Professional Documents
Culture Documents
L E S S O N 1
ADJECTIVES
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Physical Characteristics
Adjectives → Descriptions → Characteristics
Personality Traits
Sentence Construction
Physical Characteristics
VS.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Personality Traits
VS . VS.
VS . VS.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INDEFINITE ARTICLES
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
A Nick is a doctor.
(Nick is one person.)
INDEFINITE Only with
ARTICLES singular nouns
Sarah is an English teacher.
AN
(Sarah is one person.)
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 1
Is it a specific apple, a specific banana? No. It refers to an unspecified fruit from the lot.
Thank you!
INDEFINITE
ARTICLES
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Some letters in English may sound like a consonant or like a vowel in different words.
Letter H Letter U
e is an honest man. (H is not pronounced,
Honest → H arol has an umbrella. (U is pronounced
Umbrella → C
so it starts with a vowel sound.) as a vowel.)
he Atlas is a hotel in Milan. (H is pronounced,
Hotel → T Uniform → I use a uniform at work. (U is pronounced
so it starts with a consonant sound.) as a /y/ like in the word “you,” so it starts
with a consonant sound.)
Important:
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Rainy Day
At Work
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I’m enginner. I’m an enginner.
Marcy and Robert are a friends. Marcy and Robert are friends.
I live in an house. I live in a house.
Please, an ripe orange. Please, a ripe orange. / Please, an orange.
I study at an university. I study at a university.
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 1
Hi!
Hello!
Good
Farewells → used to end conversations night, Kim.
I’ve got to Take care!
go now. Bye!
Bye!
Goodbye!
Take care.
Good night.
See you later!
See you tomorrow!
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
VERB TO BE
I am Julia. Where are you? I am happy. Lia and Tim are tall.
My name is Mario. I am at home now. Zoey is fine. Tanya is pretty.
This is Jessica. Tokyo is in Japan. John is exhausted. Leo is smart.
I You
She He
You
It We
They
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 1
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I be happy. I am happy.
She don’t be a doctor. She isn’t a doctor.
He not is in New York. He is not in New York.
He is my friend? Is he my friend?
L E S S O N 2
DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Demonstrative Pronouns
Singular Plural
This: you → These: you →
That: you Those: you
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Danny – Hi, Lily! Happy birthday! Mike – Wow…Look, we can see Mary – Good morning.
This is for you… the beach from here… This cake here, please.
Lily – Oh, thanks, Danny! Lia – Really? Where? Clerk – Sure. Anything else?
What’s this? Mike – Look in that direction… Mary – And…that brownie over
Danny – Oh, c’mon, open it! It’s See that tree? there.
a surprise! Lia – Oh, yeah! Wow! Clerk – Here it is, ma’am.
Mary – Thank you.
What’s that?
That is a chair.
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 2
What’s that?
That’s a computer.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
She is...
I am Erika, This is William, I don’t know.
the receptionist. the manager. Who is she?
Thank you.
This is What’s this?
my office.
That is the
CEO’s office.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Let’s see the type of personal information we can share using the verb to be.
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 2
Profession: Stephanie and Mitchell are lawyers. Marital Status: Carol is married and Tim is single.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: STAY ALERT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I not am an administrator. I am not an administrator.
You are at work? Are you at work?
He’s is a doctor. He is a doctor.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
VERB TO HAVE
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
I
You He
We have She has
You It
They
Physical Description
I have green eyes. Lia has curly hair.
Possession
Possession
Liam has a dog and a cat. Mary has two childrens.
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 2
Sam has lunch at one p.m. My family has dinner together on Fridays.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: STAY ALERT
INCORRECT C ORRECT
I have twenty-five years old. I am twenty-five years old.
Mike have a brother. Mike has a brother.
L E S S O N 3
Hello! How are you? Hi! What’s up? How’s it going? How’s life? Hey!
Good night.
See you + Time Expression (e.g., See you tomorrow / next week.)
It was a pleasure meeting you.
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 3
• Neutral or Informal Farewells → used in neutral or in informal situations. It’s important to pay attention to
your tone of voice in order not to sound too informal.
Bye.
Bye-bye.
Goodbye.
Take care.
See you.
See you later.
:: STAY ALERT
Formality depends on the context and on the relationship between the speaker and
the listener. For example:
Child Teenager
Adult Elderly
Possible answers:
Question about age:
I’m thirty-four years old.
How old are you?
I’m thirty-four.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Sentence Order
How old + verb to be + the person whose age you want to know?
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Meeting People
Hi! I’m Peter. I’m a senior A senior, really? You look Life is very stressful It’s weird, doc. I feel very
student. Welcome to CIU. young. How old are you? nowadays. How old are you? tired every day, you know.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 3
• Verb To Live → used to indicate where your home is and who you live with
alone / with friends / with your parents / with your family / with your boyfriend or girlfriend
to live in a house / in an apartment / in a studio / in a mansion / in a cabin / in a loft
downtown / in the suburbs / in the countryside / in the city / abroad
Kelly has a new car. Carla and Paula have lunch together every day.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Verb To Like → to indicate what you enjoy or think is nice or good
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Buy a Car
:: STAY ALERT
Affirmative Negative
like chocolate. don’t like chocolate.
I/You/We/They work every day. I/You/We/They don’t work every day.
live in the U.S.A. don’t live in the U.S.A.
I/You/We/They have breakfast in the morning. I/You/We/They don’t have breakfast in the morning.
He/She/It has breakfast in the morning. He/She/It doesn’t have breakfast in the morning.
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 3
• Family Members
• Your brother and your sister are your siblings. • Your grandmother and your grandfather are your
• Your mother and your father are your parents. grandparents.
• You and your siblings are your parents’ children.
• Pets
Do you have pets? Take a look at the types of pets you can have:
I G UA N A FE R R E T HA MSTE R
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Jerry – So, Ted...Is it true you live with your grandparents on a farm?
Ted – Yes! My parents work in the city, but I live with my
grandparents and my sister.
Jerry – Cool! Do you have pets there?
Ted – Yes! We have ten pets: two dogs, one cat, two birds, three
piglets, one hamster, and one ferret.
Jerry – Oh, wow! Is it difficult to take care of them?
Ted – It is, but they are great! I love my pets.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 4
ADDRESSES
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Complete Addresses
I live at + Number + Street Name + Apartment or Other Complements I live at 98 Smith Street Flat B.
:: STAY ALERT
Anna – What’s your address?
Sentence Construction
Subject + Verb To Be + Adjective → The Empire State is tall.
Subject + Verb To Be + A/An + Adjective + Noun → The Empire State is a tall building.
Subject + Verb + Preposition + A/An + Adjective + Noun → Tony lives in a modern house.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
VS . VS.
N EW OL D DIR TY CLE A N
VS . VS.
VS . VS.
VS . VS.
FA M OU S U N K NOW N E LE GA NT SIMPLE
VS.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At a Café
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Steve lives in a house beautiful. Steve lives in a beautiful house.
Paris is a wonderful. Paris is wonderful.
When talking about the city, you can use different prepositions of place.
• At is used with specific place or places where • At is also used with complete addresses.
people work or study.
Kim lives at 24 William Alley.
Dad is at home.
Liam is at work. • Now pay attention to this: Where do you work?
Tina works at Sears.
Michael studies at Lawrence High. I work at Many Corp. Many Corp is in New
Jersey, on Quarter Street.
Prepositions of Time
What time does the plane depart? The flight leaves at nine a.m.
When is the flight? The flight is on July 7th, 2017.
The flight is in July.
We have lunch at twelve p.m. I have classes at ten a.m. Meet me at six p.m.
In → Used with months, parts of the day, On → Used with days of the week and specific dates
or seasons of the year
Christmas is on December 25th.
Tim works out in the morning. Our English classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Christmas is in December.
The flowers blossom in the spring.
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 4
:: STAY ALERT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
The baby likes to sit among mom and dad. The baby likes to sit between mom and dad.
I like to be between people, not alone. I like to be among people, not alone.
I always stay with my family in Christmas. I always stay with my family at Christmas.
Other examples:
Where is your mom’s house? It is in Chelsea.
Where is your mother? She is at work.
Where are you? I’m at school.
Where is London? London is in England.
Other examples:
Where do you live? I live in Tokyo.
Where do you work? I work in WKC Computers.
Where do you go to school? I go to school at St. Martin’s.
Where do you study English? I study English at Wise Up.
When Time
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
My birthday
is on June 8th.
Other examples:
When is your When are your English classes? My English Classes are
birthday?
on Mondays and Wednesdays.
When is your birthday? My birthday is on September 4th.
When is the party? The party is tomorrow afternoon.
I have classes at
Wise Up on Mondays
and Wednesdays.
Other examples:
When do you go to the gym? I go to the gym every day
in the morning.
When do you
have classes When do you travel? I travel on my vacations.
at Wise Up? When do you see you I see my boyfriend on
boyfriend? weekends.
:: STAY ALERT
We say in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, but we say at night.
We also use at to refer to specific moments of the year, such as: at Christmas.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
When do you make anniversary? When is your birthday?
Where is your job? Where do you work?
Where we are? Where are we?
Where you live? Where do you live?
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BASIC 1
R E V I E W
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Take a look!
Meeting People
Introducing Yourself
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Meeting People
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BASIC 1
R E V I E W
Job Interview
Introducing Yourself
Mrs. Bergman – Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. Let me introduce myself. My name is Sandra
Bergman and I’m a Dutch historian. I live in the beautiful city of Amsterdam and, as you
can imagine, I love to ride my bicycle and to drink my beer. I am fifty-five years old and
I have been married to my Walter Bergman for thirty years. We have three children and
two grandchildren. I am here to talk to you about the Amsterdam lifestyle. Let’s begin?
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I am a Mary. I am Mary.
I have forty years old. I am forty years old.
I live at England. I live in England.
I am doctor. I am a doctor.
I am a architect. I am an architect.
I not like vegetables. I don’t like vegetables.
I’m from Brazilian. I’m from Brazil / I’m Brazilian.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
L E S S O N 5
Rick is an elegant actor. An apple a day keeps A cup of coffee, please? That’s a fast car.
the doctor away.
Definite Article → The → it refers to particular thing or person that has already been mentioned, is already
known, or is the only one
• Use: a
particular/specific thing that is known • Use: to refer to unique things, it is the only one
by the people in the conversation
Don – Which car do you like? Quinn – Pasta is the most delicious food in the
Mark – I like the red car. world. (There is only one world, and, for
(Don and Mark know which car it is.) Quinn, one delicious food.)
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 5
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
My profession? I’m the computer analyst. My profession? I’m a computer analyst.
I want to have the car but I don’t have any money. I want to have a car but I don’t have any money.
Mike is going to the England. Mike is going to England.
Nick is married to the Julia. Nick is married to Julia.
I like chocolate.
I like apples.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
So → To introduce a conclusion
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 5
:: COMMON MISTAKES
IMPERATIVES
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
IMPERATIVES
Affirmative Negative
Verb in the Bare Infinitive Form Don’t + Verb in the Bare Infinitive Form
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
In a Meeting
In the Classroom
Mrs. Smith – Please, open the General Law Guide to page 54.
Gavin – Sorry, ma’am. I don’t understand. Repeat the page, please?
Mrs. Smith – Sure. It’s page 54.
Gavin – Thank you.
Mrs. Smith – Gavin, help me with the review. Tell me one of the principles of Family Law.
:: STAY ALERT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Don’t to go now. Don’t go now.
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 5
When you talk about things you like or actions you like to do, you say:
Things Actions
I like... I like chocolate/ice cream. I like to work. / I like going to the beach.
I enjoy… I enjoy the sun/TV series. I enjoy watching TV.
I love... I love juice/my friends/pets. I love going out with my friends.
I adore... I adore books/movies/my family. I adore traveling to the mountains.
When you talk about things you don’t like, you can say:
Things Actions
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I enjoy to watch TV. I enjoy watching TV.
I like study English. I like to study English. / I like studying English.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
I My
You Your
He His
She Her
It Its
We Our
You Your
They Their
Sentence Order
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Troy – Hi, my name is Troy. What is your name? Mary – Hello, Mary speaking.
Amy – Hi, Troy. Nice to meet you. My name is Amy. Tim – Hi, Mary. It’s Tim. Is your father at home?
Troy – And what is her name? Mary – No, mom and dad are at the garage to fix
Amy – Oh, sorry. This is my cousin, her name is Julia. their car.
Tim – Oh, OK. Please, tell him that Kim is back
and that our new number is 8764-3579.
Mary – Sure. See you.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 6
IMPERATIVES
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
IMPERATIVES
Structure:
Affirmative → Verb in the Bare Infinitive Form + Complement → Talk to me. / Go!
Negative → Don’t + Verb in the Bare Infinitive Form + Complement → Don’t speak. / Don’t go there.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: STAY ALERT
Imperative might sound rude or inappropriate depending on context. If you really want to
make sure you are making a request or asking for a favor and not giving a command
when you use imperatives forms, use the word please and apply proper intonation.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Sentence Order in Questions with the Verb To Be Sentence Order with Other Verbs
Where Where
What What
+ Verb To Be + Complement? + Do You + Verb + Complement?
When When
Who Who
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 6
:: STAY ALERT
What? = N
on-literal, indicates surprise Who is it? = Responding to a knock Who is it? = Picking up the phone
on your door
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
What is your date of anniversary? When is you birthday / anniversary?
Where you live? Where do you live?
What you do? What do you do?
EXPRESSING TIME
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I have lunch at 12 a.m. I have lunch at twelve p.m. (noon)
I go to work at seven hours. I go to work at seven o’clock.
I go to work at seven a.m.
Sentence Order
• What Time + Verb To Be + Complement • What Time + Do/Does + Subject + Verb + Complement
Anna – What time is your English Class? Amy – What time do you go to work?
Paul – My English Class is at eight a.m. Joe – I go to work at seven thirty a.m.
:: STAY ALERT
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BASIC 1
L E S S O N 6
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Mia – Hi, Jake. Do you want to come to my Jane – Jimmy, wake up! You’re late.
birthday party on Saturday at my house? Jimmy – Late? What time is it?
Jake – Cool! What time? Jane – It’s nine a.m. Come on!
Mia – At seven p.m.
Jake – Wonderful! See you then.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
What is the time now? What time is it?
What hour do you wake up? What time do you wake up?
NOTES
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 1
Zero Article
• before general nouns in the plural and uncountable nouns • with nouns in unlimited numbers
Dogs are man's best friend. (dogs in general) Everybody loves chocolate.
Oxygen is important for life. (oxygen = uncountable noun) (unlimited number/quantity of chocolate)
Diana teaches children. (children in general) Mary plants flowers. (unlimited number of flowers)
Tanya has homework to do. (homework = uncountable noun) Stewart collects books. (unlimited number of books)
• before possessives
This is my car. (no article before my)
Tommy’s girlfriend is gorgeous. (no article before Tommy’s)
Take a look at the difference between definite, indefinite, and zero article.
This is a group of pens. This is a fountain pen. The fountain pen is used in
Pens are used for writing. (It is one type of pen.) calligraphy. (this specific type of pen)
(pens in general)
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Family Dinner
Kelly – Mom, pass me the salt, please?
Lyla – Sure. Here it is. Don’t you want salad?
Kelly – I don’t really like salad, mom.
Lyla – OK. Michael, have a glass of orange juice.
Michael – Thanks, mom. What’s for dessert?
Lyla – We have fruit. You can have a banana or an apple.
Michael – An apple? Fruit is for breakfast, not for dessert.
Lyla – You guys need healthier habits.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
IN C O R R E C T COR R ECT
Tony adores the his car. Tony adores his car.
The Mary is teacher. Mary is a teacher.
The advice is not always good. Advice is not always good.
Eat a vegetables. Eat vegetables.
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 1
Let’s begin with Greetings and Farewells in some formal situations such as:
morning.
Good afternoon. How are you, sir? How’s your day, ma’am?
evening.
Good night.
Goodbye.
Have a nice day.
See you + Time Expression
(See you tomorrow/next week.)
Neutral or Informal
Hi! Hello!
How are you? How are things?
How’s life? Good to see you!
Nice to see you! Long time no see!
Very Informal
What’s up? How are you doing?
How’s it going? How’s everything?
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: STAY ALERT
Morning! (Good morning) Afternoon! (Good afternoon) Evening! (Good evening) Nighty night! (Good night)
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Good night! How are you? Good evening! How are you?
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 1
PLURAL FORMS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Singular Plural
Ending in Consonant + –Y Drop –Y + –IES
baby babies
candy candies
city cities
Singular Plural
Ending in –SH, –CH, –S, –X or –Z + –ES
watch watches
hairbrush hairbrushes
bus buses
fox foxes
buzz buzzes
Singular Plural
Ending in Consonant + –O + –ES
potato potatoes
hero heroes
Singular Plural
End in –F or –FE Drop –F or –FE and + –VES
wolf wolves
knife knives
life lives
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Irregular Plural
Singular Plural
woman women
man men
child children
foot feet
tooth teeth
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 1
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I have to fix two tooths. I have to fix two teeth.
Woman are all different. Women are all different.
Tony and Kelly are childs. Tony and Kelly are children.
There are two bus at the station. There are two buses at the station.
SIMPLE PRESENT
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Simple Present
Note:
For the third person singular (he, she, and it), we use a different
spelling or verb inflection. You will study this topic in Lesson 2.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Take a look at some dialogues with to be and to like in the simple present:
Bad Memory
Leo – Is today May 10th?
Joe – No, it’s May 11th?
Leo – Oh my God! It’s my birthday. I don’t like birthdays.
Joe – That is weird, you know? You don't like and don't
remember when your birthday is?
Leo – Well, I am weird. I don’t like the idea of getting old.
Joe – You get older every year, my friend. It is a fact. Live with it.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I not like alcoholic drinks. I don’t like alcoholic drinks.
You like salad? Do you like salad?
Do you be a secretary? Are you a secretary?
I don’t am an architect. I am not an architect. / I’m not an architect.
I am like to travel. I like to travel.
Are you work here? Do you work here?
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 2
Sentence Structure
FUNNY SE X Y KIND
P OL I T E IMPOLITE R UDE
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
F RI EN D LY R E SE R V E D DEDICATED
TA L K AT I V E STR E SSE D CA LM
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
They are aggressives boys. They are aggressive boys.
Luke is a man polite. Luke is a polite man.
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 2
DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Demonstrative Pronouns
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Singular Plural
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Talking to Friends
Kim – Oh my God! Those shoes are so trendy…
Sylvia – They so are, right? I’m so in love with them…
Kim – Now look at this yellow belt! Gorgeous, right?
Sylvia – Yeah, I love it!
:: STAY ALERT
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 2
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Take a look at the structure of the present continuous:
Sentence Structure
Subject + Verb To Be (Present) + Main Verb (–ING Form) + Complement
Sentence Structure
Subject + To Be (Present/Negative) + Main Verb (–ING Form) + Complement
Johnny isn’t paying attention to class. Mark isn’t cleaning the house.
Sentence Structure
To Be (Present) + Subject + Main Verb (–ING Form) + Complement
We use the Present Continuous to talk about actions that are in progress at the moment of speaking and that
are temporary.
Continuous Actions/Events
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At Work
Sarah – Janet, I need some help.
Janet – Sure. What are you doing?
Sarah – I’m working on a financial report.
Janet – OK…let’s see. Are you calculating income
and outcome?
Sarah – Yes, I am. And I am registering everything.
Janet – OK. Let’s finish this together.
At Home
Helen – Nick, are you cleaning your bedroom?
Nick – I’m not cleaning the bedroom yet but I will
soon.
Helen – What are you doing then?
Nick – I’m finishing an episode of Zombie Attack.
Helen – Are you kidding me? Tidy up this room
right now!
Nick – What are you doing?
Helen – I’m doing your laundry. Just get up!
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I working at this moment. I’m working at this moment.
Mario not writing the report. Mario isn’t writing the report.
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 2
SIMPLE PRESENT
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• The verb to be is unique—let’s review its affirmative form, which is different from all other verbs:
Singular Plural
First Person I am We are
Second Person You are You are
Third Person He/She/It is They are
• All verbs, except for the verbs to be and to have, follow the spelling rules of the simple present. Take a look
at the verb to like.
Singular Plural
First Person I like We like
Second Person You like You like
Third Person He/She/It likes They like
Sam goes to work by car. Cindy washes the dishes after lunch. A mechanic fixes cars.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Stacy studies in a great college. (to study) Mike cries with sad movies. (to cry)
To form the negative and the interrogative forms, it is necessary to use the auxiliary verb Does.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 2
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
She like the beach? Does she like the beach?
Josh work on weekends. Josh works on weekends.
Mom don’t like to sleep late. Mom doesn’t like to sleep late.
Tony doesn’t likes coffee. Tony doesn’t like coffee.
L E S S O N 3
ADVERBS OF FREQUENCY
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Verbs
Adverbs modify Adjectives
Other Adverbs
Sentence Construction
There are different positions for adverbs of frequency:
• Adverbs of frequenc
frequency
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
a day a day
Once a week Twice a week
Three times (3x), Four times (4x), etc.
(1x) a month (2x) a month
a year a year
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At the Dentist
Dentist – How often do you brush your teeth?
Jake – I brush my teeth three times a day.
Dentist – OK. And how often do you floss?
Jake – I always floss.
Dentist – Great. How often do you use mouthwash?
Jack – I use it sometimes.
Dentist – I see. Please, use it every day, OK?
:: STAY ALERT
• Seldom is more commonly used in writing.
• Usually, often, frequently, and sometimes can be used in end-position to focus on frequency, but they are
more common in mid-position.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Kate goes frequently to the gym. Kate frequently goes to the gym.
Rick twice a day eats. Rick eats twice a day.
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 3
Continuous Actions/Events
Sentence Structure
Affirmative
Subject + Verb To Be (Present) + Main Verb (–ING Form) + Complement
Negative
Subject + Verb To Be (Present/Negative) + Main Verb (–ING Form) + Complement
Interrogative
Verb To Be (Present) + Subject + Main Verb (–ING Form) + Complement
There are Spelling Rules for the main verb in the –ING Form. Let’s analyze them.
Play → The boys are playing soccer. Do → Sonia is doing the laundry.
Dance → Cinthia is dancing at the club. Write → Don is writing a new book.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Verb ending in Consonant + Vowel + Consonant with stress on the last syllable →
Double the last consonant and add –ING
Plan → L
arry and Stephanie are PLANning a trip. Swim → L
ena is SWIMming at the club.
Lie → Theresa is lying on the bed. Die → The kid is dying to go to the bathroom.
:: STAY ALERT
Attention to syllable stress.
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 3
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At Home
Pearl – Jake, what are you doing?
Jake – I’m listening to music, mom. Why?
Pearl – Can you give me a hand here?
I’m changing the light bulb, but it’s too
difficult.
Jake – OK! I’m going to be there in a minute.
Pearl – Please, I’m almost falling off this ladder.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Amanda is joging with her friends. Amanda is jogging with her friends.
Fred is dateing Mary. Fred is dating Mary.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
What’s your name? = Who are you? Where is the meeting? → It’s in the conference room.
→ My name is Jessica. / I am Jessica.
What do you do? → I am a psychologist. What do you like to drink for breakfast? → I like coffee.
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 3
What do you do on vacation? → I travel to the beach. Who do you live with? → I live with my parents.
When do you go out? → I go out on weekends. Where do you have lunch? → I have lunch at a
restaurant near work.
What time do you go to the gym? When do you go out? → I go out on weekends.
→ I go to the gym at 6 a.m.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At the Doctor
Charles – Hello, Miriam. Please, take a seat.
Miriam – Hello, Dr. Charles.
Charles – So, Miriam…What is the problem?
Miriam – I frequently have headaches.
Charles – How often do you have these headaches?
Miriam – Almost every day, usually in the morning.
Charles – What do you eat for breakfast?
Miriam – I have a slice of bread, some coffee, and
some fruit.
Charles – Where do you eat breakfast?
Miriam – In the kitchen. I don’t have much time.
Charles – Hmm...You have to try to eat calmly. I’ll
prescribe painkillers.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: COMMON MISTAKES
IN C O R R E C T CORRECT
You are who? Who are you?
Where is you live? Where do you live?
How often time do you go to the gym? How often do you go to the gym?
Sentence Order
• How Often + Do/Does + Subject + Verb + Complement
How Often →
83
BASIC 2
L E S S O N 3
What Time →
When →
84
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
How frequent do you work? How often do you work?
How often you go to the gym? How often do you go to the gym?
L E S S O N 4
Sentence Constructions
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 4
Subject + Verb + Preposition + A/An + Adjective + Noun → The Botanical Garden is an impressive place.
• Don’t forget that adjectives in English aren’t used in the plural form.
VS . VS.
86
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
VS . = =
VS . VS.
VS . VS.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
87
BASIC 2
L E S S O N 4
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
London and New York are greats cities. London and New York are great cities.
Hawaii is a peaceful. Hawaii is peaceful.
This is a place safe. This is a safe place.
INTENSIFIERS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Sentence Constructions
Subject + Verb + A/An + Intensifier + Adjective + Complement → New York is a very busy city.
“Bloody Monster” is a really scary movie! Look Bungee jumping is very exciting.
at Brad! He is really scared. Bungee jumping is quite exciting.
Bungee jumping is extremely exciting.
Bungee jumping is so exciting.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: STAY ALERT
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Leaving a Place
Dea – You’re walking really fast. What’s up?
Tony – I’m very late for a meeting. Talk to you later!
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
My mom loves very movies. My mom loves many / a lot of movies.
Tommy eats very chocolate. Tommy eats a lot of chocolate. / Tommy
eats chocolate a lot.
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 4
• Timelines
• Use
Example: To Dance
Affirmative Affirmative
I, you, we, they dance. I am dancing.
You, we, they are dancing.
Negative
I, you, we, they don’t dance. Negative
I am not dancing.
Interrogative You, we, they are not dancing.
Do I, we, you, they dance?
Interrogative
Am I dancing?
Are you, we, they dancing?
Example: To Dance
Affirmative Affirmative
He, she, it dances. He, she, it is dancing.
Negative Negative
He, she, it doesn’t dance. He, she, it isn’t dancing.
Interrogative Interrogative
Does he, she, it dance? Is he, she, it dancing?
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Keywords
Always, Usually, Normally, Frequently Now, Right Now, At the moment, Today
Sometimes, Often, Rarely, Never Tonight, This month, This week
Every day, Every week, on Mondays
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At the Doctor
On the Phone
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I’m usually waking up early. I usually wake up early.
I love soccer, but I don’t play this week. I love soccer, but I’m not playing this week.
I walking to work every day but today I drive. I walk to work every day but today I’m driving.
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 4
THERE + TO BE
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Singular Plural
Affirmative There is / There’s There are
Negative There is not / There isn’t There are not / There aren’t
Interrogative Is there...? Are there...?
Sentence Construction
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Looking for a House
:: STAY ALERT
There’s a problem with the computer. → Contraction OK → Spoken and Informal language
There is a problem with the computer → No contraction → Written and/or Formal language
There are problems with the computer → Contractions are not possible
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Have three bedrooms in this house. There are three bedrooms in this house.
There many restaurants in Soho. There are many restaurants in Soho.
There are a car and a motorcycle in the garage. There is a car and a motorcycle in the garage.
R E V I E W
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BASIC 2
R E V I E W
• Simple Present → For actions that are fixed in your schedule and for habitual actions.
• Present Continuous → For actions you are doing temporarily.
• Time Expressions (Present) → T o locate your activities in time.
• Adverbs of Frequency → To express the number of times you do an activity.
• Time → To state what time you do certain activities.
• Simple Present: I’m Gaby and I am a working mom. / I work in the office and at home. / I wake up at six
a.m. and then I wake my daughter up; / I prepare our breakfast and eat with my daughter and husband. /
When we finish breakfast, I take a shower and walk my daughter to school. → They are actions Gaby
performs every day.
• Time Expressions (Present): Then, After That, When → Days and Sequence of Events
• Time → At six a.m.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Simple Present: Ride, Get, Read, Write, Participate, Have Lunch → actions that Gaby performs every day or
sometimes
• Present Continuous: Am not going → Temporary Situation
• Adverbs of Frequency: Sometimes, Usually, Normally, Always → the number of times these actions happen
• Time Expressions: When, at the moment
• Time: At one p.m.
L E S S O N 5
And But So
• Position
osition in a Sentence
Sentence or Information 1 + AND + Sentence or Information 2 → Gabe swims and plays soccer.
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 5
Sentence or Information 1 + BUT + Sentence or Information 2 → Mike is on a diet, but he doesn’t like salad.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At College
Professor – Guys, the exams are next week,
so you have to study.
Kerry – Professor, I have questions
about Law and Management.
Professor – OK, ask your questions, but the
exam is about Sociology.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Pam likes movies. Likes theater too. Pam likes movies and theater too.
So, I don’t go to the beach. I don’t like it. I don’t like it, so I don’t go to the beach.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Singular Plural
First person My Our
Second person Your Your
Third person His Their
Her
Its
M A RK
Important Note: Names or singular words that end in –S may have two uses of the Possessive Case:
Charles’ sister = Charles’s sister. Both are correct, but Charles’s is more common.
My boss’ car = My boss’s car. Both are correct, but boss’s is more common.
M Y F RI EN D S
STUDE NTS
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 5
The children’s parents will pick them up. People’s votes are important in a democracy.
:: STAY ALERT
These are Jack and Mary’s bikes.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
A Ride
Kurt – Lia, do you want a ride home?
Lia – Do you have a car?
Kurt – I don’t, but I’m using my dad’s car today.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
My parents’s house is in Chelsea. My parents’ house is in Chelsea.
Where is Tony’ house? Where is Tony’s house?
IMPERATIVES
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
IMPERATIVES
Instructions/
Orders Requests
Directions
Structure
Affirmative Negative
Verb in the Bare Infinitive Form Don’t + Verb in the Bare Infinitive Form
Sit. Don’t sit here.
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 5
• Giving Directions
Keep going up to Lords Square. Take the 8 bus and get off at St. Johns.
8th AVENUE
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Lost in Paris
Paul – Excuse me, sir. How can I get to the Eiffel Tower?
Man – Oh, take the train to Champ de Mars and go straight
ahead. You’ll see the tower on your right.
Paul – Thank you, sir.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Don’t left. Don’t turn left.
Go to straight ahead on Lilly Street. Go straight ahead on Lilly Street.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Things
Expressing Likes
Subject + Like/Love/Adore + Noun
Expressing Dislikes
Subject + Dislike/Hate/Detest/Can’t Stand/Don’t Like + Noun
Actions
Expressing Likes
Subject + Like/Love/Adore + To + Verb Subject + Like/Love/Enjoy + Verb in the –ING Form
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 5
Expressing Dislikes
Subject + Don’t Like/Don’t Love/Dislike/ Subject + Don’t Like/Dislike/Don’t Love/
Hate /Detest/Can’t Stand + To + Verb Detest + Verb in the –ING Form
Example: Lyla doesn’t like to run. Example: Leon detests playing baseball.
Does your mother enjoy + Noun? What does Peter like for breakfast?
Does your mother enjoy + Verb in the –ING He likes juice and toast.
Form?
What do you like for breakfast?
Your mother = She I like juice and toast.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
The Weekend
Michael – Honey, let’s order a pizza?
Jenna – Hm, OK. I like pizza, but I prefer to go
out rather than ordering at home.
Michael – Really? I'm feeling lazy tonight...
Jenna – Oh, come on! You know I don’t like to
stay at home on weekends.
Michael – Fine...I prefer to go out tonight rather
than going out tomorrow.
Jenna – Lovely! Tomorrow we stay in and
watch a romantic movie.
Michael – An action movie...you know I hate
romantic movies.
Jenna – We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Come on,
let’s go.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I prefer to go out than to stay home. I prefer to go out rather than staying home.
I prefer a burger than fruit. I prefer a burger to fruit.
MAKING REQUESTS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Favors
Requests
Permission
Sentence Structure
Can you + Verb in the Bare Infinitive + Complement
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 5
Sentence Structure
Could you + Verb in the Bare Infinitive + Complement
Sentence Structure
May I + Verb in the Bare Infinitive + Complement
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At Home
Tanya – Keyla, can you help me clean the house?
Keyla – Sure, mom. What do you want me to do?
Tanya – Could you mop the floor?
Keyla – Sure.
Tanya – Thank you, honey.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Can you to sweep the room, please? Can you sweep the room, please?
I can help you hang the clothes? Can I help you hang the clothes?
Do you can get the phone, please? Can you get the phone, please?
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
L E S S O N 6
Can you
Verb in the Bare Infinitive + Complement Requests
(Ex: Be, Play, Work, Do...) Favors
Could you
May I
Requests
Can I Verb in the Bare Infinitive + Complement
Permission
Could I
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
A New Secretary
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Can you to send me an email, please? Can you send me an email, please?
I can take my coffee break now? Can I take my coffee break now?
Do you could announce the meeting? Could you announce the meeting?
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 6
POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
are used to refer to a noun that was mentioned before or that is known by the parts.
Possessive Pronouns
are not followed by a noun.
Take a look:
My dog is very sweet. Hers (her dog) is really aggressive.
Singular Plural
First Person mine (I) ours (we)
Second Person yours (you) yours (you)
Third Person his (he) theirs (their)
hers (she)
its (it)
Structure
In a Clause
Sentence 1 with a Reference of Possession + Subject + Verb + Possessive Pronoun
In context
Character 1: Sentence with a reference Character 1: M
y pen isn’t working...
of possession. (reference of possession)
Character 2: S
entence with a possessive Character 2: H
ere. Use mine.
pronoun referring to the same thing. (my pen = same thing)
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Of + Possessive Pronoun
Henry is a friend of mine. (Henry is one of my friends.)
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Gift Exchange
Kelly – Hey, honey, here’s your present. Merry Christmas!
Toby – It’s a book. That is so lovely! Thank you so much!
Kelly – You’re welcome! A friend of mine told me it’s a great book! Now…Where’s mine?
Toby – Yours?
Kelly – Yeah…where is my present?
Toby – Christmas is next week! All right?
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 6
Sentence Order with What, Who, When, Where, and How Often
With the Verb To Be: Whose + Noun + To Be + Complement → Whose bag is this?
With Other Verbs: Whose + Noun + Verb To Be + Subject + Complement → Whose car are you driving?
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Possessive Case
Whose book is this? It’s Mary’s.
Possessive Adjectives
Where’s Mary? Whose chair is this?
It’s her (Mary’s) chair. Mary will be back soon.
Possessive Pronouns
Is this laptop Mary’s? Whose laptop is this?
Yes, it’s hers (Mary’s).
:: STAY ALERT
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Parking
John – There is a car blocking me.
Tracy – But whose car is it?
John – I don’t know. I just know that I need it out.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Whose are you brother? Whose brother are you?
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BASIC 2
L E S S O N 6
EXPRESSING TIME
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Full hour: It’s + Hour + O’clock → It’s eleven o’clock. Hour and Minutes: It’s + Hour + Minutes → It’s nine ten.
• Hour and minutes → It’s + Hour + Minutes OR It’s + Minutes + Past + Hour
It’s eight twenty-five. / It’s twenty-five past eight. It’s seven oh five. / It’s five past seven.
• Minutes to the next hour → It’s + Hour + Minutes OR It’s + (60 – Minutes) + To + Next Hour
It’s eleven fifty-five. / It’s five to twelve. It’s eight thirty-five. / It’s twenty-five to nine.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Half past → It’s + Hour + Thirty OR It’s + • A quarter past → It’s + Hour + Forty-five OR It’s +
Half + Past + Hour A Quarter To + Next Hour
It’s twelve thirty. / It’s half past twelve. It’s ten forty-five.
:: STAY ALERT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I have dinner at half to eight. I have dinner at half past eight.
The meeting is at forty-five past one. The meeting is at a quarter to two.
It is eight forty-five o’clock. It is eight forty-five. / It’s a quarter to nine.
111
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 1
A U N I FORM A HORSE
A N H OU R A N OR A NGE A N A RCHITE CT
A N U M BREL L A A N E MA IL
114
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
*Exception: used before proper nouns like the United States, the United Kingdom, the Maldives.
You need flour, milk, butter, Tony designs buildings. Sasha loves her car.
and eggs to make a cake
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At a Café
Paul – Good afternoon. Table for two, please.
Waiter – Sure. Follow me. Would you like to see the
menu?
Paul – Yes, please. I’d like a cup of coffee and a
bottle of water.
Mary – Do you serve diet soda?
Waiter – Yes, we do.
Mary – Then, a diet soda and an apple tart.
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BASIC 3
L E S S O N 1
:: STAY ALERT
The use of the article may infer different meanings. Take a look:
Elliot – Patty, let’s go out? Maybe to the movies? (the movies = cinema)
Patty – We can. I would love to watch a movie. (one movie out of all the movies in the cinema)
Elliot – How about The Adventures of Mia or Nonstop Nightmare?
Patty – Horror movies are not romantic, Elliot. (horror movies in general)
PLURAL FORMS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
There are words in English that don't have a plural form and words that are always used in the plural form.
You may use the quantifier some to express an idea of regular quantity with some of these nouns, like:
some information, some traffic, some attention.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
H EA D P H ON ES S U N G LASSE S SHOR TS
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Shopping
Will – I hate shopping, but I need new sunglasses.
Paula – You also need new clothes…like new pants and a T-shirt.
Will – No, I don’t. I have clothes.
Paula – You do, but they’re so old.
Planning a Trip
Gail – Stu, I’m booking your stay in Sidney. Which type of
accommodation do you prefer?
Stu – One with a bed and a shower.
Gail – I’m serious! A hotel, a hostel?
Stu – A cheap place with some nature around. Does that work?
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Let’s search for informations. Let’s search for information.
Where is my pant? Where are my pants?
I have lots of homeworks to do. I have lots of homework to do.
I have to collect my mails. I have to collect my mail.
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BASIC 3
L E S S O N 1
Past Present
Simple Past—Verb To Be
:: STAY ALERT
118
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
count → counted
found → founded
compensate → compensated
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Memories
Peter – Grandma, how long did you and Grandpa date?
Mary – W ell, we dated for five years. Then I traveled on
vacation…
Peter – Did he follow after you? How did he propose?
Mary – O h, he escaped from his parents’ and followed me.
After that, he arrived at my uncle’s house on a horse and
shouted that he wanted to marry me…
Peter – Oh my, that’s so romantic...and a little embarrassing too!
:: COMMON MISTAKES
Simple Past → Specific Time in the Past → Time Expressions, Dates, etc.
Take a look at some time expressions that make reference to the past.
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BASIC 3
L E S S O N 1
Last night, last year, last month, last summer, last winter, last fall, last spring
Two days ago, a week ago, a month ago, five years ago
Some expressions are less specific when referring to past time, like:
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At Work
Sheila –
Kate, did you prepare the report for the
marketing department?
Kate – Yes, I did. I finished two days ago and
emailed it to you yesterday.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I yesterday played basketball. I played basketball yesterday.
Yesterday, I played basketball.
L E S S O N 2
• Us
Simple Present → Facts, Habits, and Routine Present Continuous → Actions in Progress at the Moment
120
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Structure
Simple Present
Present Continuous
Contextual Difference
121
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 2
Non-progressive Verbs
Need Want
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Canceling Dinner
Husband – Hi, honey. Are you working?
Wife – No, I left work ten minutes ago. I’m going home.
Husband – Listen, I’m thinking about calling my parents and canceling dinner tonight.
Wife – Really? Why?
Husband – Because I have a terrible headache. I just want to go home and rest.
Wife – I see. But don’t you think it’s too late to cancel?
Husband – We can meet them tomorrow. They will understand.
122
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I’m wanting to travel. I want to travel.
I’m understanding you. I understand you.
HOW MUCH AND HOW MANY, NUMBERS, AND SOME AND ANY
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Structure
• Numbers
How many people are there in your classroom?
To answer questions about quantity,
especially with countable nouns,
you use cardinal numbers. Take a look:
123
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 2
I don’t know.
124
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
There is any sugar in the pantry. There is some sugar in the pantry.
How much radios are there in your house? How many radios are there in your house?
How many water is there in the fridge? How much water is there in the fridge?
125
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 2
IRREGULAR VERBS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Past Present
Simple Past—Verb To Be
Note that the verb to be doesn’t take the auxiliary verb did and its conjugation is different from all other verbs.
Affirmative Form
to go went
to get got
to take took
to keep kept
to make made
to have had
to do did
to send sent
to read read
to write wrote
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Check the list of irregular verbs in the past at the end of this Language Guide.
Negative Form
Interrogative Form
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Ms. Flemming – Good morning, class. Did you read Chapter 7 of the book at home?
Julian – Yes, Ms. Flemming. I read it last night and wrote a summary.
Ms. Flemming – That’s great! What else did you do about this chapter, Julian?
Julian – Well, I had a talk with my mother about it because she was an avid
reader when she was a teenager and still loves this book!
Ms. Flemming – Wonderful! So, what did she say?
Julian – She said that the main character has a great lesson to teach us…
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Gilbert didn’t went to work yesterday. Gilbert didn’t go to work yesterday.
Did you were home last night? Were you home last night?
127
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 2
Yesterday In 1978
The day before Two/Some years ago
At that moment Last week/month/year
128
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Sequence of Events
Now
Then
→ After that →
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
129
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 3
2
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” We need oxygen and water to survive.
How many apples? One apple = countable How much oxygen? Uncountable
How many days? One day = countable How much water? Uncountable
• Quantifiers
You use a
quantifier when...
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Sentence Structure
There are many people on the street. There is a little orange juice in the fridge.
We need to drink a few glasses of water every day. Bill Gates has a lot of money.
:: STAY ALERT
Time (as in hours, minutes, seconds) → Uncountable vs. Times (as in frequency) → Countable
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BASIC 3
L E S S O N 3
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Family Dinner
Carly – Oh my God! That is too much food!
Gail – It’s not, you’ll see. There are many people
to eat, too.
Carly – Well, that is true, but I’m on a diet, so
I’ll only eat a little of the chicken.
Gail – You say that all the time, but you can never
resist having dessert.
Carly – Dessert? Is there dessert?
Gail – Of course there is dessert. There is
chocolate pie, cherry crumble, lemon curd...
Carly – Good thing I lost a few pounds already!
:: COMMON MISTAKES
IN C O R R E C T CORRECT
I think I exaggerated and ate much food. I think I exaggerated and ate a lot of food.
Tony needs a loan because he has a little money. Tony needs a loan because he has little money.
Traffic jams happen because of too much cars. Traffic jams happen because of too many cars.
OBJECT PRONOUNS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
132
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At Work
Secretary – Mr. Atkins, Janet is here.
Mr. Atkins – Please, tell her to wait a little. (Her = Janet)
Secretary – OK, sir. Call me when I can tell her to come
in. (Me = I / Her = Janet)
Mr. Atkins – I will do it. (It = call the secretary)
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Mary’s mom wants to talk to she. Mary’s mom wants to talk to her.
Me don’t work on Sundays. I don’t work on Sundays.
You and me need to talk. You and I need to talk.
SHOPPING
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
C L OT H ES SHOE S
133
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 3
Salesperson → Hello.
Welcome!
How can/may I help you?
Can/May I help you?
Customer → Hi.
Yes, please.
No, thanks, I’m just browsing.
134
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: STAY ALERT
VS.
C OI N S BILLS
U.S. Currency
P E NNY = 1 C EN T NI CK EL = 5 CE NTS
D I M E = 1 0 C EN TS QUA R T ER = 25 CE NTS
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Past Present
Note that the pronunciation of regular verbs in the past varies according
to the ending sound of the infinitive form.
Irregular Verbs
Verb To Be
I, He, She, It was was not (wasn’t) Was I, he, she, it...?
You, We, They were were not (weren’t) Were you, we, they...?
136
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Verb to be is an irregular verb with its own conjugation: I, He, She, It was / You, We, They were.
• Verb to be doesn’t take the auxiliary verb did to form the negative and interrogative forms:
I was You were
I was not (wasn’t) You were not (weren’t)
Was I…? Were you…?
Other Verbs
Check the list of irregular verbs in the past at the end of this Language Guide.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
On Vacation
Carl – I’m having trouble to decide where to go
on my next vacation…
Cindy – Well, last year, I went to Prague and I
totally recommend it!
Carl – Really? What did you do there?
Cindy – I walked the city to learn about its history,
went to the Prague Castle complex…
Carl – Oh, what was the castle like?
Cindy – It’s hard to explain, but I think you’ll love it!
Carl – OK, I’ll take a look at it. Thanks, Cindy.
Did you meet Alan yesterday? Yes, I did. / Yes, I met him yesterday.
Did you have lunch with Sammy last night? No, I didn’t. / No, I didn’t have lunch with Sammy last night.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Did you went to Paris last year? Did you go to Paris last year?
Paul bringed me a present for my birthday. Paul brought me a present for my birthday.
Did you were home last night? Were you home last night?
137
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 4
EXPRESSING QUANTITY
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Questions
Sentence Structure
How Much
How Much + Uncountable Noun (Singular Form) + How Much + Uncountable Noun (Singular Form) +
Is There + Complement? Do/Does + Subject + Main Verb?
How much sugar is there in the pantry? How much time do we have?
How Many
How Many + Countable Noun (Plural Form) + How Many + Countable Noun (Plural Form) +
Are There + Complement? Do/Does + Subject + Main Verb?
How many eggs are there in the fridge? How many hours does it take from Boston to
New York?
• Answers
Exact Amount
How much time do we have? You have two hours to finish the exam.
How many eggs are there in the fridge? There are six eggs in the fridge.
138
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Quantifiers
How many eggs are there in the fridge? There are many eggs in the fridge.
There are a lot of eggs in the fridge.
There are a bunch of eggs in the fridge.
How many eggs are there in the fridge? There are some eggs in the fridge. (But it's enough.)
There are a few eggs in the fridge. (But it's enough.)
How many eggs are there in the fridge? There are few eggs in the fridge. We need to get some more.
How much time do we have? You have some time. (But it's enough.)
You have a little time. (But it's enough.)
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Tracy – Honey, let's bake a birthday cake for your Tracy – Butter, sugar, chocolate, and flour.
sister. Help me check if we have all the Mel – All right, we have a lot of butter and
ingredients. How many eggs do we have? sugar here. There are a couple of cans of
Mel – Let' see...How many does it take? chocolate powder and some flour. Let's start,
Tracy – It takes six eggs. we don't have much time. She'll soon be
Mel – OK, we have a few. It should be enough. back from school.
What else?
139
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 4
:: STAY ALERT
Neutral Quantifiers:
Many / Much / Few / A few / Little / A little / A lot of / Several / Dozens of
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
How many books you have? How many books do you have?
I have very books. I have many/a lot of/a bunch of books.
HOW OLD, HOW OFTEN, HOW FAR, HOW MUCH, AND HOW MANY
140
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
The question word how can be combined with adverbs and that may change its meaning.
Take a look at some possible uses:
141
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 4
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Happy Hour
Josh – Lucas, how often do you come to this bar?
Lucas – Once a week. I love this place.
Josh – It’s nice for a couple of drinks.
Lucas – And it’s not far from home.
Josh – How far is it?
Lucas – Just one mile from here.
Josh – Cool! How long will we stay?
Lucas – Until eleven. I have to be home by midnight.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
How long time do you study English? How long do you study English?
How long is New York from New Jersey? How far is New York from New Jersey?
Singular Plural
Affirmative There is / There was There are / There were
Negative There is not / There was not There are not / There were not
Interrogative Is there...? / Was there...? Are there...? / Were there...?
142
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Hello, is there anybody home? Ma'am, there was a problem with your credit card.
Do you have another one?
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Natural Disasters
143
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 4
Michael – Honey, there was a tornado in Saint Louis. Did you see the news?
Sandra – Yes, I saw it. It was terrible. There are dozens of families who lost everything.
Michael – Is there anything we can do to help?
Sandra – I guess...I heard there is a bank account for donations.
Michael – Good. I'll check it out.
:: STAY ALERT
When we use There + To Be in the present:
There’s a problem with the computer. → Contraction OK → Spoken and Informal Language
There is a problem with the computer. → No Contraction → Written and/or Formal Language
There are problems with the computer. → Contractions Are Not Possible
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Had a tornado in Saint Louis. There was a Tornado in Saint Louis.
There was a lot of people protesting on There were a lot of people protesting on
the street. the street.
USED TO
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Sentence Structure
Affirmative
Subject + Used To + Verb + Complement → I used to go to school in the morning as a kid.
Negative
Subject + Didn't + Use To + Verb + Complement → I didn't use to like bananas as a kid. Now I do.
Interrogative
Did + Subject + Use To + Verb + Complement → Did you use to live here?
144
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
If you want to describe something you regularly did in the past but you don’t do anymore, you will use the
modal expression used to.
:: STAY ALERT
In the negative and interrogative forms the main verb use goes back to its base form:
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Childhood Memories
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Did you used to live here as a child? Did you use to live here as a child?
R E V I E W
• Simple ast For actions that started and ended in the past
• Simple Present → For your current professional experience, present work/study routine
• Present Continuou → For things you are currently doing
• Time Expressions About the Present and ast → To locate your activities in time
• Expressions that Show Sequenc → To connect and organize events in a chronological sequence
• Adverbs of Frequenc → To express the number of times you do an activity
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BASIC 3
LR EE S V S I O E N W5
• Simple Past: I graduated at Compte School of Math... / I got a job at ABC Bank and worked there...
• Present Continuous: Are you working...? / I am doing consulting work… / I’m looking for something permanent.
• Time Expressions About the Present and Past: two years ago, until last year, at the moment
• Expressions that Show Sequence: then
Let’s see other possible sentences you can use to talk about your background.
Some situations in which you can talk about your background are:
L E S S O N 5
And But So Or
+ ≠ = ×
146
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Position in a Sentence
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At Dinner
Nick – Julie, do you want some wine?
Julie – Oh, no. I’ll have grape juice. I love
grapes, but I don’t really like wine.
Nick – Oh, OK...grape juice then. What do
we order? Spaghetti or lasagna?
Julie – I don’t eat meat, so I’ll have the
vegetarian lasagna.
Nick – I’ll have that too. For dessert?
Julie – I’ll have chocolate ice cream,
chocolate pudding, and an apple
crumble.
Nick – Wow...you really like dessert.
147
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 5
• Giving Opinion
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
An Interview
Reporter – What do you think about the
elections?
Hugo – I think it’s our chance to
make a difference.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
What you think about abortion? What do you think about abortion?
148
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
GIVING DIRECTIONS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Giving Directions
Expressions
Go straight ahead Don’t stop Keep going Turn right / Make a right
Turn left / Make a left Take the bus... Get off at... Cross the street
Expressing Sequence
Then...
After that...
At the end...
Before...
149
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 5
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
• Requests
Favor
Can you + Verb in the Bare Infinitive + Complement? Could you + Verb in the Bare Infinitive + Complement?
→ Can you open the door for me, please? → Could you stop screaming, please?
Permission
May I + Verb in the Bare Infinitive + Complement? Can I + Verb in the Bare Infinitive + Complement?
→ May I talk to you for a second? → Can I come in?
150
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Offers
Would you like + Complement? → Would you like a cup of coffee?
Yes, I would.
Yes, please.
Sure. Thanks.
:: STAY ALERT
When requesting permission, it is more common to use may with I and we.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
151
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 5
• Why + Verb To Be
• Because...
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Because are you going home? Why are you going home?
152
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
L E S S O N 6
5
Structure
Questions
What + Verb To Be + Subject + Complement
What is your opinion about Las Vegas?
Indirect Questions
Verb in the Imperative + Your Opinion About + Complement
Tell me your opinion about Las Vegas.
Giving Opinion
Subject + Verb (That) + Complement
I think that it's a great city.
I guess it's too messy.
I believe that I'll like it there.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Weekend Getaway
Lisa – Baby, what do you think about going to Vegas on the weekend?
Mark – I think traveling is always a great idea! But Vegas? I don't know...I think it's a bit messy, don't you?
Lisa – I don't think so. I really believe it will be fun!
Mark – OK, then. Vegas it is! Let's see some hotel deals for the weekend.
153
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 6
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Do you think it's too late? I think no. Do you think it's too late? I don't think so.
Do you think it's too early? I think yes. Do you think it's too early? I think so. / I think it is.
EXPRESSING POSSESSION
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
→ Possessive Case
Expressing Possession → Possessive Adjectives
→ Possessive Pronouns
• Structure
Possessive Case
Possessive Case
→ These are Laura’s toys. / This is Jonas’s backpack.
Owner + ’s + Noun
Owner + ’ + Noun
154
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Possessive Adjective → These are her toys. Possessive Pronoun → These (toys) are hers.
Possessive Adjective → This is his backpack. Possessive Pronoun → This (backpack) is his.
Possessive Adjective → These are the their dresses. Possessive Pronoun → These (dresses) are theirs.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
This is the Lucia’s book. This is Lucia’s book.
Girls, are these yours dresses? Girls, are these dresses yours?
Girls, are these your dresses?
long often
many much
155
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 6
• Structure
How / How far / How old / How long / How often / Why
How Many
How Many + Countable Noun (Plural Form) + Do/Does + Subject + Main Verb
How many books do you need?
How Much
How Much + Uncountable Noun (Singular Form) + Do/Does + Subject + Main Verb
How much time do you need?
• How + Adverb
How → Manner How Much/Many → Quantity How Far → Distance
• Why
156
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Family Hike
Mother – How are you feeling, guys?
Fred – I'm tired, mom!
Donna – Me too...How far are we from home?
Father – Not very far, about half a mile.
Fred – Half a mile? How long is that?
Father – About half an hour. But I have an idea...
Hop on!
Donna – That was a great idea, daddy! Why
didn't you think about that a mile ago?
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
How often you study English? How often do you study English?
Because are you working? Why are you working?
Simple Past
Used To + Verb
Used to describe a past habit. Something you regularly did, but you don't do anymore.
Structure—Simple Past
Structure—Used to
157
BASIC 3
L E S S O N 6
I really miss going to the beach. When I lived in Los Angeles, I used to go to the beach every weekend.
:: STAY ALERT
In the negative and interrogative forms of used to, the main verb goes
back to its base form.
The kids didn't use to like vegetables. Now, they love it.
The kids didn’t like the dish I prepared for dinner.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Summer Break
Dayse – Hi, Sonia! How was the holiday break?
Sonia – Hey, Dayse! It was great. I went to Florida with
my family.
Dayse – I love Florida. When I was a kid we used to live
in Georgia, which is very close to Florida. So
my parents used to take us to Florida every
summer vacation.
Sonia – It’s really nice. It was my first time there.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I used to study French last year. I studied French last year.
I worked out but now I swim. I used to work out but now I swim.
158
INTERMEDIATE 1
L E S S O N 1
• Introducing Opinion
I think (that)...
I guess (that)...
I’d say (that)...
I suppose (that)...
From my point of view...
In my opinion,...
• Agreeing
I couldn’t
agree more. Coffee is a
I love coffee. perfect drink.
160
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Disagreeing
Promoting I disagree.
Thomas is a He is too
great idea! irresponsible.
I don't agree...
I disagree...
I have a different opinion...
I beg to differ...
I don’t think so...
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Debating Solutions
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
In my point of view, home office is the future. From my point of view, home office is the future.
161
INTERMEDIATE 1
L E S S O N 1
You know, I think people need to invest in organizations that protect the environment.
I don’t think that forbidding drugs is the solution to violence, you know?
Some things about law are, you know, complicated for the ordinary citizen.
I see…but don’t you think that people must respect the rules?
Let me tell you something, the government has a responsibility to its people.
Well, I’d say that politicians should do good but it doesn’t always happen.
The thing is that when there is a lot of money involved, I guess people go crazy.
My opinion about the situation in Africa...how can I put this...it’s historical and hard to solve.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Julia – Chad, don’t you think there are enough trees in this
Garden?
Chad – Well…I don’t think so.
Julia – We can barely walk in here. Trees are important, you know,
but we need to be able to walk.
Chad – Julia, the thing is that there isn’t such a thing as too many
trees. We need them.
Julia – Hmm…I know that. But there’s a limit.
Chad – Let me tell you something, why don’t you use the other
entrance and leave the trees be and produce our oxygen?
162
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
The modal verb Will is commonly used to refer to future events. It expresses the idea of inevitability.
• Affirmative
Structure: Subject + Will/’ll + Verb in Bare Infinitive + Complement
• Negative
Structure: Subject + Will Not/Won’t + Verb in Bare Infinitive + Complement
Mark
will not travel this year.
• Interrogative
Structure: Will + Subject + Verb in Bare Infinitive + Complement
163
INTERMEDIATE 1
L E S S O N 1
:: STAY ALERT
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
On the Phone
Mary – Hello?
Tom – Hi, Mary, it’s Tom.
Mary – Hi, Tom! How are you?
Tom – Pretty well, thank you. Listen, will you
come for dinner?
Mary – Oh, I’m afraid I won’t. But Kim and Kate will.
Tom – Wonderful! Tell them we will serve dinner
at eight p.m., OK?
Mary – I’ll do it. Bye!
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Peter will to work tomorrow. Peter will work tomorrow.
Mary will goes to the beach this weekend. Mary will go to the beach this weekend.
In order to understand time references in the future, consider the following information:
Tomorrow
Susan’s party is tomorrow. Susan’s party is tomorrow afternoon.
Susan’s party is tomorrow morning. Susan’s party is tomorrow evening.
(Number) days/months / years from now = Two days from now / Three years from now
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Planning a Meeting
L E S S O N 2
WHEN WHILE
165
INTERMEDIATE 1
L E S S O N 2
• Structure
When → Simple Past + Simple Past While → Past Continuous + Past Continuous
Simple Past + Past Continuous Simple Past + Past Continuous
Sam left when we finished the meeting. Mike was preparing breakfast while I was taking a
When Julia arrived, the baby was sleeping. shower.
While I was taking care of the baby, Mike did the laundry.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Household Chores
Valerie – Yesterday, while my son was vacuuming, my daughter was ironing the clothes. My husband was
cleaning the yard while I was shopping for groceries. We share the domestic chores in my house.
Michelle – That's great. My husband and I do everything together. Yesterday, we cleaned and cooked in the
morning. When we finished, we did the dishes together.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
While I woke up, my sister was cooking. When I woke up, my sister was cooking.
I didn't know when was she traveling. I didn't know when she was traveling.
There are expressions that may be used to infer these ways to give opinion:
166
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
I tend to believe that exercise alone isn’t enough to I guess that maybe living in the city is more exciting.
lose weight.
I probably agree with the idea of taking two vacation I would say that living on your own is liberating.
terms in a year.
167
INTERMEDIATE 1
L E S S O N 2
I do believe that it is OK for a student to have a I strongly believe that the government must be
part-time job. more just.
I definitely believe that people have to take care of I really think that nature is important for human life.
the environment.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Family Feud
168
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
PAST CONTINUOUS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
past present
• Structure
Interrogative: S
ubject + Verb To Be in the Past +
Not + Main Verb in –ING Form +
Complement?
Were you working yesterday in the
evening?
169
INTERMEDIATE 1
L E S S O N 2
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Broken Window
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I was calling her at ten a.m. I called her at ten a.m.
My wife was working and I cooking dinner. My wife was working and I was cooking dinner.
Past
Time Expressions Present
Future
170
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Structure
Time expressions are used either at the end or at the beginning of sentences in a narrative.
Past
In the summer/the winter/1970
Last week/month/year
Yesterday
Two days/months/years ago
At that moment
Some time ago
Present
(Right) now
At the/this moment
Currently
Nowadays
Today
Future
Next week/month/year/Monday/Tuesday/weekend
Later
Tomorrow
By the end of the day/week/month
Tomorrow morning/afternoon/evening
Two days/months/years from now
Sequencing
We also use expressions to help us sequence our narration.
(Right) After that Before that
These expressions may be used in the beginning of sentences.
Then When While
When I arrive at home later today, I’ll help you with While they were having dinner, it started to snow.
the homework. After that, we can go to the mall.
When = at the time While = During the time
171
INTERMEDIATE 1
L E S S O N 2
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Family Tale
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
They arrived in last week. They arrived last week.
They will arrive in next week. They will arrive next week.
L E S S O N 3
When you know the exact quantity of something, you can use numbers. But when you don’t, you need to use
expressions that relate to countable and uncountable nouns.
Quantifiers: Quantifiers:
A lot of → Very large quantity A lot of → Very large quantity
Many → Large quantity Much → Large quantity (commonly used in the negative)
A few → Small but sufficient quantity A little → Small but sufficient quantity
Few → Small and not sufficient quantity Little → Small and not sufficient quantity
• Some and An
Professions
172
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
There are some professions in the group. (Not all, but part of the professions there are.)
There aren’t any companies in the group. (There is not one company, at all.)
Several → Similar to “many.” Plenty of → A quantity that is rather large and sufficient.
There are several career options one can Tony has plenty of work to do, he doesn’t need any
choose from. more courses.
:: STAY ALERT
173
INTERMEDIATE 1
L E S S O N 3
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Job Hunt
• Structure
Subject + Could + Verb Subject + Could not / Couldn’t + Could + Subject + Verb
(Bare Infinitive) Verb (Bare Infinitive) (Bare Infinitive)
• Can
Mario can swim very well. Katy – Dad, can I borrow your car? (Do you let me
(Mario is able to swim very well.) borrow your car?)
Paul – Yes, you can. (Yes, I permit.)
Note: When using Can to make requests, you expect the answer to be “yes.”
174
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Possibility
• Could
I miss my teens. I could sleep until late then, but now I Mr. Sparrow, could I arrive a little later tomorrow?
have to work early. (I was able to sleep until late…) (Would it be possible for me to arrive a little later…?)
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Larry can to drive us there. Larry can drive us there.
Joan can draw when she was a kid. Joan could draw when she was a kid.
Mark can not leave early. Mark cannot leave early.
175
INTERMEDIATE 1
L E S S O N 3
• Subject Pronouns: Function as the subject of a sentence; they come before verbs.
Singular Plural
First person I We
Second person You You
Third person He / She / It They
• Object Pronouns: Function as the object of a sentence; they usually come after verbs and/or prepositions.
Singular Plural
First person Me Us
Second person You You
Third person Him / Her / It Them
Singular Plural
First person Mine Ours
Second person Yours Yours
Third person His / Hers / Its Theirs
• Reflexive Pronouns: Used when the subject and the object of the verb refer to the same person/thing.
SU B JE CT
If I were in your shoes, I would wait a while before investing all my money.
Singular Plural
First person Myself Ourselves
Second person Yourself Yourselves
Third person Himself / Herself / Itself Themselves
176
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: STAY ALERT
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At the Psychologist
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I cut me with a knife. I cut myself with a knife.
Listen to myself! You are being stupid. Listen to me! / Listen to yourself! You are being stupid.
Single action completed at a point in the past. Action that was in progress for a while in the past.
Affirmative Form: Regular and Irregular verbs Affirmative Form: To Be (past) + Verb in –ING
Negative Form: Auxiliary Didn’t + Verb Negative Form: To Be (past neg.) + Verb in –ING
Interrogative Form: Auxiliary Did + Subj. + Verb Interrogative Form: To Be + Subj. + Verb in –ING
The simple past and the past continuous can appear together, even though they are very different.
177
INTERMEDIATE 1
L E S S O N 4
3
Connectors
It is important to notice that in these cases there are two sentences linked by a connector.
Some connectors used are:
Nick was doing his homework before you arrived. Lyla set the table while Mia was preparing the dessert.
Longer action Longer action
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Talking About an Accident
178
L A N G U A G E G U I D E
L E S S O N 4
Giving Opinion → Certainty → You are absolutely sure of what you’re saying.
→ Doubt → You aren’t sure of what you’re saying.
• Expressing Certainty
When you are talking about something you are sure of,
you can use some expressions to introduce your opinion. I am sure that this partnership will be successful.
I am sure (that)...
I am positive that...
I am quite sure...
I am pretty sure...
I am certain that...
I am almost sure that...
There is no doubt about that...
For sure (used in the end of sentences,
not in the beginning)
• Expressing Doubt
I am not sure that this project
When you are not really sure of something but still want to is complete...what do I do?
speak your mind, here are some expressions you can use:
• Fillers
You know...
Let me tell you something...
Hm...
...like... (used in the middle of sentences)
Yeah...
Well...
I see...
You see...
The point is...
The thing is...
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Debating a Project
Hugh – Lilian, what do you think about Lionel’s idea for the
project?
Lilian – Well, we might have some problems there.
Hugh – I’m sure you have another idea, then...
Lilian – Hm...not exactly. I am positive that we need to control
the budget and still deliver the project, but how?
Hugh – So, think about it. I could be wrong but this is a good
chance for you to impress the director.
• Must
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• Have To
Obligation (external) → The speaker perceives the action as mandatory because it is an order, a command,
or a law to be followed.
The director gave the order, so I have to check the archives first.
Note: In the negative form—do not (don’t) have to or does not (doesn’t) have to—the meaning is “it is not
necessary.”
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
She have to do her job. She has to do her job.
I really want to pass, so I have study. I really want to pass, so I have to study.
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• Structure
• Must (Obligation)
Gillian must check her work emails every day. (= It is mandatory that Gillian do that.)
• Mustn’t (Prohibition)
Mike mustn’t hire an assistant without the CEO’s permission. (= Mike is prohibited/
forbidden to hire without permission.)
• Should (Advice/Recommendation)
Steve should prepare the report in advance to avoid being late. (= It is advised/
recommended that Steve do that.)
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
You should to make the balance. You should make the balance.
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NARRATIVE TIMELINE
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Story → Narrative → Moves from the past to the present and into the future
In order to make a narrative, it is necessary to use verb forms and time expressions that show how the
chronological sequence of the actions.
• Narrative About the Past
Verb Forms
Past Continuous → A
ction that was temporary and/or in progress during a period in the past.
Affirmative: To Be (in the past) + Verb –ING
Negative and Interrogative: Follow the structure of the Verb To Be in the past
Time Expressions
Last year / Yesterday / Two days ago / Last (season) / Last month / Last week / In (year) / Back in (year)
Verb Forms
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Time Expressions
Today / Now / Right now / At this moment / Nowadays / Currently / This month / This week /
This year / On (weekday) / In (month)
Verb Form
Modal Verb Will → Modify verbs giving an idea of future prediction based on the speaker’s perspective.
Affirmative: Will + Verb (Bare Infinitive: Without To).
Negative: Will not/Won’t + Verb (Bare Infinitive: Without To).
Interrogative: Will + Subject + Verb (Bare Infinitive: Without To)?
Time Expressions
Tomorrow / Tomorrow morning / Today / By the end of the week / In the beginning of the week /
Next month / Next year / In ten years / In a few days
Other expressions and connectors that are used to connect events in time and sequence them in a narrative.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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R E V I E W
In order to make predictions, and to express different degrees of certainty, you can use:
• Modal Verb Will → For predictions based on your decision and personal opinion.
• Modal Verbs Can and Could → For possibilities.
• Time Expressions About the Future → To locate your activities in time.
• Adverbs That Indicate Certainty → Definitely, surely, absolutely, undoubtedly.
• Adverbs That Indicate Doubt → (Un)likely, probably, hardly, barely.
• Expressions to Indicate Certainty → I’m pretty sure… / I’m positive… / I totally think…
• Expressions to Indicate Doubt → I’m not really sure but... / I guess… / I might be wrong but…
It’s Career Day in Nicole and Lee’s school and they had to go to
school dressed as the professionals they want to be in the future.
Here are the elements we have in these predictions made by Nicole and Lee.
• Modal Verb Will: She will be a doctor... / She will be a volunteer in Africa... / He will have to study
very hard... / He predicts that he will win a math competition... / He will build things... / Humans will
live in other planets and he will help build the houses there.
• Modal Verb Can and Could: She can become either a pediatrician or a neonatal specialist... / He
could also change his mind and study to become an astronaut.
• Time Expressions About the Future: In the future, A few years from now, in twenty years
• Adverbs and Expressions to Give Opinion: She is not sure but… / The only thing she is absolutely
sure is… / Lee is positive… / Lee believes that…
Some situations in which you can talk about your predictions about the future are:
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• Addition (+)
Connectors of addition link complementary elements or ideas. The connectors of addition are:
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• Contrast (vs.)
Connectors of contrast link contrary elements or ideas. The connectors of contrast are:
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:: STAY ALERT
Connectors like although and even though can be used in the beginning of the first clause or between the
two clauses.
Although Gillian is a very responsible worker, she arrives late too many times.
Gillian arrives late too many times, although she’s a very responsible worker.
Even though Gillian is a very responsible worker, she arrives late too many times.
Gillian arrives late too many times even though she is a very responsible worker.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Watching TV
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Giving Opinion in a Conversation → Checking Understanding → “Do you know what I’m saying?”
→ Asking for Clarification → “What do you mean?”
• Checking Understanding
You use expressions to check understanding to make sure the listener is paying attention to you and
understand what you’re saying.
You use expressions to ask for clarification when you are listening to someone’s opinion and you don’t
understand.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Hosting Dinner
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When it comes to exchanging opinion, there are different functions, each with expressions you can use.
Let’s review some of them.
What do you think about...? / What is your opinion about...? / What is your take on…? /
Do you think that…?
• Agreeing
I agree with you. / I agree that... / I have the same opinion. / I couldn’t agree more. /
That’s exactly what I think.
• Disagreeing
I don't agree... / I disagree... / I have a different opinion. / I beg to differ. / I don't think so.
When you don’t understand what the other person says you ask for clarification.
What do you mean by...? / Come again? / I beg your pardon? / Sorry, I don’t get it. /
Can you say that again? / I am not sure I understand. / What? / Say that again.
• Checking Understanding
When you want to know if the listener is following your statements you check understanding.
Got it? / Does that make sense? / Do you have any questions? / Do you understand that? /
Are you following me?
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• Being Subtle
It is not what is said but how it is said. In certain situations, you don’t want to say things directly and risk
sounding rude.
I kind of think that... / I tend to believe that... / I guess that maybe... / I would say that... /
I might be wrong but I think… / I probably agree with…
• Being Emphatic
Sometimes it’s necessary to make a point, but remember that being emphatic is not being rude.
I do believe that... / I strongly believe that... / I definitely believe that... / I really don't think
that... / I (certainly/definitely/deeply) agree with...
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Interview 1
Reporter – What is your opinion about the situation of stray dogs? (asking for opinion)
Annie – I really think the government should take responsibility and collect those dogs. (Being emphatic)
Reporter – Don’t you think that the people should also take action? (asking for opinion)
Annie – What do you mean? (asking for clarification)
Reporter – Well, some animals run away but there are also cases of abandonment.
Annie – Yeah, but I disagree that it’s only the people. There is a lot the government can do to teach
people about respecting life as a whole, you know. (disagreeing)
Reporter – Thank you for your opinion.
Interview 2
Reporter – Do you think it is important to adopt stray dogs? (asking for opinion)
Jake – Not really. I think people do what they feel like doing.
Reporter – But there are many abandoned dogs on the streets.
Jake – I agree and it’s horrible when people abandon their pets. (agreeing) However, when it comes to
how to get a pet, I tend to believe that people can opt to buy or adopt and it’s nobody’s place to
judge. (being subtle)
Reporter – Thank you for your opinion.
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Modal Verbs → Add meaning to the main verb according to the speaker’s interpretation of facts.
→ May have different ideas depending on the context and the speaker’s goal.
→ Used with verbs, no preposition between them.
Possibility
May Might
• May
Strong Possibility
Ian may travel with his family next month. (It’s very likely he will do it.)
I can ask my boss, but I may not be able to leave early tomorrow. (It is very likely that I won't leave early.)
Permission
May I have a word with you? (Do you allow me to have a word with you?)
You may enter. (You have my permission to enter.)
• Might
Remote Possibility
Anthony is busy today, but he might show up at the party. (There is a slight chance Anthony will show up.)
Elaine’s baby might not be a girl. (There is a slight chance the baby will be a boy.)
*Might isn’t normally used in direct questions, but you can make indirect questions with it.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
May I to talk to you? May I talk to you?
We might don’t go to the party. We might not go to the party.
Relative Pronouns → Modify nouns or some pronouns → Used to identify people and things or to give extra
information about them.
Note: That is also an alternative for which. Check the chapter about the relative pronoun which to learn its use.
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
L E S S O N 6
CONNECTORS: CONCLUSION
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
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• Conclusion
*Connectors such as To make a long story short, As we have seen, As we all know, and In short, tend to
come at the end of texts to conclude the idea based on all that was seen before.
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Dilemma
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
So I don’t eat chocolate, I don’t like it. I don’t like chocolate, so I don’t eat it.
Modal Verbs → Auxiliary Verbs used to express mood (such as ability, obligation, necessity, and possibility)
according to the speaker’s perception. They don’t infer time or factual elements to verbs.
• Structure
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• Modal Verbs
Ability in the
X
Present
Ability in the
X
Past
Request X X X
Permission X X
Advice X
Obligation /
X
Necessity
Prediction X
:: STAY ALERT
May I come in? → Formal use. It’s possible to be used in informal settings to show respect.
Can I come in? → Informal or Neutral use. You could be opening the door as you ask this question.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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REASONING: WHY
Answer the
Reasons, arguments, and
question “Why?” or
evidence that support Reasoning
other questions that
argumentation.
seek justification.
• Questions
Do you think that it’s a good idea to go on a road trip this summer?
• Introducing Sentences—Reasoning
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Negotiating an Invitation List
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Used To Be Used To
vs.
Habits in the Past Familiar Things or Actions
• Used To
• Structure
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→
Did you use to take theater lessons at school?
(In the past, was it a habit of yours to take theater lessons at school?)
• Be Used to
The verb to be can be inflected in any verb form or combined with modals according to the meaning the
speaker wants to convey (Was/Were Used To, Am/Is/Are Used To, Can Be Used To…). It refers to an action or
something that is familiar to you because of previous experience.
Structure
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→
Jack is used to waking up early.
→
Cody isn’t used to doing exercises.
→
Are you used to traveling solo?
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
New Mom
Lisa – Hey, Stacy! Look at you with twins!
Stacy – I know, right? I used to sleep like a baby but now I know that babies don’t sleep at night.
Lisa – You’re funny! Are they your first?
Stacy – Yes, yes, probably the only ones.
Lisa – It is tough being a new mom. How about Jackson? Is he used to the crying and changing diapers yet?
Stacy – He’s great. I guess he is more used to doing the whole baby thing than I am.
Lisa – You know, Mike and I used to say we would wait some time before having babies, but then Katie arrived.
Stacy – And now you can’t imagine your life without her, right?
Lisa – Exactly! We love being parents.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I’m used to go out on the weekend. I’m used to going out on the weekend.
I used like vegetables as a kid. I used to like vegetables as a kid.
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BE GOING TO
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Future Plans
Be Going To
Predictions Based on Evidence
Structure
Affirmative: S
ubject + To Be + Going To + Complement
Lisa is going to get married next month.
Negative: S
ubject + To Be + Not + Going To + Complement
Unfortunately, I'm not going to be here on the wedding day.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Meeting Friends
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:: STAY ALERT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
The girls going to meet later. The girls are going to meet later.
• Long Adjectives
In order to form comparatives with long adjectives, you need to follow the structure:
• Short Adjectives
In order to form comparatives with short adjectives, you need to follow the structure:
• Irregular Comparatives
Good → Better
Bad → Worse
Far → Further / Farther
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Henry is more short than Michael. Henry is shorter than Michael.
This can’t get more bad. This can’t get worse.
GIVING OPINION
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Giving Opinion → Formal or Informal → Where are you? → Whom are you talking to?
→ Subtle or Emphatic → Where are you? → Whom are you talking to? → Do you need to convince someone?
• Formal or Informal
• Generally, the bigger the distance among participants the higher the level of formality. Older people tend
to be more formal.
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Take a look at some phrases you can use to introduce your opinion formally and informally:
*Adverbs are useful resources when emphasizing opinion. Some of the most frequently used are:
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Alex – Hey, Phil: What do you think of the new career package
they announced?
Phil – I reckon it’s OK. It’s not wonderful.
Alex – It’s definitely better than before. (emphasing opinion)
Phil – Oh yeah. I agree.
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Modal Ideas conveyed depending on the context and the speaker’s decision
Let’s focus on may and might. What is the difference between them?
• May
In the interrogative form, it is used to request permission, even though it can be used in contexts in which
the speaker highly respects the people he or she is talking to.
May I have a word with you? (Do I have your permission to have a word with you?)
• Might
Might isn’t commonly used in the interrogative form as it is in the indirect form.
Do you think John might find out about our secret? (Is there any chance John will find out?)
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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Wanda – Sure, honey. It might take some time until we find something perfect, but that will be fun.
Ben – I guess! Can you come check a place with me now?
Wanda – Right now? Hmm…that could be a problem…your dad is taking me to lunch.
Ben – Dad can wait. Besides, we may be back before he arrives.
Wanda – All right. Let me give him a call.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Might we meet tomorrow? Do you think we might meet tomorrow?
Buddy, may I talk to you? Buddy, can I talk to you?
L E S S O N 2
• Comparatives of Equalit
In order to form comparatives of equality, for any adjective, you need to follow the structure:
As + Adjective + As
• Comparatives of Inferiorit
In order to form comparatives of inferiority, for any adjective, you need to follow the structure:
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:: STAY ALERT
Although the comparative of inferiority form exists, the comparatives of superiority or equality (in the negative
form) are more frequently used.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Choosing a Restaurant
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Tina is as taller as Kate. Tina is as tall as Kate.
Chris is as smart than Martin. Chris is as smart as Martin.
Connectors → Prepositions
→ Linking words and expressions Addition, Contrast, and Conclusion
→ Conjunctions
Take a look at the table with some conjunctions, linking words and expressions that join sentences or terms inferring
the ideas of addition, contrast, and conclusion.
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Although they all share the idea they convey when linking phrases or elements of sentences,
there is a difference in position.
• And, and also, but, and so, won’t appear in the beginning of sentences. They may come after a
period but connecting two sentences.
• However and therefore will usually come between the sentences they link, after a period or not.
Henry is very careful with his money. However, he likes to splash out sometimes.
Peter won the lottery. Therefore, he is now a rich man.
• Although, even though, in spite of or despite will introduce the sentences but they can appear
in the middle when clauses are inverted.
Even though Julienne is on a diet, she accepted to have dinner with us.
Julienne accepted to have dinner with us, even though she’s on a diet.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Business Presentation
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L E S S O N 2
There are different words you can use to either express certainty or doubt while giving your opinion.
For example:
• Adverbs
• Adjectives
• Modal Verbs
• Adverbs
• Adjectives
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• Modal Verbs
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I’m going to the party surely. I’m surely going to the party.
I’m going to the party for sure.
I will maybe travel next month I may travel next month.
Perhaps I’ll travel next month.
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L E S S O N 2
? WILL
EXPRESSING FUTURE
BE GOING TO ?
Take a look at the following contexts and notice how both structures are used.
Billy will host a dinner party and, as he walks home, he passes by a bakery.
Tanya wants to go on vacation and she is talking to her boss about it.
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Mary is going to travel and she’s leaving her keys with her mom.
:: STAY ALERT
In spoken English, there is little difference between using will or be going to.
Remember that, in spoken English, it is common to use the short form of will (’ll) or the short form of the verb
to be with going to.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Larry will to help you. Larry will help you.
L E S S O N 3
• tructure
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L E S S O N 2
That's why, Because of that, As a result → Used in between two sentences/clauses or at the
beginning of a sentence.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Broken Car
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:: STAY ALERT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
NARRATIVE TIMELINE
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
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Past Continuous → Action that was temporary and/or in progress during a period in the past.
Affirmative: To Be (in the Past) + Verb in –ING
Negative and Interrogative: Follow the structure of the verb to be in the past
Simple Present → A
ctions that represent facts or routine.
Affirmative: Simple form for I, You, We, They and third person inflection (–S, –ES or –IES)
Negative and Interrogative: Auxiliaries Do (I, You, We, They) and Does (He, She, It)
Present Continuous → A
ction in progress during a period in the present and into the future.
Affirmative: To Be (In the Present) + Verb in –ING
Negative and Interrogative: Follow the structure of the verb to be in the present
Modal verb Will → Modify verbs giving an idea of future prediction based on the speaker’s perspective.
Affirmative: Will + Verb (Bare Infinitive: Without To)
Negative: Will not/Won’t + Verb (Bare Infinitive: Without To)
Interrogative: Will + Subject + Verb (Bare Infinitive: Without To)
• Connectors of Time
For actions that happen at the same time → Meanwhile / At the same time
Mia will cook dinner. Meanwhile, John prepares drinks and sets the table.
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Career Advice
Susan – Dad, can you give me some advice? I just don’t know what I'll major in.
Paul – Oh, darling, this is a difficult decision. I remember how hard it was for me.
Susan – Yes? How so?
Paul – Well, I was only eighteen when I got to college and I knew I wanted to be a football player.
Susan – But for that, you needed to choose...
Paul – Exactly. So, I chose Business because it would be more useful for me, but then it became my main
job when my knee got hurt. After that injury, I had to quit football.
Susan – So, I’m not involved in sports but I’m going to be successful in something. I’ll choose arts.
Paul – Arts? Well, it’s your life in the end. If you think this is it, then that’s what it is.
Susan – Great! Thanks, dad.
Pronouns → Always make reference to someone or something that was mentioned before in the sentence or
in context.
Plural
First person We Us Ourselves
Second person You You Yourselves
Third person They Them Themselves
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L E S S O N 3
• Pronoun Ambiguity
You can solve this ambiguity by adding some words and replacing others.
Adam is worried about Professor Storm because the professor claims to be in trouble.
or
Adam is worried because the Professor said that Adam is in trouble.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
A Misunderstanding
SUPERLATIVE FORMS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Superlative Forms → Superiority → Long Adjectives / Short Adjectives / Irregular Forms
→ Inferiority
The superlative forms refer to extremes. It is one unique thing with an incomparable feature.
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Superiority
• Long Adjectives
In order to form superlatives with long adjectives, you need to follow the structure:
• Short Adjectives
In order to form superlatives with short adjectives, you need to follow the structure:
Original adjective ending in Consonant + –Y → Drop the –Y and add –IEST → Pretty – The prettiest
All the other short adjectives → Add –EST → Smart – The smartest
Tommy is the funniest friend I have. Stella is the shortest player in the soccer team.
Note: The superlative form also works with the C.V.C. rule.
Words ending in Consonant + Vowel + Consonant → Double the last consonant + –EST
• Irregular Superlatives
Inferiority
In order to form superlatives of inferiority, with any adjective, you need to follow the structure:
It is important to notice that the superlative of inferiority isn’t commonly used for physical characteristics.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Danny – Van, that was the greatest movie I’ve ever seen!
Vanessa – Well, it was good but not the best one, come on.
Danny – I loved it. I think Saul Goldman is this generation’s
most talented actor.
Vanessa – His co-star is the least natural, though.
Danny – Yeah, you are right.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
This is the most happy day of my life. This is the happiest day of my life.
Nick is the most bad player in the team. Nick is the worst player in the team.
L E S S O N 4
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• Must can also be used for this end, but it has a stronger meaning as it conveys the idea of obligation as well.
• Ought to is a semi-modal. It has the same meaning of the modal verb should; however, it is not as common
in everyday speech.
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• Expressions
• Had Better
• Had better is also a semi-modal and it is considered a strong expression. It implies there
will be negative results if someone does not do what is suggested.
This structure isn’t usually used in the interrogative form. However, in the negative, it is possible.
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At a Party
:: COMMON MISTAKES
Connectors of Exemplification: For instance, For example, As an example, That is (to say), Such as, Namely
• Use
• Structure
Mammals are animals that produce milk to feed their babies, namely dogs, lions, and humans.
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L E S S O N 4
Free healthcare is successfully provided in many countries, such as Canada, Australia, and France.
Connectors for Listing: To begin/start with, First, Second, In first place, In second place, Next,
Then, Last but not least.
• Use
They give idea of order when you provide a list of things, instructions, or examples.
• Structure
To solve a math problem, first you have to read the heading carefully. Then start doing
the math according to what you read. Sum and subtract until you get to the final result.
Last but not least, review your calculations.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
• Use
Be able to → to have the skill to do something / to be in a situation in which it is possible for you to do
something
Be supposed to → to be expected to do something / to say what someone should or should not do, especially
because of rules or because of what someone in authority has said
I was supposed to finish the report today, but I woke up with a terrible headache, so I couldn’t do much.
You are not supposed to check your messages while driving.
• Structure
able to
supposed to
I had a terrible backache, so I was only able to return to work after two days.
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Being successful doesn’t mean you will never fail: it means you always answer
“yes” when you hear the question: Are you willing to try again?
Girls, get inside! You are not supposed to play in the rain…
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I able to do this. I am able to do this.
John supposed to be here at 9. John is supposed to be here at 9.
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• Structure
• Would
Hypothetical situation: If she had enough money, she would travel with her friends.
Real situation: She doesn't have enough money, so she will not travel with the girls.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Sabbatical Year
:: STAY ALERT
I would love some coffee.→ No contraction of would: Emphasis
I'd love some coffee. → Contraction (’d): Neutral
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I will go if I had time. I would go if I had time.
R E V I E W
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When we give opinion, we may use structures with adjectives in the comparative or in the superlative forms.
When we want to give our opinion comparing one element to another, we will use the comparative form.
Take a look at these possible structures:
When we want to give our opinion comparing one element to all the others of the same kind, we will use the
superlative form. Take a look at these possible structures:
Julia – I think that the best thing to do when you decide to take a trip overseas is to plan ahead.
Katie – I agree. That’s the most important thing to do if you don’t want to have problems.
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Take a look at the table for more specific differences between them.
Equality
Inferiority
Long and Short Adjectives Less + Adjective + Than The Least + Adjective
Words ending in C – V – C → Double the last consonant and add the termination.
Example: BIG
:: STAY ALERT
Although there are comparatives and superlatives of inferiority, they are not as frequently used as the ones of
superiority.
prefer
The movie Storm is less interesting than Thunder. The movie Thunder is more interesting than Storm.
or
The movie Storm is not as interesting as Thunder.
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Michelle is more pretty than Sheila. Michelle is prettier than Sheila.
Katia is as intelligent than her friends. Katia is as intelligent as her friends.
My students are more good now than before. My students are better now than before.
*The verb to get has different meanings according to its complements and contexts. When
combined with adjectives, its meaning is to become, as a consequence of something.
TO FE E L UN C OM FORTABL E TO FE E L FINE
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Sick
MODAL EXPRESSIONS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
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These expressions are somewhat interchangeable as they have the same meaning.
They are used to express customary actions.
Notice that when followed by a verbal complement, it is in the –ING form, but they can have nominal
complements as well.
These modal expressions can also be used with other verb forms:
• Be About To
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• Be Necessary To
Doctor – Mr. Atkinson has to rest. It is necessary to keep him away from stressful situations.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Mike is accustomed to wake up early. Mike is accustomed to waking up early.
RELATIVE PRONOUNS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
Who
Which They refer to people, things, or ideas previously mentioned. They are either
part of non-restrictive clause or of a restrictive clause.
That
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• Structure
Non-restrictive Clauses
They add extra information about the people, things, or ideas they refer to. They are set off by commas. If you
take them out of the sentence, you can still make sense of what is said.
non-restrictive clause
non-restrictive clause
Restrictive Clauses
They add essential information about the people, things, or ideas they refer to. They are not set off by
commas. If you take them out, you are not likely to understand what is said.
restrictive clause
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restrictive clause
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Martin, that is my cousin, is a lawyer. Martin, who is my cousin, is a lawyer.
This is the car who my father gave me. This is the car which my father gave me.
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TAG QUESTIONS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
Tag Questions → Used at the end of a sentence to confirm the statement previously made.
→ Used with all verb forms.
• Structure
Imperative Form*: Do me a favor, will you? *You can use tag questions to soften up favors and
Help your sister, will you? requests with the imperative form. In this case, you should
use the modal verb will.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Your brother likes this band, don't he? Your brother likes this band, doesn't he?
You didn't finish your homework, didn't you? You didn't finish your homework, did you?
He is driving, isn't it? He is driving, isn't he?
L E S S O N 6
CONNECTORS: REVIEW
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Us
Addition Conclusion
Connectors
Contrast Exemplification
• tructure
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Addition Amy is a skilled professional and she is also a great team player.
Amy is a skilled professional. Besides that, she is a great team player.
Amy is a skilled professional. Moreover, she is a great team player.
Amy is a skilled professional. Furthermore, she is a great team player.
Although / Even though Amy is still young, she is a highly skilled professional.
Amy is a young woman. However, she is already a highly skilled professional.
Despite being young, Amy is a highly skilled professional.
Amy is a highly skilled professional at a very young age. So, I think the company
should keep on investing in her.
Conclusion
Amy is a highly skilled professional at a very young age. As a conclusion, I think the
company should keep on investing in her.
As we have seen, Amy is a highly skilled professional at a very young age. Because
of that, I think the company should keep on investing in her.
Amy is a highly skilled professional. She has great ideas, for instance, she was the
one who improved our customer service.
Exemplication
Amy is a highly skilled professional. She has great ideas. As an example, she was the
one who improved our customer service.
Amy is a highly skilled professional. She has great ideas, such as improving our
customer service.
Amy is a highly skilled professional. She has great ideas, namely improving our
customer service.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Planning a Trip
:: STAY ALERT
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:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT
CORRECT
We had one setback however the company is
We had one setback. However, the company is
growing fast.
growing fast.
Let’s focus on the use of the present forms to refer to the future.
• Simple Present
Used to refer to actions that are part of a schedule. The use of time expressions is extremely important to
indicate the future.
• Present Continuous
Used to refer to appointments, dates, or commitments that are pre-arranged and confirmed.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Arranging a Trip
• Verb To Prefer
Things
Subject + Verb To Prefer + Thing 1 + To + Thing 2
Nick prefers soccer to volleyball.
Actions
Subject + Verb To Prefer + Verb in Infinitive + Rather Than + Verb in Infinitive or –ING + Complement
Julia prefers to watch a movie rather than to eat/eating out.
• Would Rather
:: STAY ALERT
→ The short form “I’d rather” is commonly used in spoken and informal written language.
→ The word “not” doesn’t get a short form with would rather.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
An Invitation
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I wouldn’t rather visit grandma now. I would rather not visit grandma now.
Stu would rather to go home. Stu would rather go home.
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Modal Verbs: verbs used to express mood (such as ability, obligation, necessity, or possibility) according to
speakers’ judgment. They do not infer an idea of time nor a factual aspect to verbs.
Will: used to express inevitability or prediction Can: used to talk about ability in the present,
based on opinion possibility, and requests
Could: used to talk about ability in the past, May: used to talk about probability and to make
remote possibility, and to make requests polite requests
Might: used to talk about remote probability Must: used to express obligation and to make
assumptions; the negative form is used
for prohibition
Should: used to give advice
Verb To Be can be used in any verb form depending on the speaker’s needs and intentions.
• Be Able To → Ability
Lenny could play the piano as a child. = Lenny was able to play the piano as a child.
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Ted is willing to babysit his sister. = Ted has no objection against babysitting his sister.
In the Office
Mrs. Tyler – Sarah, darling, do you have a confirmation from
Stuart’s office?
Sarah – Not yet, ma’am. I’m about to call them…I’ll let you
know when I get their OK.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Frank – Can we go now? We were supposed to Frank – All right, I’ll wait. At least I won’t face the
leave at five today…It’s five thirty! traffic jam alone. When we started in this job,
Peter – I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to go with we used to leave at four…now, God knows
you…I have this report to finish. when we’ll leave! Well, I’ll check my emails
Frank – How long will it take? while I wait.
Peter – I am about to start the last section…some
twenty minutes more, I guess.
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When retelling a story, we usually use the verbs Say (something), Tell (a story), and Ask (a question or favor).
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Gossiping
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When you have news that will make people happy, there are some expressions you can use:
When you have news that will make people sad, angry, or frustrated, you use other expressions that will
prepare the listener for the bad news.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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Before focusing on this relation of continuity or relevance between the past and the present expressed by the
Present Perfect, let’s take a look at its structure.
• Past Participle
Regular Verbs → Same form as in the simple past → Terminations –D, –ED, or –IED
Irregular Verbs → Third column of the list found at the end of this Language Guide
It refers to an action or event that happened in the past with relevance, influence, or results in the present,
whose time is unknown or irrelevant.
Nick used the same software at some moment in the past and, because of that, he can help Leo now.
The exact time when Nick used the software is not relevant to this situation, only his current knowledge.
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It refers to an action or event that started in the past and continues into the present.
Past Present
Take a look:
Now, we use for to refer to the duration of the activity, but it does not necessarily infer that it has a continuous
aspect.
I’ve studied English for twenty years. → Open to two interpretations depending on context:
1. The action started twenty years ago and it still happens in the present.
2. The action lasted twenty years but has been completed already.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Terry – Lana, have you heard about the new immigrant policy?
Lana – I have. Immigration has been a controversial issue for a long time, but I think they’ll find a solution.
Terry – Hopefully, these people will settle somewhere. They’ve walked a thousand miles since they left their country.
Lana – There will be a good solution. There has to be one.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Olga has worked in a bank in 1985. Olga has worked in a bank.
Olga worked in a bank in 1985.
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Some verbs will accept different complements according to the meaning they infer.
Verb to Ask
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Online Chatting
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Joan enjoys to play chess. Joan enjoys playing chess.
L E S S O N 2
There are some resources and techniques one can follow to expose data and support opinion convincingly.
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Taking into consideration positive and negative aspects helps make a reasonable analysis in your speech
or text. They will also help you reach a conclusion, so you can structure your text like this:
Paragraph 1 – Introduction
Paragraph 2 – Positive aspects
Paragraph 3 – Negative aspects
Paragraph 4 – Evaluation of both positive and negative aspects
Paragraph 5 – Conclusion
• Rhetorical Strategies
Generalizations Specificities
The writer or speaker must be careful not to use fallacies, which are oversimplification of logic.
Jack is a boy. Jack is violent. All boys are violent. (This is a fallacy.)
2) Deal with the character, credibility, and reliability of the writer. Actions like choosing reliable sources,
respecting the reader/listener, organizing ideas in the text and proofreading.
3) Deal with the readers’ emotions. It shows the writer or speaker is connected with the reader by making
their text more personal and in ways that the recipient can relate.
• Quotations
There are different techniques to use quotations in writing. Direct quotations are extracts of an author’s work
or opinion, copied between quotes (“”), followed by credits to the original author.
In academic writing, there are set rules of direct quotations whose reference (author and source of research)
will appear in the footnote.
Indirect quotations don’t usually come between quotes but are usually introduced by phrases that indicate
you’re about to quote someone:
Important Note: The use of an author’s words, even if paraphrased, without due credit is
what constitutes plagiarism (appropriation of one’s work and ideas taking them as one’s
own). It is considered an ethical foul and undermines the credibility of an author for good.
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• Paraphrase
• Summary
Summaries are a short version of an original text that concentrates on its main idea, leaving out details, and
written with your own words. Again, the original author must be credited.
Romeo and Juliet, tragedy written by William Shakespeare, narrates a tragic love story of a couple from
diverging families in ancient Verona.
• Narrations
Narrations can be used as means to exemplify the author’s point related to data collected during research.
These narrations, if based on the author’s experience, don’t need to be credited.
René Descartes believed that rationality defines men and that seems to be true since intellectuals are the
ones who define the principles that guide our society as we learn at school.
Remember that no argumentation is made without support, so, you can justify your
conclusions using connectors and indicating references.
Human beings must be careful when killing animals because they balance the
environment, according to...
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
It is vital that parents pay special attention to how their kids use technology. Parental control may prevent kids
from downloading inappropriate content or browsing dangerous websites; however, a certain amount of
freedom is important to foster kids’ independence and boost their learning.
In the past, children had limited access to technology: they could play video games or watch TV or even
use the computer for a limited amount of time and with the supervision of an adult. Nowadays, because
parents do not have much available time, kids have more freedom to use technology and this could be
dangerous.
Herbert Simon once said, “One finds limits by pushing them.” Kids need to have enough freedom to use
technology so that they can discover the boundaries they must respect.
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Superiority
Spelling Rules
Words Ending in C.V.C. → Double the last consonant and add the termination.
Original adjective ending in Consonant + –Y → Drop the –Y and add –IER
All the other short adjectives → Add –ER
Russia is bigger than the U.S.A. Paulie’s hand is smaller than her dad’s.
• Irregular Comparatives
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Equality
Structure → As + Adjective + As
Inferiority
*Notice that the comparative of inferiority is not as used as the other types of comparatives.
Non-gradable Adjectives
Non-gradable adjectives are adjectives that cannot be measured because they are extreme.
For example: something that is wonderful has the quality of being incomparable in regards of how good it is
because it is “too good.”
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:: STAY ALERT
In English, syllables are counted by the way the words are pronounced. Compare:
*If you’re not sure about the syllable division, check an online dictionary.
Certain adjectives will not follow the original rule or are more common with the particle more:
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Teachers' Meeting
Parker – In my class, I don’t have any disciplinary problems. There is one student that is
lazier than the others, but they behave well.
Logan – As for me, I have one situation. Jack Morrow is the best student in class
but less integrated with the class than any other student because he is too
arrogant.
Parker – Is the class rejecting him?
Logan – They are. I try to control it, but they are stronger than me in that sense.
Parker – Have you tried to have a conversation with Jack? Maybe he’ll understand that
making friends is as important as getting good grades.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Chocolate is more delicious than fruits. Chocolate is tastier than fruits.
Mark is more smart than his brother. Mark is smarter than his brother.
Tommy is funner than Samuel. Tommy is more fun than Samuel.
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• Structure
Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
Position of Adverbs → Generally between the auxiliary verb have and the main verb
→ Exception: “Yet” comes at the end of the sentence
1. Always
Context: Timmy spends a lot of money on trips and his dad doesn’t understand it.
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2. Never
Context: Peter and Janet are receiving Julia for dinner and Peter suggests ordering Japanese.
3. Already
Context: Ian is planning his holiday and he is thinking about going to Jamaica but he wants tips.
Ian – Mark, have you been to Jamaica? I’m looking for tips.
Mark – Well, I haven’t, but Michael has already traveled to Jamaica, he might shed some light there.
(Already → Before now)
4. Ever
5. Yet
Context: Ken wants to take his girlfriend on a surprise trip and he is planning it with her mother.
Ken – Maggie, I want to surprise Stacy with a trip, but I don’t know where to go.
Maggie – Well, she hasn’t been to China nor Japan yet, but I know she loves Asian culture.
(Yet → At this time, but might sometime in the future)
:: STAY ALERT
Before Now
The teacher assigned an exercise, but it’s been ten minutes and John hasn't finished.
2. The word yet functions as an adverb with the present perfect but it may also function as a conjunction.
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Backpacking
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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Professor Peters began to talk at nine a.m. My students hate to take tests.
= Professor Peters began talking at nine a.m. = My students hate taking tests.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
A Lecture
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L E S S O N 3
This family wants to buy a house and save for their children’s education.
Save a percentage of your salary every month if you want to buy a house.
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You must decide what you want to do with your money. You ought to plan your finances wisely.
You should save a little every month. You mustn’t spend too much on unnecessary things.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Asking Advice
First, pour one liter of still water in a pan. Second, add a pinch of salt and turn the stove on.
Third, get the pasta you want to use and set aside Then, when the water boils, put the pasta into the
the portion you need. boiling water.
Right after that, stir the pasta into the water to After that/Afterwards, check the pasta every few
prevent it from sticking. minutes until it is al dente.
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Finish by draining the pasta with a colander. To make the sauce, start by stir-frying some
Leave it aside while you prepare the sauce. chopped onions and garlic in olive oil.
Then, add some chopped tomatoes. After they’re soft, add some water and bring it to a boil.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Healthy Egg
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Present → It refers to an action or event that started in the past and continues up to now.
Perfect → The speaker focuses on showing the progression or continuity of this action or event.
Continuous →W hen referring to continuity, the present perfect continuous and the present perfect are
interchangeable.
• Timeline
• Structure
I’ve been doing exercises every day Turk has been traveling a lot on
in order to lose weight. business.
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Negative → Subject + Have not/Haven’t or Has not/Hasn’t + Been + Verb in –ING Form
Leo hasn’t been practicing the piano lately.
The students haven’t been feeling enthusiastic about the new activities.
:: STAY ALERT
The present perfect may also refer to a continuous action and, in such case, it can be used instead of the
present perfect continuous with the difference that the latter leaves no question as to the progress of the
action in the present moment.
Mike has studied English. (It is unclear if he still studies English, but maybe he still does.)
Mike has been studying English. (There is no doubt that he is still studying.)
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Changes
Gabe – Hey, Fred, why the long face? Are you worried about
something?
Fred – Hi, Gabe. I am a little worried about my professional future.
Gabe – Oh, yeah? What is up?
Fred – I haven’t been feeling like coming to work, you know?
I think I need a change.
Gabe – That’s not a bad thing. What have you been doing about
this feeling of yours?
Fred – Well, I’ve been looking for courses and other careers, but
I can’t find something I’m passionate about.
Gabe – You won’t know unless you try. I say you take a course. In
the meantime, live with that strange feeling.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I’ve been drive a lot lately. I’ve been driving a lot lately.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Verbs that take both gerund and infinitive with change in meaning
To Forget
Lilian forgot to call her husband. → She had to do something but she forgot to.
Lilian forgot calling her husband. → She did call her husband but she doesn’t remember having done it.
To Remember
Mick remembered to tell Mary to wait. → He had to do something and he didn’t forget to.
Mick remembers telling Mary to wait. → He, now, remembers something he did in the past.
To Go On
Kim must go on working on her report. → To go on, in this case, means “to continue.”
Kim went on to explain things instead of working on her report. → In this case, to go on infers a change in action.
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To Stop
John stopped the game to grab a bite. → He stopped something in order to do something else.
John stopped playing the game. → He quit an ongoing action.
To Try
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Making Amends
Henry – I’ve tried calling Jessica, I’ve tried emailing her...she just won’t talk to me.
Leo – You screwed up big time, man. Why don’t you try to talk to her in person?
Henry – Do you think so? She stopped going to the gym after we had that argument.
Leo – OK, stop to think for a moment. She has to go to work, right? She still lives
in the same house, right?
Henry – I don’t want to stalk her.
Leo – I know it isn’t good but if she won’t talk to you...
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L E S S O N 4
• Reminders
For example: You are going to host a dinner party but there are some important things to take into
consideration if you want it to be a success.
Don't forget to adjust the salt before serving. Remember to ask your guests if they eat meat.
Bear in mind that not Keep in mind that when you host a dinner party,
everybody likes spicy food. you must think carefully about the menu.
It's important to serve even portions so Make sure you protect your hand when taking
everybody has the same quantity of food. the baking tray out of the oven.
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Birthday Party
• Use
• Structure
Either…or…
( ) ( )
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
( ) ( )
We’ll use the money either to go on a family trip or to buy a new car. Choose one.
(Used before the verbs)
Neither…nor...
We’ll go neither to the park nor to the movies. You didn’t do your homework.
(Used before the adverbial phrases)
We’ll use the money neither to go on a family trip nor to buy a new car. We’ll save it for the kids’ college.
(Used before the verbs)
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2. When used before two subjects, the verb agrees with the last subject.
Either Roxy or Melina is picking you up at the airport. Neither your sister nor your brothers are going to the party.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Family Dinner
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
You can have or the chocolate or the ice cream. You can have either the chocolate or the ice cream.
I won’t buy neither the red nor the blue dress. I will buy neither the red nor the blue dress.
Nor Brazil nor Argentina got to the finals. Neither Brazil nor Argentina got to the finals.
• Action that started in the past and continues • Isolated action that started and finished
up to the present. at a specified moment in the past.
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Present Perfect
• Action that happened at an unknown or irrelevant moment in the past with relevance, influence or result in
the present. The speaker looks to the past from the present.
Past(?) Present
• Action that started in the past and continues into the present (support with adverbs).
Let’s compare the use of each of these verbs into the same context and analyze their meanings.
1. Simple Past
Tim – I lived in a country house but we moved* *By using the simple past, Tim locates the action in
to the city in 1978** because of dad’s job. a single point in the past, with no relevance to the
Present.
**Notice the indication of time.
Tim – I’ve lived in a country house before we moved By using the present perfect, Tim relates the fact that
to the city because of dad’s job. Maybe that’s he’s lived in a country house as the cause of him
why I don’t really like living in an apartment. not enjoying living in an apartment in the present
moment. It is a case of influence to the present.
Tim – I’ve lived in a country house since I was little, By using the present perfect with the adverb “since,”
so I’m reluctant to live in an apartment. Tim indicates that this action is still happening in the
present and this is the reason why he doesn’t want to
live in an apartment.
Tim – I’ve been living in a country house since I was By using the present perfect continuous, Tim makes
little, so I’m reluctant to live in an apartment. it clear that he never lived in any other house,
focusing on the continuous aspect of this action,
leaving no doubt of its connection to the present.
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:: STAY ALERT
The present perfect with the aspect of continuity and the present perfect continuous are interchangeable.
It is the speaker’s job to choose which verb form to use.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Reality Shows
Gil – Dude, did you see the last episode of Locked
Underground?
Phil – I haven’t been following any TV shows to be honest.
Gil – Oh man, you have to check that one out. It was insane!
Phil – You know I don’t have a TV, right?
Gil – What? You’ve lived without a TV since you moved out
of your parents’?
Phil – Yeah and I don’t really miss it. I’ve read a lot of books,
though.
Gil – Whatever makes you happy. I won’t try to convince you.
Phil – Yeah, right.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I’ve been to Paris in 2010. I went to Paris in 2010.
I have been lived here for ten years. I have been living here for ten years.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Would you mind → Used to ask for favors or permissions in which people believe the answer
might be negative, either because you are not close to the other person or
because it is a delicate matter.
• Structure
Questions
Favors:
Would you mind + Verb in –ING form + Complement
Would you mind taking a picture of us?
Answers
Positive answers: Not at all. (Meaning: No, I don’t mind. / No, it’s not a problem.)
No. Go ahead.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Cristina – Hi, Derek. It’s Cristina, Tommy’s mother. How are you?
Derek – Oh, hi, Cristina. I’m fine, thanks. And you?
Cristina – I’m good too. But I have a meeting at work today, and my husband is on a business trip.
Would you mind picking up Derek when you pick up your kids at school?
Derek – Oh, no. Of course not! I’ll bring him home with my kids.
Cristina – Thank you very much. Would you mind if I passed by at around eight p.m. to pick him up? Is it too late?
Derek – No, that’s fine.
Cristina – All right. Thank you again.
Derek – No problem!
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L E S S O N 4
:: STAY ALERT
Would you mind…? Used either to talk to people you are not close to or to ask favors
or permissions.
Could you/I…? Used in polite favors or requests.
Can you/I…? Used in neutral/informal favors or requests.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Would you mind if I go with you? Would you mind if I went with you?
Would you mind to help me with this? Would you mind helping me with this?
R E V I E W
Let’s take a look at each argumentative strategy and how the present perfect is used in them.
• ethorical Strategies
The following dialogue will show you some possible uses of the present perfect to support opinion:
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
A New Book
In this dialogue, the present perfect refers to past actions that influence the present moment to justify opinion.
It works as a retrospective analysis.
This dialogue will give you a glimpse on how the present perfect might appear in a spoken argumentation
using quotations:
Studying
Take a look at the strategies that deal with retelling somebody else’s words:
Paraphrase → Retell an idea using your words (you still need to credit the author).
Summary → Reduce the size of the original text or speech focusing on the main ideas.
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INTERMEDIATE 3
R E V I E W
Narration, on the other hand, is a strategy through which the speaker tells a story in order to explain and/or
exemplify the point previously posed.
Mia – Don’t you think that this election was a pain in the neck?
Anna – It usually is, but I think that both candidates did wrong in attacking each other rather than exposing
their plans. Maybe that is why it has been so annoying. (Summary)
Mia – My mother usually says that politics destroy one’s character. I liked Sarah Wallace before, but this
campaign has shown me a side of her character I don’t appreciate. (Paraphrase)
Anna – But did you vote at all?
Mia – Of course I did! First thing in the morning. I woke up, had breakfast, and left to vote. There was a
long queue which was impressive. Apparently, our people have become more involved in these
matters. (Narration)
Anna – Well, finally, huh. Now, let’s see what will happen.
In this dialogue, you have a narration of past events from a present perspective that organizes facts and
justifies opinion.
Actions in the past that affect the present → Maybe that’s why the campaign has been so annoying.
...this campaign has shown me...
Apparently our people have become more involved...
L E S S O N 5
ADVERBS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
L E S S O N 5
Most adverbs of manner (not all) can be formed by adding the termination –LY to an adjective.
Some adverbs of manner are:
*Notice that fast belongs to a group of adverbs that derives from adjectives that maintains the same form like
fair, fine and hard, among others.
I have a fast car. (Adjective) vs. The car runs fast. (adverb)
This is a fair deal. (Adjective) vs. Tony plays fair. (adverb)
2. Adverbs ending in –LY come between subject and verb when the adverb is not the focus of the information.
At a Work Meeting
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INTERMEDIATE 3
L E S S O N 5
2. A
dverbs such as usually, normally, often, frequently, sometimes, and occasionally might appear in front
or end position. When in front position, they are usually followed by a comma.
2. Front position is possible in literary writing or when the adverb is not the focus of the message.
2. Front position is possible in literary writing or when the adverb is not the focus of the message.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
• Zero Conditional
Structure
Clause with Verb in the Simple Present + Conditional with the Simple Present
Notice that you can invert the order and the result is the same; however, you need to split the clauses by a
comma. Take a look:
If you want to make pasta, you need boiling water. = You need boiling water if you want to make pasta.
Water evaporates if it reaches 100 degrees Celsius. = If water reaches 100 degrees Celsius, it evaporates.
• First Conditional
Used to refer to the future, in conditionals that have an actual chance of becoming true.
Structure
Clause with Verb in the Simple Present + Conditional with Will, Can, May, Be Going To
If you practice every day, you will become a great piano player.
If you don’t want to eat pizza, we can go to a Japanese restaurant.
If we leave now, we may arrive before sunset.
If you do your job right, you’re going to be promoted before you know it.
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L E S S O N 5
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Looking for Something
Jack – Sarah, when you think of yourself five years from now, what
do you see?
Sarah – I don’t usually think about the future. If I do it, I start
fantasizing about being rich and famous.
Jack – There is no problem with that. So you think you’ll be famous?
Sarah – Not really. I do believe that if I work hard enough, I can get a
raise or something.
Jack – You can try the lottery too! If you don’t try it, you won’t win.
So get a ticket!
Sarah – Do you believe that?
Jack – Yes! I get a ticket every week.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
If I have enough time, I call you. If I have enough time, I’ll call you.
• Use
Paired Conjunctions → When used to add information, they Paired Conjunctions Used to Add Information
give more emphasis to a statement
than a single conjunction.
Dr. Simpson works not only at the hospital but also The car is not only beautiful but also fast.
at his clinic. (Used before the adverbial phrases) (Used before adjectives)
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2. When used before two subjects, the verb agrees with the last subject.
Not only Lia but also her kids are in Europe. Not only you but also Paula likes this cake.
Both…and…
Dr. Simpson works both at the hospital and at his The car is both beautiful and fast.
clinic. (Used before the adverbial phrases) (Used before adjectives)
2. When used before two subjects, the verb agrees with both subjects.
Both Lia and her kids are in Europe. Both you and Paula like this cake.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Ordering Food
Lorie – I’m thinking about ordering something to eat. Do you prefer Italian or Japanese food?
Mike – Well, I like both Italian and Japanese. So, it’s up to you.
Lorie – I’ll go for Italian, because not only you but also the kids like it.
Mike – Great. Let me check the menu…OK, I’ll have both the house salad and the spicy tuna spaghetti.
Lorie – All right! Kids, come here, please.
:: STAY ALERT
In spoken language, inversions of the verb and the subject are highly frequent with not only…but also…,
causing the sentence to start with the conjunction.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I have both friends in the United States and in Canada. I have friends both in the United States and in Canada.
Not only my kids but also my husband love parks. Not only my kids but also my husband loves parks.
• Use
WHO THAT
RELATIVE PRONOUNS
WHICH WHOSE
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• Structure
My sister, who lives in London, is coming to spend some time with me. (I only have one sister.)
non-restrictive clause
My sister who/that lives in London is coming to spend some time with me. (I have more than one sister, one lives in London.)
restrictive clause
The laptop, which is brand-new, needs to be updated. (There’s only one laptop around.)
non-restrictive clause
The laptop which/that is brand-new needs to be updated. (There’s more than one laptop around, only one is new.)
restrictive clause
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INTERMEDIATE 3
L E S S O N 5
= Jack’s opinion
Ms. Jackson, this is Mark, the student whose parents you met earlier.
→
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
• Use
Confirm Statements → When you want to confirm statements, you can use either Tag Questions or other
fixed questions.
He is smiling at me,
isn’t he?
• Structure
Tag Questions
Tag questions can be used in any verb form and it will always follow the same pattern.
Main sentence in the affirmative form. Tag question in the negative interrogative form
in the same verb form as the main sentence.
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INTERMEDIATE 3
L E S S O N 5
Present Perfect
Mr. Tyler hasn’t talked to you about the meeting yet, has he?
Main sentence in the negative form. Tag question in the interrogative form in the
same verb form as the main sentence.
Simple Past
Main sentence in the affirmative form. Tag question in the negative-interrogative form
in the same verb form as the main sentence.
Modal Verbs
Main sentence in the negative form Tag question in the interrogative form in
the same verb form as the main sentence.
There are also some fixed expressions you can use to confirm information after a statement.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: STAY ALERT
Tag Questions are mostly used in spoken language. We try to avoid using them in written formal language.
Ms. Smith is the best manager we’ve ever had, don’t you agree? → Spoken language
I believe most of the employees will agree that Ms. Smith is one of the best managers in the company.
→ Written formal language
:: COMMON MISTAKES
L E S S O N 6
• Us
• tructure
Reading a good book is my favorite leisure activity. To study hard is the key to success.
Gerund clause used as the subject of the sentence. Infinitive clause used as the subject of the sentence.
291
INTERMEDIATE 3
L E S S O N 6
My ultimate goal is taking a sabbatical year and traveling around the globe.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: STAY ALERT
Both gerund and infinitive clauses can be used as subject with the same meaning.
However, nowadays gerund clauses are more frequent and sound more natural in this position.
Working hard is the key to success. → Preferable and accepted in all situations.
To work hard is the key to success. → Correct but less frequent nowadays.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Jack made me to notice my mistake Jack made me notice my mistake.
Read is a way to broaden your horizons. Reading is a way to broaden your horizons.
293
INTERMEDIATE 3
L E S S O N 6
SECOND CONDITIONAL
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
Second Conditional → Refers to present or future situations that the speaker thinks to be impossible or unlikely.
• Structure
Hypothetical Situation: I would only learn more languages if I had more time.
Present Situation: I don’t have time, that’s why I don’t learn more languages.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Hypothetical Situation: Mary would only have more job offers if she spoke English.
Present Situation: Mary doesn’t speak English, that’s why she doesn’t have many job offers.
If I were…
When we use I + Verb To Be in the Simple Past in Second Conditional, we use were.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: STAY ALERT
If I were rich, I would definitely have a boat. → Preferable and accepted in all situations
If I was rich, I would definitely have a boat. → Accepted in spoken informal language
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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INTERMEDIATE 3
L E S S O N 6
COULD SHOULD
MAY MIGHT
Modal Verbs → They are used as auxiliary verbs and express the speaker’s mood, such as obligation,
possibility, necessity, etc.).
• Structure
*With all Modal Verbs the Main Verb is used in Bare Infinitive (without To), the only exception
is the modal auxiliary verb Ought To.
• Can: U
sed to express possibility, ability, and negative certainty.
• Could: Used to express remote possibility, past ability, and negative certainty.
Probability: We may be able to buy a new car by the end of the year.
Permission: May I come in?
Yes, you may.
Remote Probability: I might finish the report tomorrow. But don’t count on it.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Must: Used to express obligation, assumption (affirmative form), or prohibition (negative form).
Obligation: You must do your homework before you go play with your friends.
Assumption: It must be hard to work such long hours and take care of four kids.
Prohibition: You mustn’t be late for the meeting.
• Would: Used to talk about a hypothetical situation or past habit that you miss.
• Shall
This modal verb is used in British English with the meaning of will. It is not normally used in American spoken
English, only in formal written language, mainly in legal documents.
• Ought to
Ought to is considered to be a semi-modal verb because, unlike modal verbs, it is followed by to.
Ought to and should are similar in meaning, but should is more common.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Canceling a Reservation
Mark – Baby, we may have to postpone our weekend trip. I’m not
sure yet, but if we don’t finish the presentation by tomorrow,
I will have to work on Saturday.
Kim – Really? Can’t you finish it on Monday?
Mark – No. Sorry, baby. We must have it ready on Monday morning.
Kim – But we already paid and the contract reads: In case of
cancellation, the client shall not be refunded the rates paid
in advance.
Mark – This is an abusive term. We ought to find a lawyer if we
have to cancel.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
297
INTERMEDIATE 3
L E S S O N 6
• Use
• Structure
( ) ( )
Either John or Christina speaks French. I don’t remember which of them mentioned it to me.
Neither mommy nor daddy is at home. I’m here with the nanny.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Adding Information
2. Both…and…
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
We can watch or a comedy or a drama. We can watch either a comedy or a drama.
We are not going either to the movies or to We are going neither to the movies nor to
the theater. the theater.
Not only my kids but also my husband are Not only my kids but also my husband is
excited about going to the circus. excited about going the circus.
NOTES
300
ADVANCED 1
L E S S O N 1
* Even in conversations, the cycle to prove a point must be completed, otherwise your counterpart won’t
understand your point and communication will be compromised.
Let’s understand the application of the techniques used in argumentation with some examples.
• Analyzing Pros and Cons → Takes positive and negative aspects into consideration.
Albert York is a successful businessman who’s running for president. On one hand, he’s very experienced in
running companies and he does it quite well. (Positive Aspect) On the other hand, he’s never held public
office before. (Negative Aspect) When analyzing the history of presidents without experience in public
administration, it is possible to say that... (Introduction to present data that supports your analysis)
• Rhetorical Strategies
When we look for a job, we are asked about According to Global Image Press, Albert York is a
experience. Being president is a job. Albert York possible choice to run the country.
doesn’t have any experience. He can’t be president.
(Inductive reasoning and oversimplification of
logic)
3) Appealing to the readers’ emotions.
Successful businessmen are always smart and
responsible men and the country is nothing but a Albert York is humble, friendly to the voters and
big enterprise. Albert York is very qualified to be one in three ladies say they’d marry him. He’s
president. (Deductive reasoning) probably a good person to run the country.
• Quotations
In writing or speaking: Indirect quotations—usually
In writing: Direct quotations—exact
introduced by phrases.
fragments copied between quotes (“”)—
followed by credits to the original author.
According to (name of the author)...
Mia Horsbury said: “Albert York is not
As (name of the author) states...
even a choice to be considered.”
As stated by (name of the author)...
(Name of the author) states that...
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According to Mia Horsbury, Albert York shouldn’t even be considered for presidency.
Important Note: The use of an author’s words, even if paraphrased, without due credit is
what constitutes plagiarism (appropriation of one’s work and ideas taking them as one’s
own). It is considered an ethical foul and undermines the credibility of an author for good.
• Paraphrase • Narrations
Saying the same thing with different words. The Exemplify the author’s point related to data collected
original author must be credited. in their research. They don’t need to be credited if
they reflect the author’s own experience.
Thomas Lowe usually says that a president
must have the population’s respect, so that is
what guides people’s choice. In order to justify aspects in the text or speech, you
can use connectors and then refer to the original
• Summary source of information that proves your point.
PAST PERFECT
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
Past Perfect → The past perfect often occurs with the simple past. The speaker establishes a connection
between the more distant past action (used in past perfect) and the more recent past action
(used in the simple past).
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ADVANCED 1
L E S S O N 1
I met a Russian co-worker yesterday. I had never met anyone from Russia before.
What happened for a long period of time in the past? I didn’t know anyone from Russia.
What happened yesterday? I met a person from Russia for the first time.
Why did the speaker use past perfect? To emphasize the relation between the more distant past action
(I didn’t know anyone from Russia) and the other past action (I met a Russian co-worker).
• Structure
Past Perfect
Affirmative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (In the Past) + Main Verb in the Past Participle
I had met someone from Russia before.
Negative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (In the Past) + Not + Main Verb in the Past Participle
I hadn’t met anyone from Russia before.
Interrogative: Auxiliary Verb Have (In the Past) + Subject + Main Verb in the Past Participle
Had you ever met anyone from Russia?
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I had seen this movie yesterday. I saw this movie yesterday.
I had graduated in 2005 by the time I got my first I had graduated by the time I got my first job in
job in 2006. 2006.
I graduated in 2005 and I got my first job in 2006.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
→ Talking about the future usually refers to plans, predictions, and guesses.
Future → The representation of the future depends on the speaker’s perspective.
→ There are different ways to express future in English.
• Be Going To
Used to refer to plans for the future and predictions made based on physical evidence.
Let’s see two situations that illustrate the possible uses of be going to.
Situation 1: Mike arranged his vacation from work, Situation 2: Larry’s wife is five-months pregnant, it
his partner will also be on vacation, they checked takes approximately nine months for baby to be born.
the prices to go to the Caribbean, they have some One could say by looking at her...
money and there is still time to save up. He’d say...
We’re going to travel to the Caribbean on our She’s going to have a baby in a few months.
vacation.
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ADVANCED 1
L E S S O N 1
• Simple Present
I can’t believe we have classes on
Used to refer to the future when the action in Saturdays for the next three months.
question is part of a schedule, therefore the speaker
considers it a fact. The future reference is normally
made by using time expressions. Take a look.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
An Invitation
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Use
Used as verb complements
Gerunds and Infinitives Used as the subject of sentences
Used as the object of sentences
• Structure
He keeps making the same mistakes. I really enjoy exercising early in the morning.
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ADVANCED 1
L E S S O N 1
A. No Change in Meaning
I love to work here. = I love working here. I like to have fruit for breakfast. = I like having fruit for breakfast.
B. Changes Meaning
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
It’s late and you are tired. The best thing you can do now is
to go home and rest.
Verbs that take Bare Infinite (Without To) Use Bare Infinitive after LET.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Deadline
Jonas – I can’t believe it’s not right again. I’ve been trying to finish
this report for days.
Amanda – Jonas, working this hard will only get you stressed.
You need to rest.
Jonas – But I can’t. It has to be ready tomorrow in the evening.
Amanda – Let me tell you what we’ll do: Go home, relax, get a good
night’s sleep and then, tomorrow, I’ll help you finish it.
Jonas – I think you are right. Thank you, Amanda. You are the best!
:: STAY ALERT
Both gerund and infinitive clauses can be used as subject with the same meaning. However,
nowadays gerund clauses are more frequent and sound more natural in this position.
Working hard is the key to success. → Preferable and accepted in all situations.
To work hard is the key to success. → Correct but less frequent nowadays.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Read is always a great experience. Reading is always a great experience.
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ADVANCED 1
L E S S O N 2
Take a look at the formal definition of the word “book” similar to what is found in a dictionary.
When you are subtle or emphatic, you will include personal notes into this definition.
Let’s see some examples using the definition of “book.”
What’s a book?
Subtle
It looks like a bunch of sheets of paper bound together in thread and held with a cover.
It can/could be defined as a vehicle of knowledge and experiences.
You can/could see a book as the most effective tool to improve your writing and reading.
Emphatic
It is an extremely important tool for students.
A book is a remarkable source of knowledge in a pile of paper.
It is absolutely advisable to have the habit of reading books to learn about all things.
It is a really good source of information for students and a great way to pass time.
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Exotic Food
• Use
Must → Obligation
Mustn’t → Prohibition
Must + Be → Assumption
Must + Participle → Assumption about the past
• Structure
• Must: Obligation
We can go to the movies. But first, you must finish your homework.
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ADVANCED 1
L E S S O N 2
• Mustn’t: Prohibition
That’s such a beautiful painting. It must be John has been playing tennis for five hours.
expensive. He must be exhausted.
(I don’t know the price, but I assume it’s expensive.) (I haven’t talked to John, but I assume he is tired.)
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
The dogs are not home. Karen must have taken them
to the vet.
(I haven’t talked to Karen, but I assume that she has
taken them to the vet because neither Karen nor the
dogs are home.)
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Bedtime
Jeff – It’s late, baby, leave it for tomorrow. You must be tired.
Olivia – I am, but I must finish reading this book for my class tomorrow morning.
Jeff – OK, then, honey. So I’m going to bed.
Olivia – All right, dear, sleep tight.
Jeff – Honey, by the way, did you see my charger? I’ve looked for it all over.
Olivia – I haven’t seen it, baby. You must have left it in the office. But you can take mine.
Jeff – Well, they say you mustn’t use different charger models, but I don’t think it’s
going to cause any problem. Thanks, baby.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
You must to be back at ten p.m. You must be back at ten p.m.
You musn’t read in such a dark room. You mustn’t read in such a dark room.
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ADVANCED 1
L E S S O N 2
• Use
Past Perfect Continuous → It refers to an ongoing action or event that started at a point in the past
and continued up to another point in the past.
→ The speaker focuses on showing the progression or continuity of the
action or event.
→ There must be two clear past time references in the sentence or context.
• Timeline
• Structure
I’d been searching for a present until I decided to just take Julia to dinner.
Mike was tired because he’d been working the night shift.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
Had you been having trouble sleeping before you visited the doctor?
How long had Sheila been dating Julius before they got married?
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Trying to Understand
Tara – Nick, do you know what’s up with Sarah? She won’t talk to me anymore.
Nick – Why would she do that? Had you been having problems before she stopped talking to you?
Tara – Not that I know of. I’d been thinking of changing jobs for a while but I didn’t tell her.
Nick – She wouldn’t be mad because of that, would she? I mean, you’d been friends before working together.
Tara – That’s what I can’t understand. She won’t answer my calls or text messages. I’m starting to worry.
What should I do?
Nick – I really don’t know...I’d keep trying to talk to her. She’ll talk to you eventually.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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ADVANCED 1
L E S S O N 2
• Use
They both connect actions that happened in the two different moments in a timeline.
Present Perfect → Used when the speaker wants to make a connection between the
past action or event to the present moment.
Past Perfect → The past perfect often occurs with the simple past. The speaker establishes a connection
between the more distant past action (used in past perfect) and the more recent past action
(used in the simple past).
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Structure
Present Perfect
Affirmative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (In the Present) + Main Verb in the Past Participle.
Negative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (In the Present) + Not + Main Verb in the Past Participle.
Interrogative: Auxiliary Verb Have (In the Present) + Subject + Main Verb in the Past Participle
Past Perfect
Affirmative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (In the Past) + Main Verb in the Past Participle.
Negative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (In the Past) + Not + Main Verb in the Past Participle.
Interrogative: Auxiliary Verb Have (In the Past) + Subject + Main Verb in the Past Participle
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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ADVANCED 1
L E S S O N 3
CONNECTORS: CONDITIONS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
In this chapter, we’ll focus on connectors that infer the idea of conditions.
• If
This word has different meanings depending on context and use. They may be:
• Introducing a situation that would cause another; on the occasion of/on the condition of.
• In case
• Unless
You’ll have to walk home, unless you take some extra cash.
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
• Otherwise
Used to say that there will be a bad result from the previous action, roughly an opposite use as unless.
You’d better take some extra cash, otherwise you’ll have to walk home.
• Whether
When dealing with uncertain situations, mostly when it presents alternative, you’ll use whether.
In this case if can also be used.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Invitation List
:: COMMON MISTAKES
319
ADVANCED 1
L E S S O N 3
Start by / First / Second / Third / Then / Right after that / After that / Finish by
• Reminders
Don’t forget to / Remember to / Bear in mind that / Keep in mind that / It’s important to / Make sure you
You ask for clarification when there is a step you don’t understand and you ask for a new explanation.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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L A N G U A G E G U I D E
In this chapter, we’ll focus on the Modal Verb Should + Perfect Infinitive.
When combined with the Perfect Infinitive, one can understand it as:
Should Have + Verb in Past Participle = You didn’t do what I think was desirable
= What I would have done is...
In this case, it refers to an action that has already happened and the speaker comments on hypothetical
results. Take a look at the sequence of actions:
2. Nick told Paul he’d seen his girlfriend with another man.
3. Paul confronted his girlfriend and she was angry because she
was talking to a friend.
4. Paul was too jealous; his girlfriend was extremely annoyed and
they broke up.
Larry, Nick and Paul’s friend, heard about the situation and told Nick:
By saying these sentences, Larry indicates what he thinks was the desirable action in such situation,
therefore, what he would have done if it had happened to him.
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ADVANCED 1
L E S S O N 3
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
A Warning Letter
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Leo should to have work harder. Leo should have worked harder.
Sam should stopped smoking. Sam should have stopped smoking.
PASSIVE VOICE
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Passive Voice → The focus is on the action (what was done) rather than the doer (who did it).
→ The doer can be mentioned or not.
Take a look at how the passive voice is formed from the active voice.
Passive Voice: The new campaign was presented (by the marketing team).
Optional
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:: STAY ALERT
Not all situations can be used in the passive voice. If there is not an action in the sentence and a complement
it is impossible to form the passive voice.
The program starts at five. ------------ Impossible to form the Passive Voice
The room is well-decorated. ---------- Impossible to form the Passive Voice
The auditors made the announcement today. ------- The announcement was made by the auditors today.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Custom-made Products
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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• Use
Connectors → Used to join words, phrases, or clauses implying different ideas, among them
Exemplification and Cause and Effect.
• Structure
We must keep ourselves well-informed. There are Simple daily habits such as using recycled paper can
several ways to do that, namely reading books, have a huge environmental impact.
newspapers, and magazines.
All the following connectors are used to express a relation of cause and
effect. However, they are used in different ways.
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Hence / Thus
Used in the middle of two sentences or at the beginning of sentences. They usually have
negative connotation.
I told you not to spread your toys in the living room and
you did. As a consequence / Consequently, I’ll keep
them with me for three days.
As a result
Our body was made to move and we have been neglecting that.
As a result we have been having more heart diseases and arthritis.
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Analyzing Results
Manager – Guys, not only have we achieved our goals, but we managed to surpass even the most
optimistic predictions. Thus, I’m glad to announce that not only the company but also the team
profits from that. For instance, this year’s Christmas bonus will be really fat!
Team – That is great news!
Manager – Yes! But remember, everyone, we’ve managed to increase our customer portfolio, which is
wonderful, but as a result our responsibilities have also increased. That is to say we have to
keep our customers satisfied and also attract new ones. Let’s celebrate but let’s also put our
thoughts into how we can keep on improving.
:: STAY ALERT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I got the manager position and I got the manager position and thus
as a consequence I’ll have a raise. I’ll have a raise.
• Use
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• Structure
In order to explain You should also draw the listener’s Give the listener the
procedures, you should tell attention to important steps that can’t chance to clarify steps.
the order events take place. be skipped. Use reminders to do so.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Analyzing Results
Mother – I loved this new washing machine, but I have no idea how to use it.
Son – I’ll show you, mom. It’s not rocket science. First, place your laundry in the machine.
Second, add the detergent to this drawer here.
(Organizing a sequence.)
Mother – Sorry, I didn’t get it. Can you show me again how to open it?
(Asking for clarification.)
Son – Here. You just have to pull it gently.
(Adding further information.)
Mother – Good.
Son – Then you should choose one of the preset cycles: regular, heavy, or delicate.
Mother – All right. It’s not that difficult.
Son – But don’t forget to set the water temperature: cold or warm. Finish by pushing the start button.
(Reminding) (Organizing a sequence)
Mother – Excellent!
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:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Start by organize your clothes by colors. Start by organizing your clothes by colors.
To start, organize your clothes by colors.
Bear in mind to press this red button. Bear in mind that you should press this red button.
Click on the link than log on. Click on the link then log on.
PASSIVE VOICE
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
• Structure
Example 1
Step 1 → The object of the active voice becomes the subject of the passive voice
Step 2 → Repeat the auxiliary verb (if there is one)
Step 3 → Include the verb to be conjugated in the same form as the main verb from
the active voice
Step 4 → Use the main verb in the past participle
Step 5 → Use subject of the active voice preceded by the preposition by (optional).
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Example 2
Subject object
Step 1 → The object of the active voice becomes the subject of the passive voice
Step 2 → Repeat the auxiliary verb (if there is one)
Step 3 → Include the verb to be conjugated in the same form as the main verb from
the active voice
Step 4 → Use the main verb in the past participle
Step 5 → Use subject of the active voice preceded by the preposition by (optional).
Step 1 Step 4
Example 3
Step 1 → The object of the active voice becomes the subject of the passive voice
Step 2 → Repeat the auxiliary verb (in case there is one)
Step 3 → Include the verb to be conjugated in the same form as the main verb from
the active voice
Step 4 → Use the main verb in the past participle
Step 5 → Use subject of the active voice preceded by the preposition by (optional).
Step 1 Step 3
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Project Scope
Mr. Harrison – The scope of the new project was emailed to you this morning.
Please read it carefully. If you have questions, they should be sent to
Mr. Rodgers.
Julia – Is this the final scope?
Mr. Harrison – This is the final scope, all suggestions were taken into consideration.
But minor changes can still be made.
Ben – Perfect. We’ll start reading it today.
:: STAY ALERT
Intransitive verbs, some stative verbs, and some verbs of Movement do not take the passive voice.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
The office are being painted. The office is being painted.
Paris has been traveled by me. I have traveled to Paris.
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PRONOUN AMBIGUITY
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Pronouns are used in the place of a noun, to which they refer. Pronoun ambiguity
happens when it is not clear in the context to which noun a pronoun is referring.
• Structure
Antecedent is Not Clear
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
R E V I E W
Verbs
Imperatives → Verb form used to give commands, but it may also be used in requests.
Modal Verbs → Used to present options, mandatory steps, and advisable steps.
Modal Expressions → Be supposed to / Be able to / Be willing to
Expressions
Sequencing steps → First, / Second, / Then / After that, / The next thing you do... / Finally...
Reminders → Remember to... / Don’t forget to... / It is important to... / It is necessary to...
Asking for clarification → What do you mean? / Come again? / I don’t get it. / Can you repeat that?
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R E V I E W
Imperatives: ...have your songs ready / ...schedule a few hours with the studio. /...be patient...
Modals: ...you should get some money... / You may make a single recording...
Reminders: Remember that each instrument…
Expressions that show sequence: First / Second / Then / Finally
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L E S S O N 5
ADVERBS
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Adverbs are used to modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. They can express ideas of time,
frequency, place, and manner.
• Structure
Adverbs of Time
I went to the movies yesterday. I’m thinking about going to the beach tomorrow.
What are you doing today? Next year, my girlfriend and I are going to get married.
Adverbs of Frequency
You are always late, Catherine. I rarely drive to work. I usually take the subway.
You need to start planning your day better.
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Adverbs of Place
Come here! I want to show you something. Oh, man! I can’t believe I left my phone behind.
Adverbs of Manner
They are usually placed at the end of the sentences. They sometimes go in mid-position.
Many adverbs of manner are formed from the adjective by adding –LY.
I haven’t been feeling well lately. My boyfriend and I simply love this show!
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But some adverbs of manner have the same form as the adjectives.
Speak low. The children are sleeping. Don’t drive so fast. It’s dangerous.
Adverb Phrases
I only see my cousin once in a blue moon. I go to the gym every other day.
Idiom – Idea of Frequency Idiom – Idea of Frequency
It’s been a very long time since I traveled abroad. There’s a drugstore right across the street.
Adverb Phrase – Idea of Time Adverb Phrase – Idea of Place
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I just saw late at night your message. I just saw your message late at night.
We never have been so close to each other. We have never been so close to each other.
They seemed happily. They seemed happy.
They were happy married. They were happily married.
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BE GOING TO (PAST)
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
Be Going To (in the Past) → Used to express the idea of future from a past perspective. It refers to
plans and intentions in the past.
• Structure
Mark was going to meet us at the restaurant but he got stuck at work.
Past Plan or Intention
I wasn’t going to travel on the weekend, but then Nick called and convinced me to go.
Past Plan or Intention
I’m sorry, did I interrupt you? Were you going to say something?
Past Plan or Intention
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Brad’s Back
Brad – Megan, how are you?
Megan – Brad! I didn’t know you were back. Last time we met you
were going to travel to Japan on business. How was it?
Brad – Yes, and I did! It was awesome. I was going to spend six
months there but we managed to finish the work earlier
so I came back after three months.
Megan – Oh! Too bad I didn’t know. I was going to call you two
weeks ago to invite you to Jim’s birthday but I ended up
not calling because I thought you were still in Japan.
Brad – I wish I could have been there. But I wouldn’t make it
anyway. I got back two days ago.
:: STAY ALERT
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THIRD CONDITIONAL
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
Third Conditional → Refers to past situations that cannot be changed. Something would have
changed the past course of events, if you had done it differently.
• Structure
Third Conditional
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If you guys hadn’t helped me, I wouldn’t have understood this topic.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
College Graduation
Daughter – Mom, I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done.
Mother – There’s nothing to thank me for.
Daughter – If you hadn’t supported and encouraged me so much, I would never have made it.
Mother – Of course you would! You are an amazing girl. Even if I hadn’t been there for you,
you would have been as successful as you are today.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
If you had called, I would told you. If you had called, I would have told you.
If I have met Mary, I would have invited her. If I had met Mary, I would have invited her.
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• Use
• Structure
A. Giving Options
Either…or…
Frequently used before equivalent elements in a sentence.
When used before two subjects the verb agrees with the last subject.
We could visit either a museum or the historical Either Brad or Jonas is able to help you with this
city in the afternoon. Which one do you prefer? task. Ask one of them.
Whether…or…
Used before a conditional sentence in which you present options.
I don’t know whether I should stick to plan A This is one of those movies that in the end I didn’t
or go straight to plan B. know whether to laugh or to cry.
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B. Denying Options
Neither…nor…
Frequently used before equivalent elements in a sentence.
When used before two subjects the verb agrees with the last subject.
Neither the teacher nor his assistant is in the You are neither playing video games nor watching
classroom. TV. You are grounded.
C. Adding Information
Both…and…
Frequently used before equivalent elements in a sentence.
When used before two subjects the verb agrees with both subjects.
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D. Sequencing Ideas
No sooner…than…
Frequently used with inversion.
Implies the idea that one action happens immediately after another took place.
No sooner had Patricia arrived than the meeting No sooner had I washed the car than it started to
started. rain.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: STAY ALERT
When we talk about a condition with options, it’s advisable to use whether…or…
I don’t know whether I should stick to plan A or go straight to plan B.
However, in informal spoken language you will often hear it with if.
I don’t know if I should stick to plan A or go straight to plan B.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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• Use
Relative Pronouns → Used to join sentences avoiding repetition. They can replace people, things, places,
dates or ideas previously mentioned.
• Structure
Whom
Sentence 2
That is the new sales manager, Rachel, whom I met in yesterday’s meeting.
Sentence 1
Sentence 2
This is Scott, our web designer with whom you are going to work.
Sentence 1
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When
Sentence 2
Sentence 1
Where
Sentence 2
Sentence 1
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
New Branch
Anthony – Mark, this is Karen Simpson from Human
Resources. She has recently been transferred
to Dallas. Karen, this Mark Hamilton, our
lawyer, whom you should consult if you have
questions about those contracts.
Karen – Mark, hadn’t we met before in Chicago, where
I used to work?
Mark – Sure. We met last year, when I spent a few
days working there. Welcome to our Dallas
branch.
Karen – Thank you.
Anthony – Excellent!
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:: STAY ALERT
Who vs. Whom
Whom is considered to be more formal than who, therefore less frequent. It can always be replaced by who.
Just pay attention to the position of the prepositions – if there’s one.
That is the new sales manager, Rachel, whom I met in yesterday’s meeting. → Formal
That is the new sales manager, Rachel, who I met in yesterday’s meeting. → Neutral
This is Scott, our web designer with whom you are going to work. → Formal
This is Scott, our web designer who you are going to work with. → Neutral
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I love Paris, where is a very romantic city. I love Paris, which is a very romantic city.
That is the man who you should talk. That is the man who you should talk to. /
That is the man to whom you should talk.
L E S S O N 6
CONNECTORS: REVIEW
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Us
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Condition
Unless If
Otherwise Whether
Take a look at these clothes and check whether Unless it rains, we are going to the park tomorrow.
you want to keep something. Otherwise, I’ll give
them all away.
Exemplification
Luke is a very experienced engineer. He has You should eat healthier food, for example /
worked in several countries such as Germany, namely fruits and vegetables.
England and Sweden.
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Despite / In spite of being an excellent student, Julie got a bad grade in the exam.
Despite the fact / In spite of the fact that Julie is an excellent student, she got a bad grade in the exam.
Despite / In spite of the rumors, Tom and Maggie are still together.
“Followed by a Noun.”
Despite the fact / In spite of the fact that there were rumors, Tom and Maggie are still together.
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Despite / In spite of the bad results, the financial manager is not going to be replaced.
Despite the fact / In spite of the fact that the company had bad results, the financial manager is not going to be
replaced.
“Followed by That + Complete Clause.”
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Wedding Anniversary
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Despite she is a good teacher, today’s class was not Despite the fact / In spite of the fact that she is a
very good. good teacher, today’s class was not very good.
Despite it was late, we decided to go. Despite / In spite of being late, we decided to go.
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CONDITIONALS: REVIEW
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Structure: If-clause with verb in the Simple Present + Clause with the Simple Present
If you’re sick, you need to see a doctor.
Structure: If-clause with verb in the Simple Present + Clause with Will, Can, May, or Be Going To
If you eat healthy during the week, you can give yourself a treat on the weekend.
• Second Conditional → Refers to present or future situations that the speaker thinks to be impossible or
unlikely.
Structure: If-clause with verb in the Simple Past + Clause with Would or Could
If I didn’t have to work, I would live on the road.
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Structure: If-clause with verb in the Past Perfect + Clause with Would Have, Could Have, or Might Have
If Nick had taken a taxi, he could have arrived on time.
(He took the bus and arrived late. That cannot be changed now.)
:: STAY ALERT
When the If-clause comes first, you need to use a comma to split the conditional sentence.
When the If-clause comes second, you don’t use a comma to split the conditional sentence.
If I had met you before, I’d have invited you to travel with me.
=
I’d have invited you to travel with me if I had met you before.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Playing Cupid
Carly – Kevin, I have someone to introduce you to. If you go out
with her, you’ll fall in love.
Kevin – Thanks but I’m not interested.
Carly – What do you mean you’re not interested? You’ll never
find a girlfriend if you don’t go out with anyone.
Kevin – I never asked you to hook me up with anyone. If
I’d asked you to find me someone, it would be a
completely different situation. Besides, who says I’m
single?
Carly – All right.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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ormed by the Auxiliary Verb Have + Past Participle, each verb form
F
with a particular structure.
Perfect Forms
hows events that happened or started earlier than another moment
S
(past, present, or future).
The speaker sees a past action from a present perspective. This past action may refer to the present
through relevance or continuity.
1. Reference of Relevance → Action that happened at any time before now and still affects the present.
The time when the action happened is rather unknown or irrelevant.
The present perfect can be used with certain adverbs that will add meaning to the verb.
Have you ever studied English? (Ever → any time in your life)
Nick has already worked as a teacher. (Already → before now or sooner than expected)
Ian has just arrived from Paris. (Just → a short time before now)
Tony has never been interested in Languages. (Never → no time until now)
Sarah hasn’t graduated yet. (Yet → not before now but will in the future)
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2. Reference of Continuity → Action that started in the past and continues up to the present.
When referring to continuity, the present perfect can be used with the following adverbs.
Nat and Sam have been married since 2005. (Since → marks the beginning of the action)
Nat and Sam have been married for ten years. (For → marks the duration of the action)
Tim has always dreamed about buying a house with a pool. (Always → 100% of the time since childhood)
The speaker refers to an action that started in the past and continues up to now, focusing on
showing the progression or continuity of such action.
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The present perfect continuous might be interchangeable with the present perfect in regards of
actions that continues up to the present. However, the present perfect needs contextual support.
The speaker looks back from the present moment to a past action that was completed before
another past action or moment in the past. We refer to it as “the past of the past.”
The speaker looks back from the present moment to past actions that had extended
from a point in the past to another past moment closer to the present.
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Lana had been trying to call Mike when she saw him
park his car.
(Lana made repeated attempts to call Mike then, as
she took another look, she saw him park.)
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
At Home
Jules – Hey, mom, listen up.
Kate – Jules, did you stop by the grocery store?
Jules – What? No…I’ve just arrived from school.
Kate – Come on! I’d left you a note by your computer!
Haven’t you seen it?
Jules – No, sorry, I didn’t.
Kate – Your dad has been bugging me for a cake, now what?
Jules – Ask him to buy some. I’m going to Parker’s house for
the weekend, OK?
Kate – What? No…you never told me about it.
Jules – I’d been meaning to tell you before you started this
grocery store thing.
Reporting Statements
When you retell a dialogue, you can send the verb one step into the past (backshift) or you can keep the verb
form used in the original dialogue.
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If you opt to change, here are some backshifts you can make.
Reporting Verbs
When retelling a story, there are some verbs that will help. Let’s see some of them.
Say
Mentions something specific. → Liam said he loved the party. (Direct Speech: Liam – I loved the party.)
Tell
Narrates a story or gives a command. → Benny told me about his divorce. (Direct Speech: Benny –
I’m getting a divorce.)
Ask
Reports questions. → Daniel asked me if I was tired. (Direct Speech: Daniel – Are you tired?)
Answer
Reports answers to questions. → I answered that I was tired. (Direct Speech: Leo – I am tired.)
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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FUTURE PERFECT
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
Future Perfect →Refers to an action or event that will be completed in a particular time in the
future before another future action or event.
By the time I get my first job, I will have already graduated from college.
• Structure
Future Perfect
Affirmative: Subject + Will + Auxiliary Verb Have + Main Verb in the Past Participle
By the end of the year, I will have already moved.
Negative: Subject + Will + Not + Auxiliary Verb Have + Main Verb in the Past Participle
By the end of the year, I won’t have moved yet.
Interrogative: Will + Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have + Main Verb in the Past Participle
Will you have already moved by the end of the year?
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Mr. Moore – Mrs. Harris, I’d like to review the presentation for
next week’s meeting tomorrow. Will you have
finished it by tomorrow?
Mrs. Harris – Sure, Mr. Moore. I will have finished it before
the end of the day.
Mr. Moore – Great. I appreciate it, Mrs. Harris. We’ve been
putting a lot of effort into this new project.
Mrs. Harris – I know, Mr. Moore. Next month, you will have been
fully focused on this project for a whole year.
Mr. Moore – Exactly. Next week’s meeting is extremely important.
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:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
By the end of the year, I will have graduated in June. By the end of the year, I will have graduated.
MAKING A DEFINITION
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
What is this?
MAKING A DEFINITION
• Structure
Literal Definition → One of the most used verbs to make a definition is the verb to be. We use this verb to say
what something is or is not and we usually add function or purpose.
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Comparison → Used to compare what you are defining to something the listener is already familiar with. We use
the comparative or the superlative forms, and expressions such as: like, such as, similar to, the same way as.
Metaphors → It is also a way of comparing what you are defining to something the listener is already familiar
with, but you use a word or phrase which is not literally applicable.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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PARAPHRASING
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
Paraphrasing → The action of repeating what was said using different words, sentences, and structures
in order to explain, simplify, or clarify a statement.
• Structure
• Paraphrasing Yourself
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• Paraphrasing a Text
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Weather Forecast
Jeff – Honey, listen to the weather forecast for the weekend. It
reads here there will be “a couple of showers; otherwise,
mostly cloudy and windy.”
Lisa – So are you saying we are not going to the beach as we
had planned?
Jeff – Well, that’s probably not the best idea. But we could stay
home, cook something nice and watch some series. That
might be even more fun than the beach.
Lisa – Really? Do you mean that you would rather stay home
than go to the beach?
Jeff – Well, not exactly. Putting in other words, what I’m trying
to say is that if life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
Future → No facts but predictions that vary according to the speaker’s perception and intention.
→ There are different ways to express future in English.
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On the phone promising to return a call. – I’ll call you back. / I’ll get back to you.
When the phone or the door bell is ringing and you’ll answer it. – I’ll get it.
When you need to the leave a place briefly. – I’ll be right back.
Be Going To
• Plans for the future and predictions made based on physical evidence.
This party planner is the best in the city. Your Apparently, it’s going to rain tomorrow. Look at all
wedding is going to be perfect. those dark clouds.
Simple Present
• Actions that are part of a schedule and the speaker considers them as fact.
• The future is made clear by the use of time expressions.
Tanya teaches the ten a.m. class tomorrow. Are you coming?
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Present Continuous
Mrs. Glass, let’s review my schedule for tomorrow. I’m having breakfast with investors,
then back to the office, right?
• The speaker sees the future action as relevant and intends to emphasize this feature.
I’m afraid I can’t come to the vernissage because I will be presenting my thesis.
:: STAY ALERT
Modal verbs infer meaning and not time of actions, but notice that they can refer to the future. Take a look.
In extremely informal writing or informal spoken language, “going to” is transformed into “gonna.”
Be careful not to use it in formal situations.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Mrs. Flynn – Jessica, I’m meeting the board tomorrow and they’ll ask me about the venue for our balance
event. What do we have?
Jessica – Mrs. Flynn, I have the estimate for two venues by the beach, but the manager of Brewhouse
Coffee was sick and we’re going to meet tomorrow afternoon.
Mrs. Flynn – That might be a problem. Can you give me a report with all of them tomorrow by two?
Jessica – I will be meeting the manager exactly at two, but I think I’ll have the report by five p.m.
Mrs. Flynn – Right...I’ll tell you what: once you leave the meeting, call me with the price and then you send
me the report.
Jessica – Deal. I’ll do it.
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L E S S O N 2
Being Subtle or Emphatic → Depends on who you talk to and where you are.
• Being subtle means that you don’t make your definition in a direct way, you use softer words.
• Being emphatic means to be assertive. Remember to mind your tone not to sound rude.
• The use of adverbs infers the writer’s or speaker’s point of view upon the definition.
• A formal definition normally won’t carry adverbs.
The use of adverbs is a tool to make your definitions subtle or more emphatic.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Playing Crosswords
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• Use
Modals + Perfect Infinitives → Used to talk about modality with a past reference, such as assumptions about
the past (must + perfect) and comments about decisions made in the past
(should + perfect)
• Structure
(I’m not sure I left it at work but since it was the last
place I’ve been to, I assume I left my charger there.)
• Should + Perfect Infinitive: Regret about making a decision in the past which was not the best.
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Ricky’s Fall
Jonathan – I’ve just talked to Kelly on the phone. Little Ricky got hurt riding his bike yesterday and
she took him to the hospital, but he’s fine now.
Kimberly – What? Ricky got hurt and Kelly didn’t call me? I’m a doctor. She should have called me
right away.
Jonathan – Baby, he’s a kid, it happens. It must have been one of those silly accidents children have.
Kimberly – But still, she should have told me. I would be glad to help.
Jonathan – She must have felt uncomfortable bothering you. It was Sunday.
Kimberly – Well, one more reason she should have called me. We were home.
:: STAY ALERT
Must + Perfect Infinitive is used to make an assumption about the past. If you need to talk about a past
obligation you should use had to.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
You should had talked to me first. You should have talked to me first.
I was late because I must have had to finish the I was late because I had to finish the report.
report.
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Use
Perfect Forms → Be it in the past, present, or future, Perfect Forms connect two
events or two points in a timeline either by continuity or relevance.
Continuity
Events/Points Events/Points
Relevance
Events/Points Events/Points
Structure
• Past Perfect
Past Perfect
Affirmative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (in the past) + Main Verb in the Past Participle
Negative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (in the past) + Not + Main Verb in the Past Participle
Interrogative: Auxiliary Verb Have (in the past) + Subject + Main Verb in the Past Participle
When Tom asked me about the report, I had already finished it.
Affirmative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (in the past) + Been + Main Verb in –ING Form
Negative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (in the past) + Not + Been + Main Verb in –ING Form
Interrogative: Auxiliary Verb Have (in the past) + Subject + Been + Main Verb in –ING Form
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When my father retired, he had been working for the same company for twenty years.
• Present Perfect
Present Perfect
Affirmative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (in the present) + Main Verb in the Past Participle
Negative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (in the present) + Not + Main Verb in the Past Participle
Interrogative: Auxiliary Verb Have (in the present) + Subject + Main Verb in the Past Participle
Have you seen my keys? I’ve looked for them all over and I can’t find them.
Past(?) Present
Even though I looked, I don’t know where they are.
Affirmative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (in the present) + Been + Main Verb in –ING Form
Negative: Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have (in the present) + Not + Been + Main Verb in –ING Form
Interrogative: Auxiliary Verb Have (in the present) + Subject + Been + Main Verb in –ING Form
• Future Perfect
Future Perfect
Affirmative: Subject + Will + Auxiliary Verb Have + Main Verb in Past Participle
Negative: Subject + Will Not/Won't + Auxiliary Verb Have + Main Verb in Past Participle
Interrogative: Will + Subject + Auxiliary Verb Have + Main Verb in Past Participle
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By the time you come back from work, I’ll have finished dinner.
By the end of this year, Martha will have been teaching for ten years.
Present Future
Martha will complete ten years teaching.
Martha has been teaching for nine years and some months.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
They know each other for two years. They’ve known each other for two years.
I’m working here since 2015. I’ve been working here since 2015.
I had graduated in 2010 by the time I got married I had graduated by the time I got married in 2011.
in 2011. I graduated in 2010 and I got married in 2011.
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• Use
Reported Speech → Used to report to a third party what you were told. The speaker often paraphrases the
original words changing verb forms, pronouns, and time expressions.
• Structure
Reported Speech: Martha said she couldn’t do the job by herself and that she needed help.
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Direct Speech: “I’m going to take the kids to the movies. We’ll be back at around seven p.m.”
Reported Speech: Liam said he was going to take the kids to the movies and that they would be back at
around seven p.m.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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L E S S O N 3
Using a metaphor to make a definition means to define one thing by comparing it to another.
All the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players.
William Shakespeare
All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree.
Albert Einstein
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Time is money. Love is what makes the world go Life is like a box of chocolates.
round.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Brad –
Emma, hurry up. I have to go to work.
Time is money.
Emma –
Hold your horses, big brother. I need to finish
my make-up.
Brad –
Emma, we are going to work. You are not
going to meet Prince Charming.
Emma –
Well, who knows? Life is a box of chocolates.
• Use
Modals + Perfect Infinitives → Used to talk about modality with a past reference. We use May/Might + Perfect
Infinitive to make possible assumptions about the past. The difference is the
degree of certainty you assume.
• Structure
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Lucy’s Party
:: STAY ALERT
It must have been difficult to do it alone. It may have been difficult to do it alone.
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:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Mia may thought we were not home. Mia may have thought we were not home.
That was the reason she may didn’t call. Maybe/Perhaps that was the reason she didn’t call.
• Use
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The traffic sign has been damaged. → It is impossible to know the doer.
• Structure
1. Object in the 2. Keep the auxiliary from the 4. In the past participle.
active voice. active voice if there is one.
Passive Voice: Subject of the Passive Voice + Verb To Be + Main Verb + By + Agent of the Passive
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Tomorrow's Meeting
:: STAY ALERT
Passive Voice is commonly used in headlines with the omission of the verb to be:
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I was interesting in the conference. Active Voice: The conference was interesting.
Passive Voice: I was interested in the conference.
• Use
Reported Speech → Used to report to a third party what you were told. The speaker often paraphrases the
original words changing verb forms, pronouns, and time expressions. When reporting
questions, we should introduce the reported sentence with the verb to ask and turn the
question to the affirmative form.
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• Structure
Direct Speech: “Mom, can you stay with the kids on the weekend?”
Reported Speech: Laura asked me if I could stay with the kids on the weekend.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Tomorrow's Meeting
Wife – John, Maggie asked me if she could go to a rock concert with her friends.
I don’t know what to answer.
Husband – Well, she is fifteen now. We have to get ready for that. Who is going with her?
Wife – That’s the point, I asked her who was going to the concert and she told me
a bunch of names I’ve never heard. I also asked her where the concert was
and how they were going to go, but she had very little information.
Husband – I see…we could tell her that she can go as long as we drive her and her
friends there and then pick them up.
Wife – Excellent idea, honey!
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
She asked me where were the kids. She asked me where the kids were.
He asked me when did you travel. He asked me when you traveled.
L E S S O N 4
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Making Amends
Toby – Dude! I lost all the cash I won on the blackjack table!
Kevin – Easy come, easy go, my friend. Did you think you’d win
all the time at the slot machine?
Toby – Dude! That’s crazy. Anyway, I’ll go get some more chips,
I still have some cash.
Kevin – Toby, don’t. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Let’s get
out of here or you will clear your bank account.
• Use
Modals + Perfect Infinitives → Used to talk about modality with a past reference. We use Would + Perfect
Infinitive to talk about past hypothesis. We use Could + Perfect to talk about a
past possibility.
• Structure
Would + Perfect is frequently used in conditional sentences with the following structure:
If + Subject + Past Perfect + Subject + Would + Have + Main Verb in the Past Participle + Complement
If you had told me John was sick, I would have told him to go home.
IF-CLAUSE. WOULD + PERFECT.
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Could + Perfect Infinitive is also frequently used in conditional sentences with the following structure:
If + Subject + Past Perfect + Subject + Could + Have + Main Verb in the Past Participle + Complement
If you had talked to me about this problem before, I could have helped you. Now, there’s nothing I can do, we lost the client.
IF-CLAUSE. COULD + PERFECT.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
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:: STAY ALERT
In some other contexts, the modal verb would will be more appropriated.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
I could went there with you. I could have gone there with you.
If you had told me the children were coming, If you had told me the children were coming,
I would bake a cake. I would have baked a cake.
• In order to report commands and orders in the affirmative form, here’s what you have to do:
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• In order to report commands and orders in the negative form, here’s what you have to do:
Jackie – Lauren, don’t cross the street without looking both ways.
*Remember that if there is time or pronoun reference, you might need to change it according to when
you retell the dialogue.
:: STAY ALERT
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
In the Office
Tommy – Hey, hey, why the long face? What’s up with you?
Harry – Can you believe that Mr. Thompson asked me
to serve coffee?
Tommy – What’s the problem with that?
Harry – I got into his room to show him my project and
he was with a client. Then, he says “Mr. Potts, get
us some coffee, please.”
Tommy – What’s the problem? He was in a meeting. You
can ask Paulie to give it to him.
Harry – I’m an engineer, dude. It’s not my duty to serve
him coffee.
Tommy – You’re being ridiculous, that’s what. He didn’t
ask you to serve, just to get them some coffee.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
The teacher told me don’t be late. The teacher told me not to be late.
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• Use
Reported Speech → Used to report to a third party what you were told. The speaker often paraphrases the
original words changing verb forms, pronouns, and time expressions.
• Structure
Changing Pronouns
Reported Speech: Mom told me she would be home at around nine p.m.
Direct Speech: “You shouldn’t wait for me because you have to go to bed at eight p.m.”
Reported Speech: Mom said I shouldn’t wait for her because I have to go to bed at eight p.m.
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YESTERDAY TODAY
Usual Changes
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Mother – Bob, did you go to the movies with your friends? What did I tell you yesterday?
Bob – You told me that I could go to the movies with my friends tonight.
Mother – Not exactly, Bob. My exact words were: “You can go to the movies with your friends
tomorrow as long as you finish your homework and clean your bedroom.”
Father – And I heard it. Your mother made it very clear that you could only go to the movies
if you did your homework and cleaned your bedroom. And it’s not clean, young man.
Bob – I’m sorry…in my defense, the homework is done.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
You told the problem was solved. You told me the problem was solved.
He said me he was going to be here at seven. He said he was going to be here at seven.
R E V I E W
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Whenever we analyze an idea, we should describe, explain, and defend our point of view. In order to do that,
we should use different techniques.
DESCRIPTION ARGUMENTATION
IDEA
EXPLANATION NARRATION
DEFINITION
• Structure
Description
Explanation
An explanation is a way to describe how to do something or how something happens. It should present steps
in order.
• Definition
A definition is an explanation, phrase, or sentence that says the meaning of a word, phrase, or idea.
After all, having a business means being bold enough to take risks.
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R E V I E W
• Narration
A narration is a sequence of events that tells a story and describes what happened.
• Argumentation
An argumentation is a way of forming reasons, justifying beliefs, drawing conclusions, and applying them to a
case in discussion with the aim of influencing others.
That is why I think it is about time we gave a new step. Opening a branch in Los Angeles will definitely
take our business to another level. We cannot stand still in our comfort zone.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Wife – I don’t know if it’s time for us to buy a Wife – But do we have enough money?
new car, honey. Husband – Well, we could sell our car and
Husband – But think about it baby, we now then I could ask my father to lend
have a sedan. It is a family car, it us the rest of the money. Once I
accommodates five people, which start delivering for the company
is enough for our family, and it myself, in a few months we will have
works fine in the city. But it is not saved enough to pay him back.
really appropriate to go over rough (Explanation and Narration)
surfaces. (Description) Wife – I guess you are right. Getting a new
Wife – But what do you have in mind? car at the moment is not an expense,
Husband – If we get an SUV, we can still have it’s an investment. Let’s go for it.
all the benefits we have now, but I (Definition)
could also use it to make deliveries
for the company. At first it may
seem expensive, but in a few
months we can save a lot of money.
(Argumentation)
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L E S S O N 5
• Use
Be (in the Past) Going To → It refers to plans and intentions in the past that were not accomplished.
Be (in the Present) Going To → It refers to plans for the future or predictions based on evidence.
• Structure
Whether the speaker refers to the present or to the past, the sentence structure is the same.
On Wednesday:
Anthony is going to travel with his friends next weekend.
(He has the money, he has the time, and he plans to travel in the future.)
On Friday:
Anthony was going to travel with his friends next weekend, but now he has to work.
(He planned to travel, but something happened and he won’t go anymore.)
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Mark – Hi, Anna, are you going to do anything special with the kids this weekend?
Anna – Well, I was going to take them to a park and watch a movie. Why?
Mark – I was wondering if I could have them this weekend. It’s my nephew’s birthday.
Anna – Oh, I guess it’s all right. I thought you were going to be away for a few weeks.
Mark – I was going to visit some clients, but the company canceled the trip until
further notice. So, I’m going to pick them up tomorrow at three p.m., OK?
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CONDITIONALS: REVIEW
:: USE AND STRUCTURE
• Use
→ Hypothesis
Conditionals → Conditions
→ Uncertain Events or Situations
• Structure
Zero Conditional
First Conditional
Second Conditional
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Third Conditional
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
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Implied Meaning → What is said in between the lines; the meaning behind the words that are said.
→ Can be understood from cultural reference, body language, and tone of voice among
other resources.
→ Commonly present in jokes and irony.
Example 1
Judy – Doctor, will I be able to play the piano after the operation?
Dr. Moore – Yes, of course.
Judy – Great! I never could before!
The doctor answers responding to the results of the operation assuming the patient already
knows how to play the piano, but the patient takes it as he’d gain a new skill.
Example 2
This joke plays with words and requires not only the knowledge of the meaning of the words ball
and coach but also the knowledge of the Cinderella story.
Example 3
This joke implies that it is rather obvious that it is not the baby who will tell the name so the sibling
should know.
Example 4
In order to understand this joke, one needs to have the knowledge of a cultural element and the
English alphabet and pronunciation. L is a letter, Noel is pronounced the same way as “No L”.
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Example 5
This joke presents a cultural misunderstanding between a native speaker of Spanish and a speaker of
English who’s learning Spanish. When the Spanish says it’s feminine, it refers to the word, not the fly.
However, this feature of grammar doesn’t exist in English and the Englishman thinks the Spanish one refers
to the gender of the fly not the word itself.
:: STAY ALERT
Jokes might be offensive, like this one:
Teacher – Today, we're going to talk about the tenses. Now, if I say, "I am beautiful," which tense is it?
Student – Obviously, it is the past tense.
Or, they might use cultural stereotypes that can also be offensive. So, be careful when telling jokes around.
Here’s a nice joke about Italians.
Jim – What do you call an Italian with his hands in his pocket?
Tony – A mute.
Swedes usually refer to their fellow Scandinavian pals as being inferior in intelligence.
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• Use
→ People
→ Places
Relative Pronouns → Used to refer to nouns previously mentioned → Things
→ Dates
→ Ideas
• Structure
Our first stop was in San Francisco, where I met some nice people. (referring to San Francisco)
Our first stop was in San Francisco, which I simply loved! (referring to San Francisco)
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Junk food, which is usually appealing to children, can be very unhealthy. (referring to junk food)
Even junk food that claims to have natural ingredients is bad for children. (referring to junk food)
Dates: When
Our wedding anniversary is in August, when we'll go for a second honeymoon. (referring to August)
Possession: When
That man, whose wife is pregnant, lives in my neighborhood. (referring to that man's wife)
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:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
Invitation to a Party
Emily – Hi, Will! It's Emily. Listen, it's my birthday next Saturday.
I'm throwing a party and I'd love if you and Cynthia
could come.
William – How nice, Emily! We just have to find someone that
can babysit the kids. Kelly, our neighbor, who usually
babysits for us, is not in town.
Emily – Oh, please, feel free to take the kids. I'm putting up a
kid's area where they can play. And I'm also preparing
a special menu, which will only be served to the kids.
William – That's awesome, Emily. Thank you! We'll certainly be
there.
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
New York is a city where I love. New York is a city which I love.
New York is the city which I live. New York is the city where I live.
My sister, whom is a doctor, is in Africa. My sister, who is a doctor, is in Africa.
Stress → Refers to how strong or weak the pronunciation of a word in a sentence or of a syllable in a word is.
Word Stress
The way you pronounce the syllables may cause two situations.
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2) Stressing the wrong syllable may confuse the listener because of another word.
DESert (arid and hot place) vs. desSERT (sweet treat after the main dish)
CONtest (a competition) vs. conTEST (to disagree)
PERmit (a license) vs. perMIT (to allow)
PROduce (fruits and vegetables) vs. prodUCE (to bring out)
REcord (a music album or a note) vs. recORD (to keep record or save sound or image)
ADdress (house location) vs. adDRESS (to speak to someone directly)
EXtract (a piece of a text) vs. exTRACT (to remove something)
Sentence Stress
A neutral sentence, preserving its original meaning, will normally be stressed as follows:
However, speakers may choose to infer different meanings according to how they pronounce the
words in a sentence. Take a look:
Dialogue 1 → Neutral. Nick is distracted; Julia is trying to catch his attention, but in a gentle tone.
Julia – Nick, look at me.
Nick – What?
Julia – I’m talking to you.
Dialogue 2 → Nick is distracted, but seems annoyed to be called on and Julia points out she’s talking.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
An Italian Date
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Culture provides people with different ways of interpreting the world. The things we say and do can mean
different things for different people even if they are speaking the same language.
Things we say
• Idioms and Phrases: Groups of words that combined have a different meaning from their individual
meanings.
• Slang Terms: Very informal language that is usually restricted to a particular context or group of people.
Buck
Slang term for the American dollar.
Booze
Slang term for alcoholic drinks.
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• Jokes
A joke is usually a funny unreal story which makes people laugh. But very often they bring cultural elements
that are restricted a particular culture.
In order to understand why it is funny you need some cultural background information.
There is a widely famous riddle joke in English which asks: “Why did the chicken cross the road?”
The answer should be: "To get to the other side."
It is an iconic example of anti-humor known by most Americans.
Tone of voice, proximity between speakers, overlapping sentences: The way we interact with others is also
culturally oriented.
Things we do
Thumbs up: In many countries, it is considered to be V-sign: In the U.S., this sign means both victory and
a positive sign, but in the Middle East it is considered peace. But in the United Kingdom, Australia, and
to be offensive. South Africa, if you do the same gesture facing your
hand back it is considered to be extremely offensive.
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• Eye contact: D
epending on your culture, eye contact or lack of eye contact is expected in some particular
situations.
In most western cultures, eye contact is expected and it shows interest and engagement in the conversation.
In middle-eastern cultures, eye contact is less common and ruled by gender. For example, a woman should
not make long eye contact with men.
In Asian cultures, eye contact is not considered to be essential in social interactions and, in some situations,
it is even considered to be disrespectful. For example, students are discouraged to make eye contact with
their professors.
It is impossible to learn the dos and don’ts of each culture. But a huge step is to acknowledge that everyone
interprets the world according to their culture. Thus, in every intercultural communication you should:
First Language in the USA, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, several Caribbean
countries, and some of other territories.
Official Second Language in over seventy countries, such as Ghana, Nigeria, India, and Singapore.
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Foreign Language in over 100 countries, such as Brazil, China, Russia, Germany, Spain, and Egypt.
Used in communications between two native speakers, a native and a non-native speaker, two
non-native speakers.
• Dropping Third Person Simple Present • Using "no" or "yes" as Tag Questions.
He go by car. You live here, no?
She leave at seven. You want to stay, yes?
• Using "a" or "the" where native speakers don't. • Shifting patterns of preposition.
I need a information. I have to study about English.
Reading the books is good for you. I dreamed with you.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
To have a glimpse on the use of Englishes all over the word it’s interesting to search for articles on the web
named “English as a Lingua Franca.” It’s is an ongoing process that is happening at the very moment we are
living. There you will find examples and contexts in which they are used.
Intonation
There are three main intonation patterns: flat, rising, and falling. This book represents these patterns
graphically, but keep in mind that, when speaking, you will use different intonations according to what you
mean.
3) Sentences in general aren’t exactly flat because you stress content words, but speakers will change it
according to their mood and intention.
If you want, you can add meaning to sentences by Highlighting the importance on the interlocutor:
changing the stress and intonation of the sentence.
Inferring surprise or irritation: Are you OK?
What are you doing?
• Intonation and implied meaning
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
• Use
Santa, mommy told me I was a good girl
and that you were going to bring me a
new doll. Is it true?
• Structure
Verb Forms → Depending on when the sentence is reported, verb forms may or may not be changed.
Pronouns → Pronouns will always change because the speaker is different.
Time Expressions → Depending on when the sentence is reported, time expressions may or may not be
changed.
Direct Speech: “Do you guys want to go to the game next week?”
Reported Speech: Jason asked Martha and Donald if they wanted to go to the game next week.
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Direct Speech: “Do you guys want to go to the game next week?”
Reported Speech: Jason asked Martha and Donald if they wanted to go to the game on the following week.
:: EXAMPLES IN CONTEXT
:: COMMON MISTAKES
INCORRECT CORRECT
Paul told he was going to help you. Paul told me he was going to help you.
Paul said he was going to help you.
Martha asked him what was he going to do that day. Martha asked him what he was going to do that day.
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