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Want and Would like

In English, want and would like mean the same thing. The both are used to describe the desire for something or the desire to do something.

However, want and would like are not used in exactly the same way.

In general, “would like” is more polite than saying “want”.

Want (to)

Want is a simple and direct way to expresses offers and requests.^[1]https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/would-like

In general, you can use it to state facts.

However, you need to be careful when using it as it can seem selfish and rude depending on the context.

Nouns

Want is used with nouns to express the desire for an object or offer an object.

Form:

Want + noun

For example:

I want a dog.
She wants a boyfriend.
What do you want for your birthday?

Infinitives

Want is used with infinitive verbs to express the desire to do an activity or offer to do an activity.

Form:

Want + infinitive verb

For example:

Sam wants to swim in the ocean.
Do you want to eat with me?
They want to learn English.

Would Like (to)

Would like is a modal verb. It is an indirect and polite way to talk about requests and wishes.^[2]https://www.italki.com/question/106216?hl=en

In general, it is used to talk about something imagined.

Nouns

Would like is used with nouns to request or wish for something.

Form:

Would like + noun

For example:

I would like a piece of cake.
They would like some food.
What would you like for Christmas?

Infinitives

Would like is used with infinitives to request or wish for an action.

Form:

Would like + infinitive verb

For example:

Would you like to swim in the pool with me?
Susie would like to go to the mall with her friends.
Mark and Frank would like to eat some burgers with fries.

Example Exercises

References[+]

References
↑1	https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/would-like
↑2	https://www.italki.com/question/106216?hl=en

How Questions

You can use the word “how” to ask questions in English. These are called “how questions”.^[1]https://www.engvid.com/4-types-of-how-questions-in-english/

Similar to “Wh-“ questions, you can ask:

How + modal verb

For example:

How can you sing so well?
How can you know so many languages?
How can I get there?

How + verb (any tense)

How did she do that?
How are we going to get there?
How is it outside?

However, there are 4 specific cases where you only use “how” to ask questions.

Adjective

“How” can be used with adjectives.

How + adjective

For example:

How old are you?
How hot is it outside?
How difficult is the test?

Adverb

“How” can be used with adverbs.

How + adverb

For example:

How quickly can you run?
How well can she cook?
How often do you work out?

Plural Countable Noun

How questions can be used with plural countable nouns.

How + many + plural countable noun

For example:

How many dogs do you have?
How many people are in the school?
How many things did she buy?

Uncountable Noun

“How” can be used with uncountable nouns.

How + much + uncountable noun

For example:

How much time do we have left?
How much water is in the bucket?
How much English do I need to know?

References[+]

References
↑1	https://www.engvid.com/4-types-of-how-questions-in-english/

In English, you can use the present perfect simple to describe actions in the past. It can be used to describe both finished and unfinished actions. It is similar to the past simple verb tense.^[1]https://7esl.com/past-simple-and-present-perfect/

However, the main differences between the two are:

Past Simple vs. Present Simple

Finished vs. unfinished time
Definite vs. indefinite time
Finished actions vs. experiences or results

In addition, the present perfect tense is conjugated in the following manner:

Subject + has/have + Verb –ed

While, the past simple tense is conjugated in the following manner:

Subject + verb -ed

Unfinished Time

You can use the it to describe events that started in the past but that are not yet finished. In other words, you might have started doing something in the past and are still doing that same thing at the moment.

For example:

I have worked at this company since 1999.
She has been studying since 8 am.
Frank has been running since he was 5 years old.

Use the word “since” to indicate the starting point in the past.

Indefinite Time

You can use it to describe an event in the past at an unspecified moment. In other words, you can talk about the past without giving the exact time.

For example:

They have visited the museum before.
We have seen the Pyramids in Egypt.
She has visited New York.

Experiences or Results

You can also use the it to describe experiences or results.

For example:

Susie has watched the movie already.
I have already ridden the roller coaster 5 times.
They have visited Mexico 2 times before.

Vocabulary Clues

There are several words to look out for to help give you a clue to use the present perfect verb tense.^[2]https://pt.slideshare.net/MJSIMOES/present-perfect-vs-past-simple-english-language

Ever
Never
Since
So far
yet

Example Exercises

Change the following sentences from past simple tense to present perfect simple tense.

Please go to Present Perfect Simple to view this quiz

References[+]

References
↑1	https://7esl.com/past-simple-and-present-perfect/
↑2	https://pt.slideshare.net/MJSIMOES/present-perfect-vs-past-simple-english-language

Possessives using ‘s & s’

Before you learned about the possessive adjectives my, your, his, her, its, our, and their. They are used to show possession over something or someone. You can also use possessives with ‘s and s’ to show possession.^[1]https://www.ef.com/wwen/english-resources/english-grammar/forming-possessive/

How to form possessives

Possessives are formed by adding apostrophe + s after a noun that doesn’t end in “s”.

For example:

The house of Michael = Michael’s house (this means Michael owns the house)
The car of the company = the company’s car (this means that the company owns the car)
Clothes for women = women’s clothes (this is talking about clothing for females in general)
The yard of the neighbor = the neighbor’s yard (this means that the neighbor owns the yard)

As you can see, it doesn’t matter if the noun is singular or plural to add ‘s. If the noun doesn’t end in the letter “s”, then you must add ‘s to the end of the word to make it possessive.

The possessive is formed by adding an apostrophe after a noun that already ends in “s”.

For example:

The book of Thomas = Thomas’ book (this means that Thomas owns a book)
The children of the parents = the parents’ children (this means that there are many parents how have children)
The toys of the dogs = the dogs’ toys (this means that there are several dogs who have several toys)

As you can see, it doesn’t matter if the noun is singular or plural to add s’. If the noun already ends in the letter “s”, than you need to add the apostrophe after it.

Proper Pronunciation

When using either ‘s or s’, you need to make sure you are properly pronouncing the word, so that other people understand you are using the possessive when talking.

In both cases, the sound is a “z” sound.

In other words, you would pronounce “Bob’s” as Bobz

Expressions of Time

a day’s work
today’s news
in a month’s time
a year’s pay

Practice Exercises

Convert the following sentences to the possessive using either ‘s or s’.

Please go to Possessives using ‘s & s’ to view this quiz

References[+]

References
↑1	https://www.ef.com/wwen/english-resources/english-grammar/forming-possessive/

Common Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are groups of words (2 or 3) that when put together form an action.

In many cases they can mean multiple things.

In addition, they are generally used when talking more than in formal writing.^[1]https://7esl.com/phrasal-verbs/

Take in

We decided take in the stray cats. (adopted the cat)

Turn around

The CEO helped turn around the failing company. (helped improve the failing company)

Turn up

Can you please turn up the volume? (increase the volume)

Turn out

It turned out that she was right all along. (ended up)

Go down

The boat went down to the bottom of the ocean. (sunk)

Bring back

Please bring back the kids before 7pm. (return)

Get in

Get in the car right now! (enter)

Break off

Break off a piece of chocolate for yourself. (take a piece)

Take on

She had to take on a lot of obstacles in her life. (to face, encounter)

Get out

Get out of the car right now! (exit)

Pick up

Do you mind picking up some vegetables at the store for me on your way back? (to take, to get)

Go on

Go on, explain yourself and why you were late. (continue)

Work out

They were able to work out the problem. (fix)

Bring out

The teacher manages to bring out the best from her students. (to reveal)

Point out

The teacher pointed out that if we don’t study, we won’t do well on the test. (to show)

Move on

After breaking up with her boyfriend, it took her a long time to move on. (to keep going, get over)

Give back

The billionaire gave back a lot to his community. (after receiving something to return it)

Move in

The couple decided it was time to move in with each other. (to enter something)

Look back

Look back before getting out the parking space. (to look behind you)

Go over

Make sure to go over the exam a second time before turning it in. (to look at something an additional time)

Come round

The ice cream truck comes round our neighborhood every week. (to return)

Go up

Go up the stairs. (to ascend)

Set up

Don’t forget to set up the camera for the photo shoot. (to prepare)

Bring about

Technology has brought about a lot of change in our society. (to cause)

Look round

We looked around the store. (to browse)

Put out

It took a long time to put out the forest fire. (to extinguish)

Turn off

Can you please turn off the lights for me? (to stop)

Turn back

The police officer said that we had to turn back as the road was not safe. (to turn around, return from the direction you were coming form)

Come off

The stain on my dress won’t come off! (remove)

Turn round

We had to turn round as the road was a dead end. (go back in the direction you were coming from)

Go out

Would you like to go out tonight? (to leave)

Make up

They had a big argument, but later made up. (to fix)

Bring down

Can you bring down some for me too? (to take down)

Take over

The new company took over all the planning. (to take charge)

Break down

There was a break down in communication. (not working correctly)

Give in

The parents finally gave in to their kids demands for ice cream. (to give up and allow)

Sit back

Just sit back and enjoy the ride. (to sit in a relaxed position)

Carry on

They carried on like nothing had happened. (to continue on)

Sit up

Please sit up in your chair! (to sit straight)

Go along

They decided to go along with the plan. (to follow)

Carry out

We carried out the plan without any problems. (proceeded with, executed)

Put off

Your bad attitude is a real put off. (to make someone not like something/someone)

Get off

You need to get off the metro at this station. (to depart)

Take down

Please take down the poster. (to bring down, remove)

Take out

I would like some take out food for dinner. (to bring out something/someone)

Put back

Don’t forget to put it back where you found it. (after taking something, returning it to its original place)

Put down

Please put that down. (to place something on a surface)

Break up

I don’t mean to break up your conversation, but can I talk to you for a moment? (to separate)

Put on

You are really good at putting on a brave face. (to show)

Give up

I will never give up. (to surrender)

Look out

Can you keep a look out for the delivery man? (to regard and search)

Come down

Your Uber driver has just arrived, please come down to meet them. (to descend)

Break out

That was a break out performance! (to suddenly be shown)

Set off

The smoke set off the fire alarms. (to start)

Pick out

You can pick out anything you want from the store to buy. (to choose)

Hold out

The union held out for a better deal. (to continue to not move)

Sit down

Please sit down. (to sit)

Bring in

They brought in a lot of new customers. (to invite)

Hold on

Hold on for a second please. (to wait)

Look down

If you look down the drain, you can see it is clogged. (to look in a downward direction)

Go round

Go round to the other side, the entrance is over there. (to circle around something)

Come back

You can come back in 1 hour for your package. (to return)

Put in

You can put it in the cabinet. (to place something inside something else)

Come over

Would you like to come over and hang out. (to come)

Give out

The store was giving out free samples. (to give)

Find out

I found out that I would be getting a promotion. (to discover)

Move up

Please move up in line. (to move forward)

Get back

I will get back to you in a minute. (to return)

Move out

We moved out of our old apartment. (to leave)

Come in

Come in out of the cold. (to enter)

Get up

I get up at 7 AM every day. (to rise)

Come about

The increase in productivity has come about due to the new technology. (happen)

Look up

You can look it up on the internet. (search)

Go in

Go in the store and buy me some groceries please. (to enter)

Take back

This is broken, I need to take it back to the store. (to return something)

Get through

They need to get through this difficult time in life. (to survive)

Set out

They set out on their hike. (to start)

Take off

I am going to take off my clothes. (to remove)

Make out

The letters were too small to make out. (to perceive)

Come out

Can you please come out to talk to me. (to exit)

Come through

My baggage finally came through the gate. (to exit)

Move back

Move back one step otherwise the object will hit your head! (to reverse backwards)

Come up

This question will probably come up on the exam. (to appear)

Hold up

Hold up for a second. I have something to tell you. (to stop)

Hold back

The athlete held back during the match. (to not try your hardest)

Get on

Get on the train. (to board/enter)

Take up

I am going to take up a new hobby. (to start)

Go off

The gun went off. (to explode)

Set down

I set down the chair right there. (to place)

Set about

We set about cleaning the house. (to start)

Put up

We put up the Christmas lights. (to build)

Come along

Do you want to come along to the mall? (to join)

Get down

We yelled at the cat to get down from the cabinets. (to get off)

Look around

I was looking around the store. (to regard)

Go through

We went through the tunnel. (to pass through)

Turn down

We had to tell the neighbors to turn down the volume. (to decrease)

Turn over

They turned over a new page. (to change)

Get in

Get in the car. (to enter)

Go back

Can you please go back to the store? (to return)

Bring up

She brought up a sore subject. (to mention)

References[+]

References
↑1	https://7esl.com/phrasal-verbs/

Past Continuous

In English, the past continuous is used to describe actions that happened in the past. However, unlike the past simple tense, it describes actions that happened for a period of time in the past.^[1]https://7esl.com/past-continuous-tense/

When do we use the past continuous?

It is important to know when to properly use the past continuous tense.

Parallel Actions

The past continuous is used to describe two actions happening at the same time in the past.

For example:

I was studying for the exam, while she was watching tv.
They were setting the table, while she was cooking the meal.
We were sleeping while it was raining.
The class was taking a test, while the teacher was sleeping.

Two Actions

It can also be used to describe when one action is interrupted by another action in the past.

In this case, the first action uses the past continuous tense, while the action that is doing the interrupting uses the past simple tense.

For example:

I was washing the dishes, when she said that she had to go.
Susie was running when the bike crashed into her.
Frank was driving when he received the call.
They were walking on the street when it started to rain.

Describe a point in time

The past continuous can describe a period of time in the past.

For example:

The truck driver was driving all day yesterday.
I was studying all weekend.
They were cooking all morning for the Thanksgiving meal.
The dog was barking all night long.
I was working all weekend.

Repetition

It can be used to describe repetition in the past.

For example,

I was taking the bus to school every day when I was young.
They were eating at the same restaurant every Friday.
We were watching the same movie every Christmas.

Example Exercises

Please go to Past Continuous to view this quiz

References[+]

References
↑1	https://7esl.com/past-continuous-tense/

Modals – should

The modal “should” talks about giving advice and making recommendations.^[1]https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/should-modals It is similar to the modals of “must” and “have to”, but used in a slightly different way.

Advice

The modal “should” can be used to give advice. In addition, it can be used in the past, present, and future verb tenses.

For example:

Past

You should have eaten less for dinner.
She should have arrived earlier to class.
They shouldn’t have yelled loudly during the movie.

Present

I should exercise more regularly.
We should eat now.
Joe should help us with the housework.

Future

Susie should start studying for the test.
Mark shouldn’t start complaining.
You should start eating more healthily.

Expectation

The modal “should” can be used for expectation. In addition, it can be used in the past, present, and future verb tenses.

For example:

Past

We should have arrived by now.
They should have been finished by now.
Frank should have stopped cooking.

Present

I should be arriving now.
You shouldn’t be studying now.
It should be arriving now.

Future

My friends should be arriving in an hour.
The plane should be landing in 2.5 hours.
The restaurant should be opening in 30 minutes.

Note: you can replace “should” with the words “be supposed to” and “ought to be”.

Obligation

The modal “should” can be used for obligations. There is not negative form when talking using should and talking about obligations.

For example:

We should let her know.
You should go to sleep.
They should be quite.

Note: you can replace “should” with the words “be supposed to”.

Question

You can used the modal should to ask for advice about something. The question form of the modal “should” is:

Should I wait for you?
Should we tell her about it?
Should they let us know?

Example Exercises

Please go to Modals – should to view this quiz

References[+]

References
↑1	https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/should-modals

Modals – Must vs. Have to

The modals “must” and “have to” talk about obligation.^[1]https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verbs-modals-have-to-must-not.htm The difference between the two types of obligation is if it internal or external.

Must

In general, you use “must” to talk about personal opinion. This is subjective. That means, the speaker thinks it is necessary.

For example:

I must study; otherwise, I won’t do well on the test.

(The implication is that the speaker wants to do well on the test. Therefore, they are going to study. It is not a requirement for them to study.)

You must try this sandwich! It is so tasty!

(The implication is that you really should try the sandwich that I think is very tasty. However, if you don’t want to, you are required to.)

If I am going to become a professional basketball player, I must practice every day.

(The implication is that it is necessary to practice every day in order to become a professional basketball player. However, neither becoming a professional basketball player nor practicing every day is a requirement.)

Have to

In general, you use “have to” to talk about external rules or opinions. In other words, you use it when rules and other people are telling you to do something. It is not a personal opinion.

For example:

In England, you have to drive on the left hand size of the road.

(The implication is that it is the law in England to drive on the left hand side of the road.)

I have to wear a uniform at work.

(The implication is that it a requirement to wear a uniform at work.)

You have to wait for the stop light to turn green before you can move forward.

(It is the law that you can’t drive through a red light. You must wait for the green light to drive.)

Practice Exercises

Please go to Modals – Must vs. Have to to view this quiz

References[+]

References
↑1	https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verbs-modals-have-to-must-not.htm

Gerunds

In English, gerunds are a type of verb form that function as nouns.^[1]https://7esl.com/gerunds/#The_Gerund_Can_be_Used_after_Certain_Expressions

Form

Gerunds are formed by taking a verb and adding -ing.

When do you use the gerund?

Subject

The gerund form of verbs is used when it is the subject of a sentence.

For example:

Learning English is easy!
Playing video games is my favorite thing to do.
Swimming is my favorite hobby.

Direct Object

The gerund form of verbs is used when it is the direct object of a sentence.

For example:

I like eating ice cream.
She loves swimming in the pool.
They like going to the movies.

Subject Complement

The gerund of verbs is used when it is the subject complement.

For example:

My dog’s favorite hobby is sleeping.
One of their responsibilities is cleaning the dishes.
Their favorite activity is swimming in the lake.

Object of a Preposition

The gerund of verbs is used when it is the object of a preposition.

For example:

The teacher said that she would be interested in hearing your excuse as to why you are late to class.
I was interested in running a marathon.
She is thinking of changing his job.

After Certain Expressions

The gerund form of verbs is used when it is after certain expressions such as it’s no use, it’s no good, there’s no point in.

For example:

It’s no use cleaning the floor; it is only going to get dirty again.
It’s no good only trying a little bit, you will never succeed.
There’s no point going back.

Gerunds vs. Infinitives

It can be confusing to understand when to use gerunds vs. infinitives.

Infinitives are the “to” form of a verb.

The easiest way to remember the difference between the two is:

Gerunds are used with completed, fixed, and real actions.
Infinitives are used with future, abstract, and unreal actions.

A Few Common Verbs Used with Gerunds

Admit: I admit making a mistake.
Advice: I advise not doing that.
Anticipate: She anticipates having to study a lot for the tests.
Began: They began eating at 4 pm.
Delay: I delayed studying for the exam.
Enjoy: He enjoys eating ice cream.
Keep: They keep running stop signs.
Love: We love running in the rain.
Prefer: I prefer sleeping on the left side of the bed.
Recommend: They recommended trying the appetizer.
Suggest: I suggest studying hard for the test

Practice Exercises

Please go to Gerunds to view this quiz

References[+]

References
↑1	https://7esl.com/gerunds/#The_Gerund_Can_be_Used_after_Certain_Expressions

Articles with Countable and Uncountable Nouns

In English, there are both countable and uncountable nouns. When using them, it is important to know which articles to use with them.^[1]https://7esl.com/articles-with-countable-and-uncountable-nouns/

Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns are concepts, materials, and information that cannot be counted.

A few examples include:^[2]https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/nouns-countable-un.htm

Currency
Money
Electricity
Gas
Power
Water
Butter
Sugar
Rice
Milk
Music
Love
Art
news

Countable Nouns

Countable nouns are places, people, and objects that can be counted.

For example:

8 kids
4 men
12 apples
6 oranges
A car

Articles with Uncountable Nouns

The

You can use the article “the” with uncountable nouns to talk about specific things.

For example:

The water is very cold.
I am listening to the news.
I love the art in the museum.

No Article

You can use no article in front an uncountable noun when you are talking about something in general.

For example:

He loves listening to music.
Milk is an important part of this recipe.

Articles with Countable Nouns

Number

You can use numbers in front of countable nouns.

For example:

I have 2 kids.
We have 3 dogs, 2 cats, and 6 fish as pets.

A/An

You can use “a/an” in front of singular non-specific countable nouns. This means that you are talking about something in general/nonspecific.

For example:

She has a cat.
Can I have a book please?
Joe is an English teacher.

The

You can use “the” in front of singular and plural specific countable nouns.

I like the book.
I like the books.

No Article

You can use no article in front of countable nouns when you mean all or any of it.

For example:

I am eating with my friends. (this can mean with some of my friends or all of my friends)

I like dogs. (this means that I like all dogs in general)

She hates cats. (this means that she hates all cats in general)

Practice Exercises

Please go to Articles with Countable and Uncountable Nouns to view this quiz

References[+]