often,
always, every day/week/month/year etc, in the morning/afternoon/evening, at
night/the weekend, on Friday, etc.

2.1.2. Present progressive

We use present progressive (to be + verb –ing):

For actions taking place at or around the moment of speaking. For example:

John is doing his homework at the moment.

For temporary situations. For example:

We are fixing the fence this week.

For fix arrangements in the near future. For example:

I’m going out with Mary tonight.

For currently changing and developing situations. For example:

The temperature is becoming warmer and warmer.

With adverbs such as always to express anger or irritation at a repeated action.

For example:

9
He is always taking my things.

The time expressions we use with the present progressive are: now, at the
moment, at present, these days, nowadays, still, today, tonight, etc.

2.1.3. Stative verbs

Stative verbs are verbs which describe a state rather than an action, and so do not
usually have a progressive tense. These verbs are:

Verbs of the tenses (see, hear, smell, taste, look, sound, seem, appear, etc).
For example:

Your perfume smells lovely.

Verbs of perception (know, believe, understand, realize, remember, forget,

etc). For example:

I know what the problem is.

Verbs which express feelings and emotions (like, love, hate, enjoy, prefer,
detest, desire, want, etc). For example:

Mike enjoys jazz music.

Some other verbs (be, contain, include, belong, fit, need, matter, cost, own,
want, owe, weigh, wish, have, keep, etc). For example:

This car belongs to my aunt.

Some of these verbs can be used in progressive tense, but with a difference in
meaning.

10
 Present Simple Present
Progressive
THINK They are thinking about buying a new house.
I think He Will become a good teacher. (= (= are considering)
believe)
I am having a fantastic time. (=AM
HAVE experience)
He has a huge house. (= own, possess) She is having a bath. (= is taking)
They are having dinner. (= are eating)
SEE I’m seeing Mr. Johnson at eleven o’clock. (=
I can see the park from my office. (= is it visible) am meeting)
I see what you mean. (= understand)
TASTE Kim is tasting the stew to see if it needs more
The fish taste delicious. (= it is, has the flavor of) salt. (= is testing)
SMELL She is smelling the flowers. (= is sniffing)
This rose smells lovely. (= has the aroma)
APPEAR He is appearing in a play at The Arts theater.
He appears to be going in the wrong direction. (= is performing)
(= seem to)
FIT The technician is fitting a new air conditioner
The jeans fit her perfectly. (= are the right size) on the wall. (= is attaching)

Note:

The verb enjoy can be used in progressive tenses to express a specific

preference. For example:

My brother really enjoys soccer. (General preference) BUT He’s enjoying

the match very much. (Specific preference)

The verbs look (when we refer to somebody’s appearance), feel (experience a

particular emotion), hurt and ache can be used in simple or progressive tenses
with no difference in meaning. For example: I feel very sad. = I am feeling very
sad.

2.1.4. Present Perfect

We use the present perfect (have + past participle) for:

An action that happened at an unstated time in the past. The emphasis is on

the action, the time when it occurred is unimportant or unknown. For
example:

11
I have washed the car. Martha has been to London once.

An action which started in the past and continues up to the present, especially
with stative verbs (see above) such as be, have, like, know, etc. For example:

I have known the Howards for seven years.

A recently completed action. For example:

I have painted the apartment.

Personal experiences or changes. For example:

He has put on five kilos.

An action which has happened within a specific time period which is not over at
the moment of speaking. We use words and expressions such as today, this
morning/evening/week/month, etc. For example:

We have watched two movies this week. (= the time period – this week - is not
over yet. We may watch more.)

The time expressions we use with the present perfect are: for, since, already,
always just, ever, never, so far, today, this week/month etc, how long, lately,
recently, still (in negations), yet, by now, etc.

Note: He has gone to the supermarket. (He’s on his way there or he’s there now.
He hasn’t come back yet.)
She has been to New York. (She has visited New York but she isn’t there now.
She has come back.)
She has been in Japan. (She lives in Japan now.)

2.1.5. Present Perfect Progressive

We use the present perfect progressive (have + been + verb –ing):

To put emphasis on the duration of an action which started in the past and
continues up to the present. For example:

We have been decorating the dining room all morning.

12
 For an action which started in the past and lasted for some time. It may still be
continuing or has finished already with the result visible in the present. For
example:
He’s soaking wet because it has been raining all morning.

To express anger, irritation or annoyance. For example:

He has been taking my things without my permission.

For repeated actions in the past continuing to the present. For example:

She has lost weight because she has been dieting.

The time expressions we use with the present perfect progressive are: for,
since, how long, all day/morning/month etc, lately, recently.

Note: with the verbs live, work, teach and feel we can use the present perfect
simple or the present perfect progressive with no difference in meaning. For
example:

He has worked/has been working as a teacher for the last ten years.

3. PAST SIMPLE

We use the past simple:

For an action that occurred at a definite time (stated or implied) in the past. For
example: She went to the doctor yesterday.

For actions that happened immediately one after the other in the past. For
example: He got up, had breakfast and went to work.

For habits or states which are now finished. For example:

Mr. Smith worked as a teacher when he was younger.

13
 Note: Used to can also be used instead of the past simple for habits/repeated
actions in the past.

The time expressions we use with the past simple are: yesterday, then, when,
how long…?, last night/week/month/year/Tuesday/May etc, two days/weeks etc
ago, in 1998, etc.

3.1.1. Past Progressive

We use the past progressive:

For an action which was in progress when another action interrupted it. We
use the past progressive for the action in progress (the longer action), and the past
simple for the action which interrupted it (shorter action). For example:

We were doing our homework when the lights went out.

For two or more simultaneous actions in the past. For example:

George was watching TV in the living room while Marie was cooking dinner.

For an action which was in progress at a stated time in the past. We don’t
mention when the action started or finished. For example:

At 9 o’clock yesterday, I was taking a shower.

To describe the atmosphere, setting etc and to give background information

to a story. For example:

14
The birds were singing and the sun was shining as we were driving towards
our country house.

Note: When there are two past progressive forms in a sentence with the same
subject, we can avoid repetition by just using the present participle (-ing form) and
leaving out the subject as well as the verb to be. For example:

He was fixing his car; he was listening to the radio. = He was fixing his car
while listening to the radio.

The time expression we use with the past progressive are: while, as, all
morning/evening/day/week, etc.

3.1.2. Past Perfect

We use the past perfect (had + past participle):

For an action which happened before another past action or before a stated
time in the past. For example:

Katie had finished ironing by seven o’clock.

For an action which finished in the past, and whose result was visible at a later
point in the past. For example:

He had broken his wrist a month ago and he still couldn’t write properly.

The time expressions we use with the past perfect are: before, after, already,
just, for, since, till/until, when by the time, never, etc.

15
3.1.3. Past Perfect Progressive

We use the past perfect progressive:

1. To put emphasis on the duration of an action which started and finished in

the past, before another action or stated time in the past, usually with for or since.
For example:

She has been jogging for about an hour before she got home and had a
shower.

2. For an action which lasted for some time in the past and whose result was
visible in the past. For example:

He had been making a cake and his clothes were covered in flour.

The time expressions we use with the past perfect progressive are: For,
since, how long, before, until, etc.

Time expressions to talk about the past:

3. Ago: (=back in time from now) is used with the past simple. For example:

I did my homework about an hour ago.

4. Since: (= from a starting point in the past) is used with the present perfect
(simple and progressive). For example:

I haven’t seen her since she moved.

5. For: (= over a period of time) is used with the present perfect (simple and
progressive). For example:

16
They’ve been watching DVDs for hours.

6. Already: is used in statements and questions (sometimes in order to

show surprise). For example:

I have already written to her. Have you finished writing the report already?

7. Yet: is used with the present perfect in questions and negations. For
example:

Have you finished typing these letters yet?

I haven’t done the washing up yet.

Note: The past perfect is the past equivalent of the present perfect. For example:

She is sad. She has lost her wallet.

She was sad. She had lost her wallet.

The past perfect progressive is the past equivalent of the present perfect
progressive. For example:

His eyes are red. She has been crying. His eyes were red. He had been
crying.

17
 BIBLIOGRAFÍA

Evans, Virginia – Dooley Jenny (2009). Forum 2. Express Publishing.

18