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Adjectives
Adjectives
See also: Free-English-Study: Adjectives.
Click for Audio
Adjectives are used to describe nouns. They give more

details or information about the nouns they are
associated with.
A: Tell me about your boyfriend
B: Well, he is tall, dark, and handsome.
A: Sounds like mine.
Adjectives can be used to answer the questions "What

kind (of) ?" or "Which one?"
A: Hi. I'm calling about the car you're selling?
B: It's a great car. (It's) in excellent condition.
A: What kind of seats does it have?
B: They're very comfortable seats, (soft, plush, just
like a sofa.)
A: Uh. I think I'll sleep on it.
A: Hand me a book.
B: Which one do you want?
A: The red book. The red one.
Adjectives come before the nouns they modify (not

after).
Three happy hippies lived in the Heartquake Hotel.
WRONG: Three hippies happy lived in the Heartquake
Hotel.
Adjectives can also be used with linking verbs to

describe the subject of a sentence.
When used in this manner, the adjective(s) come after
the linking verb.
My mother is tall and slender.
WRONG: My mother tall and slender. (No linking verb.)
Seem, become, appear, and verbs of perceptioncan also

be used as linking verbs. Note how they are used with
adjectives in the following. Can you identify the linking
verbs and the adjectives?
The journey seemed long. (It appeared strenuous and
boring.)
You smell nice today. What kind of cologne are you
wearing?
A: What do you want to do this weekend? Bowling?
Shopping? A movie?
B: Bowling sounds good.
CAUTION/BE CAREFUL:
Tom looked greedy. (He appeared to be a greedy
person.)
The adjective greedy is used to describe Tom.
Tom looked greedily at the pie on the table. (He saw it
and wanted it for himself.)
The adverb greedily is used to describe Tom's action.
Adjectives are the same for all nouns. They do not
change for plurals.
Example: Three tired tigers tried to tie a triangular tie.
Not: three "tireds" tigers
See Vocabulary: Common

also: Adjectives
Grammar: Comparatives
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Adverbs
See also: Free-English-Study: Adverbs.
Click for Audio
Adverbs are used to describe actions. They may come before or

after a verb, but not between a verb and its object.
Mrs.Jenner sang softly. (Most common word order.)
Mrs. Jenner softly sang. (Also possible.)
Mrs. Jenner softly sang a lullaby.
Mrs. Jenner sang a lullaby softly.
Mrs. Jenner sang softly a lullaby. (Not correct.)
Adverbs may come between a main verb and its auxiliaries.
Mrs. Jenner is softly singing a lullaby.
Mrs. Jenner softly is singing a lullaby. (Not correct.)
Mrs. Jenner has been softly singing that lullaby for a long
time.
Some time and frequency adverbs are "movable." That is, they
can be placed at various points in a sentence.
Yesterday I visited the dentist.
I visited the dentist yesterday.
Jack Prompt is here already.
Jack Prompt is already here.
Caution:
Even though some adverbs can be used in certain sentence
positions, others can not.
I yesterday visited the dentist. (Not okay.)
I already visited the dentist. (Okay.)
Already I visited the dentist. (Not okay.)
Adverbs such as quite, very, really, extremely, and absolutely
are used to modify adjectives and other adverbs.
They come directly before the words they describe.
Greg is quite happy with his new boss.
Sue eats very slowly.
You're absolutely right!
Many adverbs can be formed by adding "ly" to adjectives:
Carl is a quick runner.
Carl runs quickly.
Some adverbs are identical to adjectives in form. Others are
completely different.
Carl is a fast runner. Jill is a good student.
(Adjective) (Adjective)
Carl runs fast. (Adverb) Jill studies well. (Adverb)
Be careful with words like hardly and lately, which have no
relation to the adjectives/adverbs hard and late.
Jacob kicked the ball hard. He kicked the ball with
Jacob hardly kicked the tremendous force.)
ball. (He barely touched the ball.)
Trudy came to class late. (She was tardy.)
Trudy hasn't come to class (She hasn't been to class
lately. recently.)
See Vocabulary: Common Adverbs

also: Grammar: Adverbs and
Prepositions
If you have questions or comments about this page, please contact us.
Be sure to include the title of this page in the Subject line of your e-mail.
Adverbs and Prepositions
See also: Free-English-Study: Adverbs and Prepositions.
Adverbs are words or groups of words which tell time, place,

frequency or manner.
I ate my lunch yesterday. She went there.

I ate at that restaurant last She went
week. downtown.
Prepositions are usually followed by objects in

prepositional phrases. They can also be used to indicate
time, place, frequency, duration, reason, manner, or to show
contrast.
She went to the store.
I ate my lunch at noon.
She walked into the
I ate in the cafeteria.
house.
*Do not use adverbs as objects of prepositions.
Correc
Incorrect:
t:
I went to somewhere. I went somewhere.

I was busy at last night. I was busy last night.
John works in downtown. John works downtown.
She came to home on She came home
yesterday. yesterday.
Be careful with words such as home, downtown, today,

next/last week, etc. which are sometimes used as adverbs
and sometimes used as nouns.
As
As adverbs
nouns
Tomorrow is another day.

I will go back tomorrow.
They built a home in
She went home last night.
Oregon.
Next week I will travel to
Next week is my
Iowa.
vacation.
See Grammar: Adverbs

also: Grammar: Prepositions of
Location
Basic Modals
See also: Free-English-Study: Basic Modals.
Click for Audio
Modal auxiliary verbs are used to moderate the main verb, that is to
enhance or restrict the verb to a certain context.
The most common modal auxiliaries in English are:
can may might must
woul
could should will
d
Notice the usage of modals in the following sentences:

I pay my taxes. General declaration of fact. Paying
taxes is something I normally do.
I can pay my taxes. Expresses ability. I have the means

(funds) to pay.
I might pay my Expresses possibility, but not

taxes. certainty. Maybe I will pay; maybe I
won't.
I will pay my taxes. Expresses future intent. I resolve to

do it at some later time.
I should pay my Expresses mild obligation. It is

taxes. required, and I expect to comply.
I could pay my Expresses possibility. If I have

taxes. nothing else to do with the money, I
might pay taxes.
I would pay my (In this case), expresses

taxes. reservation. If I had the money (but
I don't). . .
I must pay my taxes.Expresses strong obligation. I am

required and have to comply.
Modals are followed by only the base form of the verb and are not
used alone unless there is a clear connection to a main verb.
He must to finish his WRON
homework. G
He must finish his RIGHT
homework. WRON
Jack could heard the bell. G
Jack could hear the bell. RIGHT
Penny will going to the WRON
movie. G
Penny will go to the movie. RIGHT
There are many ways to make requests in English. The most
common involves using the imperative and modals. See the
examples below:
Using the Imperative
The imperative is the simple form of the verb. The
subject of an imperative sentence is understood as "you" although it
is usually not spoken.
(You) open the door.
Open the door. Yes, I will (help you).
Will you help me? (You) pick up your
Pick up your toys. toys.
Please help me. (You) please help
me.
The imperative is often used by persons of authority when speaking

to subordinates, e.g. parent to child.
Using Modals
To show respect and politeness, most people use modal
expressions when making requests. For example:
Will you...? Will you open the door for me?
Would you...? Would you open the door for me?
Would you please...? Would you please open the door (for
Could you (please)...? me)?
Could you possibly...? Could you (please)...? Could you (please)
open the door?
Would you kindly...?
Could you possibly open the door?
Would you mind (Ving )...?
Would you kindly open the door?
Would you be so kind as
to...? Would you mind opening the door?
Would you be so kind as to open the
door?
Common Problems with Modals

1. Using "to" unnecessarily:
Incorrect Correct
They going to meet us at the They are going to meet us at the
theater. theater.
He should to eat his dinner. He should eat his dinner.
I had better to go now. I had better go now.
You must not to use that pencil. You must not use that pencil.
2. Using anything but the base form after a modal:
John could hear the
John could heard the bell. bell.
Penny will going to the movie. Penny will go to the
movie.
3. Using double modals:
You should ought to speak You ought to speak English.
English. /should speak
She might can help me. She might be able to help me.
4. Omitting "be" in certain modal expressions:
They are going to meet us at the
They going to meet us at the
theater.
theater.
Jack supposed to take his
Jack is supposed to take his
medicine.
medicine.
5. Using wrong word order in questions:
How I can help you? How can I help you?
Where I should go for the Where should I go for the
meeting? meeting?
See Grammar: Common Modal Usage

also: Vocabulary: Simple Modals
Modal Verb Introduction (from
Englishpage.com)
Basic Sentence Structure
Basic Sentence Structure

See also: Free-English-Study: Basic Sentence Structure.
Click for Audio
There are five basic patterns around which most English sentences are
built.* They are
as follows:
S-V Subject-Verb John sleeps.

Jill is eating.
Jack will arrive next week.
S-V-O Subject-Verb-Object I like rice.

She loves her job.
He's eating an orange.
S-V-Adj Subject-Verb-Adjective He is funny.

The workers are lazy.
Karen seems angry.
S-V-Adv Subject-Verb-Adverb Jim is here.

Flowers are everywhere.
No one was there.
S-V-N Subject-Verb-Noun She is my mom.

The men are doctors.
Mr. Jones is the teacher.
At the heart of every English sentence is the Subject-Verb relationship. Other

elements can
be added to make a sentence more interesting, but they are not essential to
its formation.
The following sentences are examples of the S-V pattern.

She sleeps. Core sentence
She sleeps soundly. An adverb is added to describe how she sleeps.

She sleeps on the sofa. A prepositional phrase is added to tell where
she sleeps.
She sleeps every afternoon. A time expression is added to tell when she
sleeps.
She is sleeping right now. Verb tense is changed, but S-V relationship
remains the same.
Mary will sleep later. Subject is named and another tense is used.
The dogs are sleeping in the New subject may require a different form of the
garage. verb.
Note: Any action verb can be used with this sentence pattern.
The following sentences are examples of the S-V-O pattern.

They like rice. Core sentence
The people like rice. Specific subject
The friendly people like rice. Subject modified with an adjective
The people in the restaurant Subject modified with a prepositional phrase

like rice.
The people like boiled rice. Object modified with an adjective
The people like hot, white Object modified with more than one adjective
rice.
Note: Only transitive action verbs can be used with this sentence pattern.
The following sentences are examples of the S-V-Adj pattern.

He is fine. Basic sentence with "be" verb
He seems happy. Basic sentence with another linking verb
Jordan is tall, dark and Series of adjectives

handsome.
He appears very Adverb or intensifier added
comfortable.
George became sick last Different tense and linking verb
night.
Note: Only linking verbs can be used with this sentence pattern.
The following sentences are examples of the S-V-Adv pattern.

The teacher is here. Basic sentence
The teacher is over there. Using an adverb phrase
Teachers are everywhere. Plural noun and verb used
The teachers are in the Prepositional phrase functioning as adverb

lobby.
The following sentences are examples of the S-V-N pattern.

The man is a doctor. Basic sentence
The women are doctors. Using plural noun and verb
My father is a nice guy. Modified subject and complement
My grandparents are senior Modified plural subject and complement

citizens.
*Other, less common structures are dealt with in another unit.
See also: Grammar: Noun and Verb Phrases

Building Sentences
See also: Free-English-Study: Building Sentences.
Click for Audio
Remember, the S - V relationship is at the "heart" of every sentence. All

sentences are
built around this core.
To give a sentence more substance, you may enhance the subject or verb:
(VERB enhancements)
1. Change the verb in tense or aspect or a combination of the two.
He eats. (simple present)
He will eat. (future/modal)
He is eating. (continuous)
He has eaten. (perfect)
He has been eating. (combination)
He should have been (combination)
eating.
2. Add an adverb or adverb phrase, or prepositional phrase.
He should have eaten already/ by now.
He was eating in the kitchen.
3. Add an adverbial clause.
He was eating when the bus arrived.
4. Add a participial phrase.
Having finished his homework, he ate.
(SUBJECT enhancements)
5. Change the noun to a pronoun or vice versa.
He eats.
John eats.
6. Add an article, demonstrative, or possessive.
The man eats.
This man eats.
His father eats.
Note: Subjects and Objects may be enhanced in similar ways.
Subject Object
7. Add an object.
John eats rice.
The man eats an apple.
8. Add an adjective or adjectives.
The man eats the big, red
The handsome man eats.
apple.
9. Add a prepositional phrase.
The man eats an apple from
The man in the kitchen eats.
the bowl.
10. Add a relative (adjective) clause.
The man who lives next door The man ate the apple that I
eats. bought.
11. Use quantifiers.
They eat some of the
Some of the men eat.
apples.
12. Use a noun clause.
He eats whichever apple he
Whoever gets here first can eat.
chooses.
Enhance both the subject and the verb to make sentences more interesting.
The man who lives on the corner is eating his lunch now.
The men from the health club eat every day after working out.
The tall, green men from Mars are eating tuna sandwiches.
Some of the men ate the apples (that) I left on the table.
Whenever he feels like exercising, the fat man eats a huge meal instead.
Basic Sentence Structures
S-V He sleeps. S-LV-N He is a doctor.
S-V-O She eats rice. S-LV-Adj The doctor is sick.
S-V-IO-DO She told him a lie. S-LV-Adv The doctor is here.
Conjunctions and Linking Words
See also: Free-English-Study: Conjunctions and Linking Words.
Click for Audio
Coordinators
Coordinators connect elements of equal importance.
S + V , but (and, but, so, or, nor, for*, yet)
S+V
S + V and V
S and S + V
N and N
Adj. and Adj.
Phrase and Phrase
Can be used in a series: A, B, C, or D
Subordinators
Subordinators connect elements of unequal importance. One clause is not
as
strong as the other.
S + V although S + V (although, even though, because, since*,
when, while, before*, after*, whenever,
wherever*, if, unless, whether?[or not]
as, as [adjective] as, so that, whereas
anywhere*, anytime*)
Although S + V , S + V
Sentence Connectors
Sentence Connectors connect paragraphs or show relationship between
very
different ideas.
S + V . However, S + V (however, therefore, thus, moreover,
nevertheless, first*, then*, next*, still*
S + V ; however, S + V besides, consequently, furthermore)
Prepositions
Prepositions show relationship among elements of a sentence.
They are followed by noun phrases only and cannot take on a S + V.
S + V (prep. phrase) (during, after*, before*, in, on, at
despite, in spite of, for*, since*, by
(Prep. phrase), S + V like, except, but*, about, to*, from
between [A and B], among, with
(Prep. phrase) V + S within, without, beside, near, next to)
(unusual)
* These words have more than one function.
See Grammar:
also: Coordinators
Grammar:
Subordinators
Everyday vs. Every Day
Click for Audio
Explanation
Everyday is an adjective meaning "daily."
Every day is a time expression meaning "each day" or
"regularly."
Examples
Note the difference in the following sentences:
1. Jane goes to class every day (each day)
2. Jane has an everyday class. (a daily class)
Common Errors
The most common error is writing "every day" as one word
(everyday) as in the following sentences:
1. I used to jog three miles everyday (Incorrect)
2. I used to jog three miles every day. (Correct)
Frequency Adverbs
Click for Audio
The most common frequency adverbs in English are:

100% of the time
about 90% of the
time
Always about 80% of the
time
Frequently
about 70% of the
Usually time
Often about 50% of the
Sometimes time
Occasionally about 40% of the
Seldom time
Rarely about 20% of the
time
Never
about 10% of the
time
about 00% of the
time
Note: The percentages here are rough estimates only.
Frequency adverbs can be placed at various points in the
sentence, but are most commonly used before the main verbs
and after be verbs.
I always come to work on time.
They are seldom home when we call.
He's usually eating breakfast at this time.
She's never been to Maine.
A: Do you come here often?
B: Yes. I'm here occasionally.
A: What do you usually do here?
B: Sometimes I just sit and ponder the meaning of life.
Note: The adverbs seldom, rarely, never and hardly ever are
considered negative.
A: Do you always carry a briefcase?
B: (Yes,) I usually do.
No, I usually don't.
No, I rarely do.
No, I hardly ever do.
Other frequency adverbs and expressions are as follows:
Every day/week/month
Every other day/week
Once a week/month/year
Twice a year/day, etc.
(Every) once in a while
Every so often
These expressions are used at the beginning and end of
sentences, not before main verbs.
Every once in a while I visit my grandmother in Minnesota.
I visit my grandmother in Minnesota every once in a while.
I every once in a while visit my grandmother in Minnesota.
(Incorrect)
(according to
schedule)
Regularly
(commonly
Normally
nowadays)
Traditionally
(commonly in the
past)
These words can come at various points in the sentence.
I regularly floss my teeth.
I floss my teeth regularly.
Traditionally, that was considered child's play.
I normally get up around 6 o'clock.
Normally, I get up around 6 o'clock.
See also: Common Adverbs

Non-Action Verbs
See also: Free-English-Study: Non-Action Verbs.
Click for Audio
Some verbs cannot be used in the progressive tenses. They are called non-
action verbs.
Non-action verbs indicate state, sense, desire, possession, or opinion. The
most common
non-action verbs are:
be* seem appear* (existence
)
look* sound* smell* taste* feel* (senses)
like want prefer love* (desire)
have* own possess (possessio

n)
think* believe consider* (opinion)
Note the usage in the following sentences:
Mr. Tactful is seeming like a nice (Wrong!)
guy.
Mr. Tactful seems like a nice guy. (Correct)
This salad is tasting delicious. (Wrong!)

This salad tastes delicious. (Correct)
I am liking banana cream pie. (Wrong!)

I like banana cream pie. (Correct)
Some verbs have both action and non-action meanings. They are indicated
by an
asterisk* in the table above. The situation determines whether the action or
non-action
form of the verb is used.
Those flowers look beautiful. (Non-action)
Flora is looking out the window. (Action)
I think that's a great idea. (Non-action)

I am thinking about my upcoming (Action)
speech.
We have a brand new car. (Non-action)

We are having a party this weekend. (Action)
Craig is a real estate agent. (Non-action)

Billy is being naughty today. (Action)
See Grammar: Verbs of

also: Perception
Vocabulary: Non-Action
Verbs
Be sure to include the title of this page in the Subject line of your e-mail
Noun Phrases
See also: Free-English-Study: Noun and Verb Phrases.
Noun Phrases are groups of words that can function as subjects or objects in
sentences.
They may take on various forms:
Water is important for survival. (Single words)
Mr. Jones spoke to Dr. James. (Proper names)
The boy ate an apple. (Nouns and articles)
My friend works with her father. (Nouns and possessives)
The young girl wore a long, white dress. (Nouns and adjectives)
Some of the kids ate all of the cake. (Nouns and quantifiers)
The man with the gun frightened the (Nouns and prep. phrases)
people in the bank.
The woman who lives there is my aunt. (Nouns and relative clauses)
The dogs sleeping on the deck should be (Nouns and phrases)
left alone.
Whoever wrote this is in trouble. (Noun clauses)
Pronouns and similar words can also function as subjects and objects:
He gave the money to us.
Someone left this.
Give me one of each.
Verb Phrases
Verb phrases are groups of words that express action or state of being. They
take on
various forms.
The men live in the dormitory. (Single verbs)
He stayed at the Hi Hat Hotel. (Past tense verbs)
I am learning many new things. (Progressive verbs)
She has been there before. (Perfect verbs)
They have been working here five (Perfect progressive verbs)
years.
I could use some assistance. (Verbs and modals)
The trip was approved by the (Passive verbs)
professor.
Do you want some more pie? (Verbs in questions)
Other words can be added to enhance verb phrases:
The mayor works here. (adverbs)
Neil is not a candidate. (negatives)
They live in the suburbs. (prepositional phrases)
She'll leave whenever she wants. (adverbial clauses)
Don't talk while eating. (phrases)
Prepositions: In, On, and At (with specific times and places)
See also: Free-English-Study: Prepositions: In, On, At.
The prepositions in, on, and at can be used to indicate time

and place. Notice how they are used in the following
situations:
Preposition Time Place

In Year, Month, Country, State, City
In 1999, In In Japan, In Utah,
December InTaipei
On Day, Date Street
On Saturday, On On Main Street, On 1st
May 1 Ave.
At Time Address
At 8:00, At 7:30 At 815 East Main
Street
In many languages, there is only one preposition for the

above situations. In English there are three. Just remember
that in usually indicates the "largest" time or place, and at
usually indicates the "smallest" time or place.
Examples:
A: Where's your office?

B: In Taipei, Taiwan.
A: Really? What part of Taipei?
B: It's on Chung Shan North Road.
A: I know that area. Where exactly is it?
B: It's at 105 Chung Shan North Road, next to the
bookstore.
C: When is the wedding?

D: It's in June.
C: What day?
D: It's on Saturday, the 25th.
C: What time?
D: It starts at 6:00.
Prepositions with articles and locations
When talking about locations, use at to indicate the general vicinity or area,
and in to
indicate inside the building, enclosed area, etc. For example:
at the swimming pool (on in the swimming pool (in the
site)
pool itself i.e. in the water)
at the post office/bank in the post office/bank
(general) (inside the building)
at the zoo (visitors, general in the zoo (animals in their

area) cages)
at school in the classroom
Sample sentences:
I met my wife at the theater. (while watching a movie)
I spilled my drink in the theater (on the floor of the building)
She works at the library on Wednesdays.
She found a rare coin in the library (building).
Dr. Jones works at the hospital every day.
John was in the hospital for a week with a broken leg.
For school, prison, and church, the is used to indicate the building. No article
indicates
the general situation. Note the following:
"practice"/situation building
in school (studying, listening to in the school (building)

teacher, etc.)
in jail/prison (staying there as a in the jail/prison
criminal) (temporary)
in church (praying, listening to a in the church (building)
sermon, etc.)
Where's Dad?
in church (attending in the church (fixing the windows)
services)
at church at the church
in prison (He committed a at the prison (visiting his friend)

crime.)
For Practice: At-On-In Used in Time and Dates (from The Internet TESL
See Journal)
Prepositions: At, In and On (from The Internet TESL
Journal)
See also: Grammar: Prepositions and Time Words;Prepositions of Location

Prepositions of Location
See also: Free-English-Study: Prepositions of Location.
Click Here for Audio

The most common prepositions of location are
in
on
at
(See: In, On, At)
by
near
nearby
above
below
over
under
up
down
around
through
inside
outside (of)
between
beside
beyond
in front of
in back of
behind
next to
on top of
within
beneath
underneath
among
along
against
These prepositions are most commonly followed by "the" and a noun.
Both the speaker and the listener likely know which object is being referred
to.
Examples,
The keys are on the table. (We both know which table.)
The post office is next to the bakery. (Not: next to bakery)
Occasionally, prepositions can be used with "a/an."
This usually indicates that the speaker knows of the place, but the listener
does not.
For example,
I live by a river. (You probably don't know which one.)
I live by the river. (You know the river I'm talking about.)
See also:
Speaking: Talking about Locations
Vocabulary: Locations
Adverbs and Prepositions
Grammar: Prepositions (General)
Present Progressive Tense
See also: Free-English-Study: Present Progressive Tense.
Click for Audio
The present progressive tense takes the form be + V ing.

The form of be is determined by the subject of the sentence.
He is singing.
She is listening.
They are sleeping.
I am going home.
In English, the present progressive is used to indicate
actions happening at the time of speaking, or right now.
Jake is speaking to his mother right now.
Please keep quiet. The baby is sleeping.
The present progressive can also be used to indicate
actions occurring over a period of time which includes the
present.
I'm taking five classes at the university.
Grace is working at a chemical factory.
What are you doing these days?
The present progressive is sometimes used to indicate
ongoing, developing, imminent or future actions.
Ongoing
Don't bother Mr. Grumpy while he is watching the football
game.
Developing
I'm beginning to like this place!
Imminent
A: Honey, where are you?
B: I'm coming. Just let me put on my shoes.
Future (Note the presence of future time words.)
A: Are you going to the concert this weekend?
B: I wish I could, but I'm meeting an important client from
Oklahoma.
Some non-action verbs do not occur in the present
progressive tense. The simple present is sufficient.
For Conversation practice:

Situations: Talking about here and now
For an example of this in context, see
Writing: Describing Action in Progress
See Speaking: Talking about here and now
also: Present Continuous (from
Englishpage.com)
Pronouns
See also: Free-English-Study: Pronouns.
Click for Audio
Pronouns are used in place of nouns. They enable speakers to

refer to something or someone without having to repeat its
name.
Example:
Mr. Jones lives in Kentucky. He frequently travels to
Memphis to see his wife. She is a lawyer and only sees him
on weekends.
The subject and object pronouns in English are as follows:
Objec
Subject
t
I
Me
You
You
He
Him
She
Her
It
It
We
Us
They
Them
Use subject pronouns when the pronoun refers to the doer
of the action or the main topic (subject) of the sentence.
Henry hit a baseball over the fence.
He didn't know where it would land.
It went right through Mrs. Crabby's window.
She was furious. She called Henry's parents and told them
what happened.
Henry had to pay for the window with his hard-earned
money.
He wasn't too happy about that, but he learned a lesson.
Now, he only plays baseball at the ball park.
Use object pronouns when the pronoun refers to the
receiver of the action or is the object of a prepositional
phrase.
Ms. Lindon met her husband in a gold mine.
The first time she saw him, she was in love.
He also liked everything about her.
He asked her to marry him the next day.
Many friends joined them in the wedding celebration.
Reminders:
Do not use subject pronouns in the object position or vice
versa.
Give the balloon to he.
WRONG: Give the balloon to him.
Correct: Her is the one I want to
WRONG: see.
Correct: She is the one I want to
see.
Remember to use he/him when referring to males and
she/her when referring to females!
Mary lived on a farm. He had a little lamb.
WRONG: Mary lived on a farm. She had a little lamb.
Correct: Mr. Smith has gone to Washington. I'll give her
WRONG: the message.
Correct: Mr. Smith has gone to Washington. I'll give him
the message.
For Practice: Object Pronouns (from The Internet TESL

See Journal)
Pronouns (from The Internet TESL Journal)
See Vocabulary: Pronouns

also: Pronouns (from Guide to Grammar and
Writing)
Sentence Subjects
See also: Free-English-Study: Sentence Subjects.
Click for Audio
What can be the subject of a sentence?

A noun:
Jonathan loves chocolates.
Mrs. Smith lives next door to the barber shop.
The yellow dog makes me nervous.
Crocodiles are very dangerous.
A pronoun:
It isn't time yet.
They went to sleep at 9:00.
Are you coming to the dance?
Words like everyone, everybody, everything, something, anybody, nothing,
no one
Everything is ready.
Is everyone here?
Is anybody home?
Quantifiers with nouns/pronouns Without nouns/pronouns.
Some of the pie was gone. Some (count) are here. Some (non-
count) is not.
Some of the pies were gone. All is well. All are watching.
Both of them are in the foyer. Both are correct. (as a group)
Neither of them is in the foyer. Neither is correct. (separately)
None of those people are nice. (all of them are not nice)
None of those people is my (not any individual)
friend.
Noun clauses
Whoever left the food on the table is in trouble.
What you say is not important.
How you do it is up to you.
"Dummy" subjects
There are five people in the room.
There is some milk in the refrigerator.
Be careful
In most cases, the words before the verb are the subject of the sentence.
It is just the three of us.
The three of us are going to be there.
Prepositional phrases cannot be subjects, even if they come at the beginning
of a sentence.
On the table was a red hat.
On the table were a red hat, white gloves and a blue scarf.
Some words look plural but are actually singular:
Physics is my favorite subject.
The news was good.
Scotch and soda is my favorite drink. (This is very uncommon usage.)
My faithful friend and companion is Terry.
Mass or "group" nouns may be singular or plural, depending on focus.
The family is more important than the individual.
The family are going in separate directions.
With either/neither...or/nor, the subject closest to the verb determines
agreement.
Neither John nor Jane was the winner.
Either the men or the women are going to take the cake.
Neither Mr. Jones nor his sons have a car.
Neither the boys nor their father has a car.
Some can sometimes be used to indicate an unidentified person.
Some woman was here to see you.
Some guy keeps calling you.
Relative clauses do not affect the main subject-verb relationship; however, S-
V
agreement within the relative clause may be different, depending on the
meaning.
The people who live there are my friends.
The house that the Jacksons built needs to be remodeled.
One of the men who live there is deranged.
He is the only one who lives there.
Simple Future Tense
Do you need online grammar software to check your writing? Whether you
are a beginner at English, or an advanced learner seeking to refine your
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you write better, right now.
See also: Free-English-Study: Simple Future Tense.
Click for Audio
In English the Future Time is expressed in a number of ways.

The most common are with will and be going to. See examples
from the following sentences.
I will finish my homework in an hour.
I'm going to finish my homework in an hour.
With be going to, make sure the verb be agrees with its
subject.
I'm going to eat a whole watermelon.
She's going to eat a whole watermelon.
Actually, we're going to eat a whole watermelon together.
In speech, the words going to are often pronounced ? gonna .?
Don't forget the be verb.
A: What are you gonna do this weekend?
B: I'm gonna stay home and clean my carpet.
NOT: I gonna stay?
NOT: I'm gonna to stay?
What's the difference between will and be going to?
Both can be used interchangeably in some cases.
(Predictions and guesses)
My prints will be here tomorrow.
My prints are going to be here tomorrow.
Be going to is preferable for strong intentions or for
describing the inevitable.
I'm going to give her a piece of my mind.
There's no way they can score 21 points in 2 minutes.
We're going to win!
Will is the preferable form for making offers or expressing
pop decisions.
A: Who will help me finish this chocolate cake?
B: I will.
A: I have two tickets left for the front row.
B: I'll take them.
Sometimes future time can be expressed with either the
present or present progressive tense. In such cases, time
words must be expressed or clearly implied.
I fly to Beijing tomorrow.
I'm flying to Beijing tomorrow.
Sorry I can't attend the picnic on Saturday. I'm flying to
Beijing .

Situations: Talking about the Future
See Simple Future (from
also: Englishpage.com)
Simple Past Tense
Click for Audio
Explanation
1. The simple past tense is expressed with the past form of the verb and
nothing else.
My grandfather died last year. (Correct)
My grandfather was died last (Incorrec
year. t)
My grandfather has died last (Incorrec
year. t)
2. The simple past tense refers to
a. action which occurred at a specific time in the past
b. completed action
c. past status
Examples
Specific past action Completed action
Past status
I ate lunch at noon She finally mailed the
John was still single in
today. letter.
1995.
He drove to work Jan finished her report
Jane was a movie star.
yesterday. on time.
Note the usage of the past tense in the following story.

Yesterday Mrs. Hubbard had a very rough day. In the morning,
she went to the kitchen and looked in the cupboard for some
food for her dog, but the cupboard was empty. Her poor dog
stared up at her with its hungry eyes, and she knew she had to
do something quickly. She hurried to the grocery store to buy
some dog food, but unfortunately the store was out of her
dog's favorite brand, so she had to catch a bus downtown.
After buying the food, she waited for a half hour in the rain to
get a taxi. When she finally got home, her dog was sound
asleep on the living room sofa.
Common problems with the past tense
1. Using the present tense when the past tense is required.
Last week, Tonya fix her
(Incorrec
neighbor's car.
t)
Last week, Tonya fixed her
(Correct)
neighbor's car.
2. Using "was" with verbs in the past tense.
It was happened one night in
(Incorrec
September.
t)
It happened one night in
(Correct)
September.
Exercises
Change the verbs in the following sentence into past tense.
1. Yesterday, I go to the restaurant with a client.
2. We drive around the parking lot for 20 minutes in order to find a parking
space.
3. When we arrive at the restaurant, the place is full.
4. The waitress asks us if we have reservations.
5. I say, "No, my secretary forgets to make them."
6. The waitress tells us to come back in two hours.
7. My client and I slowly walk back to the car.
8. Then we see a small grocery store.
9. We stop in the grocery store and buy some sandwiches.
10. That is better than waiting for two hours.
Correct the mistakes in the following sentences:

1. Last night, Samantha have pizza for supper.
2. My pet lizard was died last month.
3. Yesterday I spend two hours cleaning my living room.
4. This morning before coming to class, Jack eats two bowls of cereal.
5. What was happened to your leg?

Speaking Situations: Talking about past actions
Past Tense in (Written) Context: Sample Past Tense
See Simple Past (from
also: Englishpage.com)
See also: Free-English-Study: Simple Past Tense.
Simple Present Tense
Click for Audio
1A. Explanation
The simple present tense takes one of two forms depending on
the subject.
Subject base form -s
I, you eat form
They, We go
Plural nouns work
He, She, It
Singular nouns eats
Non count-nouns goes
works
1B. Examples
Subjects followed by verb in base
Subjects with verb in ?s
form:
form:
I like rice.
She makes toys.
You look nice.
He rakes leaves.
They think twice.
It takes time.
We throw dice.
Mom bakes pies.
Chefs use spice.
Water slakes thirst.
The boys ring the doorbell.
Jill loves dates.
Children sing on special occasions.
Mr. Smith fills crates.
Some people bring gifts to parties.
Grandpa washes plates.
Bees sting when they are
The dog jumps gates.
disturbed.
1C. Exercises
1. Jerry (come/comes) to school on time.
2. Jerry and Linda (come/comes) to school on time.
3. Ms. Jones (teach/teaches) geography.
4. The cat (sleep/sleeps) on the sofa every day.
5. Milk (cost/costs) two dollars a quart.
2A. Explanation
Use the simple present tense to indicate:
1. Routine actions
2. Facts
2B. Examples
Routine actions Facts
John brushes his teeth every Hawaii is in the Pacific Ocean.
morning. Some birds fly south for the
Carol usually drives to work. winter.
The teacher grades homework on Water consists of hydrogen and
Fridays. oxygen.
Note how the present tense is used in the following paragraph.

Mr. Lee is a bus driver. Every day he gets up at 7:00 a.m. and
prepares for his day. He showers, eats his breakfast, and puts on
his uniform. His wife drives him to the station where he checks in
with his supervisor. Then, he gets on Bus #405 and starts the
engine. He pulls out of the parking lot and begins his route. At his
first stop, he picks up Mrs. Miller, who lives in a red house on the
corner of Main Street and Seventh Avenue. She works at the post
office and has to be to work by 9:00. At the next stop, the Bartlett
twins get on the bus. They attend class at Bayside Elementary.
More children get on at the next three stops, and they ride until the
bus reaches their school. Mr. Lee enjoys seeing the kids every day
and is happy to see them again in the afternoon when he drives
them safely back home.
2C. Exercises
1. To practice the present tense, reread the above paragraph, then
try to repeat the main ideas in your own words. Be sure to use the
-s form of the verb when the subject of a sentence is singular. Have
a partner listen to your speech and check for correct usage of
verbs.
2. Tell whether the present tense is appropriate in the following
sentences.
Incorre
1. Yesterday I go to Washington D.C.
ct
2. Every day, Mr. Johnson cleans his
Correct Incorre
living room.
ct
3. They usually take the bus to the Correct
Incorre
office. Correct
ct
4. Right now Susan eats her Correct
Incorre
breakfast. Correct ct
5. Melinda and Harry work in the
Incorre
bank.
ct
Common Mistakes with the simple present tense
1. Not using the -s form with singular subjects:
(Correct)
Jack likes Chinese food.
(Incorrec
Jack like Chinese food.
t)
2. Using the simple present tense when another tense is required.
Last night I watched television for two
(Correct)
hours.
(Incorrec
Last night I watch television for two
t)
hours.

Speaking Situations: Simple Sentences
For an example of simple present tense in context, see
Writing: Sample Present Tense
See Present Simple Verbs (from The Internet TESL
also: Journal)
Simple Present (from

Englishpage.com)
Singular vs. Plural
See also: Free-English-Study: Singular vs. Plural.
Click for Audio
English nouns can be classified as count (singular and plural) and non-
count.
The singular form is used when considering the noun as a single item
(count) or entity (non-count).
brick dog airplaneperson foot water sugar truth educati
on
The plural form is used when considering more than one of the same item.
Non-count nouns do not have a plural form.
bricks dogs airplane people feet
s
Things to be aware of:
Regular plurals
Most plurals are formed by adding -s or -es to the singular noun:
boys cars pens pills pronounce /z/
cats rocks tips chiefs pronounce /s/
kisses watches boxes dishes pronounce /Iz/

In some cases, there are special spelling rules that need to be considered
when forming the plural.
knives hobbies quizzes
Irregular plurals
Some nouns take on a different form in the plural:
women teeth mice children people
Non-count nouns
Non-count nouns do not have a plural form; however, some nouns can be
used in both the count and non-count sense:
I have a lot of experience. I have a lot of experiences.
Third-person singular "-s"

Singular and non-count nouns (in the third person) require the "-s" form
of the verb in the present tense.
The girl loves painting.
My dog likes to eat meat.
Johnny lives next door to Jenny.
Milk contains nutrients.
Tommy has two hobbies.
Jerry is from Colorado.
Singular count nouns require an article (the, a, an) unless
they are "proper" nouns
Mr. Jones went to Arizona.
they are preceded by a possessive
My mother loves my father.
they are preceded by this, that, each, every, either, neither, or one.
Each man contributed one dollar.
(Wrong: Apple is on table. [Articles are required.])
The/An apple is on the table.
Plural nouns and singular non-count nouns do not require an article in
the "generic" sense:
Water is important for plants.
However, they require articles (the, some) in most other cases.
Please put some wine in the glasses.
See also: Grammar: Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement
See also: Free-English-Study: Subject - Verb Agreement.
Click for Audio
Third person singular -s

Use the -s form of a verb in the present tense when the subject is third
person singular.
For all other subjects, use the base form in the present tense.
Example:
base form
I live in Athens.
They live in Crete.
The Smiths live in Rome.
-s form
He lives in Cyprus.
She lives in Malta.
Tim lives in Naples.
Ms. Conner lives in Milan.
The verb have
The -s form of the verb have is has.
We have a winner.
He has a trophy.
The verb be
The -s form (present tense) for be is is. For the past tense, it is was.
Was is also used with first person singular subjects (I) in the past tense.
(Am is used in the present tense. Are is used with other subjects in the
present, and were is used in the past.)
She is here.
He is not here.
I am here too.
You are right.
They are wrong.
She was home yesterday.
Ron wasn't home yesterday.
I was here yesterday.
We were here too.
Auxiliary verbs
When auxiliary verbs are used, only the first verb carries the third person
singular -s.
Jean does not like spaghetti. (Correct)
Jean does not likes spaghetti. (Wrong!)
Jean do not likes spaghetti. (Wrong!)
Elsa is eating her dinner. (Correct)
Elsa is eats her dinner. (Wrong!)
Leo is going to eat later.
Frank has eaten lunch already. (Correct)
Frank have eaten lunch already. (Wrong!)
Modals
Do not use the -s form of the verb with modals, regardless of the subject.
Ian can eat twelve bowls of rice. (Correct)
Ian can eats twelve bowls of rice. (Wrong!)
See also:
Grammar: Verb List
Grammar: The Verb "Be"
The Verb "Be"
See also: Free-English-Study: The Verb "Be".
Click for Audio
The verb be takes on different forms in the present and past.

Present Contraction Past
am 'm was
I is 's was
He is 's was
She is 's was
It are 're were
You are 're were
They are 're were
we
The verb be indicates existence, temporary condition or permanent status.
It is really hot today.
Grady's not here right now.
Greg and Tim are engineers.
Trudy was sick yesterday.
Hawaii is in the Pacific Ocean.
The base form is be, the past participle is been, and the -ing form is being.
I'll be back tomorrow.
He has been a doctor since 1998.
She is being nice today.
The verb be is also used in progressive tenses, passives and prepositional
collocations:
Progressive tenses:
He is writing a letter to his brother.
Jeff was cleaning the house this morning.
The Holleys have been living there since April.
Passive voice:
The people were surprised by the news.
Craig was stopped by the policeman.
Prepositional collocations:
Tracy is fond of chocolates.
Cassie is not afraid of snakes.
I'm interested in making money.
For Practice: The Verb "To Be" (from The Internet TESL
See Journal)
See also: Vocabulary: Be Verbs
This, That, These, Those
See also: Free-English-Study: This / That / These / Those.
Click for Audio
Demonstratives are used to point out a particular item. They are as follows:
This (indicates something close to the speaker)
That (indicates something away from the speaker)
These (indicates some things close to the speaker)
Those (indicates some things away from the speaker)
Example:
A: What is this? (pointing to something held in the speaker's hand or near
the speaker)
B: A pencil.
A: What is that? (pointing to something at a distance from the speaker)
B: A tree.
Remember that demonstratives are used in reference to the speaker. (What
is near
"you" may not be near "me" and vice versa.)
A: What's that you're holding?
B: This is an egg. Here, catch!
A: Oops.
B: That's a mess.
A: What are these (holding up a pair of slippers)
B: Those are slippers.
Be sure to use this/that with singular and non-count nouns and
these/those with
count nouns.
This orange is sour. These oranges are sweet.
That truck is full. Those trucks are empty.
This milk is fresh.
Sometimes demonstratives can be used as pronouns (to refer to a particular
noun.)
Give me that! Whose are these?
Give me that (spoon). Whose are these (socks)?
This and that can also be used with one. However, these and those are
more
commonly used alone.
I want this one. I want these. (not these
ones)
I'll take that one. I'll take those.
On the telephone, this and that are used differently in British and American
English to
identify callers.
Example:
Receive Hello.
r:
Caller: I was wondering if you would be interested in buying . . .
Receive Who is this? (American)
r:
Who is that? (British)
(Both expressions are used to ask the caller to identify
himself/herself.)
Caller: This is Mr. Fuller from the Acme Brush Company.
(Same for both British and American English)
Caller: Hi Jack. Long time no see!

Receive Is this Bob? What a surprise! (American)
r:
Is that Bob? What a surprise! (British)
Con
Hom Site
tact
e Map
Us
REA GRA IDI

SPEA LISTE DIN WRI MMA VOCAB BUSI PRONUN TOEFL/ OM
KING NING G TING R ULARY NESS CIATION TOEIC S
Verb List
Verb List
See also: Free-English-Study: Irregular Verb List.
Click for Audio
Regular Verbs
past -ing
base -s form past parti for notes
ciple m
calli
call calls called called
ng
cleane clean clea
clean cleans
d ed ning
looke looke looki

look looks 1
d d ng
talki
talk talks talkedtalked 1
ng
ende endi
end ends ended 2
d ng
waite waiti
wait waits waited 2
d ng
kissi
kiss kisses kissed kissed 3
ng
washe washe was
wash washes 3
d d hing
livin
live lives lived lived 4
g
lovi
love loves loved loved 4
ng
beg
begge begg
beg begs gin 5
d ed
g
sinne sinne sinn
sin sins 5
d d ing
play plays played playe playi

d ng
staye stayi
stay stays stayed
d ng
cryi
cry cries cried cried 6
ng
studie studi stud
studies 6
d ed ying
dyin
die dies died died
g
tyin
tie ties tied tied
g
Notes:
1. Pronunciation differences in past/past participle
after /p, s, k, f/ sounds
2. Pronunciation differences in past/past participle
after /t, d/ sounds
3. Spelling and pronunciation differences in -s form after
/s, sh, ch, z/ sounds
4. Dropping of "silent e" with -ing endings
5. Doubled consonants after "short" vowel sounds
6. Spelling differences when "y" is preceded by a
consonant
Irregular Verbs
past
base -s form past parti -ing form
ciple
cut cuts cut cut cutting

fit fits fit fit fitting
hit hits hit hit hitting
let lets let let letting
put puts put put putting
quit quits quit quit quitting
set sets set set setting
shut shuts shut shut shutting
split splits split split splitting
upset upsets upset upset upsetting
burst bursts burst burst bursting

cast casts cast cast casting
cost costs cost cost costing*
hurt hurts hurt hurt hurting
sprea
spread spreads spread spreading
d
knit/kni knit/k
knit knits knitting
tted nitted
sit sits sat sat sitting

spat/spi spat/s
spit spits spitting
t pit
begin begins began begunbeginning

swim swims swam swum swimming
ring rings rang rung ringing

sing sings sang sung singing
sprun
spring springs sprang springing
g
cling clings clung clung clinging

fling flings flung flung flinging
sling slings slung slung slinging
sting stings stung stung stinging
swun
swing swings swung swinging
g
wring wrings wrung wrungwringing
hung/h hung/
hang hangs anged* hange hanging
* d
drink drinks drank drunk sinking

shrun
shrink shrinks shrank shrinking
k
stink stinks stank stunk stinking
thoug
think thinks thought thinking
ht
broug
bring brings brought bringing
ht
bough
buy buys bought buying
t
seek seeks sought sough seeking
t
fough
fight fights fought fighting
t
caugh
catch catches caught catching
t
taugh
teach teaches taught teaching
t
creep creeps crept crept creeping

keep keeps kept kept keeping
sleep sleeps slept slept sleeping
sweep sweeps swept swept sweeping
weep weeps wept wept weeping
bleed bleeds bled bled bleeding

breed breeds bred bred breeding
feed feeds fed fed feeding
flee flees fled fled fleeing
lead leads led led leading
sped/
sped/sp
speed speeds speed speeding
eeded
ed
meet meets met met meeting
bend bends bent bent bending

lend lends lent lent lending
send sends sent sent sending
spend spends spent spent spending
deal deals dealt dealt dealing

feel feels felt felt feeling
kneel kneels knelt knelt kneeling
drea
dreamt/
mt/dr
dream dreams dreame dreaming
eame
d
d
mean
mean means meant meaning
t
spilt/spi spilt/s
spill spills spilling
lled pilled
build builds built built building
burnt/
burnt/b
burn burns burne burning
urned
d
hold holds held held holding
sell sells sold sold selling

tell tells told told telling
find finds found found finding

groun
grind grinds ground grinding
d
woun
wind winds wound winding
d
broke
break breaks broke breaking
n
chose
choose chooses chose choosing
n
freeze freezes froze frozenfreezing
spoke
speak speaks spoke speaking
n
steal steals stole stolen stealing
woke
wake wakes woke waking
n
wove
weave weaves wove weaving
n
arise arises arose arisenarising

drive
drive drives drove driving
n
ridde
ride rides rode riding
n
rise rises rose risen rising
writte
write writes wrote writing
n
bite bites bit bitten biting

hidde
hide hides hid hiding
n
slide slides slid slid sliding
gotte
get gets got getting
n
forgot
forget forgets forgot forgetting
ten
give gives gave given giving

forgiv
forgive forgives forgave forgiving
en
forbade forbid
forbid forbids forbidding
/forbad den
fall falls fell fallen falling
swolle
swell swells swelled swelling
n
dove/di
dive dives dived diving
ved
blow blows blew blown blowing

fly flies flew flown flying
grow grows grew growngrowing
know
know knows knew knowing
n
throw
throw throws threw throwing
n
draw draws drew drawndrawing

withdra withdre withd
withdraws withdrawing
w w rawn
show
show shows showed showing
n
eat eats ate eaten eating
beate
beat beats beat beating
n
take takes took taken taking

forsak
forsake forsakes forsook forsaking
en
mista
mistake mistakes mistook mistaking
ken
shake
shake shakes shook shaking
n
make makes<TD making

MADE<
td><TDMA
DE< td>
swear swears swore sworn swearing

wear wears wore worn wearing
tear tears tore torn tearing
bear bears bore born bearing
stand stands stood stood standing

underst understand underst under
understanding
and s ood stood
beco
become becomes became becoming
me
come comes came come coming
run runs ran run running
dig digs dug dug digging

spin spins spun spun spinning
stick sticks stuck stuck sticking
struck
strike strikes struck /strick striking
en
do does did done doing

go goes went gone going
have has had had having
hear hears heard heard hearing
lay lays laid laid laying

pay pays paid paid paying
say says said said saying
lie lies lay lain lying
lit/light lit/ligh
light lights lighting
ed ted
lose loses lost lost losing
leave leaves left left leaving

prove
prove proves proved n/pro proving
ved
read reads read read reading
see sees saw seen seeing
sewn/
sew sews sewed sewe sewing
d
shave
shave shaves shaved n/sha shaving
ved
shine
shined/
shine shines d/sho shining
shone
ne
<SHOT
shoot shoots shot shooting
< td>
win wins won won winning
was/we
be is/are/am been being
re
* "Cost" does not usually occur in the -ing form.

** "hang" has two different meanings and thus two
usages in past/past participle
For Practice: Choose the Correct Form of the Verb (from The
See Internet TESL Journal)
Common Irregular Verbs (from The Internet TESL
Journal)
See also: Vocabulary: Action Verbs

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Wh- Questions
See also: Free-English-Study: Wh Questions.
Click for Audio
Wh- Questions allow a speaker to find out more information

about topics. They are as follows:
When? Time
Place
Where?
Person
Who?
Reason
Why?
Manner
How?
Object/Idea/Acti
What?
on
Other words can also be used to inquire about specific

information:
Choice of alternatives
Which (one)? Possession
Whose? Person (objective
Whom? formal)
How much? Price, amount (non-
How many? count)
How long? Quantity (count)
How often? Duration
How far? Frequency
What kind (of)? Distance
Description
The "grammar" used with wh- questions depends on

whether the topic being asked about is the "subject" or
"predicate" of a sentence. For the subject pattern, simply
replace the person or thing being asked about with the
appropriate wh-word.
Who has my
(Someone has my baseball.) baseball?
(Something is bothering you.) What is bothering
you?
For the predicate pattern, wh- question formation depends

on whether there is an "auxiliary" verb in the original
sentence. Auxiliary or "helping" verbs are verbs that
precede main verbs. Auxiliary verbs are italicized in the
following sentences.
I can do it.
They are leaving.
I have eaten my lunch.
I should have finished my homework.
To make a question using the predicate pattern, first form a

yes/no question by inverting the subject and (first)
auxiliary verb. Then, add the appropriate wh- word to the
beginning of the sentence.
(You will leave some time.) ? will you leave
When will you
leave?
(He is doing something.) ? is he doing
What is he doing?
(They have been somewhere.) ? have they been
Where have they
been?
If there is no auxiliary and the verb is "be," invert the
subject and verb, then add the appropriate wh- word to the
beginning of the sentence.
(He is someone.) ? is he
Who is he?
(The meeting was some time.) ? was the meeting
When was the
meeting?
If there is no auxiliary and the verb is not "be," add do to
the beginning of the sentence. Then add the appropriate
wh-question word. Be sure to "transfer" the tense and
number from the main verb to the word do.
(You want something.) ? do you want
What do you want?
(You went somewhere.) ? did you go (past tense)
Where did you go?
(She likes something.) ? does she like (third

person -s)
What does she like?
For Practice: Question Words (from The Internet TESL

See Journal)
What, When or Where? (from The Internet
TESL Journal)
See Speaking: Simple Questions

also: Speaking: Asking for
information
Yes/No Questions
See also: Free-English-Study: Yes/No Questions.
Click for Audio
There are many types of questions in English. The easiest are questions that
can be
answered "yes" or "no."
A: Are you from around here?
B: Yes, I am.
A: Do you come here often?
B: Yes, I do.
A: Can I buy you a drink?
B: No, thanks.
A: Are you married?
B: Yes, I am.
To form a question from a statement, first count the number of verbs.
John is a doctor. One verb: is (be)
Jane drives a sports car. One verb: drives
Joan played basketball last One verb: played
night.
Jan is eating her dinner. Two verbs: is eating
June has rented an apartment. Two verbs: has rented
Jen has been living there since Three verbs: has been living
1969.
If there is one verb in the statement and the verb is a form of be, simply
switch the
positions of the subject and verb.
Statement Question
John is a doctor. Is John a doctor?

The Jensens are here. Are the Jensens here?
If there are two verbs, simply switch the positions of the subject and first
verb.
Statement Question
Jan is eating dinner. Is Jan eating dinner?

June has rented an apartment. Has June rented an apartment?
Jen has been living here since Has Jen been living here since
1969. 1969?
If there is one verb, and the verb is not a form of be, the process is more
complex.
1. Add Do to the beginning of the sentence.
The Johnsons live in that Do the Johnsons live in that
house. house?
2. If the main verb "carries" a third person singular s, move the s to Do,
making it Does.
Jane drives a car. Do Jane drives a car? (Not
finished yet!)
Does Jane drive a car? (Good
question!)
3. If the main verb "carries" past tense, move the past tense to Do, making it
Did.
Joan played basketball last Do Joan played basketball? (Not
night. finished yet!)
Did Joan play basketball? (Good
question!)
In conversation, most questions are asked of the second person (you) and
answered in
the first (I).
A: Are you from California?
B: No, I'm from Oregon. Are you?
A: Yes, I'm from Hollywood.
B: Do you know any movie stars?
A: No, I don't go out at night.
In British English, the main verb have sometimes functions like be in
questions. This is
not common in American English.
Statement Question
You have a pet ferret. Have you a pet ferret? (British)
Do you have a pet ferret?
(American)
See Speaking: Simple

also: Questions
Vocabulary: Wh Words

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Adjectives are used to describe nouns. They give more

Adjectives can be used to answer the questions "What

Adjectives come before the nouns they modify (not

Adjectives can also be used with linking verbs to

Seem, become, appear, and verbs of perceptioncan also

See Vocabulary: Common

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Adverbs are used to describe actions. They may come before or

See Vocabulary: Common Adverbs

Adverbs are words or groups of words which tell time, place,

I ate my lunch yesterday. She went there.

Prepositions are usually followed by objects in

I went to somewhere. I went somewhere.

Be careful with words such as home, downtown, today,

Tomorrow is another day.

See Grammar: Adverbs

Click for Audio

Notice the usage of modals in the following sentences:

I can pay my taxes. Expresses ability. I have the means

I might pay my Expresses possibility, but not

I will pay my taxes. Expresses future intent. I resolve to

I should pay my Expresses mild obligation. It is

I could pay my Expresses possibility. If I have

I would pay my (In this case), expresses

I must pay my taxes.Expresses strong obligation. I am

The imperative is often used by persons of authority when speaking

Common Problems with Modals

See Grammar: Common Modal Usage

Basic Sentence Structure

Basic Sentence Structure

S-V Subject-Verb John sleeps.

S-V-O Subject-Verb-Object I like rice.

S-V-Adj Subject-Verb-Adjective He is funny.

S-V-Adv Subject-Verb-Adverb Jim is here.

S-V-N Subject-Verb-Noun She is my mom.

At the heart of every English sentence is the Subject-Verb relationship. Other

The following sentences are examples of the S-V pattern.

She sleeps soundly. An adverb is added to describe how she sleeps.

The following sentences are examples of the S-V-O pattern.

The people like rice. Specific subject

The friendly people like rice. Subject modified with an adjective

The people in the restaurant Subject modified with a prepositional phrase

The following sentences are examples of the S-V-Adj pattern.

He seems happy. Basic sentence with another linking verb

Jordan is tall, dark and Series of adjectives

The following sentences are examples of the S-V-Adv pattern.

The teacher is over there. Using an adverb phrase

Teachers are everywhere. Plural noun and verb used

The teachers are in the Prepositional phrase functioning as adverb

The following sentences are examples of the S-V-N pattern.

The women are doctors. Using plural noun and verb

My father is a nice guy. Modified subject and complement

My grandparents are senior Modified plural subject and complement

*Other, less common structures are dealt with in another unit.

See also: Grammar: Noun and Verb Phrases

Click for Audio

Remember, the S - V relationship is at the "heart" of every sentence. All