Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2/05/16
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath
away.
The present simple can be used when we talk about peoples plans if they are fixed like a
timetable:
In the morning Mr Merritt has a meeting with our suppliers. Later he visits our plant in
Frankfurt.
The present continuous can be used to indicate that something will or will not happen in
the near future.
What are you doing this evening?
Confusing Words
Proverbs
A man is known by the company he keeps.
Your reputation will be judged by your friends.
Idioms
She is a very level-headed person.
She is a very rational, sensible person.
Daily Abbreviations
What does the abbreviation CV stand for?
Curriculum vitae
Riddles
The more you take away, the bigger it gets. What is it?
A hole
3/5/16
Daily Help
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Punctuation > Semicolon (;)
1. Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by such words as for example, besides, nevertheless, however, etc.
Misunderstanding is often the root of many problems; however, perfect understanding is often difficult to attain.
Winners in the competition were Betty, first place; Mike, second place; and John, third place.
Quotes
Need some inspiration or a little motivation? Get it here with our daily dose of memorable sayings.
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. - Dr. Seuss
Confusing Words
advice and advise
ADVISE is a verb ADVICE is a noun
Examples:
When a consultant advises (verb) people, he gives them advice (noun).
If you take my advice (noun), you'll stop seeing her.
I can advise (verb) or I can give advice (noun).
Take my advice (noun)!
Proverbs
Let the blind lead the blind and theyll both fall in the ditch.
Idioms
The boss is coming in to take stock of the situation.
Daily Abbreviations
What does the abbreviation CRM stand for?
Riddles
What crime is punishable if attempted, but is not punishable if committed?
Tongue Twisters
Six slimy snails sailed silently.
6/5/16
Word of the Day
Learn a new word each day and rapidly expand your English vocabulary.
Deadline
the part of a contract that contains information that is often printed in small type
expiry date
the part of a contract that contains information that is often printed in small type
fine print
the part of a contract that contains information that is often printed in small type
Daily Help
Tenses > Used to do
We use used to for something that happened regularly in the past but no longer happens.
We used to go out a lot in summer.
Ethan used to smoke a packet a day but he stopped half a year ago.
Alex used to travel a lot in his job but now, since his promotion, he doesnt.
I used to drive to work but these days I take the bus.
We also use it for something that was true but no longer is.
There used to be a theatre in the downtown but now there isnt.
I didnt use to like Jack but now I do.
Emily used to have really long hair but shes had it all cut off.
Used to do is different from to be used to doing and to get used to doing
to be used to doing
Quotes
Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
Confusing Words
housemaid and homemade
housemaid - a woman or girl employed to do housework
Example:
Mikes great-grand-mother was a housemaid in a large country house.
___________________________________________________________________________
Slang
pig out
make a pig of oneself, to eat large amounts of food quickly and without good manners; to overeat
Proverbs
Dont cry over spilt milk.
The problem is past - move on.
Idioms
get over something
To return to ones usual state of health or happiness after a shock or emotional experience.
Riddles
What runs all around the yard without moving?
The fence
9/5/16
Quotes
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" You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." James Allen
Confusing Words
temperature and fever
TEMPERATURE - the measured amount of heat in a place or in the body; you take somebodys temperature if you use a
thermometer to see how hot someone is. Note, in English we say a temperature of 38 , i.e. the number comes after the word
temperature.
Examples:
Does Stephen have a temperature?
Our local doctor examined him and took his temperature.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------The word FEVER is user to show that someone has a very high temperature. Fever can also mean a state of great excitement.
Examples:
The kids were in a fever of excitement all day.
Cindy had a fever and had to stay in bed the whole day.
Slang
wet blanket
someone who spoils the pleasure of others, party pooper
Proverbs
Rome wasnt built in a day.
Be patient and keep struggling.
Idioms
to lay ones cards on the table
Daily Help
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Conditionals > Conditionals - Overview
First Conditional
This conditional is used to talk about a possible future.
The grammar structure is:
if-clause: if + present tense (comes, finds)
main clause: will or won't
If Andy comes home early today, we will go to the cinema.
Tina will be angry if she finds out the truth.
Second Conditional
This refers to a grammar structure used to talk about an unreal or unlikely situation.
The situation is unreal which means you are imagining the situation. This conditional
provides an imaginary result for a given situation.
The grammar structure is:
If-clause: if + past tense (was, didnt have)
Main clause: would or wouldn't
If my grandmother was alive, she would be 90 years old. (She is not alive. she died 15 years
ago.)
If I didnt have a car, I would find it difficult to get about. (The real situation is I have a
car.)
Third Conditional
This refers to a grammar structure used to imagine the impossible. When we use the 3rd,
conditional we are imagining a situation that is the opposite of what happened in the past.
If what happened was negative, we use a positive form. If what happened was positive, we
use a negative form.
Daily Grammar
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A and An
A versus An - Do you know the answer? -> Food - Types
Use "a" when the following word begins with a consonant sound; use "an" when the
following word begins with a vowel sound. What matters is how the following word is
pronounced, not what it looks like.
Use "a" when the following word begins with a consonant sound; use "an" when the
following word begins with a vowel sound. What matters is how the following word is
pronounced, not what it looks like.
1
2
3
4
barbecue
buffet
three-course meal
picnic
snack
(1 of 1)
the selling of goods to consumers; usually in small quantities and not for resale
Miscellaneous / Homonyms
<empty> (leased) - > rented
<empty> (least) -> the minimum
<empty> (loan) - > allow to borrow
<empty> (lone) -> by itself
<empty> (mail) -> postal delivery
<empty> (male) -> masculine person
<empty> (maize) - > corn
<empty> (maze) - > puzzle
Daily Help
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Idioms > Time period
donkey's years - a long time
until the cows come home - for a very long time
ages - a very long time
the year dot - a very long time ago
on the trot -used when you do things directly after each other without pausing
be a nine days' wonder - to be a cause of great excitement or interest for a short time but then
quickly forgotten
once in a blue moon - very rarely
Be with someone who knows what they have when they have you.
Confusing Words
Does "bored" mean the same as "boring"? What's the difference between "funny" and "fun"?
Here are some commonly confused English word pairs.
11.May 2016:
clothes and cloth
CLOTH (material, fabric) => 1.material made from wool, cotton etc. used for making
clothes, curtains and so on. 2. a small piece of material, used in cleaning to remove dirt,
dust or liquid
Examples:
The words fabric and material are commonly used in the textile assembly trades such as tailoring
and dressmaking, as synonyms for cloth.
Cloth is most often dyed, with fabrics available in every colour.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------CLOTHES => things you wear
Examples:
She likes to wear smart clothes.
Our company specialises (UK spelling, US -> specializes) in past season's discounted designer
clothing and shoes for babies, children and teens.
Proverbs
The best things in life are free.
We dont have to pay for the things that are really valuable, like love, friendship, good health etc.
Idioms
How many idioms do you know? Learn some more today.
give something the once over E.g. Before he tried to sell his car he gave it the once over.
To check the content or condition of something
Riddles
I say, I say, I say... And how many riddles can you solve?... No cheating, mind! It's much more
fun if you really try.
What fruit has its seeds on the outside?
Strawberries
Daily Help
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Tenses > For and Since for Time
We often use for and since when talking about time.
for + period
A period is a duration of time, for example: 10 minutes, 6 weeks, 8 years. For = "from the
beginning of the period until the end of the period."
Examples:
I have been working here for six months (period ).
Daily Grammar
<empty> (flew) -> past tense of fly
<empty> (flu) -> short for influenza
<empty> (flour) -> powdered grain
<empty> (flower) -> a bloom
<empty> (gait) -> a manner of walking
<empty> (gate) -> fence door
<empty> (knew) -> past tense of know
<empty> (new) -> not old
Quotes
Need some inspiration or a little motivation? Get it here with our daily dose of memorable
sayings.
A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no
one. - Mary Kay Ash
Confusing Words
Does "bored" mean the same as "boring"? What's the difference between "funny" and "fun"?
Here are some commonly confused English word pairs.
13.May 2016:
brave and well-behaved
BRAVE => showing no fear of dangerous or difficult things
Examples:
It was a brave decision to quit his job and start his own business.
Three brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston have perished fighting fire
in a most courageous and fearless manner, carrying out their duties.
WELL-BEHAVED => behaving in a way that is accepted as correct
Examples:
Raising a well-behaved child or teen is not always easy.
It was a boring lesson, so its no wonder the children werent well-behaved.
appropriate to tip if you feel you have been given friendly and helpful service.
You may be required to pay for the room in advance or leave an impression of your credit card as
security when checking in.
Hotel Information
The hotel staff are always willing to help guests with information
regarding the city or town they are located in. They can arrange
airport transfers, tours of the city or the surrounding areas or even
accommodation in your next destination. If you would like to visit
museums or see a play, musical or show the hotel can usually
arrange discount tickets for you.
Checking Out
Once you have completed your stay at the hotel you will need to
pay for any room service that you may have ordered or any other service that you may used
during your stay, such as fitness classes or laundry.
The hotel may also ask you to give them feedback regarding their customer service to help them
supply better service in the future.
Slang
Of course, we never use slang ourselves but you asked for it, so check out todays expression.
clock-watcher
a person who is eager for the time to pass, as at work or school
Proverbs
Seek wisdom, understanding and knowledge from our daily proverb.
Still waters run deep.
Still waters run deep means that people who are calm and tranquil on the
outside, often have a strong, deep personality.
Idioms
E.g. The product launch is scheduled for the 1st of June.
Riddles
Business :)
18/05/2016
ad -> short for additions (advertisement)
adds -> performs more (additions)
ads -> advertisement (more) than one advertisement
add -> short for addition
aisle -> contraction (walkway)
I'll -> walkway (contraction) of "I will"
isle -> island
Daily Help
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Adjectives and Adverbs > Irregular adjectives
Adjective
good
bad
much
little
far
far
Comparative Superlative
better
best
worse
worst
more
most
less
least
farther
farthest
further
furthest
Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You
can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it
back. Harvey MacKay
Confusing Words
Does "bored" mean the same as "boring"? What's the difference between "funny" and "fun"?
Here are some commonly confused English word pairs.
18.May 2016:
borrow and lend
Borrowing is taking for a time. You borrow something from somebody.
to borrow borrowed - borrowed
Examples:
He used to borrow money and not bother to pay it back.
Can I borrow your book?
Before you borrow money from a friend, decide which you need more. Gene Brown
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lending is giving for a time. You lend something to somebody.
to lend - lent - lent
Examples:
If you need a jacket I can lend one to you.
I lent my money to Mike, and I never saw it back.
Daily Article
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SMALL TALK
.
Easy .
Restaurants and Eating Out
Entertaining clients, colleagues or friends, attending functions or informal
evenings at restaurants is a common part of most peoples lives. It may be that
you attend as a guest or as the host of a formal or informal meeting at a
restaurant.
Slang
Of course, we never use slang ourselves but you asked for it, so check out todays expression.
whiz kid
a young person who is exceptionally intelligent, innovatively clever or
successful
get carried away E.g. We got carried away with the evening and didnt realize how late it had got.
"Your Results" (red: wrong answers - green: right answers/solutions)
Your answer:
To be moved against ones wishes.
The correct answer:
To get excited or completely involved in something.
Daily Help
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Irregular Verbs > Irregular Verbs
Infinitive
be
beat
become
begin
bend
bet
bite
blow
break
bring
build
burst
buy
catch
choose
come
cost
cut
deal
dig
do
draw
drink
drive
eat
fall
feed
PastSimple PastParticiple
was/were been
beat
beaten
became
become
began
begun
bent
bent
bet
bet
bit
bitten
blew
blown
broke
broken
brought
brought
built
built
burst
burst
bought
bought
caught
caught
chose
chosen
came
come
cost
cost
cut
cut
dealt
dealt
dug
dug
did
done
drew
drawn
drank
drunk
drove
driven
ate
eaten
fell
fallen
fed
fed
feel
fight
find
fly
forbid
forget
freeze
get
give
go
grow
hang
have
hear
hide
hit
hold
hurt
keep
know
lay
lead
leave
lend
let
lie
light
lose
make
mean
meet
pay
put
read
ride
ring
rise
run
say
see
seek
sell
felt
fought
found
flew
forbade
forgot
froze
got
gave
went
grew
hung
had
heard
hid
hit
held
hurt
kept
knew
laid
led
left
lent
let
lay
lit
lost
made
meant
met
paid
put
read
rode
rang
rose
ran
said
saw
sought
sold
felt
fought
found
flown
forbidden
forgotten
frozen
got
given
gone
grown
hung
had
heard
hidden
hit
held
hurt
kept
known
laid
led
left
lent
let
lain
lit
lost
made
meant
met
paid
put
read
ridden
rung
risen
run
said
seen
sought
sold
send
set
sew
shake
shine
shoot
show
shrink
shut
sing
sink
sit
sleep
speak
spend
split
spread
spring
stand
steal
stick
sting
stink
strike
swear
sweep
swim
swing
take
teach
tear
tell
think
thrown
understand
wake
wear
win
write
sent
set
sewed
shook
shone
shot
showed
shrank
shut
sang
sank
sat
slept
spoke
spent
split
spread
sprang
stood
stole
stuck
stung
stank
struck
swore
swept
swam
swung
took
taught
tore
told
thought
threw
understood
woke
wore
won
wrote
sent
set
sewn/sewed
shaken
shone
shot
shown
shrunk
shut
sung
sunk
sat
slept
spoken
spent
split
spread
sprung
stood
stolen
stuck
stung
stunk
struck
sworn
swept
swum
swung
taken
taught
torn
told
thought
thrown
understood
woken
worn
won
written
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Grammar Glossary > Infinitive
Infinitive is the basic form of the verb to read, to work, to drink, etc. The infinitive is
usually introduced with the word to: I want to go home.
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Punctuation > Apostrophe (')
1. To form the possessive case of a singular noun, add an apostrophe and an s.
Peters car, the zebras stripes
2. To form the possessive case of a plural noun, add an apostrophe after the s.
Girls' teams, tourists luggage
3. If the plural form of the word does not end in s, add an apostrophe and an s.
Women's team
4. Use an apostrophe to show where letters have been omitted in a contraction.
He didn't care, I wouldn't know, We're going on holiday.
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Writing Business Letters > Core vocabulary
as agreed
as far as I'm concerned
as far as the payment is concerned
as per invoice
as per your request
as requested
as soon as possible
at your convenience
at your earliest convenience
at your expense
awaiting your reply
body of the letter
circular letter
correspond to the sample
covering letter
enclosure / attachment
following your instructions
goods listed below
half-price
letter of complaint
on arrival of the goods
on behalf of
on condition that
on delivery
on receipt of the order
on short notice
on written request
order to be confirmed
our offer is still open
payable in advance
please allow us
please send us
please send us your instructions
provided that
sender address
short term
similar to sample
the following items
the goods are available in our warehouse
the goods are not similar to sample
the goods are sold out
the goods arrived in good conditions
the letter remained unanswered
to act on behalf of
to agree with
to be confident in
to be in difficulty
to be interested in
to be late
to be overrun with orders
to be prepared to
to come to a decision
to come to an agreement
to correspond with
to fix an appointment
to have the pleasure to
to our mutual benefit
to reach an agreement
to reach the destination
to return a letter to the sender
to send under separate cover
to stop negotiations
to submit a sample
under separate cover
we apologise (UK spelling, US -> apologize) again for
we apologise (UK spelling, US -> apologize) for
we apologise (UK spelling, US -> apologize) for the delay
we apologise (UK spelling, US -> apologize) for the mistake
we are sorry to inform you
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Prepositions > Prepositions of Time: at, in, on
We use:
at for a PRECISE TIME
in for MONTHS, YEARS, CENTURIES and LONG PERIODS
on for DAYS and DATES
at
PRECISE
TIME
at 5 o'clock
at 12.30 am
at noon
at midnight
at bedtime
in
MONTHS, YEARS, CENTURIES and LONG
PERIODS
in May
in summer
in the summer
in 2004
in the 1980s
at sunrise
at sunset
at the moment
in the past/future
on
DAYS and DATES
on Sunday
on Tuesdays
on 28 March
on 25 Dec. 2010
on Christmas Day
on Independence
Day
on my birthday
on New Year's Eve
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Punctuation > Apostrophe (')
1. To form the possessive case of a singular noun, add an apostrophe and an s.
Peters car, the zebras stripes
2. To form the possessive case of a plural noun, add an apostrophe after the s.
Girls' teams, tourists luggage
3. If the plural form of the word does not end in s, add an apostrophe and an s.
Women's team
4. Use an apostrophe to show where letters have been omitted in a contraction.
He didn't care, I wouldn't know, We're going on holiday.
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Grammar Glossary > Hyphen vs. Dash
Hyphen - a punctuation mark (-) used to join two words together, to indicate where a word has
been broken between syllables at the end of a line, or to separate parts of a compound word.
( e.g. cold-hearted person)
Dash -- punctuation mark that can be used to separate parts of a sentence
Hyphen and dash are the same on a keyboard. In an MSword document, when you use two
hyphens, it becomes a dash after a while.
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Prepositions > Key Time Prepositions
in: parts of days, years, months, seasons
on: days, dates, special days
at: times, mealtimes, festival, the weekend and night
by: at the latest
for: shows how long an action has lasted
since: describes a point in time when an action started in the past an action which is still
going on
from . to : the starting and closing points of an action
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Icon English
German
Print (PDF)
Drucken (PDF)
Help
Hilfe
Text anhren
Text anhren
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Tenses > Future overview
Present Simple = timetable future -> itineraries
-ing form -> planned actions taking place in the very near future
will -> promises, predictions, offers and threats
going to -> the most flexible, for plans and intentions
Examples:
What time does the train leave for Manchester? It leaves at six oclock. (Present Simple ->
itinerary)
Pauline is travelling to London at the weekend. (-ing form -> planned actions taking
place in the very near future)
I will make sure you get the information by Friday! (will -> promise)
James is going to move to Spain when he retires. (going to -> plans and intentions)
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Idioms > Time period
donkey's years - a long time
until the cows come home - for a very long time
ages - a very long time
the year dot - a very long time ago
on the trot -used when you do things directly after each other without pausing
be a nine days' wonder - to be a cause of great excitement or interest for a short time but then
quickly forgotten
once in a blue moon - very rarely
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Grammar Glossary > Consonant
Consonant - generally, a letter with a "hard" sound: b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w,
x, y, z. That is, any letter except a, e, I, o, or u.
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Tenses > Future Perfect
The Future Perfect expresses the idea that something will occur before another action in
the future. It can also show that something will happen before a specific time in the future
or something will continue up until another action in the future.
Examples:
By the end of June I will have lived here for eight years.
Next year her parents will have been married for thirty five years.
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Tenses > Used to do
We use used to for something that happened regularly in the past but no longer happens.
We used to go out a lot in summer.
Ethan used to smoke a packet a day but he stopped half a year ago.
Alex used to travel a lot in his job but now, since his promotion, he doesnt.
I used to drive to work but these days I take the bus.
We also use it for something that was true but no longer is.
There used to be a theatre in the downtown but now there isnt.
I didnt use to like Jack but now I do.
Emily used to have really long hair but shes had it all cut off.
Used to do is different from to be used to doing and to get used to doing
to be used to doing
We use to be used to doing to say that something is normal, not unusual.
Petra has lived in England for over two years so she is used to driving on the left now.
Im used to living on my own. Ive done it for quite a long time.
Theyve always lived in hot countries so they arent used to the cold weather here.
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Punctuation > Quotation Marks (" ")
Use quotation mark to enclose direct quotes:
1. Put periods and commas inside quotes.
"I really did not do anything," announced Mike, "because I was too tired."
2. Put colons and semicolons outside quotes.
3. Place question mark and exclamation point inside when they apply only to the quoted
matter, and outside when they apply to the whole sentence.
Why did Sally say, "I can wait for tomorrow"?
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Pronouns and Determiners > Reflexive Pronouns
You can use a reflexive pronoun to refer back to the subject of the clause or sentence.
The reflexive pronouns are myself, yourself, herself, himself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and
themselves. These pronouns end with "self" or "selves."
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Grammar Glossary > Synonym
Synonym - a word that is equivalent to another word and that can be substituted for it in a
particular context, although the words do not have identical meanings. (destroy: break down,
demolish, finish, ruin)
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Adjectives and Adverbs > Comparatives
Comparative is the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses a difference in amount,
in number, in degree or quality. We often use the comparative for comparing two things.
The word than frequently accompanies the comparative:
stronger, harder
Degrees of comparison can also be distinguished with the use of more and most:
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Tenses > Present Continuous
1. The present continuous is used to talk about actions or events that are happening at the
moment:
I am writing a letter to my parents.
2. The present continuous is used to indicate that an action or activity is temporary rather
than permanent:
Andy is staying with some friends until he finds a flat.
3. We also use the present continuous to speak about changes, developments and trends:
Our city is developing all the time.
4. We can also use the present continuous to speak about future arrangements:
We are going to the cinema tonight.
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as far as I know
away from the keyboard
Also known as
As soon as possible
all the best
be
back at the keyboard
be back later
bye for now
before
be right back
by the way
see
see you later
because
face to face
free to talk
Frequently asked questions
for what its worth
for your information
great
have a nice day
how should I know?
hope this helps
I don't know
in my humble opinion
in my opinion
in other words
just in case
just kidding
keep in touch
know what I mean
later
lots of luck / laughing out loud
message
MYOB
NOYB
NO1
OTOH
OIC
PCM
PLS
PPL
R
ROTF(L)
RUOK
SIT
SOM1
SPK
TGIF
TTYL
TX
U
WAN2
WKND
WU
X
XLNT
YR
121
2
2DAY
2MORO
2NITE
4
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Grammar Glossary > Pronoun
Pronoun a word like it, me, you, they, she, her, him, etc. which replaces a noun in a sentence,
usually because we dont want to repeat the noun. (I watched a very interesting film last week.
It was one of the new ones.)
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Grammar Glossary > Question mark
Question mark - a mark (?) that denotes a question. A question mark is used at the end of a
direct question. ( Where are you from? How long have you been waiting?)
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Pronouns and Determiners > Relative Pronouns
You can use a relative pronoun to link one phrase or clause to another phrase or clause. The
relative pronouns are who, whom, that, and which. The compounds whoever, whomever, and
whichever are also relative pronouns.
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Adjectives and Adverbs > Adjectives vs Adverbs
Adjectives are used to modify nouns:
The cat ran incredibly quickly. (adverb used to modify other adverbs)
Some verbs can only be used with adjectives, others might change their meaning when
used with an adverb.
verb used with an adjective used with an adverb
look look good (= appearance) look well (= have a good sense of
sight)
feel feel good (= state of health/mind) feel well (= have a good sense of
touch)
smell smell good (= odour) smell well (= have a good sense of
smell)
taste taste good (= preference) taste well (= have a good sense of
taste)
Hard and hardly are completely different.
Hardly means very little, almost not.
She hardly tried to get the job. (she tried very little)
Hard means not easy, requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish and can be
both an adjective or an adverb:
Some adverbs are formed from an adjective plus -ly: happy happily.
However, when an adjective already ends in -ly ( daily, kindly, lonely etc) we dont add -ly
to it to make an adverb. Instead we use a prepositional phrase with manner or way.
When he saw me he started waving his arms around in a lively way and then ran across
the road.
She turned and smiled at me in a friendly way before leaving the room.
Most participle adjectives ending in ed dont have an adverb form , so we can use a
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Basics > News / Articles
Current affairs are discussed in this section - so not only will we keep informed you can
increase your vocabulary and knowledge of typical English structure. You have the power to
see a simple English explanation for the words that are highlighted by moving the mouse
pointer over the word, by clicking on the word you receive the German translation for the word
in this context.
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Tenses > Present Perfect vs. Past Simple
The present perfect is used when the time period has NOT finished<:
Example: We have seen two nice movies this week. -> (This week has not finished yet.)
The simple past is used when the time period HAS finished:
Example: We saw two nice movies last week. -> (Last week finished.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The present perfect is often used when giving recent news
Example: Jason has crashed his car again. -> new information
The simple past is used when giving older information:
Example: Jason crashed his car last year -> old information
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The present perfect is used with for and since, when the actions have not finished yet:
Example: He has lived in London for ten years. -> (He still lives in London.)
The simple past is used with for and since, when the actions have already finished:
Example: He lived in London for five years. -> (He doesnt live in London now.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(!)In British English, the use of Simple Past and Present Perfect is quite strict. As soon as a
time expression in the past is given, you have to use Simple Past. If there are no signal words,
you must decide if we just talk about an action in the past or if it's consequence in the present is
important.
Note that English Portal exercises refer to British English only. In American English, you can
normally use Simple Past instead of Present Perfect. We cannot accept this in our exercises,
however, as this would lead to confusions amongst those who have to learn the differences.
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Grammar Glossary > Conditional
Conditional a clause or sentence constructed with if, unless, etc. It is used to discuss an event
or situation in the future, past or present, which may or may not be real. (If I find your bag, I
will give it back to you. Many people would be out of work if the factory closed down. If wed
had a camera on holidays, we would have taken many photographs.)
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Grammar Glossary > Homophone
Homonym - a word that is pronounced the same as another word, but that has a different
meaning. The two words may be spelled differently. >
knew - past tense of know and new - not old
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Grammar Glossary > Simile
Simile - a figure of speech in which one thing is likened to another (unlike) thing in one aspect
by the use of "like," "as," etc. (e.g., She is as fit as a fiddle. Their son came home as black as a
sweep.)
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Grammar Glossary > Passive and Active
Passive and Active In the passive sentence we say what people or things do, so we use active
verb forms: watch, read, flew. (They watched TV yesterday.) In the passive sentence, we say
what happens to people or things. The passive is formed by using the verb to be and a past
participle: was watched, has been read, was decorated, etc. (The office was decorated.)
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Grammar Glossary > Idiom
Idiom - an expression whose meaning cannot be concluded from the normal meanings of the
words that comprise it, or from the rules of grammar of the language. (Knock on wood - the
phrase voiced by people who rap their knuckles on a piece of wood hoping for good luck.
'touch wood' is the phrase used in the UK.)
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Tenses > Past Continuous
1. We use the past continuous tense to say that something was happening around a
particular time in the past.
I was reading a book at 9 p.m. last night. (I started reading a book before 9 p.m. and I
finished after 9 p.m.).
2. We often use the past continuous tense and the past simple tense together. The past
continuous is used to "set the scene", or provide (longer) background information. The
past simple is used to speak about shorter actions that happened in the middle of the
longer action, or that interrupted it:
I was sitting in the garden when it suddenly began to rain.
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Abbreviations > Emoticons
Emoticons typically represent a facial expression and are used to indicate the writer's
feelings. The following are some of the more commonly seen:
:-)
:-D
;-)
:-*
:-o
:-(
:-c
X=
:'-(
:-|
happy (a 'smiley')
laughing
winking; just kidding
kiss
surprised
frowning
very unhappy
fingers crossed
crying
bored, indifferent
:-(
:-||
:-V
|-O
:-Q
:-&
:-X
:-P
:-/
:-Y
unhappy
angry
shouting
yawning
I don't understand
tongue-tied
my lips are sealed
sticking one's tongue out
sceptical
aside comment
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Tenses > Past Perfect vs Past Perfect Continuous
1. We use the past perfect continuous to talk about the continuity or duration of a
situation and we use the past perfect to talk about the complexion of a situation or activity
or its effects:
The thief refused to admit that he had stolen the painting.
I had been talking with Princess Anne for over ten minutes before I realized who she
was.
2. We use the past perfect continuous to talk about how long something went on up to a
particular past time. And if we talk about how many times something happened , we use
the past perfect:
It had been raining heavily all night long by the time we started out on the journey.
(how long)
A friend of mine gave me a book to read. She did not know that I had read it a few
times before. (how many times)
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Punctuation > Apostrophe (')
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Tenses > Future in the past
Future in the Past is used to express the idea that in the past you thought something
would happen in the future.
There are different forms of future in the past, all of which correspond to forms that we
usually use to refer to the future. The process is the same as that used for converting
direct speech to indirect/reported speech:
Am/Is going to = was going to
Are going to = were going to
Present continuous (am/is meeting) = past continuous (was meeting)
Present continuous (are meeting) = past continuous (were meeting)
Future simple (will) = would
Examples:
Tom decided spontaneously that he was going to fly instead of going by train.
Tom was going to phone at nine but he must have forgotten to.
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Grammar Glossary > Colon
Colon - a punctuation mark used to mark a significant break in a sentence. It creates a stop
within a sentence. The colon indicates that the text following is a summary, expansion, etc., of
that, which it precedes. Alternatively, a colon is used to separate numbers in ratios (e.g., 3:2) or
groups of numbers that refer to different things, such as hours from minutes (e.g., 9:30), or to
mark the beginning of lists.
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Grammar Glossary > Hyphen vs. Dash
Hyphen - a punctuation mark (-) used to join two words together, to indicate where a word has
been broken between syllables at the end of a line, or to separate parts of a compound word.
( e.g. cold-hearted person)
Dash -- punctuation mark that can be used to separate parts of a sentence
Hyphen and dash are the same on a keyboard. In an MSword document, when you use two
hyphens, it becomes a dash after a while.
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Grammar Glossary > Tenses
Tenses the forms of the verb which help us to know the time of an action or event (past,
present, future).
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This is the cheapest hotel in town. - the word cheapest is a superlative adjective.
The superlative form is est or most. Use est for short words and most for longer
words:
highest, longest
What is the quickest way to get to the university from the train station?
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Tenses > Verb Tense Overview - Examples
Simple Present - I study English every day.
Simple Past - Five years ago, I studied English in London.
Simple Future - If you are having problems, I will help you study English.
Past Continuous - I was studying English when you called me in the morning.
Future Continuous - I am going to study English next year. I will be studying English when
you arrive tonight.
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Grammar Glossary > Abbreviation
Abbreviation - a shortened version of a written word or phrase used to replace the original (e.g.,
a.s.a.p., i.e., Mr., Mrs.) Abbreviations may be used wherever acceptable.
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Pronouns and Determiners > Some and Any
Some and Any
Some and any are used to state the quantity or the number of nouns without stating the exact
number. Generally we use some in positive sentences and any in negative sentences.
Some is used in positive statements:
We've got some good news.
So far Ive taken some really nice photos.
Some is used in questions when we offer or ask for things:
Would you like some sugar?
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Grammar Glossary > Vowel
Vowel - a soft, open-mouthed speech sound produced without obstructing the flow of air from
the lungs and represented in English by a, e, I, o, u, and sometimes y.
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Adjectives and Adverbs > Word order: adjectives
Adjectives usually go before the noun they describe. When there are several adjectives the
order is:
1. Opinion adjectives usually go before fact adjectives
a beautiful, golden ring
Some adjectives are seldom or never used before the noun they describe:
Afraid, alight, alike, alive, alone, ashamed, asleep, awake, aware.
Some adjectives when they describe feelings and health are not used before the noun:
Fine, glad, content, ill, sorry, unsure, sure, upset, well
Note: sick can be used before the noun.
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Pronouns and Determiners > Interrogative Pronouns
Interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions. The interrogative pronouns are who, whom,
which, what and the compounds formed with the suffix ever (whoever, whomever, whichever,
and whatever).
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Tenses > Past Simple
1. Use the past simple to express the idea of an action started and finished at a specific
time in the past. Sometimes the speaker may not mention the specific time, but they do
have one specific time.
I lived in England when I was younger.
We invited friends to our party but they could not come because their child was ill.
2. We use the past simple to list a series of completed actions in the past which happened
one after another:
She got up at 6 oclock, took a shower, had a cup of coffee and went to work.
I was going to work when I saw Joe. I stopped and we had a chat.
3. The Simple Past can also be used to describe a habit which stopped in the past. It can
have the same meaning as "used to". To make it clear that we are talking about a habit
we often use expressions such as "always," "often," "usually," "never," "when I was a
child" in the sentence.
I played volleyball when I was at the university.
(!)In British English, the use of Simple Past and Present Perfect is quite strict. As soon as a
time expression in the past is given, you have to use Simple Past. If there are no signal words,
you must decide if we just talk about an action in the past or if it's consequence in the present is
important
Note that English Portal exercises refer to British English only. In American English, you can
normally use Simple Past instead of Present Perfect. We cannot accept this in our exercises,
however, as this would lead to confusions amongst those who have to learn the differences.
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Basics > Personal Data
Please fill in your name, address, Nickname and Password. We do not sell you information to
any other organisation it is only for our records.
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Pronouns and Determiners > Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to an unknown or undetermined person, place or thing.
1.Another, Anyone, Anything, Each, Either No One, Neither, Nobody, One, Someone, Something
are the indefinite pronouns which are always singular, so they always take a singular verb:
2.Both, Few, Many, Several are the indefinite pronouns which are always plural, so they always
take a plural verb:
3. All, Most, None, Some are the indefinite pronouns which may take either a plural or singular
verb depending on the meaning.
Almost all of the money in the budget is spent on building new offices. (money in this
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Passive > Conjugation for the Passive Voice
We can form the passive in any tense. In fact, conjugation of verbs in the passive tense is rather
easy, as the main verb is always in past participle form and the auxiliary verb is always be. To
form the required tense, we conjugate the auxiliary verb. So, for example:
present simple: It is made
present continuous: It is being made
present perfect: It has been made
Here are some examples with most of the possible tenses:
infinitive to be made
present simple It is made.
past simple It was made.
future simple It will be made.
present continuous It is being made.
past continuous It was being made.
future continuous It will be being made.
perfect present simple It has been made.
past perfect simple It had been made.
future perfect simple It will have been made.
perfect present continuous It has been being made.
past perfect continuous It had been being made.
future perfect continuous It will have been being made.
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Tenses > Present Perfect
1. The present perfect often links a present situation with something that happened at an
unspecified time in the past. (Specific time expressions such as yesterday, last week, in
2003 etc. are used with past simple):
We have been here since March.
2. The present perfect is often used with the word just to talk about very recent news or
actions:
I am not hungry now. I have just had lunch.
4. The present perfect is often used with words or phrases indicating periods of time that
have not finished yet. Some common examples are: so far, up to now, today, this morning,
this year, recently.
They have won five games this year.
5. We also use the Present Perfect to talk about several different actions which occurred in
the past at different times. Present Perfect suggests the process is not complete and more
actions are possible.
They have been to Italy twice. - They can go to Italy again.
He has read ten books this year. He can read some more books.
(!)In British English, the use of Simple Past and Present Perfect is quite strict. As soon as a
time expression in the past is given, you have to use Simple Past. If there are no signal words,
you must decide if we just talk about an action in the past or if it's consequence in the present is
important.
Note that English Portal exercises refer to British English only. In American English, you can
normally use Simple Past instead of Present Perfect. We cannot accept this in our exercises,
however, as this would lead to confusions amongst those who have to learn the differences.
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Grammar Glossary > Apostrophe
Apostrophe - the sign (') used to create the possessive form of a noun. (my husbands car) The
apostrophe is used in contractions to show where letters have been omitted (e.g., dont, doesnt,
havent, its), although this should be avoided in formal documents.
A simple rule for the placing of the apostrophe when showing possession is: when
something is owned, place the apostrophe after the last letter of the owner.
-----------------------------------------To see if you need to make a possessive, turn the phrase around and make it an "of the..."
phrase. For example:
the girl's book = the book of the girl
two days' trip = trip of two days
If the noun after "of" is a building, an object, or a piece of furniture, then no apostrophe is
needed!
door of the car = car door
room of the hotel = hotel room
-------------------------------NO APOSTROPHE
1.Words like "ours", "theirs", "yours" and "hers" do not have apostrophes in them.
2. If the noun after "of" is a building, an object, or a piece of furniture, then no apostrophe is
needed! - car door
3. Apostrophes are not used to form plurals fresh apples is incorrect, instead write - fresh
apples (!)
Joint ownership is shown by making the last word in the series possessive; whereas, individual
ownership is shown by making both (or all) parts possessive.
e.g., Mike and Jacobs factory - joint ownership
e.g., Mikes and Jacobs factory - individual ownership
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Punctuation > Hyphen (-)
1. Hyphen is found linking the elements of many compound nouns and adjectives.
Hot-dog lovers usually like hamburgers.
2. Last but not least, the hyphen is used to mark the division of a word split between two
lines.
Misunderstanding is often the root of many problems; however, perfect under-standing
is often difficult to attain.
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Conditionals > First Conditional
This refers to a grammar structure used to talk about the likely result of something
happening or not happening. Furthermore the first conditional is used to describe the
situations that are always true if something happens. The situation is real.
The grammar structure is:
if-clause: if + present tense (comes, finds)
main clause: will or won't
Examples:
If Andy comes home early today, we will go to the cinema.
Tina will be angry if she finds out the truth.
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Grammar Glossary > Discourse Markers
Discourse markers (these are words like however, nevertheless) are referred to more
commonly as linking words' or sentence connectors. Care must also be taken, however, to
avoid over-use of discourse markers. Using too many of them, or using them unnecessarily, can
make a piece of writing sound artificial.
Adding something - in addition; additionally; further; further to this; also; besides; what is
more; moreover
Focusing and linking with reference to; speaking of; regarding; as regards; as far as .... is
concerned; as for
Making a contrast between two separate things, people, ideas, etc. - however; on the other
hand; in contrast; yet
Saying what the result of something is - therefore; consequently; in consequence; as a result;
accordingly; hence; for this reason; because of this
Expressing a condition - if; in the event of; as long as...; so long as...; provided that...;
assuming that...; given that...
Expressing similarity similarly; in the same way; just as
Contradicting on the contrary; quite the opposite
Changing the subject by the way; right; all right; now; OK
Adding moreover; furthermore; in addition; on top of that; another thing is; what is more;
also; besides; in any case
Giving examples for example; for instance; e.g.; in particular
Making things clear, giving details I mean; actually; that is to say; in other words
Softening and correcting I think; I feel; I guess; in my opinion; so to speak; more or less;
sort of; well; really; at least; I am afraid; I suppose; actually; I mean
Gaining time let me see; lets see; well; you know; I mean; kind of; sort of
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Tenses > Will for the future
1. We use will when we decide to do something at the time of speaking:
This bag is so heavy I can hardly carry it! - Okay. I will carry it.
Did you buy milk? Oh no, I actually forgot it. I will go and buy some now.
Jillian wont get the job. She does not have enough experience.
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Punctuation > Comma (,)
Commas mark structural breaks in sentences so we can distinguish the parts easily.
1. Use commas to separate items in a series.
Example: He likes cereal, bananas, and a cup of coffee for breakfast.
2. Use a comma before and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet, when they join independent
clauses (unless the clauses are short).
Example: I have always had a wonderful time travelling to other countries, yet I have
always been glad to return home.
3. Use commas to set off nonessential clauses and phrases.
Example: My father, who founded this company, really knows his stuff.
The colour of the costume, red, acquires symbolic meaning in the story.
4. Use a comma after introductory elements.
Examples: Well, how many people attended the course?
Before you leave the office, turn off the lights.
5. Use a comma in certain conventional situations (to separate items in dates and
addresses, after the salutation and closing of a letter, and after a name followed by a title).
Examples: August 23, 2011
New York, NY
Dear Mike,
Sincerely,
Mr. Hillman, M.D., said that he still had trouble with the computer.
Note: Don't use unnecessary commas. Use them sparingly and only to clarify issues.
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Grammar Glossary > Adverb
Adverb - a word or clause that typically describes or modifies a verb (We drove carefully), but
can also modify an adjective (The restaurant is reasonably cheap) or another adverb (He speaks
incredibly quickly). In fact, it is normally used to say how or when something happened.
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Punctuation > Colon (:)
1. To introduce a list
When you go to training, take these items: paper, pen and your book.
2. If the second sentence is a quotation, using a colon instead of a comma makes this more
emphatic.
He gave it to her straight: "Don't under any circumstances ever come near me again!"
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Tenses > Future overview
Present Simple = timetable future -> itineraries
-ing form -> planned actions taking place in the very near future
Examples:
What time does the train leave for Manchester? It leaves at six oclock. (Present Simple ->
itinerary)
Pauline is travelling to London at the weekend. (-ing form -> planned actions taking
place in the very near future)
I will make sure you get the information by Friday! (will -> promise)
James is going to move to Spain when he retires. (going to -> plans and intentions)
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Conditionals > Third Conditional
This refers to a grammar structure used to imagine the impossible. When we use the 3rd,
conditional we are imagining a situation that is the opposite of what happened in the past.
If what happened was negative, we use a positive form. If what happened was positive, we
use a negative form.
The grammar structure is:
If-clause: if + past perfect (had known, had stayed)
Main clause: would have + past participle (visited, found)
If I had known he was in hospital, I would have visited him last week. (I didnt know he
was in hospital.)
Jane would have found a new job if she had stayed in Washington.(She didnt stay in
Washington.)
Note: we do not use will or would in the if clause.
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John is out of breath. He has been running. (He is not running now, but he is out of
breath.)
2. We can use the present perfect continuous to talk about repeated actions up to now:
I have been playing volleyball since I was twelve.
3. We often use the present perfect continuous with the words "lately" or "recently" in
the sentence to strengthen the meaning. These both mean in the last few days or weeks.
We have been working a lot recently.
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Tenses > Past Perfect Continuous
1. We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and
continued up until another time in the past.
I had been working really hard , so I felt that I deserved a holiday.
Alex had been working in Sydney for more than ten years before he left for Europe.
2. We use the present perfect to show the cause and effect of something which had
happened in the past.
The ground was wet. It had been raining. (It was not raining, but the ground was wet)
Sarah was out of breath when I met her yesterday. She had been running. ( She had been
running before I met her.)
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Grammar Glossary > Verb
Verb - the word or words used to express an action, state or process. (Our neighbours travel a
lot.)
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Prepositions > Key Time Prepositions
in: parts of days, years, months, seasons
on: days, dates, special days
at: times, mealtimes, festival, the weekend and night
by: at the latest
for: shows how long an action has lasted
since: describes a point in time when an action started in the past an action which is still
going on
from . to : the starting and closing points of an action
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Adjectives and Adverbs > Comparatives and Superlatives
1. The comparative and superlative degrees are formed by adding the -er and -est suffix to
adjectives and adverbs with a single consonant for an ending.
Adjective/Adverb Comparative Superlative
big
soon
bigger
sooner
biggest
soonest
2. Adjectives and adverbs ending in -y drop the -y and add an -ier in the comparative
degree and an -iest in the superlative degree:
Adjective/Adverb Comparative Superlative
dry
drier
driest
early
earlier
earliest
3. Adjectives and adverbs ending in the silent or mute -e drop the ending -e and add the
-er for the comparative and the -est for the superlative:
Adjective/Adverb Comparative Superlative
fine
finer
finest
early
earlier
earliest
4. Degrees of comparison can also be distinguished with the use of more and most: more
clever; most clever
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Passive > Passive
The active verb is used to say what the subject does. The passive verb is used to say what
happens to the subject.
The Passive is formed: Passive Subject + to be + Past Participle
It is often used in business and in other areas where the object of the action is more
important than those who perform the action.
The mass production of petrol-driven cars was introduced in the US in 1901.
If the performer of the action is important, use "by":
The mass production of petrol-driven cars was introduced in the US by Ransom E. Olds in
1901.
The following chart includes sentences changed from the active to the passive in common
tenses:
Time
Active
Passive
Reference
They clean the office every day.
The office is cleaned every day.
Present Simple
You cannot see the warehouses as they You cannot see the warehouses as they Present
are decorating them at the moment.
are being decorated at the moment.
Continuous
My father sent an angry letter to the
An angry letter was sent to the
Past Simple
newspaper.
newspaper by my father.
He realized that somebody was
He realized that he was being
Past
following him.
followed.
Continuous
They have never used this photocopier. This photocopier has never been used. Present Perfect
The flat was tidy, they had cleaned it. The flat was tidy, it had been cleaned. Past Perfect
They will give me the results next
I will be given the results next week. Future Simple
week.
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Phrasal Verbs > English phrasal verbs
Native speakers of English tend to use phrasal verbs in everyday conversation and
generally reserve one-word verbs (i.e. "postpone" instead of "put off") for more formal
occasions.
A ask out -- ask someone to go on a date
B bring up 1) rear children 2) mention or introduce a topic
C call back - return a telephone call
call off - cancel
call up -- call on the telephone
catch up (with) - reach the same position or level as someone
check in - register at a hotel
cheer up - make (someone) feel happier
clean up - make clean and orderly
come across -- find by chance
cross out - draw a line through
D drop by - visit informally
drop off - leave something/someone somewhere
drop out (of) - stop going to school or class
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Adjectives and Adverbs > Adjectives ending in -ing and -ed
Use the adjectives plus ing to describe how something is.
Use the adjective plus ed to describe how someone feels.
I am annoyed with my brother. He is so untidy. (describes how I feel)
The film was really disappointing. (describes how the film was)
I was disappointed after the film. ( describes how I felt)
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Grammar Glossary > Subject
Subject - is a part of the sentence or clause about which something is said. It is a word or group
of words that identifies or describes who or what is doing what is being done. The subject is
normally the doer of the action and typically consists of a noun or pronoun. (We buy and sell
shares on the open market.)
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Grammar Glossary > Noun
Noun - any of the category of words used to designate a person, place, thing, idea, quality, or
action, such as David, London, apple, privacy, arrival. Nouns may be singular or plural. A
proper noun begins with a capital letter (e.g., Washington, Anna, American Airlines), whereas a
common noun begins in lowercase (e.g., city, girl, airline).
Countable and uncountable nouns
There are some nouns that are uncountable in English but often countable in other languages.
accommodation
advice
baggage
behavior
chaos
furniture
information
luck
news
progress
traffic
work
Remember! you cannot use a/an with them (you cannot say an information, an advice)
and they are not normally plural ( we do not say advices, informations)
News is uncountable, not plural.
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Tenses > Past Perfect
1. The Past Perfect expresses the idea that something occurred before another action in
the past. It can also show that something happened before a specific time in the past.
It was obvious that something bad had happened to them. (Something bad had
happened before it became obvious)
2. We use the Past Perfect to show that something started in the past and continued up
until another action in the past.
I was really tired yesterday, I had had a hard day.
We were pleased to see George again. We had not seen him for ages.
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Questions and Negative Sentences > Questions and Negative Sentences
We usually make questions by changing the word order, i.e. we put the auxiliary verb
before subject.
In English sentences, many important meanings are expressed by the form of the verb
phrase e.g. questioning, negation, time, repetition, completion, possibility, continuation,
willingness, obligation. Since English verbs do not have many different forms a number of
auxiliary/ helping verbs are added to other verbs.
1. Be is added to other verbs to make progressive or passive forms.
Do seat down.
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Grammar Glossary > Possessive
Possessive - the form of a noun or pronoun that indicates ownership. The possessive form of a
noun is usually created by adding 's to the word, or by preceding the word with the preposition
"of" (e.g., Tims parents, Dianas house, a dog's breakfast, home of Andy, his hat, her dress,
their gifts, its size)
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Grammar Glossary > Vowel
Vowel - a soft, open-mouthed speech sound produced without obstructing the flow of air from
the lungs and represented in English by a, e, I, o, u, and sometimes y.
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Grammar Glossary > A and an
"A" goes before all words that begin with consonants:
a cat
a book
a pen
a banana
But (!) - Use an before unsounded h:
an hour
"An" goes before all words that begin with vowels:
an option
an early riser
an apple
an orange
But (!)when u makes the same sound as the y in you - a is used:
a uniform
a university
a union
The choice of article is actually based upon the phonetic quality of the first letter in a word, not
on the orthographic representation of the letter. If the first letter makes a vowel-type sound, you
use "an", if the first letter would makes a consonant-type sound, you use "a."
We use an before a vowel sound, even if it is written as a consonant:
an hour (our)
an MP (m'p')
We use a before a consonant sound, even if it is written as a vowel:
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Grammar Glossary > Adjective
Adjective - a word that describes or modifies a noun (e.g. nice woman). An adjective can
precede a noun (interesting book) or follow it (The trip was expensive.).
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Tenses > Present Simple
We use the present simple tense in different ways:
1. We use the present simple to talk about routines and things we do regularly. It is not
important whether the action is happening at the time of speaking:
I study English everyday.
2. Present simple is used for actions and situations that are generally or permanently true:
Our company sells products all over the world.
3. To express scientific facts and other things that are always true:
4. We use the present simple to talk about programmes and timetables. Using present
simple like this we can refer to the future:
The bus leaves at 8 a.m..
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Pronouns and Determiners > Personal Pronouns
Personal pronouns stand in for people, places, things and ideas.
There are subjective, objective and possessive personal pronouns:
Subjective pronouns - I, You, She, He, They, We, It, Who
Objective pronouns - Me, You, Him, Her, Them, Us, It, Whom
Possessive pronouns - Mine, Yours, His, Hers, Theirs, Ours, Its, Whose
A subjective personal pronoun acts as the subject of the sentence:
A possessive pronoun indicates that the pronoun is acting as a marker of possession and
defines who owns a particular object or person:
This is mine.
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Prepositions > Prepositions of Movement
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Grammar Glossary > Preposition
Preposition - a word that is normally combined with a noun, pronoun, adverb, or prepositional
phrase. A preposition can be used at the end of a sentence though some prepositions are also
used as conjunctions, adverbs, and other grammatical elements.
Commonly used prepositions include about, above, across, after, along, among, around, as, at,
before, behind, below, beside, between, by, except, for, from, in, in back of, in front of, inside,
into, of, off, on, onto, out of, outside, over, past, since, through, to, toward, under, up, upon,
with, without.
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Passive > Passive vs. Active Voice
The passive is formed with the verb to be (is/was/have been etc.) and the past participle
(seen, painted, washed, etc.):
Monopoly is a game which is played in many countries.
A packet was sent to John by my grandmother.
This photocopier has never been used by this company.
When we say what a person or thing does, we use an active verb:
They have postponed the concert until tomorrow.
When we say what happens to a person or thing what is done to them we use a passive
verb:
The concert has been postponed until tomorrow.
The passive should only be used if the doer is unknown or unimportant, or if more emphasis is
put on the receiver of the action than the doer.
In most writing it is better to use the active voice. It is more direct and less ambiguous.
Grammar Glossary > Period
Period - a punctuation mark that signifies the completion of a sentence and the pause that
should occur between sentences. This pause is longer than that required by a comma. The
period is also termed a full stop. The period is also used in abbreviations, such as U.K. or
Ph.D., etc.
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Passive > Conjugation for the Passive Voice
We can form the passive in any tense. In fact, conjugation of verbs in the passive tense is rather
easy, as the main verb is always in past participle form and the auxiliary verb is always be. To
form the required tense, we conjugate the auxiliary verb. So, for example:
present simple: It is made
present continuous: It is being made
present perfect: It has been made
Here are some examples with most of the possible tenses:
infinitive to be made
present simple It is made.
past simple It was made.
future simple It will be made.
present continuous It is being made.
past continuous It was being made.
future continuous It will be being made.
perfect present simple It has been made.
past perfect simple It had been made.
future perfect simple It will have been made.
perfect present continuous It has been being made.
past perfect continuous It had been being made.
future perfect continuous It will have been being made.
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on for a SURFACE
at
POINT
at the corner
at the bus stop
at the door
at the top of the page
at the end of the road
at the entrance
at the crossroads
at the entrance
in
ENCLOSED SPACE
in the garden
in Manchester
in England
in a box
in his pocket
in my wallet
in a building
in a car
on
SURFACE
on the wall
on the ceiling
on the door
on the cover
on the floor
on the carpet
on the menu
on a page
Some examples:
Steven and Ines are on their honeymoon in Paris at the moment.
I am on my way. I am on the bus.
The dentists is on the second floor.
I live in the west of Germany.
Who is that woman standing at the bus stop? I think that I have seen her before.
Some more examples:
at:
at home
at work
at school
at university
at college
at the top
at the bottom
at the side
at reception
in:
in a car
in a taxi
in a helicopter
in a boat
in a lift (elevator)
in the newspaper
in the sky
in a row
in Oxford Street
on:
on a bus
on a train
on a plane
on a ship
on a bicycle, on a motorbike
on a horse, on an elephant
on the radio, on television
on the left, on the right
on the way
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Graphic Characters > Graphic Characters
!
"
#
$
%
&
.
/
exclamation mark
double quote
number sign
dollar sign
percentage sign
ampersand
section/paragraph sign
copyright sign
left angle quotation mark
period, full stop
slash
:
;
<
=
>
?
@
\
[
]
^
_
`
|
'
(
)
*
+
,
{
}
~
colon
semicolon
less-than sign
equals/equivalence sign
greater-than sign
question mark
at sign
back slash
left square bracket
right square bracket
circumflex
underscore
grave
pipe/vertical line
inverted question mark
multiplication sign
inverted exclamation mark
cent sign
pound sign
currency sign
yen sign
apostrophe
left parenthesis
right parenthesis
asterisk, star
plus sign
comma
hyphen, minus sign
registered trade mark sign
right angle quotation mark
left curly bracket
right curly bracket
tilde
division sign
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Tenses > Future the present continuous vs be going to plus infinitive
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Conditionals > Second Conditional
This refers to a grammar structure used to talk about an unreal or unlikely situation.
The situation is unreal which means you are imagining the situation. This conditional
provides an imaginary result for a given situation.
The grammar structure is:
If-clause: if + past tense (was, didnt have)
Main clause: would or wouldn't
Examples:
If my grandmother was alive, she would be 90 years old. (She is not alive. she died 15 years
ago.)
If I didnt have a car, I would find it difficult to get about. (The real situation is I have a
car.)
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Grammar Glossary > Gerund
Gerund - the present participle of a verb that is used as a noun. This is the verb form that ends
in "ing" when used as a noun (I like reading. She finished cleaning the flat.).
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Grammar Glossary > Auxiliary verb
Auxiliary verb - a verb that accompanies another verb in order to help to form tenses, passives,
negatives and questions. The verbs to have, to be, to do, with, can, may, and shall are
commonly used auxiliary verbs. An auxiliary verb is also called a helping verb.
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Tenses > Present Simple & Present Continuous with a future meaning
We use the present simple when we talk about programmes, timetables:
The film begins at 8.00 this evening.
The present simple can be used when we talk about peoples plans if they are fixed like a
timetable:
In the morning Mr Merritt has a meeting with our suppliers. Later he visits our plant in
Frankfurt.
The present continuous can be used to indicate that something will or will not happen in
the near future.
What are you doing this evening?
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Pronouns and Determiners > Pronoun
A pronoun can replace a noun or another pronoun.
In English there are several types of pronouns, including the personal pronoun, the
demonstrative pronoun, the interrogative pronoun, the indefinite pronoun, the relative
pronoun and the reflexive pronoun.
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Prepositions > Prepositions
Prepositions are used before nouns to give additional information in a sentence. Usually,
prepositions are used to show where something is located or when something happened.
Prepositions Showing:
Location
above
below
over
under
among
between
beside
in front of
behind
next to
with
in the middle of
on
in
at
Time Movement
at
at
on
by
by
from
before into
from on
since onto
for
off
during out of
to
until
after
Some prepositions are often used with nouns, adjectives and verbs:
NOUNS and PREPOSITIONS
approval of
fondness for need for
awareness of
grasp of
participation in
belief in
hatred of
reason for
concern for
hope for
respect for
confusion about interest in success in
desire for
love of
understanding of
ADJECTIVES and PREPOSITIONS
afraid of
fond of
proud of
angry at
happy about similar to
aware of
interested in sorry for
capable of
jealous of sure of
careless about made of
tired of
familiar with married to worried about
VERBS and PREPOSITIONS
apologize for give up
prepare for
ask about
grow up
study for
ask for
look for
talk about
belong to
look forward to think about
bring up
look up
trust in
care for
make up
work for