English Reviewer
1. Modal Verbs: Permission, Obligation, and Prohibition
Modal verbs are special verbs that express ability, possibility, necessity, or rules.
Permission:
- Can: Used in informal situations to ask for or give permission.
Example 1: Can I borrow your pen? (asking)
Example 2: You can sit here. (giving)
- May: More polite or formal than "can".
Example 1: May I go to the restroom? (asking politely)
Example 2: You may start your exam now. (giving formal permission)
Obligation:
- Must: Strong obligation, often rules or laws.
Example 1: You must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
Example 2: Students must submit their projects on time.
- Should: Mild obligation or advice.
Example 1: You should eat more vegetables. (advice)
Example 2: He should review before the test. (recommendation)
- Have to: External obligation, something required by circumstances.
Example 1: I have to wake up early tomorrow for school.
Example 2: She has to attend the meeting because her boss required it.
Prohibition:
- Can’t: Shows something is not allowed.
Example 1: You can’t smoke inside the classroom.
Example 2: Children can’t play in the street.
- Mustn’t: Strong prohibition, absolutely not allowed.
Example 1: You mustn’t use your phone during the exam.
Example 2: Visitors mustn’t enter this restricted area.
2. Conditional Sentences
Conditionals are used to talk about possible or imaginary situations and their
results.
Zero Conditional (General truths, facts)
Form: If + Present Simple, Present Simple
Example 1: If you mix red and blue, you get purple.
Example 2: If people don’t drink water, they die.
First Conditional (Real and possible future)
Form: If + Present Simple, will + Base Verb
Example 1: If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.
Example 2: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Second Conditional (Unreal or hypothetical present/future)
Form: If + Past Simple, would + Base Verb
Example 1: If I were you, I would take the opportunity.
Example 2: If we won the lottery, we would buy a big house.
Third Conditional (Unreal past situations)
Form: If + Past Perfect, would have + Past Participle
Example 1: If she had studied, she would have passed the exam.
Example 2: If they had left earlier, they would have caught the bus.
3. Language Register
Language register is the level of formality in the way we speak or write. It changes
depending on the audience and situation.
Types of Language Register:
1. Frozen Register: Language is fixed and does not change. Often found in
ceremonies, documents, or literature.
Example: The Lord’s Prayer, national pledges, the Constitution.
2. Formal Register: Used in academic, professional, or serious situations.
Grammar is correct, and sentences are complete.
Example: “Good morning, everyone. Today we will discuss climate change.”
Usage: Job interviews, speeches, academic writing.
3. Consultative Register: Used when speaking to professionals or in semi-formal
communication.
Example: “Doctor, I’ve been having headaches lately.”
Usage: Teacher-student, doctor-patient, lawyer-client interactions.
4. Casual Register: Informal, used with friends, family, or peers. Often includes
slang, contractions, or simple grammar.
Example: “Hey, what’s up? Wanna grab some food?”
Usage: Conversations with friends, chatting, texting.
5. Intimate Register: Used with people who are very close, like partners or family.
Includes private language, nicknames, or even gestures.
Example: “Honey, I love you.” / “Sweetie, did you eat?”
Usage: Between couples, close friends, or family members.
