Enjoy English with Me!

Adding Emphasis in English

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:21:00 +0000

Use these forms to emphasize your statements when you are expressing your opinions, disagreeing, making strong suggestions, expressing annoyance, etc.

Use of the Passive

The passive voice is used when focusing on the person or thing affected by an action. Generally, more emphasis is given to the beginning of a sentence. By using a passive sentence, we emphasize by showing what happens to something rather than who or what does something.

Example:
Reports are expected by the end of the week.
In this example, attention is called to what is expected of students (reports).

Inversion

Invert the word order by placing a prepositional phrase or other expression (at no time, suddenly into, little, seldom, never, etc.) at the beginning of the sentence followed by inverted word order.

Examples:
At no time did I say you couldn't come.
Hardly had I arrived when he started complaining.
Little did I understand what was happening.
Seldom have I felt so alone.

Note that the auxiliary verb is placed before the subject which is followed by the main verb.

Expressing Annoyance

Use the continuous form modified by 'always', 'forever', etc. to express annoyance at another person's action. This form is considered an exception as it used to express a routine rather than an action occurring at a particular moment in time.

Examples:
Martha is always getting into trouble.
Peter is forever asking tricky questions.
George was always being reprimanded by his teachers.

Note that this form is generally used with the present or past continuous (he is always doing, they were always doing).

Cleft Sentences: It

Sentences introduced by 'It is' or 'It was' are often used to emphasize a specific subject or object. The introductory clause is then followed by a relative pronoun.

Examples:
It was I who received the promotion.
It is the awful weather that drives him crazy.

Cleft Sentences: What

Sentences introduced by a clause beginning with 'What' are also used to emphasize a specific subject or object. The clause introduced by 'What' is employed as the subject of the sentence as is followed by the verb 'to be'.

Examples:
What we need is a good long shower.
What he thinks isn't necessarily true.

Exceptional Use of 'Do' or 'Did'

You have probably learned that the auxiliary verbs 'do' and 'did' are not used in positive sentences - for example: He went to the store. NOT He did go to the store. However, in order to emphasize something we feel strongly these auxiliary verbs can be used as an exception to the rule.

Examples:
No that's not true. John did speak to Mary.
I do believe that you should think twice about this situation.

Note this form is often used to express something contrary to what another person believes.

Commonly Confused Word Pairs 1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:14:00 +0000

beside / besides

beside: preposition meaning 'next to', 'at the side of'

Examples:

I sit beside John in class.
Could you get me that book? It's beside the lamp.

besides: adverb meaning 'also', 'as well'; preposition meaning 'in addition to'

Examples:

(adverb) He's responsible for sales, and a lot more besides.
(preposition) Besides tennis, I play soccer and basketball.

clothes / cloths

clothes: something you wear - jeans, shirts, blouses, etc.

Examples:

Just a moment, let me change my clothes.
Tommy, get your clothes on!

cloths: pieces of material used for cleaning or other purposes.

Examples:

There are some cloths in the closet. Use those to clean the kitchen.
I have a few pieces of cloth that I use.

dead / died

dead: adjective meaning 'not alive'

Examples:

Unfortunately, our dog has been dead for a few months.
Don't touch that bird. It's dead.

died: past tense and past participle of the verb 'to die'

Examples:

His grandfather died two years ago.
A number of people have died in the accident.

experience / experiment

experience: noun meaning something that a person lives through, i.e. something that someone experiences. - also used as an uncountable noun meaning 'knowledge gained by doing something'

Examples:

(first meaning)His experiences in Germany were rather depressing.
(second meaning) I'm afraid I don't have much sales experience.

experiment: noun meaning something that you do to see the result. Often used when speaking about scientists and their studies.

Examples:

They did a number of experiments last week.
Don't worry it's just an experiment. I'm not going to keep my beard.

felt / fell

felt: past tense and past participle of the verb 'to feel'

Examples:

I felt better after I had a good dinner.
He hasn't felt this well for a long time.

fell: past tense of the verb 'to fall'

Examples:

He fell from a tree and broke his leg.
Unfortunately, I fell down and hurt myself.

female / feminine

female: the sex of a woman or animal

Examples:

The female of the species is very aggressive.
The question 'female or male' means 'are you a woman or a man'.

feminine: adjective describing a quality or type of behaviour that is considered typical for a woman

Examples:

He's an excellent boss with a feminine intuition.
The house was decorated in a very feminine manner.

its / it's

its: possessive determiner similar to 'my' or 'your'

Examples:

Its color is red.
The dog didn't eat all of its food.

it's: Short form of 'it is' or 'it has'

Examples:

(it is) It's difficult to understand him.
(it has) It's been a long time since I had a beer.

last / latest
last: adjective usually meaning 'final'

Examples:

I took the last train to Memphis.
This is the last test of the semester!

latest: adjective meaning 'most recent' or 'new'

Examples:

His latest book is excellent.
Have you seen his latest painting?

lay / lie

lay: verb meaning 'to put down flat' - past tense - laid, past participle - laid

Examples:

He laid his pencil down and listened to the teacher.
I usually lay my pies on the shelf to cool.

lie: verb meaning 'to be down' - past tense -lay (be careful!), past participle - lain

Examples:

The girl lay on the bed asleep.
At the moment, he's lying on the bed.

lose / loose

lose: verb meaning 'to misplace'

Examples:

I lost my watch!
Have you ever lost anything valuable?

loose: adjective meaning the opposite of 'tight'

Examples:

Your trousers are very loose!
I need to tighten this screw. It's loose.

male / masculine

male: the sex of a man or animal

Examples:

The male of the species is very lazy.
The question 'female or male' means 'are you a woman or a man'.

masculine: adjective describing a quality or type of behaviour that is considered typical for a man

Examples:

She's a very masculine woman.
His opinions are just too masculine for me.

price / prize

price: noun - what you pay for something.

Examples:

The price was very cheap.
What's the price of this book?

prize: noun - an award

Examples:

He won a prize as best actor.
Have you ever won a prize in a competition?

principal / principle

principal: adjective meaning 'the most important'

Examples:

The principal reason for my decision was the money.
What are the principal irregular verbs?

principle: a rule (usually in science but also concerning morals)

Examples:

It's the first principle of aerodynamics.
He has very loose principles.

quite / quiet

quite: adverb of degree meaning 'very' or 'rather'

Examples:

This test is quite difficult.
He was quite exhausted after the long journey.

quiet: adjective meaning the opposite of loud or noisy

Examples:

Could you please be quiet?!
She's a very quiet girl.

sensible / sensitive

sensible: adjective meaning 'having common sense' i.e. 'not stupid'

Examples:

I wish you would be more sensible about things.
I'm afraid you aren't being very sensible.

sensitive: adjective meaning 'to feel very deeply' or 'to hurt easily'

Examples:

You should be careful with David. He's very sensitive.
Mary is a very sensitive woman.

shade / shadow

shade: protection from the sun, a dark area outside on a sunny day.

Examples:

You should sit in the shade for a while.
It's too hot. I'm going to find some shade.

shadow: the dark area created by something else on a sunny day.

Examples:

That tree casts a large shadow.
Have you every noticed your shadow getting longer as it gets later in the day?

some time / sometimes

some time: refers to an indefinite time in the future

Examples:

Let's meet for coffee some time.
I don't know when I'll do it - but I will do it some time.

sometimes: adverb of frequency meaning 'occasionally'

Examples:

He sometimes works late.
Sometimes, I like eating Chinese food.

the moment = immediately

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:05:00 +0000

Use 'the moment (that) to mean immediately.

I'll call you the moment I know the news.

She told me she would inform me the moment she heard.

Such' and 'So'

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:53:00 +0000

'such' and 'so' are similar in meaning, but different in construction. The main difference between the two structures is that 'such' takes a noun phrase, whereas 'so' takes an adjective.

'Such … that' - takes a noun or modified noun in a noun phrase. 'That' can be used following the noun phrase but is not required.

such + adjective + noun + (that)

The recording was such a disappointment that I didn't buy any more from that artist.

It was such an expensive car that the didn't buy it.

'So … that' - takes an adjective. 'That' can be used following the noun phrase but is not required.

So + adjective + (that)

The game was so fascinating (that) he played for hours.

Our vacation apartment was so luxurious (that) we didn't want to leave.

'So' for Results

'So' can also be used to express a result. In this case 'so' is followed by a full clause:

I had a lot of time so I visited the museum.

She wasn't happy in her current position so she looked for a new job.

If Sentences

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:25:00 +0000

http://esl.about.com/od/grammarintermediate/p/g_conditional.htm

The Challenge of Teaching Listening Skills

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:22:00 +0000

http://esl.about.com/cs/teachinglistening/a/a_tlisten.htm

into / in

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:11:00 +0000

Use 'into' when indicating change. Use 'in' when indicating state or place.

He drove into the garage.

He studies in that classroom.

I know

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:50:00 +0000

The phrase 'I know' refers to facts. Notice we do not use 'it'.

She's a very talented girl. - I know.

They're building a new office building downtown. - I know.

Example Interview Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 May 2013 07:26:00 +0000

http://esl.about.com/od/businessspeakingskills/a/j_interview2.htm

Verbs + About

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 May 2013 07:21:00 +0000

Each verb + about combination includes an example sentence.

be about something - That book is about his experiences in Africa.
argue about (doing) something - The boys argued about which bus to take.
be concerned about (doing) something - I'm concerned about your grades.
be worried about (doing) something - She is worried about her exams.
boast about (doing) something - Thomas boasted about his golfing ability.
decide about (doing) something - Anna decided about her goals.
dream about (doing) something - Mark dreams about becoming a ballet dancer.
protest about (doing) something - The students protested about the invasion.

Basic English Punctuation Rules

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 May 2013 07:06:00 +0000

This guide provides instruction on the basic rules of using a period, comma, colon, semicolon, question mark and exclamation point. Each type of punctuation is followed by an explanation and example sentences for reference purposes.

Period - Use a period to end a complete sentence. A sentence is a group of words containing a subject and predicate. In British English a period is called a 'full stop'.

He went to Detroit last week.

Commas are used to:

Separate a list of items. This is one of the most common uses of a comma. Notice that a comma is included before the conjunction 'and' which comes before the final element of a list.

I like reading, listening to music, taking long walks, and visiting with my friends.

They would like books, magazines, DVDs, video cassettes, and other learning materials for their library.

Separate phrases (clauses). This is especially true after a beginning dependent clause or a long prepositional phrase.

In order to qualify for your certificate, you will need to take the TOEFL exam.

Although he wanted to come, he wasn't able to attend the course.

Separate two independent clauses that are connected by a conjunction such as 'but'.

They wanted to purchase a new car, but their financial situation would not allow it.

I'd really enjoy seeing a film this evening, and I'd like to go out for a drink.

Introduce a direct quote (as opposed to indirect speech i.e. He said he wanted to come ...).

The boy said, "My father is often away during the week on business trips."

His doctor replied, "If you don't stop smoking, you run the risk of a heart attack."

Separate appositives (a noun, or noun phrase) or non-defining relative clauses.

Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, comes from Seattle.

My only sister, who is a fantastic tennis player, is in great shape.

Question Mark - is used at the end of a question.

Where do you live?

How long have they been studying?

Exclamation Point - is used at the end of a sentence to indicate great surprise. It is also used for emphasis when making a point. Be careful not to use an exclamation point too often.

That ride was fantastic!

I can't believe he is going to marry her!

Semicolon
There are two uses for a semicolon:

To separate two independent clauses. One or both of the clauses are short and the ideas expressed are usually very similar.

He loves studying; He can't get enough of school.

What an incredible situation; it must make you nervous.

To separate groups of words that are themselves separated by commas.

I took a holiday and played golf, which I love; read a lot, which I needed to do; and slept late, which I hadn't done for quite a while.

They plan to study German, for their travels; chemistry, for their work; and literature, for their own enjoyment.

Colon
A colon can be used for two purposes:

To provide additional details and explanation.

He had many reasons for joining the club: to get in shape, to make new friends, to lose some weight, and to get out of the house.

She gave notice for the following reasons: bad pay, horrible hours, poor relations with colleagues, and her boss.

To introduce a direct quote (a comma can also be used in this situation).

He announced to his friends: "I'm getting married!"

She cried out: "I never want to see you again!"

but = except

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 May 2013 06:52:00 +0000

'But' can be used to mean 'except'.

He's done everything but pack his bags.

But for the food, the vacation was a disaster.

Alike and like

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 May 2013 06:46:00 +0000

Use 'alike' to mean 'like each other'. Use 'like' to mean 'like someone else'.

We are very much alike.

Tom looks like Peter.

Classroom Expressions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:58:00 +0000

Here is a list of some of the most common phrases and questions used in the classroom.

Learn and use them often!

Asking for something	Asking about words	Asking to repeat
Can I have a pen, please? Do you have a pen for me? May I have a pen, please?	What's "(the word)" in English? What does "(the word)" mean? How do you say "(the word in your language)" in English? How do you spell "(the word)"? How do you pronounce "(the word)"? Where's the stress in "(the word)"?	Could / Can you repeat that, please? Could / can you say that again, please? Pardon me?
Apologizing	Asking for help	Saying Hello and Goodbye
Excuse me, please. I'm sorry. Sorry about that. Sorry I'm late.	I don't understand. Can you help me, please? Is this right / wrong?	Good morning / afternoon / evening! Hello / Hi How are you? Goodbye Have a good weekend / day / evening / time!

Comma, Comma, Comma

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:28:00 +0000

Comma Use for English Learners

Prepositional Phrases

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:09:00 +0000

2nd batch of lessons on Prepositions this time in phrases

Intensive Grammar Workshop: Prepositions II

Since vs. For with Present Perfect

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Since is used with the present perfect to express that something has happened since a point in time.
I've lived here since 1999.
She's been working hard since two this afternoon.

For is used with the present perfect to express that something has happened for a period of time.
I've worked at this job for 10 years.
Peter's been playing tennis for two hours.

"at your English Tips 6"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 19:57:00 +0000

Preposition + Verb
Always use the gerund when the verb is the object of a preposition
What shall we do? - How about visiting Tom!
I looked into purchasing a new computer.

Interested In
The correct usage of showing interest is a passive infinitive "to be interested in".
They are interested in geography.
Was he interested in coming to the presentation?

Good and Bad
The comparative form for "good" is "better". The superlative form is "the best". The comparative form for "bad" is "worse". THe superlative form is "the worst".
She is the worst tennis player on the team.
He's better at math than Jack, but worse at geography.

The Basics of "At"
Use "at" with times of the day and places in a city.
I'll meet you at three o'clock.
Let's meet at the bank.

Ask
The verb "ask" plus an object is constructed "S + ask + person being asked + infinitive with to".
She asked him to repeat the question.
My friend asked me to come early to the meeting.

On
Use "on" with days of the week. However, in British English use "at the weekend".
I'll see you on Tuesday.
Let's meet on Sunday.

Since
Use the present perfect (continuous) with the time expression "since" when using a specific date or time.
He's lived in that house since 1998.
They've been playing golf since ten this morning.

Writing Descriptive Paragraphs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 19:44:00 +0000

Writing Descriptive Paragraphs for English Learners

Paragraph Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 19:35:00 +0000

Basic Paragraph Construction for ESL Classes and Learners

Sentence Type Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:10:00 +0000

Sentence Type Basics for English Learners

How To Improve Your English

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:04:00 +0000

How To Improve Your English

This - That - These - Those - Here - There - Determiners for Beginning Level English Learners

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:21:00 +0000

This - That - These - Those - Here - There - Determiners for Beginning Level English Learners

Too vs. Two vs. To

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:17:00 +0000

Too means "also" and is generally used at the end of a sentence. "Too" also indicates too much of a particular quality.
That car is too expensive for me!
I'd love to come to the party, too.

Two is the written form of the number 2.
There are two applicants for the job.
She has two cats.

To is generally used as a preposition. It is also used as part of the infinitive form of verbs.
I gave the book to him.
The verb "to understand" is irregular.

Travelling Expressions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:53:00 +0000

Here are a number of expressions used when saying goodbye to friends or family as they depart on trips, both short and long.

Have a good trip.
Enjoy your vacation.
Have a good time in (destination)
Long Trips, Vacations, etc. British English

Have a good journey.
Enjoy your holidays.
Have a good time in (destination)
Short Outings

Enjoy! (American English)
Have a good time at (destination place such as a restaurant)
Have a good time in (destination city)
When your friends or family return home it is common to use one of the following phrases:

How was your vacation? (holiday in British English)
Did you enjoy your time in (destination)
How was your journey / flight / trip?