Personal pronouns Possessive determiners Possessive pronouns
as subject
(nominative) as object
(accusative and dative)
I me my mine
you you your yours
he him his his
she her her hers
it it its its
we us our ours
you you your yours
they them their theirs
1 2 3 4
We have some books. The books are for us. These are our books. The books are ours.
1. "Is she writing to Leonardo di Caprio?"
"Yes, she is in love with ___!"
a. her
b. him
c. his
2. "John is making a lot of noise!"
"I'll ask ___ to be quiet."
a. him
b. it
c. its
3. "Please tell Mrs. Smith to come in."
"Sorry, I don't know ___."
a. her
b. him
c. she
4. "I can't find my glasses!"
"You are wearing ___!"
a. them
b. there
c. they
5. "Do you like bananas?"
"I love ___ !"
a. hers
b. its
c. them
6. "Why is he always talking about Pamela Anderson?"
"He obviously likes ___ !"
a. her
b. him
c. she
7. "Where is my book? Oh, dear! I've lost ___ !"
a. him
b. it
c. its
8. "Is that Mary's new boyfriend?"
"Don't ask me, ask ___!"
a. her
b. his
c. it
9. "What is the title of that song?"
"I'm afraid I can't remember ___."
a. him
b. it
c. them
10. "Why is David so happy?"
"His friends gave ___a guitar for his birthday!"
a. him
b. it
c. them
11. "What are you going to do with those old papers?"
"I'm going to recycle ___."
a. their
b. them
c. they
12. "Let's see the latest Spielberg movie!"
"I have seen ___ already!"
a. him
b. it
c. there
13. "How are your parents? I haven't seen ___ for some time now!"
a. them
b. there
c. they
"Have you met Tom and Lisa?"
"No, I have never met ___ ."
a. its
b. the
c. them
Which bject form of the personal pronoun can substitute the underlined phrase in the sentence?
1) The teacher always gives the students homework.
me
them
you
2) I am reading the book to my little sister.
her
us
him
3) The boys are riding their bikes.
it
them
her
4) My father is writing a letter to John.
me
her
him
5) I don't know the answer.
she
her
it
6) Sally is going to Anne.
her
him
me
7) Open the window, please.
it
them
us
8) Can you tell the people the way to the airport, please?
you
them
us
9) The books are for Peter.
him
her
you
10) Can you help my sister and me, please?
her
me
us
Choose the correct possessive determiners.
Example: I have got a sister. ___ name is Susan.
Answer: I have got a sister. Her name is Susan.
Hi Daniel,
________name is John. This is _______friend Jason. He's 12. _______sister is nine. ______pet is a budgie. _____name is Dickens. Jason and I go to the same school. There are 450 boys and girls in _______school. Jason's form teacher is Mrs. Peterson. She has got a pet, too. ______pet is a tortoise. Our form teacher is Mr. Smith. I like ________lessons. He has two dogs. The dogs love to play in _______garden. Now I have a question for you. What's ______pet?
Yours,
John
Choose the correct personal pronoun.
1) ________am sitting on the sofa.
2) ________are watching TV.
3) Are ________from England?
4) _______is going home.
5) ________are playing football.
6) _________is a wonderful day today.
7) _______are speaking English.
8) Is ________Kevin's sister?
9) _______are swimming in the pool.
10) ________they in the cinema?
quinta-feira, 13 de maio de 2010
domingo, 9 de maio de 2010
Modals 2
MODALS
They are verbs which 'help' other verbs to express a meaning: it is important to realise that "modal verbs" have no meaning by themselves. A modal verb such as would has several varying functions; it can be used, for example, to help verbs express ideas about the past, the present and the future. It is therefore wrong to simply believe that "would is the past of will": it is many other things.
A few basic grammatical rules applying to modal verbs
Modal verbs are NEVER used with other auxiliary verbs such as do, does, did etc. The negative is formed simply by adding "not" after the verb; questions are formed by inversion of the verb and subject:
You should not do that.
Could you pick me up when I've finished?
Modal verbs NEVER change form: you can never add an "-s" or "-ed", for example.
Modal verbs are NEVER followed by to, with the exception of ought to.
What sort of meanings do modals give to other verbs?
The meaning are usually connected with ideas of DOUBT, CERTAINTY, POSSIBILITY and PROBABILITY, OBLIGATION and PERMISSION (or lack of these). You will see that they are not used to talk about things that definitely exist, or events that definitely happened. These meanings are sometimes divided into two groups:
DEGREES OF CERTAINTY: certainty; probability; possibility; impossibility
OBLIGATION/FREEDOM TO ACT: permission,lack of permission; ability; obligation.
Let's look at each modal verb separately, and the functions they help to express:
Will
Making personal predictions
I don't think the Queen will ever abdicate.
I doubt if I'll stay here much longer.
Talking about the present with certainty (making deductions)
I'm sure you will understand that there is nothing the Department can do
There's a letter for you. It'll be from the bank: they said they'd be writing.
Talking about the future with certainty
I won't be in the office until 11; I've got a meeting.
Don't bother ringing: they'll have left for their 10 o'clock lecture.
Talking about the past with certainty
I'm sure you will have noticed that attendance has fallen sharply.
Reassuring someone
Don't worry! You'll settle down quickly, I'm sure.
It'll be all right! You won't have to speak by yourself.
Making a decision
For the main course I'll have grilled tuna.
I'm very tired. I think I'll stay at home tonight.
Making a semi-formal request
Will you open the window, please? It's very hot in here.
Sign this, will you?
Offering to do something
You stay there! I'll fetch the drinks.
Insistence; habitual behaviour
I'm not surprised you don't know what to do! You will keep talking in class.
Damn! My car won't start. I'll have to call the garage.
Making a promise or a threat
You can count on me! I'll be there at 8 o'clock sharp.
If you don't finish your dinner off, you'll go straight to bed!
Shall
Shall is a form of will, used mostly in the first person. Its use, however, is decreasing, and in any case in spoken English it would be contracted to "-ll" and be indistinguishable from will.
The only time you do need to use it is in questions, when:
Making offers
Shall I fetch you another glass of wine?
Making suggestions
Shall we go to the cinema tonight?
May & Might
May & might sometimes have virtually the same meaning; they are used to talk about possibilities in the past, present or future. ("Could" is also sometimes used).
May is sometimes a little bit "more sure" (50% chance); whereas might expresses more doubt (maybe only a 30% chance).
May & might are used, then, for:
Talking about the present or future with uncertainty
She may be back in her office: the lecture finished ten minutes ago.
I may go shopping tonight, I haven't decided yet.
England might win the World Cup, you never know.
Talking about the past with uncertainty
I'm surprised he failed. I suppose he might have been ill on the day of the exam.
They can also sometimes be used for talking about permission, but usually only in formal situations. Instead of saying May I open a window? we would say Is it all right/OK if I open a window? or Can I open a window? for example. You might, however, see:
Students may not borrow equipment without written permission.
May
Talking about things that can happen in certain situations
If the monitors are used in poorly lit places, some users may experience headaches.
Each nurse may be responsible for up to twenty patients.
With a similar meaning to although
The experiment may have been a success, but there is still a lot of work to be done. (= Although it was a success, there is still ...)
Might
Saying that something was possible, but did not actually happen
You saw me standing at the bus stop! You might have stopped and given me a lift!
Would
As the past of will, for example in indirect speech
"The next meeting will be in a month's time" becomes
He said the next meeting would be in a month's time.
Polite requests and offers (a 'softer' form of will)
Would you like another cup of tea?
Would you give me a ring after lunch?
I'd like the roast duck, please.
In conditionals, to indicate 'distance from reality': imagined, unreal, impossible situations
If I ruled the world, every day would be the first day of Spring.
It would have been better if you'd word processed your assignment.
After 'wish', to show regret or irritation over someone (or something's) refusal or insistence on doing something (present or future)
I wish you wouldn't keep interrupting me.
I wish it would snow.
(This is a complicated area! Check in a good grammar book for full details!)
Talking about past habits (similiar meaning to used to)
When I was small, we would always visit relatives on Christmas Day.
Future in the past
The assassination would become one of the key events of the century.
Can & Could
Talking about ability
Can you speak Mandarin? (present)
She could play the piano when she was five. (past)
Making requests
Can you give me a ring at about 10?
Could you speak up a bit please? (slightly more formal, polite or 'softer')
Asking permission
Can I ask you a question?
Could I ask you a personal question? (more formal, polite or indirect)
Reported speech
Could is used as the past of can.
He asked me if I could pick him up after work.
General possibility
You can drive when you're 17. (present)
Women couldn't vote until just after the First World War.
Choice and opportunities
If you want some help with your writing, you can come to classes, or you can get some 1:1 help.
We could go to Stratford tomorrow, but the forecast's not brilliant. (less definite)
Future probability
Could (NOT can) is sometimes used in the same way as might or may, often indicating something less definite.
When I leave university I might travel around a bit, I might do an MA or I suppose I could even get a job.
Present possibility
I think you could be right you know. (NOT can)
That can't be the right answer, it just doesn't make sense.
Past possibility
If I'd known the lecture had been cancelled, I could have stayed in bed longer.
Must
Examples here refer to British English; there is some variation in American English.
Necessity and obligation
Must is often used to indicate 'personal' obligation; what you think you yourself or other people/things must do. If the obligation comes from outside (eg a rule or law), then have to is often (but not always) preferred:
I really must get some exercise.
People must try to be more tolerant of each other.
You musn't look - promise?
If you own a car, you have to pay an annual road tax.
Strong advice and invitations
I think you really must make more of an effort.
You must go and see the film - it's brilliant.
You must come and see me next time you're in town.
Saying you think something is certain
This must be the place - there's a white car parked outside.
You must be mad.
What a suntan! You must have had great weather.
The negative is expresses by can't:
You're going to sell your guitar! You can't be serious!
She didn't wave - she can't have seen me.
Should
Giving advice
I think you should go for the Alfa rather than the Audi.
You shouldn't be drinking if you're on antibiotics.
You shouldn't have ordered that chocolate dessert - you're not going to finish it.
Obligation: weak form of must
The university should provide more sports facilities.
The equipment should be inspected regularly.
Deduction
The letter should get to you tomorrow - I posted it first class.
Things which didn't or may/may not have happened
I should have renewed my TV licence last month, but I forgot.
You shouldn't have spent so much time on that first question.
Ought to
Ought to usually has the same meaning as should, particularly in affirmative statements in the present:
You should/ought to get your hair cut
They are verbs which 'help' other verbs to express a meaning: it is important to realise that "modal verbs" have no meaning by themselves. A modal verb such as would has several varying functions; it can be used, for example, to help verbs express ideas about the past, the present and the future. It is therefore wrong to simply believe that "would is the past of will": it is many other things.
A few basic grammatical rules applying to modal verbs
Modal verbs are NEVER used with other auxiliary verbs such as do, does, did etc. The negative is formed simply by adding "not" after the verb; questions are formed by inversion of the verb and subject:
You should not do that.
Could you pick me up when I've finished?
Modal verbs NEVER change form: you can never add an "-s" or "-ed", for example.
Modal verbs are NEVER followed by to, with the exception of ought to.
What sort of meanings do modals give to other verbs?
The meaning are usually connected with ideas of DOUBT, CERTAINTY, POSSIBILITY and PROBABILITY, OBLIGATION and PERMISSION (or lack of these). You will see that they are not used to talk about things that definitely exist, or events that definitely happened. These meanings are sometimes divided into two groups:
DEGREES OF CERTAINTY: certainty; probability; possibility; impossibility
OBLIGATION/FREEDOM TO ACT: permission,lack of permission; ability; obligation.
Let's look at each modal verb separately, and the functions they help to express:
Will
Making personal predictions
I don't think the Queen will ever abdicate.
I doubt if I'll stay here much longer.
Talking about the present with certainty (making deductions)
I'm sure you will understand that there is nothing the Department can do
There's a letter for you. It'll be from the bank: they said they'd be writing.
Talking about the future with certainty
I won't be in the office until 11; I've got a meeting.
Don't bother ringing: they'll have left for their 10 o'clock lecture.
Talking about the past with certainty
I'm sure you will have noticed that attendance has fallen sharply.
Reassuring someone
Don't worry! You'll settle down quickly, I'm sure.
It'll be all right! You won't have to speak by yourself.
Making a decision
For the main course I'll have grilled tuna.
I'm very tired. I think I'll stay at home tonight.
Making a semi-formal request
Will you open the window, please? It's very hot in here.
Sign this, will you?
Offering to do something
You stay there! I'll fetch the drinks.
Insistence; habitual behaviour
I'm not surprised you don't know what to do! You will keep talking in class.
Damn! My car won't start. I'll have to call the garage.
Making a promise or a threat
You can count on me! I'll be there at 8 o'clock sharp.
If you don't finish your dinner off, you'll go straight to bed!
Shall
Shall is a form of will, used mostly in the first person. Its use, however, is decreasing, and in any case in spoken English it would be contracted to "-ll" and be indistinguishable from will.
The only time you do need to use it is in questions, when:
Making offers
Shall I fetch you another glass of wine?
Making suggestions
Shall we go to the cinema tonight?
May & Might
May & might sometimes have virtually the same meaning; they are used to talk about possibilities in the past, present or future. ("Could" is also sometimes used).
May is sometimes a little bit "more sure" (50% chance); whereas might expresses more doubt (maybe only a 30% chance).
May & might are used, then, for:
Talking about the present or future with uncertainty
She may be back in her office: the lecture finished ten minutes ago.
I may go shopping tonight, I haven't decided yet.
England might win the World Cup, you never know.
Talking about the past with uncertainty
I'm surprised he failed. I suppose he might have been ill on the day of the exam.
They can also sometimes be used for talking about permission, but usually only in formal situations. Instead of saying May I open a window? we would say Is it all right/OK if I open a window? or Can I open a window? for example. You might, however, see:
Students may not borrow equipment without written permission.
May
Talking about things that can happen in certain situations
If the monitors are used in poorly lit places, some users may experience headaches.
Each nurse may be responsible for up to twenty patients.
With a similar meaning to although
The experiment may have been a success, but there is still a lot of work to be done. (= Although it was a success, there is still ...)
Might
Saying that something was possible, but did not actually happen
You saw me standing at the bus stop! You might have stopped and given me a lift!
Would
As the past of will, for example in indirect speech
"The next meeting will be in a month's time" becomes
He said the next meeting would be in a month's time.
Polite requests and offers (a 'softer' form of will)
Would you like another cup of tea?
Would you give me a ring after lunch?
I'd like the roast duck, please.
In conditionals, to indicate 'distance from reality': imagined, unreal, impossible situations
If I ruled the world, every day would be the first day of Spring.
It would have been better if you'd word processed your assignment.
After 'wish', to show regret or irritation over someone (or something's) refusal or insistence on doing something (present or future)
I wish you wouldn't keep interrupting me.
I wish it would snow.
(This is a complicated area! Check in a good grammar book for full details!)
Talking about past habits (similiar meaning to used to)
When I was small, we would always visit relatives on Christmas Day.
Future in the past
The assassination would become one of the key events of the century.
Can & Could
Talking about ability
Can you speak Mandarin? (present)
She could play the piano when she was five. (past)
Making requests
Can you give me a ring at about 10?
Could you speak up a bit please? (slightly more formal, polite or 'softer')
Asking permission
Can I ask you a question?
Could I ask you a personal question? (more formal, polite or indirect)
Reported speech
Could is used as the past of can.
He asked me if I could pick him up after work.
General possibility
You can drive when you're 17. (present)
Women couldn't vote until just after the First World War.
Choice and opportunities
If you want some help with your writing, you can come to classes, or you can get some 1:1 help.
We could go to Stratford tomorrow, but the forecast's not brilliant. (less definite)
Future probability
Could (NOT can) is sometimes used in the same way as might or may, often indicating something less definite.
When I leave university I might travel around a bit, I might do an MA or I suppose I could even get a job.
Present possibility
I think you could be right you know. (NOT can)
That can't be the right answer, it just doesn't make sense.
Past possibility
If I'd known the lecture had been cancelled, I could have stayed in bed longer.
Must
Examples here refer to British English; there is some variation in American English.
Necessity and obligation
Must is often used to indicate 'personal' obligation; what you think you yourself or other people/things must do. If the obligation comes from outside (eg a rule or law), then have to is often (but not always) preferred:
I really must get some exercise.
People must try to be more tolerant of each other.
You musn't look - promise?
If you own a car, you have to pay an annual road tax.
Strong advice and invitations
I think you really must make more of an effort.
You must go and see the film - it's brilliant.
You must come and see me next time you're in town.
Saying you think something is certain
This must be the place - there's a white car parked outside.
You must be mad.
What a suntan! You must have had great weather.
The negative is expresses by can't:
You're going to sell your guitar! You can't be serious!
She didn't wave - she can't have seen me.
Should
Giving advice
I think you should go for the Alfa rather than the Audi.
You shouldn't be drinking if you're on antibiotics.
You shouldn't have ordered that chocolate dessert - you're not going to finish it.
Obligation: weak form of must
The university should provide more sports facilities.
The equipment should be inspected regularly.
Deduction
The letter should get to you tomorrow - I posted it first class.
Things which didn't or may/may not have happened
I should have renewed my TV licence last month, but I forgot.
You shouldn't have spent so much time on that first question.
Ought to
Ought to usually has the same meaning as should, particularly in affirmative statements in the present:
You should/ought to get your hair cut
Mdals
An In-depth Look at Modals used in the Present and the Future
(be) able to
can
can’t
could
don’t have to
don’t need to
had better
have (got) to
may
may as well/might as well
might
must
must not
need
needn’t
ought to
shall
shan’t
should
will
won’t
would
wouldn’t
(be) able to ability, less used than can
e.g. I’m not able to come to the game on Friday.
can ability
e.g. Can you play the piano?
asking for and giving permission
e.g. “Mom, can I go the cinema tonight?”
“No, you can’t. You have homework to do”
offer
e.g. Can I help you?
request, instruction
e.g. Can you switch on the light for me?
capability
e.g. The summers in England can be really unpredictable.
with be to make criticisms
e.g. Susan can be a real pain in the neck at times.
can’t ability
e.g. I can’t come to the game on Friday.
when you feel sure something is not possible (opposite of must)
e.g. The tennis match can’t be over yet. (I’m sure it isn’t).
could possibility or uncertainty (can also use might)
e.g. He could be the one for you!
request (more polite than can)
e.g. Could you switch on the light for me?
suggestion
e.g. We could go on a picnic this afternoon.
asking for and giving permission
e.g. “Could I use your phone?”
“Yes, of course you can”
unwillingness
e.g. I couldn’t possibly leave Tom alone while he’s in this state.
with comparative adjectives to express possibility or impossibility
e.g. I could be fitter.
e.g. He couldn’t study harder.
don’t have to when you don’t need to do something (but you can if you want)
e.g. You don’t have to go to school if you don’t want to.
don’t need to not necessary to do something (more used than needn’t)
e.g. You don’t need to come to the party if you don’t want to.
had better strong advice (less used than should)
e.g. You’d better do the washing up now.
e.g. I’d better not go out tonight, because I have to get up early tomorrow.
have (got) to necessity, impersonal, not for personal feelings, but for a rule or situation. If you are unsure whether to use must or have to, it is usually safer to use have to.
e.g. I have to get up early tomorrow to catch the train to the office.
may to express although in clauses
e.g. I may be married to you, but that doesn’t give you the right to treat me like dirt.
possibility or uncertainty (formal)
e.g. There may be a cure for AIDS within the next ten years.
asking for and giving permission (less usual, more formal)
e.g. “May I use your phone?”
“Yes, of course you may”
may as well/might as well describes the only thing left to do, something which the speaker is not enthusiastic about
e.g. I’m so bored, I may as well do some housework.
might possibility or uncertainty
e.g. There might be a cure for AIDS within the next ten years.
unreal situation
e.g. If I knew her better, I might invite her to the ball.
must when you feel sure something is true (opposite of can’t)
e.g. The tennis match must be over by now. (I’m sure it is).
necessity, personal feelings
e.g. I haven’t spoken to Liz for ages. I must give her a call.
order, strong suggestion
e.g. You must stop smoking or you’ll get lung cancer.
must not prohibition (negative order)
e.g. You must not leave the table until you have finished your dinner.
need as a normal verb
e.g. Do you need me to help you?
in questions (less usual)
e.g. Need you make so much mess?
needn’t not necessary to do something (unusual)
e.g. You needn’t come to the party if you don’t want to.
ought to expectation (can use should)
e.g. If you like Picasso, you ought to enjoy the exhibition.
recommendation (can use should)
e.g. You ought to have more driving lessons before you take the test.
criticism (can use should)
e.g. You ought not to shout at your mother like that.
shall certainty or desire (mainly British English)
e.g. I shall give up chocolate for Lent.
in formal rules and regulations (mainly British English)
e.g. Racism or sexism shall not be tolerated in this building.
in questions to ask for instructions and decisions, and to make offers and suggestions (mainly British English)
e.g. What shall I do?
When shall we come and see you?
Shall we go to the cinema this evening?
shan’t certainty (less usual, mostly British English)
e.g. I shan’t be late for the meeting.
should expectation (can use ought to)
e.g. If you like Picasso, you should enjoy the exhibition.
suggestion, advice, opinion (can use ought to)
e.g. You should have more driving lessons before you take the test.
when something is not right or as you expect it
e.g. The price on this can of beans is wrong. It should say $1.20, not $2.20.
criticism (can use ought to)
e.g. You shouldn’t shout at your mother like that.
uncertainty
e.g. Should I ask her out on a date?
should + words of thinking, to make an opinion less direct
e.g. I should think he could find a more compatible match.
with be and adjectives describing chance, including odd, strange, typical, natural, interesting, surprised, surprising, funny (=odd) and What a coincidence.
e.g. It’s odd that he should ask you so many personal questions.
after in case to emphasise unlikelihood
e.g. I’m not going out tonight in case she should call me.
If…..should
e.g. If Jane should drop by when I am out, tell her to come back later.
polite order or instruction
e.g. Applications should be sent by 3rd January.
will assumption
e.g. Oh, that’ll be John on the phone.
request (can and could are more common)
e.g. Will you go to the shop for me?
intention or willingness
e.g. “I’ll take gran’s pearls then”.
“You won’t!”
“I will!”
order
e.g. Will you please shut up?
insistence
e.g. “I won’t clean my room!”
“Yes you will!”
habits and typical behaviour
e.g. Sarah will sit and gaze at the stars all night.
criticism
e.g. She will drink too much when she goes out.
won’t emphatically forbid an action, in response to a will expression
e.g. “I’ll take gran’s pearls then”.
“You won’t!”
“I will!”
refusal
e.g. “I won’t clean my room!”
“Yes you will!”
would request (can and could are more common)
e.g. Would you go to the shop for me?
would like - offer/invitation
e.g. Would you like a cup of tea?
after be, followed by adjectives doubtful, unlikely, to emphasise a tentative action
e.g. It’s doubtful that he would be there in time of need.
annoying habit, typical of a person
e.g. She would ask me for money, wouldn’t she?
certainty in a suppressed conditional sentence
e.g. I would never agree to that. (even if he asked me)
wouldn’t certainty in a suppressed conditional sentence
e.g. I wouldn’t agree to that. (even if he asked me.)
(be) able to
can
can’t
could
don’t have to
don’t need to
had better
have (got) to
may
may as well/might as well
might
must
must not
need
needn’t
ought to
shall
shan’t
should
will
won’t
would
wouldn’t
(be) able to ability, less used than can
e.g. I’m not able to come to the game on Friday.
can ability
e.g. Can you play the piano?
asking for and giving permission
e.g. “Mom, can I go the cinema tonight?”
“No, you can’t. You have homework to do”
offer
e.g. Can I help you?
request, instruction
e.g. Can you switch on the light for me?
capability
e.g. The summers in England can be really unpredictable.
with be to make criticisms
e.g. Susan can be a real pain in the neck at times.
can’t ability
e.g. I can’t come to the game on Friday.
when you feel sure something is not possible (opposite of must)
e.g. The tennis match can’t be over yet. (I’m sure it isn’t).
could possibility or uncertainty (can also use might)
e.g. He could be the one for you!
request (more polite than can)
e.g. Could you switch on the light for me?
suggestion
e.g. We could go on a picnic this afternoon.
asking for and giving permission
e.g. “Could I use your phone?”
“Yes, of course you can”
unwillingness
e.g. I couldn’t possibly leave Tom alone while he’s in this state.
with comparative adjectives to express possibility or impossibility
e.g. I could be fitter.
e.g. He couldn’t study harder.
don’t have to when you don’t need to do something (but you can if you want)
e.g. You don’t have to go to school if you don’t want to.
don’t need to not necessary to do something (more used than needn’t)
e.g. You don’t need to come to the party if you don’t want to.
had better strong advice (less used than should)
e.g. You’d better do the washing up now.
e.g. I’d better not go out tonight, because I have to get up early tomorrow.
have (got) to necessity, impersonal, not for personal feelings, but for a rule or situation. If you are unsure whether to use must or have to, it is usually safer to use have to.
e.g. I have to get up early tomorrow to catch the train to the office.
may to express although in clauses
e.g. I may be married to you, but that doesn’t give you the right to treat me like dirt.
possibility or uncertainty (formal)
e.g. There may be a cure for AIDS within the next ten years.
asking for and giving permission (less usual, more formal)
e.g. “May I use your phone?”
“Yes, of course you may”
may as well/might as well describes the only thing left to do, something which the speaker is not enthusiastic about
e.g. I’m so bored, I may as well do some housework.
might possibility or uncertainty
e.g. There might be a cure for AIDS within the next ten years.
unreal situation
e.g. If I knew her better, I might invite her to the ball.
must when you feel sure something is true (opposite of can’t)
e.g. The tennis match must be over by now. (I’m sure it is).
necessity, personal feelings
e.g. I haven’t spoken to Liz for ages. I must give her a call.
order, strong suggestion
e.g. You must stop smoking or you’ll get lung cancer.
must not prohibition (negative order)
e.g. You must not leave the table until you have finished your dinner.
need as a normal verb
e.g. Do you need me to help you?
in questions (less usual)
e.g. Need you make so much mess?
needn’t not necessary to do something (unusual)
e.g. You needn’t come to the party if you don’t want to.
ought to expectation (can use should)
e.g. If you like Picasso, you ought to enjoy the exhibition.
recommendation (can use should)
e.g. You ought to have more driving lessons before you take the test.
criticism (can use should)
e.g. You ought not to shout at your mother like that.
shall certainty or desire (mainly British English)
e.g. I shall give up chocolate for Lent.
in formal rules and regulations (mainly British English)
e.g. Racism or sexism shall not be tolerated in this building.
in questions to ask for instructions and decisions, and to make offers and suggestions (mainly British English)
e.g. What shall I do?
When shall we come and see you?
Shall we go to the cinema this evening?
shan’t certainty (less usual, mostly British English)
e.g. I shan’t be late for the meeting.
should expectation (can use ought to)
e.g. If you like Picasso, you should enjoy the exhibition.
suggestion, advice, opinion (can use ought to)
e.g. You should have more driving lessons before you take the test.
when something is not right or as you expect it
e.g. The price on this can of beans is wrong. It should say $1.20, not $2.20.
criticism (can use ought to)
e.g. You shouldn’t shout at your mother like that.
uncertainty
e.g. Should I ask her out on a date?
should + words of thinking, to make an opinion less direct
e.g. I should think he could find a more compatible match.
with be and adjectives describing chance, including odd, strange, typical, natural, interesting, surprised, surprising, funny (=odd) and What a coincidence.
e.g. It’s odd that he should ask you so many personal questions.
after in case to emphasise unlikelihood
e.g. I’m not going out tonight in case she should call me.
If…..should
e.g. If Jane should drop by when I am out, tell her to come back later.
polite order or instruction
e.g. Applications should be sent by 3rd January.
will assumption
e.g. Oh, that’ll be John on the phone.
request (can and could are more common)
e.g. Will you go to the shop for me?
intention or willingness
e.g. “I’ll take gran’s pearls then”.
“You won’t!”
“I will!”
order
e.g. Will you please shut up?
insistence
e.g. “I won’t clean my room!”
“Yes you will!”
habits and typical behaviour
e.g. Sarah will sit and gaze at the stars all night.
criticism
e.g. She will drink too much when she goes out.
won’t emphatically forbid an action, in response to a will expression
e.g. “I’ll take gran’s pearls then”.
“You won’t!”
“I will!”
refusal
e.g. “I won’t clean my room!”
“Yes you will!”
would request (can and could are more common)
e.g. Would you go to the shop for me?
would like - offer/invitation
e.g. Would you like a cup of tea?
after be, followed by adjectives doubtful, unlikely, to emphasise a tentative action
e.g. It’s doubtful that he would be there in time of need.
annoying habit, typical of a person
e.g. She would ask me for money, wouldn’t she?
certainty in a suppressed conditional sentence
e.g. I would never agree to that. (even if he asked me)
wouldn’t certainty in a suppressed conditional sentence
e.g. I wouldn’t agree to that. (even if he asked me.)
Past Continuous
FORM
[was/were + present participle]
Examples:
•You were studying when she called.
•Were you studying when she called?
•You were not studying when she called.
Complete List of Past Continuous Forms
USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Past
Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was interrupted. The interruption is usually a shorter action in the Simple Past. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.
Examples:
•I was watching TV when she called.
•When the phone rang, she was writing a letter.
•While we were having the picnic, it started to rain.
•What were you doing when the earthquake started?
•I was listening to my iPod, so I didn't hear the fire alarm.
•You were not listening to me when I told you to turn the oven off.
•While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car.
•Sammy was waiting for us when we got off the plane.
•While I was writing the email, the computer suddenly went off.
•A: What were you doing when you broke your leg?
B: I was snowboarding.
USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption
In USE 1, described above, the Past Continuous is interrupted by a shorter action in the Simple Past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
Examples:
•Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner.
•At midnight, we were still driving through the desert.
•Yesterday at this time, I was sitting at my desk at work.
IMPORTANT
In the Simple Past, a specific time is used to show when an action began or finished. In the Past Continuous, a specific time only interrupts the action.
Examples:
•Last night at 6 PM, I ate dinner.
I started eating at 6 PM.
•Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner.
I started earlier; and at 6 PM, I was in the process of eating dinner.
USE 3 Parallel Actions
When you use the Past Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions were happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.
Examples:
•I was studying while he was making dinner.
•While Ellen was reading, Tim was watching television.
•Were you listening while he was talking?
•I wasn't paying attention while I was writing the letter, so I made several mistakes.
•What were you doing while you were waiting?
•Thomas wasn't working, and I wasn't working either.
•They were eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
USE 4 Atmosphere
In English, we often use a series of parallel actions to describe the atmosphere at a particular time in the past.
Example:
•When I walked into the office, several people were busily typing, some were talking on the phones, the boss was yelling directions, and customers were waiting to be helped. One customer was yelling at a secretary and waving his hands. Others were complaining to each other about the bad service.
USE 5 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"
The Past Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The concept is very similar to the expression "used to" but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
Examples:
•She was always coming to class late.
•He was constantly talking. He annoyed everyone.
•I didn't like them because they were always complaining.
While vs. When
Clauses are groups of words which have meaning, but are often not complete sentences. Some clauses begin with the word "when" such as "when she called" or "when it bit me." Other clauses begin with "while" such as "while she was sleeping" and "while he was surfing." When you talk about things in the past, "when" is most often followed by the verb tense Simple Past, whereas "while" is usually followed by Past Continuous. "While" expresses the idea of "during that time." Study the examples below. They have similar meanings, but they emphasize different parts of the sentence.
Examples:
•I was studying when she called.
•While I was studying, she called.
FORM
[was/were + present participle]
Examples:
•You were studying when she called.
•Were you studying when she called?
•You were not studying when she called.
Complete List of Past Continuous Forms
USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Past
Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was interrupted. The interruption is usually a shorter action in the Simple Past. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.
Examples:
•I was watching TV when she called.
•When the phone rang, she was writing a letter.
•While we were having the picnic, it started to rain.
•What were you doing when the earthquake started?
•I was listening to my iPod, so I didn't hear the fire alarm.
•You were not listening to me when I told you to turn the oven off.
•While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car.
•Sammy was waiting for us when we got off the plane.
•While I was writing the email, the computer suddenly went off.
•A: What were you doing when you broke your leg?
B: I was snowboarding.
USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption
In USE 1, described above, the Past Continuous is interrupted by a shorter action in the Simple Past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
Examples:
•Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner.
•At midnight, we were still driving through the desert.
•Yesterday at this time, I was sitting at my desk at work.
IMPORTANT
In the Simple Past, a specific time is used to show when an action began or finished. In the Past Continuous, a specific time only interrupts the action.
Examples:
•Last night at 6 PM, I ate dinner.
I started eating at 6 PM.
•Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner.
I started earlier; and at 6 PM, I was in the process of eating dinner.
USE 3 Parallel Actions
When you use the Past Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions were happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.
Examples:
•I was studying while he was making dinner.
•While Ellen was reading, Tim was watching television.
•Were you listening while he was talking?
•I wasn't paying attention while I was writing the letter, so I made several mistakes.
•What were you doing while you were waiting?
•Thomas wasn't working, and I wasn't working either.
•They were eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
USE 4 Atmosphere
In English, we often use a series of parallel actions to describe the atmosphere at a particular time in the past.
Example:
•When I walked into the office, several people were busily typing, some were talking on the phones, the boss was yelling directions, and customers were waiting to be helped. One customer was yelling at a secretary and waving his hands. Others were complaining to each other about the bad service.
USE 5 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"
The Past Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The concept is very similar to the expression "used to" but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
Examples:
•She was always coming to class late.
•He was constantly talking. He annoyed everyone.
•I didn't like them because they were always complaining.
While vs. When
Clauses are groups of words which have meaning, but are often not complete sentences. Some clauses begin with the word "when" such as "when she called" or "when it bit me." Other clauses begin with "while" such as "while she was sleeping" and "while he was surfing." When you talk about things in the past, "when" is most often followed by the verb tense Simple Past, whereas "while" is usually followed by Past Continuous. "While" expresses the idea of "during that time." Study the examples below. They have similar meanings, but they emphasize different parts of the sentence.
Examples:
•I was studying when she called.
•While I was studying, she called.
domingo, 25 de abril de 2010
Simple Present and Present Continous
É fácil, preste bem atenção: Toda vez em que eu quiser falar sobre opinião pessoal, rotina ou fatos que se repetem, eu uso o Simple Present.
Exemplos: Everyday I wake up at 6 am, brush my teeth and have breakfast. Esses fatos ocorrem diraiamente e se repetem, daí o uso correto do Simple Present.
No Present Continous é um pouco diferente porque tenho de dereminar duas formas: Verb To Be+ - ing e a ação ocorre no momento em que o falante mostra sua fala:
exemplos I'm typing a letter - eu estou digitando uma carta - analise: a ação está ocorrendo nesse momento, há movimento pois o verbo encontra-se em -ing daí a forma correta é o Present Continous.
Outra forma de identificar o Present Continous, é pelos advérbios de tempo: Right now; Now, Imediately, Now.
Espero que tenha esclarecido um pouco mais sobre esses verbos tão importantes em nossas vidas!
Bjos
Pax et Lux
Exemplos: Everyday I wake up at 6 am, brush my teeth and have breakfast. Esses fatos ocorrem diraiamente e se repetem, daí o uso correto do Simple Present.
No Present Continous é um pouco diferente porque tenho de dereminar duas formas: Verb To Be+ - ing e a ação ocorre no momento em que o falante mostra sua fala:
exemplos I'm typing a letter - eu estou digitando uma carta - analise: a ação está ocorrendo nesse momento, há movimento pois o verbo encontra-se em -ing daí a forma correta é o Present Continous.
Outra forma de identificar o Present Continous, é pelos advérbios de tempo: Right now; Now, Imediately, Now.
Espero que tenha esclarecido um pouco mais sobre esses verbos tão importantes em nossas vidas!
Bjos
Pax et Lux
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