Inseparable Phrasal Verbs: look for, set off

What are Phrasal Verbs?

There are four types of phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs can be separable or inseparable and
they can take an object or not. Here is a guide to the basics of phrasal verbs.
Phrasal Verbs which Take Objects
Phrasal verbs which take objects can be separable or inseparable:
 She was looking for her books when he arrived.
 They set off for a wonderful holiday in Hawaii.
Three-word Phrasal Verbs
Some verbs are followed by two prepositions (or adverbs). These phrasal verbs are ALWAYS
inseparable.

Separable phrasal verbs can remain together when using an object that is a noun or noun  I'm looking forward to meeting John. OR I'm looking forward to meeting him.
phrase.  They didn't get on with their mother. OR They didn't get on with her

 I picked Tom up. OR I picked up Tom.

 They put their friends up. OR They put up their friends. Adverbs of frequency
Separable phrasal verbs MUST be separated when a pronoun is used:
Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens/is the case,
 We picked him up at the station. NOT We picked up him at the station.
happened/was the case, will happen/will be the case, etc.
 They put them up. NOT They put up them.

Inseparable phrasal verbs always remain together. It makes no difference if a noun or There are lots of them. Here are some examples:
pronoun is used.

 We set off for the beach. / We set off for it.

usually
 They are looking after the children. / They are looking after them. constantly
normally
habitually
mostly
Phrasal Verbs which Don't Take Objects chiefly
always generally
predominantly
commonly
Some phrasal verbs do not take objects. These phrasal verbs are ALWAYS inseparable. typically
largely
continuously
regularly
 They thieves got away.
 The bus broke down on the way to work.
 She got up early.

TIP!
often sometimes
If you are not sure whether a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable, ALWAYS use a noun frequently
or nouns phrase and DO NOT separate. In this manner, you will always be correct! occasionally rarely
sporadically infrequently never
Separable Phrasal Verbs: bring up, take off
repeatedly intermittently seldom
spasmodically
 They brought up their children to respect others.
 She took off her jacket before she began the lesson.
Where do they come in the sentence?
Speaker A: What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at school?
1. If the sentence has one verb in it (e.g. no auxiliary verb) we
usually put the adverb in the middle of the sentence, i.e. after
the subject and before the verb: Speaker B I normally am at school at this but my teacher is ill.
time,
Position A
Speaker A: You’re late again!

subject adverb verb predicate

Speaker I usually am late on Mondays because the traffic is so bad.
B:
Tom usually goes to work by car.

2. The adverb usually comes after the verb "be": Speaker A: Tom is late again!

Position B
Speaker Tom usually is late!
B:

subject verb adverb predicate

I never was any good at maths.
Tom is often late.

Anne isn’t usually late.

This is not the case if we put the adverb at the beginning or end of the
sentence for emphasis.
This rule also does not apply to short answers:
3. If the sentence has more than one verb in it (e.g. auxiliary verb) we
usually put the adverb after the first part of the verb:
Position C

subject verb 1 adverb verb 2 predicate

Speaker A: Is she usually on time? Speaker A: Tell her not to be late.
I can never remember his name.

Speaker A: Yes, she usually is. Speaker B: She never is. Anne doesn’t usually smoke. about the state of the school
toilets.
The children have often complained
The rule is broken in other cases too, e.g.

Exception:
In sentences with "have to" the adverb is in position A: "Never", "seldom", "rarely" can’t go at the end of a sentence. They only go at the
beginning of a sentence in "polemic statements". Then they have to be followed by
the word order for questions:
subject adverb verb 1 verb 2 predicate

Never has there been a better time to overcome our differences!

We often have to wait for the bus.

4. For emphasis we can put the adverb at the beginning or end Rarely do we have an opportunity like this to…
of the sentence.

At the end is unusual – we usually only put it there when we have Seldom had the orchestra given a worse performance.
forgotten to put it in earlier.
5. When using adverbs of frequency in the question form, put the
adverb before the main verb.

Position F
Position D
Auxiliary verb subject Adverb verb 1 predicate

adverb subject verb 1 predicate

Do you often go to the cinema?

Sometimes we go to school by bus.

Position E

Exceptions:
subject verb 1 predicate adverb
"Never", "seldom", "rarely" and other adverbs of frequency with a negative
sense are not usually used in the question form.
We go to school by bus - sometimes.
6. When using adverbs of frequency in the negative form, put the
adverb before the main verb.

Exceptions:
Position G

"Always" can’t go at the beginning or end of the sentence.

 Examples Usage
subject Auxiliary verb Adverb verb 1 predicate

He can play tennis

They don’t often go to the cinema. well. Use 'can' or 'be able to' to
She is able to express an ability or
speak five possibility
Exceptions: languages.
They can come on
NOTE: The future of 'be able
"Never", "seldom", "rarely" and other adverbs of frequency with a Friday.
to' is 'will be able to
negative sense are not usually used in the negative form. Jack will be able
to come next
week.
Could in the past means the
He could swim general ability to do
when he was five. something.
They were able to
get tickets for the IMPORTANT: If someone
concert. was in the position to do
something, or managed to
I was able to do something, we use
finish before 6. 'was/were able to instead of
'could'
I couldn't come
last night, sorry. In the negative,' wasn't able
OR I wasn't able to' OR 'couldn't' are both
to come last night, correct.
sorry.

Can / Be able to
Must / Have To – Mustn’t / Not
Listed below are examples and uses of must / have to / mustn't / not have to
Listed below are examples and uses of can / could / be able to for ability
and permission
Examples Usage Passive voice
We have to get up The passive voice is used when focusing on the person or thing affected by an
early. Use 'have to' in the past, present and future to action.
She had to work hard express responsibility or necessity. NOTE: 'have
yesterday. to' is conjugated as a regular verb and  The Passive is formed: Passive Subject + To Be + Past Particple
They will have to therefore requires an auxillary verb in the  It is often used in business and in other areas where the object of the
arrive early. question form or negative. action is more important than those who perform the action. For
Does he have to go? Example: We have produced over 20 different models in the past two
years. Changes to: Over 20 different models have been produced in the
past two years.
I must finish this Use 'must' to express something that you or a  If the agent (the performer of the action) is important, use "by" For
work before I leave. person feels is necessary. This form is used Example: Tim Wilson wrote "The Flight to Brunnswick" in 1987.
Must you work so only in the present and future. Changes to:"The Flight to Brunnswick" was written in 1987 by Tim
hard? Wilson.
 Only verbs that take an object can be used in the passive.
You don't have to The negative form of 'have to' expresses the
arrive before 8. idea that something is not required. It is The following chart includes sentences changed from the active to the passive in the
They didn't have to however, possible if so desired. principal tenses.
work so hard.
Time
The negative form of 'must' expresses the idea Active Passive
Reference
She mustn't use such
that something is prohibitied - this form is very
horrible language. They make Fords in
different in meaning than the negative of 'have Fords are made in Cologne.
Tom. You mustn't Cologne. Present Simple
to'!
play with fire.
Dinner is being cooked by
Did he have to leave Susan is cooking dinner.
Susan Present
so early? Continuous
IMPORTANT: The past form of 'have to' and
'must' is 'had to'. Must does not exist in the James Joyce wrote "Dubliners" was written by
He had to stay "Dubliners". James Joyces. Past Simple
past.
overnight in Dallas.
Must / Have To - Mustn't / Not Have To Quiz They were painting the The house was being painted
house when I arrived. when I arrived. Past
Use either 'must','have to', 'mustn't or 'not have to' for the following Continuous
quesitons.
They have produced Over 20 models have been
Jack had to go (go) home early last night. over 20 models in the produced in the past two
Does she have to commute (she/commute) to work? past two years. years. Present Perfect
Children mustn’t play (play) with cleaning liquids.
We must get (get) going it's already midnight!
They are going to build a A new factory is going to be Future
When did you have to arrive (you/arrive) for work last week?
new factory in Portland. built in Portland. Intention with
You don’t have to do (do) the cleaning up this morning, I will!
Going to
 12. They are going to perform Beethoven's Fifth Symphony next weekend.
I will finish it tomorrow. It will be finished tomorrow. Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is going to be performed next weekend.
Future Simple
13. Someone will speak Japanese at the meeting.
Japanese will be spoken at the meeting.
14. Karen is going to prepare the refreshments.
The refreshments are going to be prepared by Karen.

Quiz : Active to Passive Transformations

Conditionals
Put the following sentences into the passive voice or form. Once you English conditional statements are grouped into four main types - zero,
have decided on your answer, click on the arrow to see if you have first, second, and third conditional.
answered correctly. Remember that the agent should not be used
unless importantThey make shoes in that factory. Zero Conditional

Shoes are made in that factory. Zero conditional is used for statements and facts which are perceived to
1. People must not leave bicycles in the driveway. be true.
Bicycles must not be left in the driveway.
2. They built that skyscraper in 1934.
That skyscraper was built in 1934.
Zero conditional has the form if + present simple + present simple. For
3. The students will finish the course by July. example:
The course will be finished by July. - If you need any help just call me.
4. They are repairing the streets this month. - If you run fast you get tired.
The streets are being repaired this month. All conditionals have two clauses, the if clause
5. They make these tools of plastic. - "If you have time, ..."
These tools are made of plastic. and the main clause
6. They have finished the new product design.
The new product design has been finished.
- "...come and visit us".
7. They were cooking dinner when I arrived.
Dinner was being cooked when I arrived. Either of these two clauses can come first:
8. Smithers painted 'Red Sunset' in 1986. - "If it rains take an umbrella" - or also:
'Red Sunset' was painted in 1986 by Smithers. - "Take an umbrella if it rains."
9. Did the plan interest you?
Were you interrested in the plan?
The zero conditional is often used with imperatives. For example:
10. They had finished the preparations by the time the guests
arrived. - If you feel sick, see a doctor.
The preparations had been finished by the time the guests - If you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
arrived.
11. You should take care when working on electrical equipment.
Care should be taken when working on electrical equipment.
First Conditional
 First conditional is used for statements and facts which will be true, if a
certain condition is met.
First conditional has the form if + present simple + will + base verb. For
example:
- If it's sunny, we'll go to the beach.
- If I have time, I'll meet you at work.
- If we don't go now, we'll be late.
As with all conditionals the first conditonal has two clauses, the if clause
- "If you help us, ..."
and the main clause
- "...we'll help you.".
Either of these two clauses can come first:
- "If he gets a new job we'll move to London." - or also:
- "We'll move to London if he gets a new job."
In the first conditional will is a modal verb expressing certainty. Other modal
verbs can also be used to show various degrees of certainty. For example:
- If you like Asian food, you'll love this restaurant. (There is a 100% chance
you'll love the restaurant.)
- If you like Asian food, you should like this restaurant. (80%)
- If you like Asian food, you might like this restaurant. (50%)
- If you like Asian food, you probably won't like this restaurant. (20%)
- If you like Asian food, you won't like this restaurant. (0%)
- I had to get up early this morning.
- I must got up early this morning. This is incorrect.
Note that have to inflects like a normal verb, it can have different tenses and
uses auxiliary verbs for questions and negatives. For example:
- Do we have to go out tonight?
- You don't have to come with us.
Must doesn't use auxiliary verbs or different tenses.
- Must we go out tonight? (This sounds rather British, I really don't want to go out
tonight.)
- We mustn't forget the tickets. (No auxiliary verb "to do", just add not.)
Negative Forms
Don't have to means that something is not necessary, but possible.
- You don't have to come, but you can if you want to.
- We don't have to leave today.
Must not is strong and means that something is prohibited.
- You must not push the red button.
- We mustn't be late.
Must and have to - Certainty

Modals Must and have to can also express certainty.

- This must be the ight way.
- This has to be the right way.

Must & Have to - Necessity Should / Ought to

Must and have to are modal verbs often used to convey necessity. Should is a modal verb used to give advice and recommendation.
- I have to go home now. - You should see a doctor.
- I must arrive by 12.00. - You should keep your promises.
- Should we buy her a present?
Have to is used for general necessity. For example:
- I have to finish this before 12.00. (I have a general obligation to finish this by Should can also be used for obligation. For example:
12.00) - I should call my Mum tomorrow.
Must is used for necessity which we feel personally. - He should apologize to Mary.
- I must finish this before 12.00. (I have a sense of strong personal responsibility
to finish this.)
Should is also used for when something is expected.
- Tony should arrive here at 12.00.
Must does not have a past form, we have to use have to for the past. - It's 12.30, and Tony should be here.
- This book is wrong, tha answer should be "A". This has a slightly commanding tone, perhaps like a teacher to a student. Could is
less assertive.
Note that have to inflects like a normal verb, it can have different tenses and - Could you open the door please?
uses auxiliary verbs for questions and negatives. For example:
- Do we have to go out tonight? Hypothetical Situations
- You don't have to come with us.
Would is used to show hypothetical situations. For example:
Must doesn't use auxiliary verbs or different tenses. - I would love to go abroad. (But I'm not abroad now.)
- Must we go out tonight? (This sounds rather British, I really don't want to go out - You would be a great lawyer. (You're not a lawyer now - being a lawyer is an
tonight.) imaginary situation)
- We mustn't forget the tickets. (No auxiliary verb "to do", just add not.)
Would is often used in the main clause of conditional statements.
Ought to - If I had time, I would visit my family.
- I'd go to the beach if it was sunny.
Ought to can be used instead of should. It is less common than should and sounds
rather British. For more information see the units on Conditionals.
- You ought to say thankyou for the present. (You should say thankyou for the
present) Will - Past form

Negatives and questions are less common and even more British. Would is used as the past form of will, it's used for future predictions made in the
- We ought not to be late for the meeting. past. For example:
Questions are often made with "Do you think.." - He'll call you tomorrow. (A future prediction made now.)
- Do you think I ought to get up earlier? - He said he'd call you tomorrow. (A prediction made in the past)
- They'll arrive at 7.00. (prediction made now)
Questions with just ought to are rare. - They told me they would arrive at 7.00. (prediction made in the past)
- Ought I to get up earlier?
Past Habit
Would
Would is a modal verb expressing some kind of imaginary or hypothetical Would can be used for a past habit, an action that happened regularly in the
situation. Would is often contracted to 'd, for example past. For example:
- I would love to learn Spanish. - I would often play soccer when I was young.
- I'd love to learn Spanish. - My grandfather would always give us candy.

Offers and Requests Note that would cannot be used for a past state, for example:
- "He would be handsome when he was younger." Incorrect
Would is used to make offers and show willingness. For example: - "He was handsome when he was younger." Correct
- Would you like a cookie with your coffee? Would is used only for past habits - something that happened many times.
- Would you like to go out this evening?
- Would you like some help? For past states you can use "used to":
- He used to be handsome when he was younger.
Would can also be used to make requests. For more information see the Unit on "Used to".
- Would you open the door for me?
Would 2 Would mind

Would is a modal verb expressing some kind of imaginary or hypothetical Would mind is used to make a polite request. For example:
situation. Here are some more uses of would continuing from the previous unit. - "Would you mind closing the window?"
- "Would you mind waiting a few minutes? I need to buy some stamps."
Wish ... Would - "Would you mind if we didn't come tonight? We're just really tired, that's all."

Wish...would is used when the speaker wants a present situation to be different.

The speaker is dissatisfied with the situation and believes that the thing wished
for is unlikely to actually happen. For example:
- I wish Jane would call me.
- I wish they would stop fighting.
- I wish the dog would stop barking.
- I wish the dog wouldn't keep barking.
Determiners - each / every
Because wish...would is often used to complain, it's unusual to use this structure
to talk about yourself. For example: Each and every are used to refer to individual things and groups of
- "I wish I'd study more." This is unusual though not incorrect. things.
Wish...would is used for actions, but not normally for states.
- I wish I had more time. To "have" something is a state not an action, so we use Each
the past tense "had".
- I wish I would have more time. Incorrect Each is used to refer to individual items of a group. The emphasis is on
- I wish I knew the answer.
the individual aspect of each item. For example:
- I wish I would know the answer. Incorrect
- Give each student some candy. (Give to each individual person)
Would rather - Make each day better than its yesterday, and each tomorrow better
than today.
Would rather + verb (base form) is used to express a preference. It often implies
that we don't like other available choices. For example:
Each is often used for members of a smaller group. For example:
- "Let's go shopping this evening". "Oh, I'd rather go tomorrow." (And I don't want
to go this evening) - Our team won and we each got a prize.
- "Which book would you rather buy?" "I'd rather buy this one. That one isn't so
good." The position of each can be at the front, middle, or at the end of a
sentence. For example:
Would rather is also used with the past simple when giving a strong request,
usually with some authority. - Each of these shirts are only $20.
- Can I meet John after lunch, Mom?" "Yes, but I'd rather you did your homework - These shirts are only $20 each.
first". - These shirts each cost $20. (This structure is slightly more unusual.)
- "I'd rather you didn't tell anyone about the party. It's going to be a surprise."

All structures with would rather are more often found in British English.
Each one
Each can be used with the indefinite pronoun one. For example:
- Twins can look the same, but each one has their own
personality.
However using one is often not necessary:
- Twins can look the same, but each has their own personality.
Each of...
Each of... is used for a selection of individual items. For
example:
- Each of these books is interesting.
- Each of the top five employees will receive a bonus.
- We've won each of our last four games.
Every
Every is used to refer to a group of individual items. The
emphasis is on the group. For example:
- Learn something new every day.
- Every student got a candy. (Everyone in the group got some
candy.)
Every is used for how often something happens. For example:
- He plays soccer every Saturday.
- They go abroad every year.
- I don't want to work here anymore. (I wanted to work here,
but no I don't like working here.)
Every one / Every one of
Every can be used with the indefinite pronoun one. For
example:
- Did you eat the strawberries? Yes, I ate every one.
- Did you finish these questions? Yes, I got every one right.
Note that every one refers to things, but everyone is a
completely different word used for people.
Every can't be used alone. For example:
- Did you finish these questions? Yes, I got every right. - This is
incorrect.
- Did you finish these questions? Yes, I got every one right. - This is
incorrect.
Every one of can be used when we want to specify what group we are
referring to. For example:
- You must read every one of these books by next week.
- Did you finish these questions? Yes, I got every one of them right.
Question Tags
Question tags are small questions "tagged" on to the end of a sentence
to make a question. For example:
Sentence:- She speaks English.
Question:- Does she speak English?
Question Tag:- She speaks English, doesn't she?
Form
Question tags are made from an auxiliary verb and the subject.
If the sentence is affirmative, we usually use a negative tag, for
eaxmple:
- That's a great song, isn't it?
- She's a lawyer, isn't she?
If the sentence is negative, the tag is positive. For example:
- You're not busy, are you?
- This way isn't right, is it?
The auxiliary verb and subject in the question tag match those in the
main sentence. Only the positive and negative past changes. For
example:
- He can play the trumpet, can't he?
- You haven't finished yet, have you?
Here the subject is in blue, and the auxiliary verb in green. It's Unless used with informal language, question tags with imperatives
just whether each part of the question is positive or negative can often sound impatient.
that changes.
Question tags are an important part of natural speech and are
Function particularly useful in small talk, as they help to confirm and affirm key
information in a sympathetic way.
Question tags have two main purposes: to confirm expected
information and to question unexpected information. You can
tell which function is being used by the voice - when the voice
goes down it's checking expected information - when the voice
goes up it's really asking a question. For example:

- Intonation going down - You haven't finished yet, have you?

I expect you haven't finished, I'm just checking.
- Intonation going up - You haven't finished yet, have you? V V-ED V-EN Traduction
I'm really asking if you're finished or not. If you are finished it's
beat beat beaten battre
earlier than I expected, so I'm surprised.
become became become devenir
- You're really busy now, aren't you? - Yes, I've got to finish
this by Monday. begin began begun commencer
I'm confirming you're busy now, possibly showing sympathy as
blow blew blown souffler
well.
- Why are you watching TV? You're really busy now, aren't you? break broke broken casser
- Not really, I did most of it last night.
I think you're busy but I'm surprised, you should be working bring brought brought apporter
not watching TV, so I'm asking about an unexpected situation.
build built built construire
Negative sentences with positive tags are often used for burn burnt burnt brûler
requests, for example:
- You don't have a pencil, do you? buy bought bought acheter
- You couldn't change a $5 bill, could you?
catch caught caught attraper
Imperative questions tags usually use will, for example: choose chose chosen choisir
- Open the door for me, wil you?
- Hang on a minute, will you? come came come venir
cost cost cost coûter have had had avoir

cut cut cut couper hear heard heard entendre

dig dug dug creuser hide hid hidden (se) cacher

do did done faire hit hit hit frapper, atteindre

draw drew drawn dessiner hold held held tenir

dream dreamt dreamt rêver hurt hurt hurt blesser

drink drank drunk boire keep kept kept garder

drive drove driven conduire know knew known savoir, connaître

eat ate eaten manger learn learnt learnt apprendre

fall fell fallen tomber leave left left laisser, quitter

feed fed fed nourrir lend lent lent prêter

feel felt felt sentir, éprouver lose lost lost perdre

fight fought fought combattre make made made faire, fabriquer

find found found trouver mean meant meant signifier

fly flew flown voler meet met met (se) rencontrer

forget forgot forgotten oublier mow mowed mown tondre

freeze froze frozen geler pay paid paid payer

get got got obtenir put put put mettre

give gave given donner read read read lire

go went gone aller ride rode ridden chevaucher

grow grew grown grandir ring rang rung sonner

rise rose risen s'élever, se lever tell told told dire, raconter

run ran run courir think thought thought penser

say said said dire throw threw thrown jeter

see saw seen voir understand understood understood comprendre

sell sold sold vendre wake woke woken (se) réveiller

send sent sent envoyer wear wore worn porter (des vêtements)

shake shook shaken secouer win won won gagner

show showed shown montrer write wrote written écrire

sing sang sung chanter

La liste AAA est composée des verbes que vous connaissez déjà sans le savoir. En
sit sat sat être assis effet, les trois formes V, V-ED et V-EN sont identiques.

sleep slept slept dormir

V V-ED V-EN Traduction
smell smelt smelt sentir (odorat)
cost cost cost coûter
speak spoke spoken parler
cut cut cut couper
spend spent spent dépenser
hit hit hit frapper,
stand stood stood être debout atteindre

steal stole stolen voler, dérober hurt hurt hurt blesser

swear swore sworn jurer put put put mettre

sweep swept swept balayer read read read lire

swim swam swum nager

La liste ABB vous permet d'une pierre deux coups d'apprendre les formes V-ED et
take took taken prendre
V-EN (qui sont bien sûr identiques).
teach taught taught enseigner
V V-ED V-EN Traduction
bring brought brought apporter leave left left laisser, quitter

build built built construire lend lent lent prêter

burn burnt burnt brûler lose lost lost perdre

buy bought bought acheter make made made faire, fabriquer

catch caught caught attraper mean meant meant signifier

cost cost cost coûter meet met met (se) rencontrer

cut cut cut couper pay paid paid payer

dig dug dug creuser put put put mettre

dream dreamt dreamt rêver read read read lire

feed fed fed nourrir say said said dire

feel felt felt sentir, éprouver sell sold sold vendre

fight fought fought combattre send sent sent envoyer

find found found trouver sit sat sat être assis

get got got obtenir sleep slept slept dormir

have had had avoir smell smelt smelt sentir (odorat)

hear heard heard entendre spend spent spent dépenser

hit hit hit frapper, stand stood stood être debout

atteindre
sweep swept swept balayer
hold held held tenir
teach taught taught enseigner
hurt hurt hurt blesser
tell told told dire, raconter
keep kept kept garder
think thought thought penser
learn learnt learnt apprendre
understand understood understood comprendre

win won won gagner

Grammar

Wish
Although wish is generally associated with hope, it is actually used mainly
for regrets. For example:
- I wish I had a better job. (I don't have the job I want now)
- I wish my kids could have a better education.

Wish is used with unreal situations, so like all unreal situations in English the
sentence goes one tense back in time.
If the sentence is about the present then, we use wish with the Past Pimple.
For example:
- I want more time now => I wish I had more time.
- It's too hot now => I wish it wasn't so hot.

And if the sentence is about the past, we use wish with the Past Perfect. For
example:
- I wanted more time => I wish I had had more time.
- It's too hot now => I wish it hadn't been so hot.
Wish ... would

Wish ... would is used to complain about a present situation. For example:
- I wish he would speak louder..
- Don't you wish countries could stop fighting?
- I wish it would stop raining.

Wish... would is used only for actions, not states or situations. For
example:
- I wish I would be at home. - Incorrect.
- I wish I was at home / I wish I were at home. – OK

Subjunctive

The subjunctive is a little used mood now found mainly in a few

stock English phrases. Simply put it means that with if and wish, you can
use were with I/he/she/it. It's particularly common with the pronoun "I",
for example:
- I wish I was a rich man. OK
- I wish I were a rich man. OK
- If I was a rich man... OK
- If I were a rich man... OK

As with older English, this is found mainly in British English.

 - If I have time, I'll meet you at work.
Conditionals - If we don't go now, we'll be late.
As with all conditionals the first conditonal has two clauses, the if clause
English conditional statements are grouped into four main types - - "If you help us, ..."
zero, first, second, and third conditional. and the main clause
- "...we'll help you.".
Zero Conditional
Either of these two clauses can come first:
Zero conditional is used for statements and facts which are perceived to - "If he gets a new job we'll move to London." - or also:
be true. - "We'll move to London if he gets a new job."

Zero conditional has the form if + present simple + present simple. In the first conditional will is a modal verb expressing certainty. Other modal
For example: verbs can also be used to show various degrees of certainty. For example:
- If you need any help just call me. - If you like Asian food, you'll love this restaurant. (There is a 100% chance
- If you run fast you get tired. you'll love the restaurant.)
All conditionals have two clauses, the if clause - If you like Asian food, you should like this restaurant. (80%)
- "If you have time, ..." - If you like Asian food, you might like this restaurant. (50%)
and the main clause - If you like Asian food, you probably won't like this restaurant. (20%)
- "...come and visit us". - If you like Asian food, you won't like this restaurant. (0%)

Either of these two clauses can come first:

- "If it rains take an umbrella" - or also:
- "Take an umbrella if it rains."

The zero conditional is often used with imperatives. For example:

- If you feel sick, see a doctor.
- If you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen

First Conditional

First conditional is used for statements and facts which will be true,
if a certain condition is met.

First conditional has the form if + present simple + will + base verb. For
example:
- If it's sunny, we'll go to the beach.
 By
Passive Voice
To state what the cause of a passive action is, you can use by. For example:
There are two voices in English, the active and the passive. The - This photo was taken by my friend.
active tells us what the subject does, for example: - I was given this by my brother.
- The secretary wrote a letter.
The passive tells us what is done to the subject. For example: It is often not necessary to statethe cause of a passive action, especially when
- The letter was written by the secretary. clearly understood or irrelevant. For example:
Form - The meeting was cancelled. (The meeting's cancellation is what is
The passive is made with the verb "to be" and the past participle. important, not who cancelled it.)
Here are the main English tenses used in the passive voice. - These boots were made in Italy. (The fact they were made in Italy is what's
Tense Subject Verb "to Past Participle important, not who made them.)
be"
Simple present: Flowers planted every year Born
are
Present Flowers planted now. When talking abut the birth of specific people of things we use the passive
continuous: are being form "to be born". For example:
Flowers planted last year - I was born in Iran.
Simple past: were - The twins were born just last year.
Flowers planted last summer.
Past continuous: were being Get
Flowers planted here for 10
Present perfect: have been years. Get can be used instead of to be in situations where something happens. For
Flowers example:
Past perfect: had been planted until last year. - Our flight got cancelled = Our flight was cancelled.
Flowers - I got paid today = I was paid today.
Future: will be planted next year.
Flowers Get can't be used with general situations and state verbs (verbs that express
Future will be being planted during the a state, not an action). For example:
continuous: Flowers summer. - He is liked by a lot of people. - OK
would be - He gets liked by a lot of people. - Incorrect.
Present Flowers planted if we had seeds. - She is known to be a hard-working employee. - OK
conditional: would have - She gets known to be a hard-working employee.- Incorrect
been planted if we had had Get is used more often in informal English.
Past conditional: seeds.
 Tense Direct / Reported Speech
Reported Speech 1
Simple present: I said, "She is busy". - I said she was busy.
Sometimes we need to say what another person said. There are two
ways to do this in English, direct speech and reported speech. Present I said, "I am working now". - I said I was working now
continuous:
Direct Speech I said, "She was here this morning". - I said she was
Simple past: here this morning. OR
Direct speech restates exactly what another person said. For example: I said she had been here this morning.
- Jane said, "I'm so happy today".
- The president said, "I need a vacation". Past continuous: I said "She was studying all yesterday" - I said she was
studying all yesterday. OR
Reported Speech I said she had been studying all yesterday
Present perfect:
Reported speech reports indirectly what another person said. For I said, "She has worked here for 5 years." - I said she
example: Past perfect: had worked here for 5 years.
- Jane said she was so happy today.
- The president said he needed a vacation. Future: I said, "She had worked here for 5 years." - I said she
had worked here for 5 years.
Reported speech usually uses the past form of direct speech. So if Future
the direct speech is in the present, the reported speech is in the past. For continuous: I said, "She will work here from July." - I said she
example: would work here from July.
Direct Speech - I said, "She is in her office."
Reported Speech - I said she was in her office. Can: I said, "We'll be living here for 6 months." - I said we
Also if the direct speech is in the past, the reported speech uses the past would be living here for 6 months.
perfect.
Direct Speech - I said, "She was in her office at lunchtime." I said, "She can play the piano well." - I said she could
Reported Speech - I said she had been in her office at lunchtime. OR play the piano well.
- I said she was in her office at lunchtime. That
In modern English the past perfect is often not necessary for past reported Reported speech is often given as part of a that-clause, especially in written or more formal
speech, you can simply use the past simple instead. language. For example:
- He said that he would arrive at 10.00.
Here are some common verb forms in direct and reported speech. - He said he would arrive at 10.00.
These two mean the same thing, and that can be omitted without any change in meaning.
 Causative verbs are often used with negative experiences. In these situations
Causative Verbs it's more common to use have. For example:
- I had my wallet stolen. (I didn't actually cause my wallet to be stolen -
Causative verbs show that somebody/something is indirectly someone stole my wallet from me)
responsible for an action. The subject doesn't perform the action itself, but - She had her window smashed.
causes someone/something else to do it instead. For example:
- Yesterday I had my hair cut. Causative (Make, Get, Have, Let, Help)
I didn't cut my own hair, but I made someone else do it for me (1) Causative Make
instead - I "caused" them to cut my hair.
- make can be used as a causative
- Use verb word after a person or thing (No infinitive,No -ing form)
Have
* make + person + verb word
Have is a common causative verb. Instead of doing something * make + thing + verb word
ourselves, we "have" someone else do it instead. It has the following
form: (ex) I make this radio work.
The verb "to have" + object + past participle. For example: (ex) I can make your friend work part time in this summer vacation.
- I had my jacket cleaned yesterday.
- Did you have your computer fixed? (2) Causative Get
- get can be used as a causative
Sometimes we use have as a causative verb when we intend to - Use an infinitive after a person and use a participle after thing (No verb
perform the action ourselves. For example: word)
- When will the report be ready? I'll do it by tomorrow morning. >>
- When will the report be ready? I'll have it done by tomorrow * get + person + infinitive
morning. * get + thing + participle

By using the causative the second sentence takes attention away (ex) I got my friend to help this homework.
from the doer of the action, and gives more attention to the action being (ex) I get my house repaired before this winter.
done. It sounds polite and professional.
(3) Causative Have
Get - have can be used as a causative
- Use verb word after a person and use a participle after thing
Get is often used instead of have. For example:
- I got my computer fixed - I had my computer fixed. These two * have + person + verb word
sentences mean the same thing. * have + thing + participle
- I got my jacket cleane. - I had my jacket cleaned. These two
sentences mean the same thing.
 (ex) I have my car fixed. Verb + to
(ex) My English teacher had me give oral speaking. Some verbs require an infinitive in the complement
afford agree aim
(4) Causative Let arrange attempt decide
- let can be used as a causative deserve fail forget
- let means a person gives permission for another person to do it. hope learn manage
- Use a verb word after a person or thing (No -ing form, No offer plan promise
infinitive)
threaten .... ....
* let + person + verb word
* let + thing + verb word (ex) He decided to study in USA.
(ex) How old were you when you learnt to play golf?
(ex) I can let this car cool.
(ex) Would you let me join your party? 2. verb + ...ing

(5) Causative Help Some verbs require an -ing form in the complement.
- help can be used as a causative
- let means a person assists another person to do it. admit avoid consider
- Use a verb word or infinitive after a person (No -ing form) delay deny fancy
finish imagine involve
* help + person + infinitive
= help + person + verb word miss practice postpone
stop enjoy ....
(ex) I helped her to pack the luggage.
(ex) Would you help me deliver this box? (ex) Have you considered studying in another country?
(ex) I enjoyed talking with my friend.

Some verb phrases require an -ing form in the complement.

approve of be better off count on

forget about get through insist on
look forward to object to think of

(ex) How about going to China when you get through studying?
Verb + to or verb + -ing (ex) I looked forward to meeting my old friend.
3. different meaning between to... and ...ing Sequence of Tenses
regret + ...ing regret + to Sequence of Tenses: The relationship between verbs in a main clause
I regret doing something = I did it I regret to do something = I'm sorry and verbs in dependent clauses is important. These verb tenses don't have to be
and now I'm sorry about it that I have to do (say, tell, inform) identical as long as they reflect, logically, shifts in time and meaning: "My brother
When some verbs have a infinitive in the complement or have a ... ing had graduated before I started college." "My brother will have graduated before I
form in the start." Click HERE for a chart describing various time relationships and how those
complement, their meanings are different. relationships determine the appropriate sequence of verb tenses.

Verbals
remember + ...ing remember + to
I remembered to do something = I Verbals are words that seem to carry the idea of action or being but do not
I remember doing something = I did
remembered that I had to do it, and function as a true verb. The are sometimes called "nonfinite" (unfinished or
it and now I remember this
so I did it. incomplete) verbs. Because time is involved with all verb forms, whether finite or
nonfinite, however, following a logical Tense Sequence is important. Click HERE
(ex) I remember paying an entrance fee. (= I paid it, and now I remember for a chart describing the time elements involved in choosing the correct verbal
this) form. Verbals are frequently accompanied by other, related words in what is called a
(ex) Remember to do your homework. (= don't forget to do homework) verbal phrase.

There is a whole section on how verbals connect with other words

to form phrases. Be sure to visit the always pleasant GARDEN OF
(ex) I regret buying a car. I should not have bought it. PHRASES.
(ex) We regret to inform you that you failed to enter university.

Participle: a verb form acting as an adjective. The running dog chased the
need + ...ing need + to fluttering moth. A present participle (like running or fluttering) describes a present
condition; a past participle describes something that has happened: "The completely
Something needs doing = something I need to do something = it is rotted tooth finally fell out of his mouth." The distinction can be important to the
needs to be done. necessary for me to do it. meaning of a sentence; there is a huge difference between a confusing student and a
confused student. See the section on Adjectives for further help on this issue.

Infinitive: the root of a verb plus the word to. To sleep, perchance to dream.
(ex) She needs to study harder if she wants to enter good university. A present infinitive describes a present condition: "I like to sleep." The perfect
(ex) This room needs tidying. infinitive describes a time earlier than that of the verb: "I would like to have won
that game." See the section on Sequence below for other forms as well.
 understand why some verbs take gerunds, others take infinitives,
The Split Infinitive some take either. (In addition, there is a section on the use of the
infinitive as adjective complement — free at no extra charge.) Click
If there is one error in writing that your boss or history prof the button to enter.
can and will pick up on, it's the notorious split infinitive. An
infinitive is said to be "split" when a word (often an adverb) or Gerund: a verb form, ending in -ing, which acts as a noun. Running in the
phrase sneaks between the to of the infinitive and the root of the park after dark can be dangerous. Gerunds are frequently accompanied by other
verb: "to boldly go," being the most famous of its kind. The associated words making up a gerund phrase ("running in the park after dark").
argument against split infinitives (based on rather shaky
historical grounds) is that the infinitive is a single unit and, Because gerunds and gerund phrases are nouns, they can be used in any way that a
therefore, should not be divided. Because it raises so many
readers' hackles and is so easy to spot, good writers, at least in noun can be used:
academic prose, avoid the split infinitive. Instead of writing "She
expected her grandparents to not stay," then, we could write  as subject: Being king can be dangerous for your health.
"She expected her grandparents not to stay." Sometimes,  as object of the verb: He didn't particularly like being king.
though, avoiding the split infinitive simply isn't worth the bother.  as object of a preposition: He wrote a book about being king
There is nothing wrong, really, with a sentence such as the
following:
He thinks he'll be able to more than double his salary this year. Infinitives and Gerunds and Sequence
The Oxford American Desk Dictionary, which came out in Although they are not, strictly speaking, verbs, infinitives and gerunds carry
October of 1998, says that the rule against the split infinitive can within them the idea of action. Combined with auxiliary verb forms, like verbs, they
generally be ignored, that the rule "is not firmly grounded, and also express various shades of time.
treating two English words as one can lead to awkward, stilted
sentences." ("To Boldly Go," The Hartford Courant. 15 Oct
1998.) Opinion among English instructors and others who feel
strongly about the language remains divided, however. Today's
dictionaries allow us to split the infinitive, but it should never be
done at the expense of grace. Students would be wise to know
their instructor's feelings on the matter, workers their boss's.

Both gerunds and infinitive phrases can function as

nouns, in a variety of ways. Noun uses are covered in a separate
document, a section that should be helpful to students who want to
  We had planned to watch all the events of Actual and Potential Meanings
the Olympics
Simple Although a gerund and an infinitive will often have practically the same
Forms  Seeing those athletes perform is always a meaning ("Running in the park after dark can be dangerous" and "To run in the park
great thrill. after dark can be dangerous"), there can be a difference in meaning. Gerunds are
used to describe an "actual, vivid, or fulfilled action" whereas infinitives are better
 The women's hockey team hoped to have used to describe "potential, hypothetical, or future events" (Frodesen & Eyring 297).
won a gold medal before they were done. This is especially true with three kinds of verbs: verbs of emotion, verbs of
completion/incompletion, and verbs of remembering.
Perfective
 We were thrilled about their having been
Forms
in contention in the world championships EMOTION
before.
Actual Event Potential Event
 To be chosen as an olympian must be the
I hated practicing my violin while I prefer to work during the day.
biggest thrill in any athlete's life.
Passive the other kids were playing
outside.
Forms  Being chosen, however, is probably not
enough. COMPLETION/INCOMPLETION
 The women did not seem satisfied simply Actual Event Potential Event
to have been selected as players. We began working on this project We will continue to work on this
Perfective two years ago. We finished project for the next four months. I
Passive  Having been honored this way, they working on this project a month wonder when we will start to wrap up
Forms went out and earned it by winning the ago. (Finish always takes a this project.
gold. gerund.)
REMEMBERING
Perfective (such as remember, forget, regret)
Progre  To have been competing at that level, at
their age already, was quite an Juanita forgot to do her homework. Juanita forgot doing her homework.
ssive (meaning that Juanita failed to do (meaning that Juanita did her
Infiniti accomplishment
her homework because she didn't homework but that she forgot she had
ve remember to do it) done so)

Active and Passive Voice

There is now a separate section dealing with issues raised by a verb's VOICE
(active/passive).
Mood
Mood in verbs refers to one of three attitudes that a writer or
speaker has to what is being written or spoken. The indicative mood, which
describes most sentences on this page, is used to make a statement or ask a
question. The imperative mood is used when we're feeling sort of bossish
and want to give a directive, strong suggestion, or order:
 Get your homework done before you watch television
tonight.
 Please include cash payment with your order form.
 Get out of town!
Notice that there is no subject in these imperative sentences. The
pronoun you (singular or plural, depending on context) is the "understood
subject" in imperative sentences. Virtually all imperative sentences, then,
have a second person (singular or plural) subject. The sole exception is the
first person construction, which includes an objective form as subject:
"Let's (or Let us) work on these things together."
The subjunctive mood is used in dependent clauses that do the following:
1) express a wish; 2) begin with if and express a condition that does not
exist (is contrary to fact); 3) begin with as if and as though when such
clauses describe a speculation or condition contrary to fact; and 4) begin
with that and express a demand, requirement, request, or suggestion. A new
section on the uses of the Conditional should help you understand the
subjunctive.
situations which would require the subjunctive in other languages are satisfied by
using one of several auxiliary verbs in English.
The New York Public Library's Writer's Guide to Style and
Usage has this important note on the subjunctive: "The words if,
as if, or as though do not always signal the subjunctive mood. If
the information in such a clause points out a condition that is or
was probable or likely, the verb should be in the indicative
mood. The indicative tells the reader that the information in the
dependent clause could possibly be true" (155). Cited with
permission.
The present tense of the subjunctive uses only the base form of the verb.
 He demanded that his students use two-inch margins.
 She suggested that we be on time tomorrow.
The past tense of the subjunctive has the same forms as the indicative except
(unfortunately) for the verb to be, which uses were regardless of the number of the
subject.
 If I were seven feet tall, I'd be a great basketball player.
 He wishes he were a better student.
 If you were rich, we wouldn't be in this mess.
 If they were faster, we could have won that race.

 She wishes her boyfriend were here.

 If Juan were more aggressive, he'd be a better hockey player.
 We would have passed if we had studied harder.
 He acted as if he were guilty.
 I requested that he be present at the hearing.

The subjunctive is not as important a mood in English as it is in

other languages, like French and Spanish, which happen to be more subtle
Subjunctive
The following is a mini-tutorial on the use of the Subjunctive. After you have studied the
and discriminating in hypothetical, doubtful, or wishful expressions. Many tutorial, complete the associated exercises. If you already know how to use this verb form,
you can skip the explanation and go directly to the exercises. to advise
to ask
to command
Subjunctive to demand
to desire
to insist
FORM
to propose
Use the simple form of the verb. The simple form is the infinitive without the "to."
to recommend
The simple form of the verb "to go" is "go." The subjunctive is only noticeable in
to request
certain forms and tenses.
to suggest
to urge
USE
The Subjunctive is used to emphasize urgency or importance. It is used after
EXAMPLES:
certain expressions (see below).
Dr. Smith asked that Mark submit his research paper before the end of the month.
EXAMPLES:
Donna requested that Frank be at the party.
I suggest that he study.
The teacher insists that her students arrive on time.
Is it essential that we be there?

Don recommended that you join the committee.

NOTICE Expressions Followed by the Subjunctive

The Subjunctive is only noticeable in certain forms and tenses. In the examples
below, the Subjunctive is not noticeable in the you form of the verb, but it is
noticeable in the he form of the verb. USE
The Subjunctive is used after the following expressions:
EXAMPLES:
It is best (that)
It is crucial (that)
You try to study often. You form of "try"
It is desirable (that)
It is important that you try to study often. Subjunctive form of "try"
It is essential (that)
It is imperative (that)
He tries to study often. He form of "try" It is important (that)
It is important that he try to study often. Subjunctive form of "try" It is recommended (that)
It is urgent (that)
It is vital (that)
It is a good idea (that)
It is a bad idea (that)
Verbs Followed by the Subjunctive
EXAMPLES:
USE
The Subjunctive is used after the following verbs: It is crucial that you be there before Tom arrives.
It is important that she attend the meeting.
It is recommended that he take a gallon of water with him if he wants to hike to the
bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Should as Subjunctive
After many of the above expressions, the word "should" is sometimes used to express the
idea of subjunctiveness. This form is used more frequently in British English and is most
common after the verbs "suggest," "recommend" and "insist."

Negative, Continuous and Passive Forms of Subjunctive
NOTICE
The Subjunctive can be used in negative, continuous and passive forms.
EXAMPLES:
The doctor recommended that she should see a specialist about the problem.
Professor William suggested that Wilma should study harder for the final exam.

NEGATIVE EXAMPLES:

The boss insisted that Sam not be at the meeting.

Let / Make / Have / Get
The company asked that employees not accept personal phone calls during The following is a mini-tutorial on the use of the causative verbs "let," "make," "have," and
business hours. "get." After you have studied the tutorial, complete the associated exercises. If you already
know how to use these verbs, you can skip the explanation and go directly to the exercises.
I suggest that you not take the job without renegotiating the salary.
Let
PASSIVE EXAMPLES:
FORM
let + PERSON + VERB
Jake recommended that Susan be hired immediately.
USE
Christine demanded that I be allowed to take part in the negotiations. This construction means "to allow someone to do something."

We suggested that you be admitted to the organization. EXAMPLES:

John let me drive his new car.

CONTINUOUS EXAMPLES:
Will your parents let you go to the party?
It is important that you be standing there when he gets off the plane.
I don't know if my boss will let me take the day off.
It is crucial that a car be waiting for the boss when the meeting is over.

I propose that we all be waiting in Tim's apartment when he gets home.

Make
FORM USE
make + PERSON + VERB This construction usually means "to convince to do something" or "to trick someone into
doing something."
USE
This construction means "to force someone to do something." EXAMPLES:

EXAMPLES: Susie got her son to take the medicine even though it tasted terrible.

My teacher made me apologize for what I had said. How can parents get their children to read more?

Did somebody make you wear that ugly hat? The government TV commercials are trying to get people to stop smoking.

She made her children do their homework.

Get vs. Have

Have Sometimes "get someone to do something" is interchangeable with "have someone do
something," but these expressions do not mean exactly the same thing.
FORM
have + PERSON + VERB EXAMPLES:

USE I got the mechanic to check my brakes.

This construction means "to give someone the responsibility to do something." At first the mechanic didn't think it was necessary, but I convinced him to check the brakes.

EXAMPLES: I had the mechanic check my brakes.

I asked the mechanic to check the brakes.
Dr. Smith had his nurse take the patient's temperature.

Please have your secretary fax me the information.

I had the mechanic check the brakes. Even

The following is a mini-tutorial on the various uses of the word "even." After you have
studied the tutorial, complete the associated exercises. If you already know how to use
"even," you can skip the explanation and go directly to the exercises.

Get Even
FORM
get + PERSON + to + VERB
USE
"Even" is used to express shock, unexpectedness, surprise, excitement at an idea, action or
event.
EXAMPLES:
He loses everything. He even lost his own wedding ring!
John has amnesia and he can't remember anything about the past. He can't even
remember his own name!
He could even become President of the United States!
I love that author, and I have all of his books - even the ones which are out of print.
Even though / when / if
USE
"Even" can be combined with the words "though," "when" and "if." It emphasizes
that a result is unexpected. Study the following examples and explanations to learn
how these expressions differ. In the examples below, it is important to remember
that if Bob studied hard, it is an unexpected result that he would fail his French
tests.
EXAMPLES:
Even though Bob studied very hard, he still failed his French tests.
(Bob always studied hard. But, unfortunately, he failed the tests.)
Even when Bob studied very hard, he still failed his French tests.
(Bob occassionally studied hard, but it didn't really make a difference. Every time
he studied, he still failed.)
Even if Bob studied very hard, he still failed his French tests.
(Bob didn't normally study very hard. But in the rare situation when he did try to
study hard, he still failed the test.)
Jerry is never happy. Even though you do everything his way, he is still
dissatisfied.
(You do everything his way, but he is still dissatisfied.)
Jerry is never happy. Even when you do everything his way, he is still dissatisfied.
(You have tried doing what he wants, but he is still dissatisfied.)
Jerry is never happy. Even if you do everything his way, he is still dissatisfied.
(Perhaps once or twice you have tried doing things his way, but it makes no difference
because he is still dissatisfied.)
IMPORTANT
These expressions are not always interchangeable; the context of the sentence will affect
your choice:
"Even though" is used when something is always done.
"Even when" is used when something is occasionally done.
"Even if" is used when something is rarely done or it is just imagined.
EXAMPLES:
Even though the interview went terribly, Cheryl got the job. CORRECT
(The interview went terribly, but she got the job.)
Even when the interview went terribly, Cheryl got the job. NOT CORRECT
(This sentence is incorrect because the interview did not go terribly more than one time.
There was only one interview so "when" is not the right word for this sentence.)
Even if the interview went terribly, Cheryl got the job. CORRECT
(You imagine that the interview went terribly, but you think she probably got the job anyway.)
Even though he wins the lottery jackpot, he won't have enough money to pay off his debt.
NOT CORRECT
(This sentence would suggest that he always wins the lottery.)
Even when he wins the lottery jackpot, he won't have enough money to pay off his debt.
NOT CORRECT
(This sentence would suggest that he sometimes wins the lottery jackpot.)
Even if he wins the lottery jackpot, he won't have enough money to pay off his debt.
CORRECT
(There is a chance in a million that he might win the lottery jackpot, but it wouldn't make any
difference because he still wouldn't have enough money to pay off his debt.)
REMEMBER
The meaning and context of the sentence is very important when deciding whether
to use "even though," "even when" or "even if."
 John walked quickly towards the door.
Even so
Sally sat silently waiting for somebody else to speak first.
USE
"Even so" is very much like the word "but" or "however." "Even so" is different in USE 2
that it is used with surprising or unexpected results. Adverbs can be used to modify adjectives.

EXAMPLES: EXAMPLES:

She is loud and unfriendly. Even so, I like her. The redwood tree was impressively tall.
(She is loud and unfriendly, so it is unexpected that I like her.)
The blouse was outrageously expensive.
The bed is extremely large and heavy. Even so, Jim managed to carry it into the
house by himself.
USE 3
(It is unexpected that Jim could carry the bed by himself.)
Adverbs can be used to modify other adverbs.
Jane was sick for a couple days in Los Angeles. Even so, she said her trip to the
EXAMPLES:
United States was great.
(If she was sick, it is unexpected that she enjoyed her trip.)
She spoke extremely confidently.

The cheetah ran incredibly quickly.

Adverbs / Adjectives / Linking Verbs

The following is a mini-tutorial on the use of Adverbs, Adjectives and Linking
Verbs. After you have studied the tutorial, complete the associated exercises. If Adjectives
you are already familiar with these topics, you can skip the explanation and go
directly to the exercises.
FORM
There are many different adjective endings including "-ive," "-ous," "-y," "-ful," "-ent" and
many others. "Attractive," "envious," "lazy," "beautiful," and "intelligent" are all adjectives.
Adverbs
USE 1
Adjectives can be used to modify nouns.
FORM
ADJECTIVE + ly EXAMPLES:
(There are also irregular adverbs such as "well.")
Jack drives a big car.
USE 1
Adverbs can be used to modify verbs. Sally writes beautiful poems.

EXAMPLES:
USE 2
Adjectives often follow Linking Verbs. (See Linking Verbs description below.)
EXAMPLES: James grew tired.

Max is tall. Sarah remained calm.

Sandra seems mad. The milk went bad.

The seas turned rough.

The negotiations proved pointless.

Linking Verbs

LIST IMPORTANT
to appear The verbs in the list above are not always used as Linking Verbs. Compare the examples
to be below.
to become
to feel EXAMPLES:
to get
to go Sally grew angry.
to grow ("Angry" describes Sally. In this sentence, "to grow" is being used as a Linking Verb.)
to look
to prove
to remain The plant grew quickly.
to seem ("Quickly" does not describe the plant, it describes the manner in which it grows. In this
to smell sentence, "to grow" is not being used as a Linking Verb.)
to sound
to stay
to taste
to turn

USE
The Linking Verbs above are often followed by adjectives instead of adverbs. In
such situations, the adjective describes the subject of the sentence rather than the
verb.

EXAMPLES:

Mary seemed sad. CORRECT

Mary seemed sadly. NOT CORRECT

The cake tastes good. CORRECT

The cake tastes well. NOT CORRECT

The train is slow.

 Verb Tense Overview with Examples
Simple Present Simple Past Simple Future
If you are having Present Perfect Past Perfect Future Perfect
problems, I will Continuous Continuous Continuous
Two years ago, I help you study
I study English
studied English in English. I will have been
everyday.
England. I am going to study studying English
English next year. for over two hours
by the time you
I had been studying
Present Future I have been arrive.
Past Continuous English for five
Continuous Continuous studying English
years before I
for five years. I am going to have
I will be studying moved to the U.S.
been studying
English when you English for over
arrive tonight. two hours by the
I was studying
I am studying I am going to be time you arrive.
English when you
English now. studying English
called yesterday.
when you arrive
tonight.

Present Perfect Past Perfect Future Perfect

I have studied I had studied a little I will have studied
Simple Present
English in several English before I every tense by the
different countries. moved to the U.S. time I finish this FORM Simple Present
course.
EXAMPLE: [ to run]
I am going to have
studied every tense I run
by the time I finish you run
he runs
this course. she runs
it runs
we run
they run
 California is in America.

California is not in the United Kingdom.

USE 1 Repeated Actions
Windows are made of glass.
Use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual.
Windows are not made of wood.
The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something
that often happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually
New York is a small city. (It is not important that this fact is untrue.)
does not do.

EXAMPLES:

I play tennis.

She does not play tennis. USE 3 Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)

The train leaves every morning at 8 am. Sometimes speakers use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is
happening or is not happening now. This can only be done with Non-continuous Verbs and
The train does not leave at 9am. certain Mixed Verbs.

She always forgets her purse. EXAMPLES:

He never forgets his wallet. I am here now.

Every twelve months, the Earth circles the sun. She is not here now.

The sun does not circle the Earth. He needs help right now.

He does not need help now.

He has a car.

USE 2 Facts or Generalizations

The Simple Present can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact was true ACTIVE / PASSIVE Simple Present
before, is true now, and will be true in the future. It is not important if the speaker is
correct about the fact. It is also used to make generalizations about people or EXAMPLES:
things.
Once a week, Tom cleans the car. ACTIVE
EXAMPLES:
Once a week, the car is cleaned by Tom. PASSIVE
Cats like milk.

Birds do not like milk.

 Present Continuous
FORM Present Continuous USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now

[AM / IS / ARE] + [VERB+ing] In English, now can mean "this second," "today," "this month," "this year," "this century" and
so on. Sometimes we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing
EXAMPLES: a longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.

I am watching TV. EXAMPLES: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)

He is quickly learning the language. I am studying to become a doctor.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Present I am not studying to become a dentist.
Continuous (is learning), adverbs often come between the first part and the second
part (is quickly learning). I am reading the book Tom Sawyer.

I am not reading any books right now.

Are you working on any special projects at work?

Aren't you teaching at the University now?

USE 1 Now

Use the Present Continuous with Continuous Verbs to express the idea that
something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that
something is not happening now.

EXAMPLES: USE 3 Near Future

You are learning English now. Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not
happen in the near future.
You are not swimming now.
EXAMPLES:
I am sitting.
I am meeting some friends after work.
I am not standing.
I am not going to the party tonight.
They are reading their books.
Is he visiting his parents next weekend.
They are not watching television.
Isn't he coming with us tonight.
What are you doing?

Why aren't you doing your homework?

USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with Simple Past
"Always" FORM Simple Past

The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses [VERB+ed]
the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the
meaning is like Simple Present but with negative emotion. Remember to put the EXAMPLES:
words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
I visited my friends.
EXAMPLES:
I often visited my friends.
She is always coming to class late.
NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with only one part such as Simple Past (visited),
He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up. adverbs usually come before the verb (often visited). Please remember this is different from
verbs with more than one part such as Present Continuous.
I don't like them because they are always complaining.

IMPORTANT Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs

USE 1 Completed Action in the Past
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any
"continuous" tenses. Also, certain "non-continuous" meanings for Mixed Verbs
Use the Simple Past to express the idea that an action started and finished at a specific
cannot be used in "continuous" tenses. To express the idea of "happening now",
time in the past. Sometimes the speaker may not actually mention the specific time, but
you must use Simple Present USE 3.
they do have one specific time in mind.
EXAMPLES:
EXAMPLES:
She is loving chocolate. Not Correct
I saw a movie yesterday.
She loves chocolate. Correct
I didn't see a movie yesterday.

Last year, I traveled to Japan.

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Present Continuous
Last year, I didn't travel to Japan.
EXAMPLES:
She washed her car.
Right now, Tom is writing the letter. ACTIVE
She didn't wash her car.
Right now, the letter is being written by Tom. PASSIVE
 The Simple Past can also be used to describe a habit which stopped in the past. It can have
USE 2 A Series of Completed 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" or
"...when I was younger" in the sentence.
Actions
EXAMPLES:
We use the Simple Past to list a series of completed actions in the past. These
I studied French when I was a child.
actions happen 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th...
He played the violin.
EXAMPLES:
She worked at the movie theater after school.
I finished work, walked to the beach, and found a nice place to swim.
They never went to school, they always skipped.
He arrived from the airport at 8:00, checked into the hotel at 9:00, and met the
others at 10:00.

IMPORTANT "When clauses" happen first

Clauses are groups of words which have meaning but are not complete sentences. Some
clauses begin with the word when such as "When I dropped my pen..." or "When class
USE 3 Single Duration began..." These clauses are called "when clauses" and they are very important. The
examples below contain "when clauses."
The Simple Past can be used with a duration which starts and stops in the past. A
duration is a long action often used with expressions like "for two years," "for five EXAMPLES:
minutes," "all day" or "all year."
When I paid her one dollar, she answered my question.
EXAMPLES:
She answered my question, when I paid her one dollar.
I lived in Brazil for two years.
"When clauses" are important because they always happen first when both clauses are in
Shauna studied Japanese for five years. the Simple Past. Both of the examples above mean the same thing. First, I paid her one
dollar, and then, she answered my question. However, the example below has a different
They sat at the beach all day. meaning. First, she answered my question, and then, I paid her a dollar.

We talked on the phone for thirty minutes. EXAMPLE:

How long did you wait for them? I paid her a dollar, when she answered my question.
We waited for one hour.
ACTIVE / PASSIVE Simple Past

EXAMPLES:

Tom repaired the car. ACTIVE

USE 4 Habit in the Past
The car was repaired by Tom. PASSIVE
 EXAMPLES:

Past Continuous I was watching TV when she called.

When the phone rang, she was writing a letter.

FORM Past Continuous While we were having a picnic, it started to rain.

[WAS / WERE] + [VERB+ing] Sally was working when Joe had the car accident.
EXAMPLES:
While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car.
I was studying when she called.

I was carefully picking up the snake when it bit me.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Past
Continuous (was picking), adverbs often come between the first part and the
second part (was carefully picking). USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption

In USE 1, described above, the Past Continuous is interrupted by an action in the Simple
Past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
IMPORTANT
EXAMPLES:
Clauses are groups of words which have meaning but are not complete sentences.
Some clauses begin with the word when such as "...when she called " or "...when it Last night at 6 p.m., I was eating dinner.
bit me." Clauses with the Past Continuous usually start with while. While
expresses the idea "during the time." Study the examples below. They have the At midnight, we were still driving through the desert.
same meaning.

EXAMPLES:
IMPORTANT
I was studying when she called.
In the Simple Past a specific time is used to show when an action began or finished. In the
While I was studying, she called. Past Continuous a specific time only interrupts the action.

EXAMPLES:

USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Last night at 6 p.m., I ate dinner.

(I started eating at 6 p.m.)

Last night at 6 p.m., I was eating dinner.

Past (I started earlier and at 6 p.m. I was in the process of eating dinner.)

Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was
interrupted. The interruption is usually an action in the Simple Past. Remember
this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.
 She was always coming to class late.

He was constantly talking. He annoyed everyone.

USE 3 Parallel Actions
I didn't like them because they were always complaining.
When you use the Past Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it
expresses the idea that both actions were happening at the same time. The
actions are parallel.
IMPORTANT Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs
EXAMPLES:
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any "continuous"
I was studying while he was making dinner. tenses. Also, certain "non-continuous" meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in
"continuous" tenses. To express the idea of Past Continuous with these verbs, you must
While Ellen was reading, Tim was watching television. use Simple Past.

They were eating dinner, discussing their plans and having a good time. EXAMPLES:

Jane was being at my house when you arrived. Not Correct

Jane was at my house when you arrived. Correct

USE 4 Atmosphere

In English we often use a series of Parallel Actions to describe atmosphere in the

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Past Continuous
past.
EXAMPLES:
EXAMPLE:
The salesman was helping the customer when the thief came into the store. ACTIVE
When I walked into the office, several people were busily typing, some were
talking on the phones, the boss was yelling directions, and customers were waiting
The customer was being helped by the salesman when the thief came into the store.
to be helped. One customer was yelling at a secretary and waving his hands.
PASSIVE
Others were complaining to each other about the bad service.

USE 5 Repetition and Irritation with

"Always"

The Past Continuous with words such as always or constantly expresses the idea
that something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The concept is
very similar to the expression used to but with negative emotion. Remember to put
the words always or constantly between "be" and "verb+ing."

EXAMPLES:
 Present Perfect
IMPORTANT How do you actually use the Present Perfect?

The concept of "unspecified time" can be very confusing to English learners. It is best to
FORM Present Perfect
associate Present Perfect with the following topics:
[HAS / HAVE] + [past participle]
TOPIC 1 Experience
EXAMPLES:
I have seen that movie many times.
You can use the Present Perfect to describe your experience. It is like saying, "I have the
experience of..." You can also use this tense to say that you have never had a certain
I have never seen that movie.
experience. The Present Perfect is NOT used to describe a specific event.
NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Present
EXAMPLES:
Perfect (have seen), adverbs usually come between the first part and the second
part (have never seen).
I have been to France.
(This sentence means that you have the experience of being to France. Maybe you have
been once, or several times.)
USE 1 Unspecified Time Before I have been to France three times.
(You can add the number of times at the end of the sentence.)

Now I have never been to France.

(This sentence means that you have not had the experience of going to France.)
We use the Present Perfect to say that an action happened at an unspecified time
before now. The exact time is not important. You CANNOT use the Present Perfect I think I have seen that movie before.
with time expressions such as "yesterday," "one year ago," "last week," "when I
was a chlid," "when I lived in Japan," "at that moment," "that day" or "one day." We He has never traveled by train.
CAN use the Present Perfect with expressions like "ever," "never," "once," "many
times," "several times," "before," "so far," "already" and "yet." Joan has studied two foreign languages.

EXAMPLES: Have you ever met him?

No, I have not met him.

I have seen that movie twenty times.

TOPIC 2 Change Over Time
I think I have met him once before.
We often use the Present Perfect to talk about change that has happened over a period of
There have been many earthquakes in California. time.

Has there ever been a war in the United States? EXAMPLES:

Yes, there has been a war in the United States.
You have grown since the last time I saw you.
People have traveled to the moon.
The government has become more interested in arts education.
 EXAMPLES:
Japanese has become one of the most popular courses at the university since the
Asian studies program was established. The army has attacked that city five times.

My English has really improved since I moved to Australia. I have had four quizes and five tests so far this semester.

We have had many major problems while working on this project.

TOPIC 3 Accomplishments
She has talked to several specialists about her problem, but nobody knows why she is sick.
We often use the Present Perfect to list the accomplishments of individuals and
humanity. You cannot mention a specific time.

EXAMPLES: IMPORTANT

Man has walked on the moon. When we use the Present Perfect it means that something happened at some point in our
lives before now. Remember, the exact time the action happened is not important.
Our son has learned how to read.

Doctors have cured many deadly diseases.

Scientists have split the atom.

Sometimes we want to limit the time we are looking in for an experience. Expressions such
TOPIC 4 An Uncompleted Action You Are Expecting as "in the last week," "in the last year," "this week," "this month," "so far" and "up to now"
can be used to narrow the time we are looking in for an experience.
We often use the Present Perfect to say that an action which we expected has not
happened. Using the Present Perfect suggests that we are still waiting for the
action.

EXAMPLES:

James has not finished his homework yet.

EXAMPLES:
Susan hasn't mastered Japanese, but she can communicate.
Have you been to Mexico in the last year.
Bill has still not arrived.
I have seen that movie six times in the last month.
The rain hasn't stopped.
They have had three tests in the last week.

TOPIC 5 Multiple Actions at Different Times
We also use the Present Perfect to talk about several different actions which
occured in the past at different times. Present Perfect suggests the process is not
complete and more actions are possible.
She graduated from university less three years ago. She has worked for three different
companies so far.
This week my car has broken down three times.
 Present Perfect Continuous
NOTICE
"Last year" and "in the last year" are very different in meaning. "Last year" means
the year before now. "In the last year" means from 365 days ago until now.
FORM Present Perfect Continuous
EXAMPLES:
[HAS / HAVE] + [BEEN] + [VERB+ing]
I went to Mexico last year.
EXAMPLES:
(I went to Mexico in 1998.)
I have been waiting here for two hours.
I have been to Mexico in the last year.
(I have been to Mexico at least once at some point between 365 days ago and
She has only been studying English for two years.
now. We do not know exactly when.)
NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Present Perfect
Continuous (has been studying), adverbs often come between the first part and the second
part (has only been studying).
USE 2 Duration From Past Until
Now (Non-continuous Verbs)

With Non-continuous Verbs and some non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we

use the Present Perfect to show that something started in the past and has
USE 1 Duration from the Past Until Now
continued up until now. "For five minutes," "for two weeks" and "since Tuesday"
are all durations which can be used with the Present Perfect.
We use the Present Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and has
continued up until now. "For five minutes", "for two weeks", and "since Tuesday" are all
EXAMPLES:
durations which can be used with the Present Perfect Continuous.
I have had a cold for two weeks.
EXAMPLES:
She has been in England for six months.
They have been talking for the last hour.
Mary has loved chocolate since she was a little girl.
She has been working at that company for three years.

James has been teaching at the University since June.

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Present Perfect

EXAMPLES:

Many tourists have visited that castle. ACTIVE

USE 2 Recently, Lately
That castle has been visited by many tourists. PASSIVE
You can use the Present Perfect Continuous WITHOUT a duration such as "for five
minutes", "for two weeks", and "since Tuesday". Without the durations, the this tense gives
a more general meaning of "lately". We often use the words "lately" or "recently" in
the sentence to strengthen this meaning.

EXAMPLES:
Past Perfect
FORM Past Perfect
Recently, I have been feeling really tired.
[HAD] + [PAST PARTICIPLE]
She has been watching too much television lately.
Examples:
Mary has been feeling a little depressed.
I had studied a little English when I came to the U.S.
IMPORTANT
They had never met an American until they met John.
Remember that the Present Perfect Continuous has the meaning of "lately" or
"recently." If you use the Present Perfect Continuous in a question such as "Have
NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Past Perfect (had
you been feeling alright?", it suggests that the person looks sick or unhealthy. A
met), adverbs often come between the first part and the second part (had never met).
question such as "Having you been smoking?" suggests that you can smell the
smoke on the person. Using this tense in a question suggests you can see, smell,
hear, or feel the results of the action. It is possible to insult someone by using this
tense incorrectly.
USE 1 Completed Action Before
IMPORTANT Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs Something in Past

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any

continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot
be used in continuous tenses. To express the idea of Present Perfect Continuous
with these exception verbs, you must use Present Perfect.
EXAMPLES:
Sam has been having his car for two years. Not Correct
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.
EXAMPLES:
I had never seen such a beautiful beach before I went to Kauai.

Sam has had his car for two years. Correct Had you ever visited the U.S. before your trip in 1992?

Yes, I had been to the U.S. once before in 1988.

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Present Perfect Continuous

EXAMPLES:
USE 2 Duration Before Something
Recently, John has been doing the work. ACTIVE in the Past (Non-continuous Verbs)

Recently, the work has been being done by John. PASSIVE

With Non-progressive Verbs and some non-progressive uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the
NOTE: Present Perfect Continuous is rarely used in its passive form. Past Perfect to show that something started in the past and continued up until another
action in the past.
EXAMPLES:

We had had that car for ten years before it broke down. EXAMPLE:

By the time Alex finished his studies, he had been in London for over eight years. She had never seen a bear before she moved to Alaska. Correct

She never saw a bear before she moved to Alaska. Not Correct

IMPORTANT Specific Times with the Past Perfect

Unlike the Present Perfect, it is possible to use specific time words or phrases with ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMS Past Perfect
the Past Perfect. Although this is possible, it is usually not necessary.
EXAMPLES

George had repaired many cars before he received his mechanics license. ACTIVE

Many cars had been repaired by George before he received his mechanics license.
PASSIVE
EXAMPLE:

She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with
them in 1996.
Past Perfect Continuous
If the Past Perfect action did occur at a specific time, the Simple Past can be used
instead of the Past Perfect when before or after is used in the sentence. The
FORM Past Perfect Continuous
words before and after actually tell you what happens first so the Past Perfect is
optional. Both sentences below are correct.
[HAD BEEN] + [VERB+ing]
EXAMPLE:
EXAMPLES:
She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with
I had been waiting there for two hours before she finally arrived.
them in 1996.
She had only been studying English for two years before she got the job.
She visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in
1996.
NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Past Perfect
Continuous (had been studying), adverbs often come between the first part and the second
part (had only been studying).
HOWEVER

If the Past Perfect action did not happen at a specific time, Past Perfect MUST be
used at all times. Compare the two sentences below.
USE 1 Duration Before Something
in the Past
 The reading stopped just before my roommate returned.

We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past
and continued up until another time in the past. "For five minutes" and "for two
weeks" are both durations which can be used with the Past Perfect Continuous.
Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect Continuous; however, the duration ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMS Past Perfect Continuous
does not continue until now.
EXAMPLES:
EXAMPLES:
Chef Jones had been preparing the restaurant's fantastic dinners for two years, before he
They had been talking for over an hour before Tony arrived. moved to Paris. ACTIVE

She had been working at that company for three years when it went out of The restaurant's fantastic dinners had been being prepared by Chef Jones for two years
business. before he moved to Paris. PASSIVE

James had been teaching at the University for more than a year before he left for
Asia. NOTE: Passive forms of the Past Perfect Continuous are not common.

USE 2 Cause of Something in the Past

Using the Past Perfect Continuous before another action in the past is a good way
Simple Future
The Simple Future has two different forms in English, "will" and "be going to." Although the
to show cause and effect.
two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express two very different
meanings. These different meanings might seem too abstract at first, but with time and
EXAMPLES:
practice the differences will become clear. Both "will" and "be going to" refer to a specific
time in the future.
Jason was tired because he had been jogging.

Sam gained weight because he had been overeating.

IMPORTANT FORM Will

If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or [WILL] + [VERB]
"since Friday", many English speakers choose to use the Past Continuous. There
is also a difference in meaning. Compare the examples below. EXAMPLES:

I will help him later.

EXAMPLES:
I will never help him.
I was reading when my roommate returned.
The reading will be interrupted. NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Simple Future
(will help), adverbs usually come between the first part and the second part (will never
I had been reading for an hour when my roommate returned. help).
 A: The phone is ringing.
FORM Be Going To B: I'll get it.

[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO] + [VERB]

EXAMPLES: USE 2 "Will" to Express a Promise

He is going to meet Jane tonight. "Will" is usually used in promises.

He is definitely going to meet Jane tonight. EXAMPLES:

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Simple I will call you when I arrive.
Future (is going to meet), adverbs usually come between the first part and the
second part (is definitely going to meet). If I am elected President of the United States, I will make sure everyone has access to
inexpensive health insurance.

I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.

IMPORTANT No Future in Time Clauses

Like all future forms, the Simple Future cannot be used in clauses beginning with
"when", "while", "before", "after", "by the time," "as soon as," "if" and "unless." In USE 3 "Be going to" to Express a Plan
this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.
"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a person
EXAMPLES: intends to do something in the future.

When you arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Correct EXAMPLES:

When you will arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Not Correct He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii.

We are going to meet each other tonight at 6:00 PM.

USE 1 "Will" to Express a Voluntary Action A: Who is going to make John's birthday cake.
B: Sue is going to make John's birthday cake.
"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary
action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often we use "will" to
respond to someone else's complaint or request for help.
USE 4 "Will" or "Be Going to" to Express a Prediction
EXAMPLES:
Both "will" and "be going to" can express the idea of a general prediction about the future.
A: I'm really hungry. Predictions are guesses about what might happen in the future. In "prediction" sentences,
B: I'll make some sandwiches. the subject usually has little control over the future and therefore USES 1-3 do not apply. In
the following examples there is no difference in meaning.
A: I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep.
B: I'll get you some coffee. EXAMPLES:

The year 2000 will be a very interesting year.

The year 2000 is going to be a very interesting year.
John Smith will be the next President.
John Smith is going to be the next President.
The movie "Zenith" will win several Academy Awards.
The movie "Zenith" is going to win several Academy Awards.
IMPORTANT
In the Simple Future, it is not always clear which USE the speaker has in mind.
Often, there is more than one way to interpret a sentence's meaning.
ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMS Simple Future
EXAMPLES:
John will certainly finish the work by 5:00 PM. ACTIVE
The work will certainly be finished by 5:00 PM. PASSIVE
Sally is going to make a beautiful dinner tonight. ACTIVE
A beautiful dinner is going to be made by Sally tonight. PASSIVE
Future Continuous
IMPORTANT No Future in Time Clauses
Like all future forms, the Future Continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning
with "when", "while", "before", "after", "by the time", "as soon as", "if" and "unless".
In this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.
EXAMPLES:
While I am finishing my homework, she is going to make dinner. Correct
While I will be finishing my homework, she is going to make dinner. Not Correct
FORM Future Continuous
[WILL BE] + [VERB+ing]
EXAMPLE:
When your plane arrives tonight, I will be waiting for you.
[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO] + [VERBing]
EXAMPLE:
When your plane arrives tonight, I am going to be waiting for you.
NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "going to" to create the Future Continuous with
little or no difference in meaning.
USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Future
Use the Future Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the future will be interrupted.
The interruption is usually an action in the Simple Future. Remember this can be a real
interruption or just an interruption in time.
EXAMPLES:
I will be watching TV when she arrives tonight.
I will be waiting for you when your bus arrives.
While I am working, Steve will make dinner. (NOTICE "am working" because of "while.")
I am going to be staying at the Madison Hotel, if anything happens and you need to contact
me.
He will be studying at the library tonight, so he will not see Jennifer when she arrives.
NOTE: No future tenses can be used in Time Clauses therefore you must say "While I am
working... ." See the warning at the top of the page.
USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption
In USE 1, described above, the Future Continuous is interrupted by an action in
the Simple Future. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
EXAMPLES:
Tonight at 6 p.m., I am going to be eating dinner.
At midnight tonight, we will still be driving through the desert.
In English we often use a series of Parallel Actions to describe atmosphere in the future.
EXAMPLE:
When I arrive at the party everybody is going to be celebrating. Some will be dancing.
Others are going to be talking. A few people will be eating pizza and several people are
going to be drinking beer. They always do the same thing.

IMPORTANT Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs

IMPORTANT
In the Simple Future a specific time is used to show the time an action will begin.
In the Future Continuous, a specific time only interrupts the action.
EXAMPLES:
Tonight at 6 p.m., I am going to eat dinner.
I am going to start eating at 6 p.m.
Tonight at 6 p.m., I am going to be eating dinner.
I am going to start earlier and I will be in the process of eating dinner at 6 p.m. .
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any "continuous"
tenses. Also, certain "non-continuous" meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in
"continuous" tenses. To express the idea of Future Continuous with these verbs, you must
use Simple Future.
EXAMPLES:
Jane will be being at my house when you arrive. Not Correct
Jane will be at my house when you arrive. Correct
ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMS Future Continuous

EXAMPLES:

At 8:00 PM tonight, John will be washing the dog. ACTIVE

USE 3 Parallel Actions
At 8:00 PM tonight, the dog will be being washed by John. PASSIVE
When you use the Future Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it
NOTE: Passive forms of the Future Continuous are not common.
expresses the idea that both actions will be happening at the same time. These
are Parallel Actions.

EXAMPLES:

I am going to be studying while he is making dinner.

While Ellen is reading, Tim will be watching television.

Tonight, they will be eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.

USE 4 Atmosphere
 time in the future.
Future Perfect
EXAMPLES:

By next November, I will have received my promotion.

IMPORTANT No Future in Time Clauses
By the time he gets home, she is going to have cleaned the entire house.
Like all future forms, the Future Perfect cannot be used in clauses beginning with
"when," "while," "before," "after," "by the time," "as soon as," "if" and "unless". In
this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.

EXAMPLES: USE 2 Duration Before Something

in the Future (Non-continuous
I am going to see a movie when I have finished my homework. Correct Verbs)

I am going to see a movie when I will have finished my homework. Not Correct With Non-continuous Verbs and some non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the
Future Perfect to show that something will continue up until another action in the future.

EXAMPLES:
FORM Future Perfect
I will have been in London for six months by the time I leave.
[WILL HAVE] + [PAST PARTICIPLE]
By Monday, Susan is going to have had my book for a week.
EXAMPLE:

I will have perfected my English by the time I come back from the U.S.
ACTIVE / PASSIVE Past Perfect

[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO HAVE] + [PAST PARTICIPLE] EXAMPLES:

EXAMPLE: The Post Office will have returned my package before I can pick it up. ACTIVE

I am going to have perfected my English by the time I come back from the US. My package will have been returned by the Post Office before I can pick it up. PASSIVE

NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "going to" to create the Future Perfect
with little or no difference in meaning.

Future Perfect Continuous

USE 1 Completed Action Before
Something in the Future IMPORTANT No Future in Time Clauses

Like all future forms, the Future Perfect Continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning
with "when," "while," "before," "after," "by the time," "as soon as," "until," "if" and "unless". In
The Future Perfect expresses the idea that something will occur before another this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.
action in the future. It can also show that something will happen before a specific
EXAMPLES:
James will have been teaching at the University for more than a year by the time he leaves
I won't tell the student the answer until he has been working on the math problem for Asia.
for more than an hour. Correct

I won't tell the student the answer until he will have been working on the math
problem for more than an hour. Not Correct USE 2 Cause of Something in the Future

Using the Future Perfect Continuous before another action in the future is a good way to
show cause and effect.
FORM Present Perfect Continuous
EXAMPLES:
[WILL HAVE BEEN] + [VERB+ing]
Jason will be tired when he gets home because he will have been jogging for over an hour.
EXAMPLE:
Claudia's English will be perfect when she returns to Germany because she is going to
I will have been waiting for two hours when her plane finally arrives. have been studying English in the United States for over two years.

[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO HAVE BEEN] + [VERB+ing]

IMPORTANT
EXAMPLE:
If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or "since Friday",
I am going to have been waiting for two hours when her plane finally arrives. many English speakers choose to use the Future Continuous. There is also a difference in
meaning. Compare the examples below.
NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "going to" to create the Future Perfect
Continuous with little or no difference in meaning. EXAMPLES:

I will be reading when my roommate returns.

The reading will be interrupted.
USE 1 Duration Before Something I will have been reading for an hour when my roommate returns.
in the Future The reading will stop just before my roommate returns.

We use the Future Perfect Continuous to show that something will continue up ACTIVE / PASSIVE Future Perfect Continuous
until a particular event or time in the future. "For five minutes," "for two weeks" and
"since Friday" are all durations which can be used with the Future Perfect EXAMPLES:
Continuous. Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect Continuous and the
Past Perfect Continuous, however the duration stops in the future. The famous artist will have been painting the mural for over six months by the time it is
finished. ACTIVE
EXAMPLES:
The mural will have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months by the time
They will have been talking for over an hour by the time Tony arrives. it is finished. PASSIVE

She is going to have been working at that company for three years when it finally NOTE: Passive forms of the Past Perfect Continuous are not common.
closes.
COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES
Number of syllables Comparative Superlative
FORMING THE COMPARATIVE AND SUPERLATIVE three syllables or more + adj most + adj
more
Number of syllables Comparative Superlative important more important most important
one syllable + -er + -est
expensive more expensive most expensive
tall taller tallest
one syllable with the spelling consonant + single vowel +
Examples:
consonant: double the final consonant:
fat fatter fattest
a. A cat is fast, a tiger is faster but a cheetah is the fastest
big bigger biggest b. A car is heavy, a truck is heavier, but a train is the heaviest
sad sadder saddest c. A park bench is comfortable, a restaurant chair is more comfortable, but a sofa is the
most comfortable

IRREGULAR COMPARATIVES AND SUPERLATIVES

These adjectives have completely irregular comparative and superlative forms:

Adjective Comparative Superlative

good better best
bad worse worst
Number of syllables Comparative Superlative
two syllables + -er OR more + adj + -est OR most + adj little less least
ending in: -y, -ly, -ow much more most
ending in: -le, -er or -ure far further / farther furthest / farthest
these common adjectives - handsome, polite, pleasant, common,
quiet
happy happier/ more happy happiest/ most happy
yellow yellower/ more yellow yellowest/ most THE + SUPERLATIVE
yellow
simple simpler/ more simple simplest/ most 'the' is placed before the superlative:
simple
tender tenderer/ more tender tenderest/ most For example: He is the richest man in the world.
tender
If you are not sure, use MORE + OR MOST +
Note: Adjectives ending in '-y' like happy, pretty, busy, sunny, lucky
etc:. replace the -y with -ier or -iest in the comparative and
superlative form COMPARATIVE + THAN
busy busier busiest
To compare the difference between two people, things or events.
Examples:
 Mt. Everest is higher than Mt. Blanc.
 Thailand is sunnier than Norway.
 A car is more expensive than a bicycle.
 Albert is more intelligent than Arthur.
AS + ADJECTIVE + AS
To compare people, places, events or things, when there is no difference, use
as + adjective + as:
 Peter is 24 years old. John is 24 years old. Peter is as
old as John.
More examples:
 Moscow is as cold as St. Petersburg in the winter.
 Ramona is as happy as Raphael.
 Einstein is as famous as Darwin.
 A tiger is as dangerous as a lion.
NOT AS + ADJECTIVE + AS
Difference can also be shown by using not so/as ...as:
 Mont Blanc is not as high as Mount Everest
 Norway is not as sunny as Thailand
 A bicycle is not as expensive as a car
 Arthur is not as intelligent as Albert
COMPARISONS OF QUANTITY
To show difference: more, less, fewer + than
To show no difference: as much as , as many as, as few as, as little as
COMPARISONS OF QUANTITY
To show difference: more, less, fewer + than
Examples:
With countable nouns: more / fewer
 Eloise has more children than Chantal.
 Chantal has fewer children than Eloise.
 There are fewer dogs in Cardiff than in Bristol
 I have visited fewer countries than my friend has.
 He has read fewer books than she has.
With uncountable nouns: more / less
 Eloise has more money than Chantal.
 Chantal has less money than Eloise.
 I spend less time on homework than you do.
 Cats drink less water than dogs.
 This new dictionary gives more information than the old one.
So, the rule is:
MORE + nouns that are countable or uncountable
FEWER + countable nouns
LESS + uncountable nouns
COMPARISONS OF QUANTITY
To show no difference: as much as , as many as, as few as, as little as
 as many as / as few as + countable nouns
 as much as / as little as + uncountable nouns
Examples:
With countable nouns:
 They have as many children as us.
 We have as many customers as them.
 Tom has as few books as Jane.
 There are as few houses in his village as in mine.
 You know as many people as I do.
 I have visited the States as many times as he has.
With uncountable nouns:
 John eats as much food as Peter.
 Jim has as little food as Sam.
 You've heard as much news as I have.
 He's had as much success as his brother has.
 They've got as little water as we have.
 Phrasal Verb Note: "talk into" is separable

Non-separable verbs take the object after the preposition:

1. A phrasal verb is a verb plus a preposition which creates a EXAMPLE:

meaning different from the original verb. I ran my sister into. Not Correct
I ran into my sister. Correct
EXAMPLE:
I ran into my teacher at the movies last night. Note: "run into" is non-separable

NOTE: Some phrasal verbs can take a preposition in both places.

You didn't physically run into your teacher, but you met your teacher
unexpectedly. EXAMPLE:
I made an excuse up. Correct
I made up an excuse. Correct
2. A phrasal verb can be transitive or intransitive.
Note: "make up" is both separable and non-seperable
A transitive verb is followed by an object.

EXAMPLE: 4. In this phrasal verb dictionary, the following symbols will be used
I made up the story. with transitive phrasal verbs to indicate whether they are separable,
non-separable or take prepositions in both places:
An intransitive verb is not followed by an object.
+ non-separable
EXAMPLE: EXAMPLE: run into +
He suddenly showed up.
* separable
EXAMPLE: talk * into
3. Transitive phrasal verbs can be separable or non-separable.
* + Indicates that an object can be placed in both positions
Separable verbs take the object between the verb and the preposition: EXAMPLE: made * up +

EXAMPLE:
I talked into my mother letting me borrow the car. Not Correct
I talked my mother into letting me borrow the car. Correct
Phrasal Verb Definition Example
 I think I need to take my car to the This information may bear
behave or function bear on + have to do with
act up mechanic because it's acting up on this case.
improperly
again. I didn't think he would bear
bear up withstand
I added up the receipts and it up so well in that situation.
add * up + calculate a sum
totaled $135.46. How did he bear up under
bear up under + withstand
The total expenses added up to such extreme pressure.
add up to + equal an amount
$325.00. Please bear with me while
bear with + be patient
Her story doesn't add up. I think I fill out the paperwork.
add up make sense
she is lying. My cousin blew in
I can't believe that Joe finally asked blow in visit unexpectedly (inf.) unexpectedly with his
ask * out + invite on a date
me out on a date! entire family.
invite to one's All this negative publicity
ask * over + Why don't we ask the Johnsons pass without creating a
home blow over will blow over in a couple
problem
of weeks.
Phrasal Verb Definition Example make explode;destroy The terrorists blew the
blow * up +
Jane never backs down. using explosives bridge up.
stop defending your
back down She always wins The bomb blew up before
opinion in a debate blow up explode
arguments. they could defuse it.
not keep (a promise, Sam backed out at the last When Joan heard the
back out suddenly become very
agreement,deal) second. blow up news, she blew up and
angry
Sam backed out of the rushed out of the room.
not keep (a promise,
back out of + agreement at the last We need to break this
agreement, deal)
second. break * down + analyze in detail problem down in order to
You need examples to solve.
back * up + give support
back up your opinion. The truck broke down in
break down stop working properly
move backwards, Could you back up a little the desert.
back up
reverse so I can open this drawer. She broke down after her
break down become mentally ill
She bawled him out for husband died.
bawl * out criticize, reprimand (inf.)
arriving late. wear or use something I need to break these
break * in +
The soldier had to bear new until it is comfortable shoes in before I go hiking.
down on the leather strap While we were discussing
bear down on + bite while the doctor removed a break in interrupt the situation, Terri broke in
bullet from the soldier's to give her opinion.
arm. The burglar broke in
take strong measures The U.S.A. is bearing break in enter a place unlawfully between midnight and 3
bear down on +
against down on drug traffickers. AM.
 Jane broke in on the
break in on + interrupt (a conversation) conversation and told us to
get back to work.
The burglar broke into the
break into + enter a house unlawfully house between midnight
and 3 AM.
Jane broke into the
break into + interrupt (a conversation) conversation and told us
what she knew.
Sally broke her
break * off + end something
engagement to John off.
Violent protests broke out
break out appear violently in response to the military
coup.
use something He broke out the
break out + extravagant for champagne to celebrate
celebration his promotion.
The murderer broke out of
break out of + escape
the prison.
I broke the cracker up into
break * up + break into pieces pieces and put it in the
soup.
The police broke the
disperse (a crowd), stop
break * up + demonstration up before it
(a fight)
got out of control.
Sam and Diane broke up
break up end a relationship again. What a rocky
relationship.
Democracy brought about
bring * about + cause to happen great change in the lives of
the people.
When we go to the forest,
bring * along + bring with bring your wildlife guide
along.
She doesn't want to go,
change someone's mind,
bring * around but we'll eventually bring
convince someone
her around.
My trip across the Sahara
learn or gain (from an was difficult, but I brought
bring * away
experience) a new appreciation for life
away from the experience.
You robbed the bank! I
succeed at something
bring * off + can't believe you brought
difficult or unexpected
that off.
I can't believe she got so
bring * on + cause something angry. What brought that
on?
Your new shirt brings out
bring * out + highlight, stress
the color of your eyes.
When you visit me, why
bring to someone's
bring * over + don't you bring over your
house
son.
We used smelling salts to
bring * to revive consciousness bring her to after she
fainted.
I didn't want to bring up the
bring * up + mention fact that she was
unemployed.
Sam was brought up in
bring * up + raise ( a child)
South Carolina.
ignore something or Mary brushed her ex-
brush * off +
someone (inf.) boyfriend off at the party.
The children burned the
burn * down + destroy by setting fire to house down while playing
with matches.
burn until completely Two buildings burnt down
burn down
gone (building) in the fire.
I am burning up in here -
burn up be hot
open the window.
The papers were burned
burn up consume by fire
up in the fire.
burn * up + destroy by fire He burnt up the files.
buy * out + buy the shares of a Pacific Inc. was bought out
 company or the shares am out of town.
by a company from
the other person owns of The secret agent carried
Oregon. complete and/or
a business carry * out + out his orders exactly as
accomplish something
purchase the entire We bought up all the beer planned.
buy * up +
supply of something in the store. continue on a
The meeting carried over
carry * over + subsequent day, page,
into lunch time.
Phrasal Verb Definition Example etc.
This recipe calls for milk, slowly start to He caught on after a few
call for + require (as in a recipe) catch on
not water. understand (inf.) minutes.
They called the picnic off I will never catch up. I am
call * off + cancel something catch up make up for lost time
because of the rain. too behind in my work.
He called off the dogs speed up to be at the
order to stop (an I had to run to catch up
call * off + when he saw it was his catch up with + same place as a person
invasion, guard dogs) with the others.
neighbor. or thing in front of you
Mark called on Naomi I need to catch up on
call on + visit
while he was in town. catch up on + become up-to-date world events. I haven't
invite someone to speak Professor Tanzer called seen the news in ages.
call on + in a meeting or a on Tim to answer the We will check back
return to see if
classroom question. check back tomorrow to make sure
everything is OK
I called Sam up to see if the project is finished.
call * up + telephone he wanted to go to the We need to check by the
go to a place to see if
movies. check by + office to see if the
everything is OK
You can calm the baby documents are ready.
calm * down + make someone relax down by rocking her They checked for
gently. check for + try to find termites before they
nurse someone or He cared for the bird until bought the house.
care for +
something its wing healed. enter a hospital, hotel They need to check in
check in
like someone or I don't care for sour etc. before noon.
care for +
something cream on my potato. enter a hospital, hotel They checked into the
check into +
continue (a Please, carry on. I didn't etc. hotel at 11:00 AM.
carry on +
conversation, a game) mean to interrupt you. We are checking into
investigate, look for
He kept carrying on check into + discount flights to
continue in an annoying (often through a service)
carry on about + about how much money London.
way
he makes. make a mark next to (an Check each name off the
check * off +
carry on with + continue I want you to carry on item on a list) list.
with the project while I check on + make sure something is Let's check on the baby
 again before we go to down because they didn't
OK permanently
sleep. have many customers.
He checked out the new The bar was closed down
investigate, take a look
check * out + restaurant down the close down close permanently because they served
at
street. alcohol to minors.
It's already eleven. We The rebels were closing
check out leave a hotel, hospital
need to check out. in on the capital, so the
close in on + approach and threaten
We checked out of the government called in the
check out of + leave a hotel, hospital army.
hotel before ten.
He checked over the old They are closing the ski
closely examine the close * up + close temporarily
check * over + car to see if it was worth resort up for the summer.
condition of something
buying. The ski resort is closing
close up close temporarily
investigate someone or The police are checking up for the summer.
check up on +
something up on the bomb threats. How did you idea for the
come about occur / happen
send luggage through Your luggage will be book come about.
check * through
(to a destination) checked through to Paris. They came across some
He needs to check with come across + discover by accident lost Mayan ruins in the
ask a person for jungle.
check with + his parents before he
confirmation
goes. initially seem or have He comes across as
come across +
make someone feel The party really cheered the appearance rather rude, but he isn't.
cheer * up
cheerful me up. If you want, you can
come along accompany someone
Cheer up. Everything will come along.
cheer up become cheerful
be all right. Sam came along with us
come along with + accompany
The dog chewed up my to the beach.
chew * up + chew into small pieces
shoe. How's the research
come along progress
The lumberjack chopped paper coming along.
chop * down + fell/cut ( a tree)
the tree down. How are you coming
He chopped the meat up come along with + progress along with the research
chop * up + chop/cut into small bits paper.
into little pieces.
Susan cleaned the mess I came away from the
clean * up + tidy leave a place with a
up before she left. meeting feeling like the
come away particular feeling or
Everybody clear out! presentation was a
clear out leave ( inf.) impression
We're closed. success.
Susan cleared up the What time are you
clear * up + tidy come back return
mess before she left. coming back?
close * down + close a place The corner market closed come by + get, receive How did you come by
 that new Mercedes?
visit a person at their I'll come by later this
come by
house afternoon.
He came down with the
come down with + become sick with
flu.
He came into a large
come into + inherit sum of money when his
aunt died.
The handle came off the
come off + fall off, break off suitcase when I picked it
up.
I didn't see the car at
come out appear first. It came out of
nowhere.
reveal you are Sam finally came out last
come out
homosexual month.
The pictures came out
come out turn out, end up
great.
Microsoft is coming out
produce and distribute a
come out with + with a new video game
product
system next month.
visit someone at their Why don't you come over
come over
house after work for dinner.
Don't worry! She faints all
the time. She always
come to regain consciousness
comes to after a few
minutes.
do what is needed or Terry really came through
come through
expected for us in the end.
The job offer didn't come
come up to + approach; to equal
up to her expectations.
She came up with a great
produce or create (an
come up with + proposal for the new
idea, a plan)
advertising campaign.
come with + include (an accessory) The computer system
doesn't come with a
printer.
Did you count expenses
count * in + include
in?
You can really count on
count on + depend/rely on
Sarah.
You can count James
count * out + exclude out. He hates playing
poker.
Count the change up and
count * up + add
see how much we have.
draw a line through Why did you cross my
cross * out +
something, eliminate name out on the list?
You eat too much fat.
cut down decrease the amount of
You need to cut down.
You need to cut down on
cut down on + decrease the amount of
your fat intake.
She suddenly cut in and
cut in interrupt
delivered the news
She cut in on the
cut in on + interrupt conversation and
delivered the news.
She cut him off before he
interrupt someone while
cut * off said something he would
they were speaking
regret later.
His finger was
cut * off + sever ( with a knife) accidentally cut off in an
industrial accident.
He cut the bone out of
cut * out + remove
the steak.
Cut it out! You're
cut * out stop an action
bothering me.
He cut the beef up and
cut * up + cut into small pieces put the pieces in the
soup.
 back by the army.
visit someone Meg dropped in yesterday
drop in
unexpectedly after dinner.
visit someone Let's drop in on Julie since
drop in on +
unexpectedly we're driving by her house.
Phrasal Verb Definition Example quit an organized Yuri isn't on the team any
The applause died away drop out
die away diminish in intensity activity more. He dropped out.
after 5 minutes. quit an organized It's difficult to get a good job
The controversy about the drop out of +
activity (school) if you drop out of high school.
die down diminish in intensity president's affair finally died Drop over any time you feel
down. drop over visit someone casually
like talking.
Whales are in danger of
die off/out become extinct
dying off.
cause to feel sick due Spicy food disagrees with
disagree with +
to food or drink me. I'll never be able to face up to
Some Americans want to do acknowledge
do away with + abolish my colleagues after getting so
away with the death penalty. face up to + something difficult or
drunk last night at the work
embarrassing
You made many mistakes, so party.
do * over + repeat I want you to do the report Yuki can fall back on her degree
over. be able to use in
fall back on + in biology if she doesn't
case of emergency
manage without succeed in her acting career.
I couldn't do without a car in
do without + something one wants go slower than
California. fall behind Hurry up or you will fall behind!
or needs scheduled, lag
Let's draw an agreement up Cheryl has missed several days
draw * up + create ( a contract) before we go any further with go slower than
fall behind in + of school and now she is falling
this project. scheduled, lag
behind in her homework.
The mother dressed her son Interest in the project fell off
dress * down reprimand severely
down for skipping school. fall off decrease when they realized it wouldn't
I am dressing down because be profitable.
dress down dress casually we're going to a barbecue by I had a falling out with my sister
the beach. have an argument
fall out with + last month and we haven't
with
You could dress this house talked to each other since.
dress * up + decorate
up with some bright colors Unfortunately, my trip to
She always dresses up at fall through fail to happen Indonesia fell through because I
dress up wear elegant clothes
work. couldn't save enough money.
drive * back + repulse The invaders were driven feel * up + grope She sued her boss for sexual
 harassment after he felt her up. across in another
I don't feel up to going out language.
have the energy to
feel up to + tonight because I had a long I can't get ahead even
do something get ahead make progress
day at work. though I work two jobs.
Where do you figure on living You need to work
figure on + expect when you move to the the get ahead of + surpass overtime in order to get
U.S.A.? ahead of schedule.
I finally figured the joke out. have a good Do you and your sister
solve something, get along
figure * out + Now I understand why relationship get along?
understand
everybody was laughing. Giovanna doesn't get
have a good
I need to figure my expenses up get along with + along with her two
figure * up + calculate relationship
before I give you an estimate. brothers.
Don't forget to fill in all the Some people get
fill * in + complete
blanks on the application. avoid someone or around paying taxes by
get around +
Who is going to fill in while something hiring a good
fill in substitute accountant.
you're gone?
Miguel filled in for me at the It's easy to get around
fill in for + substitute for meeting yesterday because I get around go many places town with public
was sick. transportation.
complete (an I filled out an application to rent The bank robbers got
fill * out + get away escape
application) the apartment last week. away.
Now that you're filling out do something against
fill out mature, get breasts honey, we need to get you a the rules or illegal and My sister gets away with
get away with +
bra. not get caught or everything!
Fill the car up with unleaded punished
fill * up + fill to the top survive without having I lost my job, so I am
gas, please.
You will never find out all my get by the things you need or having a hard time
find out + discover want getting by this year.
secrets!
Vicky's parents are going to be It's nearly impossible to
survive with minimal
find out discover so mad when they find out she get by on + get by on making
resources
got a tattoo. minimum wage.
repair, renovate, My neighbors are fixing their You don't need a
fix * up + get by with + manage with computer. You can get
remodel house up.
by with the typewriter.
get serious about a Enough small talk. Let's
get down to +
get * across + cause to be understood It's difficult to get humor topic get down to business.
 Get in the front seat. boyfriend/ex-girlfriend) with Peter.
enter ( a car, a small
get in + You will have more leg We will never get
boat)
room. get through + complete through all of these
Get in. I will give you a boxes by 9:00 PM.
get in enter
ride to school We need a stronger drill
get through + penetrate
I finally got my sister's to get through this wall.
get * off + send (a package) birthday present off The door was jammed,
yesterday. get through penetrate so we couldn't get
remove ( a spider from Can you get this spider through.
get * off
your shirt) off my shirt? Have you gotten
leave (a bus, plane, We need to get off the get through (with) + finish through with your
get off +
train, boat) bus at the next stop. homework yet?
It's dangerous to sit on It's hard to get through
get off leave
the roof. Get off! to Janet because her
get through to + make contact
idiomatic phrase - How telephone line is always
Where does he get off busy.
get off does he justify saying
saying that?!
that?! Ahmed got Abdul up at
cause someone to rise
You should get your 5:30 in the morning by
get * up (from a sitting position
get * on put on (clothes) jacket on because it's turning the music up
or a lying position)
going to be cold. really loud.
enter (a bus, train), The train is leaving. rise (from sitting What time did you get
get on get up
mount (a horse, a bike) Quick, get on! position or a bed) up this morning?
enter (a bus, train), Get on my bike and I will give something without
get on + Why did Nancy give all
mount ( a horse, a bike) give you a ride home. give * away + asking for anything in
of her furniture away?
have a good Natasha doesn't get on exchange
get on We are having a
relationship with her co-workers.
have a good Do you get on with your surprise party for Susan
get on with + give * away + betray (a secret) next Saturday, so don't
relationship neighbors?
give our surprise away
Now that the police
by acting suspicious.
get on with + continue an activity have left, let's get on
with the party! When are you going to
return something you
give * back + give that book back to
I fell into the water when borrowed
exit (a small boat, car, your teacher?
get out of + I tried to get out of the
an enclosed area) Never give in! You can
canoe. give in stop trying
do it!
get over + recover (a cold, a Jennifer still hasn't
disease, an ex- gotten over her breakup That white flower gives
give off + release (a smell, light)
off a beautiful smell.
 I earn extra money by sounds)
give * out + distribute giving out brochures on The DVD player goes off
the street. go off stop (said of a machine) automatically if you are
I hope this car doesn't not using it.
give out become very tired (inf.) give out in the middle of Maria went off last night
the desert. go off become angry after I told her about
The police told the thief losing her bike.
give * up + surrender something
to give his gun up. Please, go on. Don't let
go on continue
Never give up learning me interrupt you.
give up surrender
English! This place is a mess!
I yelled at the dogs to go on happen What went on here last
go away leave
make them go away. night?
When are you going I think we should go on
go back return continue ( a plan, a
back to your house? go on with + with the meeting and
conversation)
go past, go close to, We go by the coffee stop wasting time.
go by +
visit quickly shop everyday. The fire went out after
go out stop burning ( a fire)
Don't trust him. He three days.
not keep (one's word, a
go back on + always goes back on his take part in social
promise) They love to go out
promises. go out activities (usually at
every Saturday night.
The cost of flight tickets night)
go down decrease
is going down. Do you usually go over
go over + review
Our team is going for your notes before class?
go for + try to achieve the gold medal in the be well received,
go over That didn't go over well.
Olympics. succeed
idiomatic phrase - I am I need to have my
I could go for pepperoni examine in detail, study
go for craving pepperoni go through + lawyer go through this
pizza. carefully
pizza. contract before I sign it.
Are you going to go in endure; experience
She has gone through
go in for + participate ( inf.) for soccer this year at go through + challenges, difficulties
so much in her life.
school? or traumas
I really don't want to go continue or proceed I have decided to go
go into + discuss in detail
into that now. go through with + despite difficulties or through with the
The bomb could go off fears operation.
go off explode
at any moment. That shirt doesn't go
go with + match (clothing)
go off begin, start (used with The alarm clock went off with those pants.
signals, alarms, warning at 6:00 AM. go with + accompany a person I am going with
 Alejandro to the party. fun all day.
have a suspend (clothes You can hang your jacket up in
go with + I am going with Yuri. hang * up +
boyfriend/girlfriend on a hanger) the front closet.
abstain from something A person can go without put down the
go without + Don't hang up. I'm going to
you want or need water for three days. hang up telephone
change phones.
The restaurant went receiver
grow under go out of business under after it lost its stay in a place for Let's go hang out at the mall
hang out +
liquor license. fun (inf.) tonight.
Your brother needs to stay in a place for What are you doing? - - I'm just
hang out
grow up mature grow up and start fun hanging out.
thinking about his future. Do you have your hiking boots
have * on + wear
on?
Why don't we have Mr. and
invite guests to
have * over Mrs. Jones over for dinner
your home
tonight.
receive news
Have you heard from Steve
hear from + from (a letter, an
lately?
e-mail)
know about
Is the teacher going to hand Have you heard of chocolate
hand * back + return hear of + something or
back our tests today? covered ants?
somebody
The president is going to hand I hit on the idea while watching
pronounce hit on + find on accident
hand * down + his decision down on health the Simpsons show.
formally
care tonight.
Jay's friend Marc was trying to
When my clothes got too small hit on + flirt with
give as an hit on my sister last night.
hand * down + for me as a child, I handed
inheritance The police held the
them down to my sister.
hold * back + restrain demonstrators back while the
I have to hand in an offer by politicians entered the building.
hand * in + submit
March 12.
not allow to The teacher held Frank back a
We should hand the concert hold back advance in year, so he couldn't enter fifth
hand * out + distribute
fliers out at school. school grade.
relinquish control Hand your car keys over. Mr. Johnson held the dog off
hand * over + hold * off + restrain
of You're too drunk to drive. while we crossed the yard.
Maria and Salvador usually We should hold off on making
stay in a place for hold off on + delay
hang around + hang around the beach after dinner until your parents arrive.
fun ( inf.)
school.
hold on grasp tightly Hold on tight! The roller
hang around stay in a place for Those guys just hang around
 coaster is about to take off. something
tell someone to He kept on talking after
keep on continue
hold on wait on the Hold on a minute. I'll get Carol. everybody asked him to stop.
telephone Keep the dog out of the
Make sure you hold on to the keep * out prevent from entering garden; he keeps digging up
hold on to + grasp tightly hand rail as you walk down the the flowers.
stairs. I keep a tarp over my bicycle
cover something with,
Stop holding out and tell us keep * over at night to prevent it from
not give in, put something above
hold out where you found all of these getting wet.
continue to resist
old records. Everybody said she would
They held out against enemy continue, persist in (an never finish the puzzle, but
hold out against + not give in, resist keep to +
attack. activity) she kept to it until it was
delay (a flight, The accident held traffic up for done.
hold * up +
traffic); an hour. stay on the required You have to keep up if you
keep up
rob (a bank, a schedule want to work here.
Five men held the bank up
hold * up + person) with a You are doing a great job!
yesterday. keep * up + continue
weapon Keep it up.
stay on schedule with (a I have so much reading that I
keep up with + person, the workload, can't keep up with the writing
I always keep a dictionary homework) exercises.
have handy, have
keep * around around to translate new
accessible
words.
not give up (an activity), You should keep at your
keep at +
to persevere studies.
prevent access to, hold Keep the kids away from the
keep * away
back cookies.
maintain a safe
Keep back! The burning Why don't you lay away
keep * back distance, cause to lay away + save for the future
building is about to collapse. your wedding outfit?
maintain a safe distance
not vomit, not throw up, If I ate that, I down know if I Lori lays down the law in
keep * down lay down + establish (laws, rules)
keep in one's stomach could keep it down. her class. English only!
keep in a particular When I am not using it, I My mom really laid in on
keep * in place, have something keep my passport in this scold or criticize me when I got home at
lay in on +
in a specific location drawer. severely 4:00 in the morning last
night.
keep * off prevent from stepping Keep the cat off the couch.
or climbing on to lay into + scold or criticize I saw Reto's mom lay into
severely him when he came home
 late last night. shameful or
singing that song at the
suspend someone from The company was losing embarrassing event is
karaoke bar.
lay * off + a job (during a slow money, so they had to lay forgotten
period) off 100 workers. I could live on bread and
live on + survive from
Why don't we lay the cheese.
lay * out + arrange pieces of the table out It would be hard to live up
before we put it together. to her parent's
live up to + keep a standard
Why did your parents leave expectations. They are so
leave * out + not include, omit you out of their vacation demanding.
plans? When my sister goes on
take care of (a child, a
I felt let down when I didn't look after + vacation, I look after her
house, a pet)
let * down disappoint receive a birthday card dog.
from my sister. When I look back on my
to remember
lengthen (pants in My uncle is a tailor, so he look back on + childhood, I often feel
let * down nostalgically
sewing) can let your pants down. angry.
I am happy my brother was She's so conceited. She
let * out release look down on + see as inferior looks down on everybody
let out of prison early.
I need to let out this skirt else.
make bigger (in I'm looking for my keys.
let * out because I have gained look for + to seek or search for
sewing) Have you seen them?
weight.
I told her NO a thousand I am looking forward to
let up weaken in intensity look forward to + anticipate with pleasure traveling to New York next
times, but she won't let up.
I need to lie down before year.
lie down rest, recline The police are looking into
we go out tonight. look into + investigate
rest, recline ( on a I'm going to lie down on the the murder.
lie down on + Everybody just looked on
couch, bed) sofa for a while. look on observe as a spectator
Whether or not you can go as the two men fought.
lie with + be decided by to the party lies with your be careful, pay
Look out, there's a black
father. look out attention, heed a
widow spider on the wall.
Let's get some candles to certain danger
light * up + illuminate When I'm camping, I look
light this room up.
Do you have to light up look * over + examine, review my shoes over before I put
another cigarette? I them on.
light up + to smoke search for (in a I takes time to look up new
thought you were trying to look * up +
cut down. dictionary) vocabulary words.
live * down + live in a way that a Jose will never live down look * up + locate and visit If you ever travel to
 California, you should look different kinds of nuts before we
me up. put them in a bowl.
respect, admire make lively (a Let's mix up this party with a little
look up to + He looks up to his father. mix * up +
someone party) disco music.

I can't make out your be successful, turn out The trip to Vegas didn't pan
pan out
make * out decipher handwriting. What does this well out.
say? After battling cancer for
write a check or Who should I make this check several years, he finally
make * out + pass away die
other document out to? passed away at the age of
He really made out in the stock 87.
make out succeed
market last year. try to convince someone He tried to pass the fake
pass * off +
How is your son making out in that something is real watch off as a real Rolex.
make out progress
his new job? Please pass this message
pass * on + transmit
I saw Benno and Isabelle on to your co-workers.
make out kiss passionately making out in the movie theater Jennifer passed on the
not accept (an invitation
last night! pass on + invitation to join us for
to eat or do something)
kiss someone dinner.
make out with + Did you make out with Sally?
passionately I am afraid Professor
pass on die
The teacher made me do my Johnson has passed on.
make * over do again
homework over. We need to pass out these
Don't believe anything she says. pass * out + distribute flyers for the concert
make * up + invent ( a story) tomorrow.
She always makes things up.
Fortunately, my professor let me He passed out because the
complete what pass out become unconscious
make * up + make up the exam I missed room was too hot.
was missed
yesterday. I can't believe she passed
not take advantage (of an
I takes me 10 minutes to make pass * up + up the opportunity to study
make * up + put on cosmetics opportunity)
my face up. in Rome.
You two have been friends for so If I loan you money, will you
pay * back + repay
make up reconcile long that I think you should pay me back.
make up. complete payment on a It took me ten years to pay
pay * off +
Allen made up for being late by debt off my credit card debt.
make up for + compensate for
getting me flowers. Don't try to pay the police
I sometimes mix the verb tenses pay * off + to bribe officer off if you get pulled
mix * up + confuse over for speeding.
up.
mix * up + blend We need to mix up these pick on + to tease, bully She keeps picking on me!
 Make her stop.
Diane picked out a lovely
pick * out + choose
dress for the dance.
to lift an object with the Keep your back straight
pick * up +
hands when you lift the TV up.
come and get someone in What time are you going to
pick * up +
a car pick me up.
It's possible to pick up
learn something without enough English in two
pick * up +
effort weeks to get by on your trip
to Los Angeles.
try to initiate a relationship
Some weird guy tried to pick
pick * up + with someone (often in a
Patricia up at the bar.
bar)
Business is really picking up
pick up grow, increase (inf.)
this quarter.
The President played down
play * down + make less important (inf.)
his affair with the intern.
She played up her part in
play * up highlight something (inf.) the new movie, but it was
actually a very small role.
She has been playing up to
flatter someone for your
play up to + the boss because she wants
personal advantage
a promotion.
I'd like to point out that
point * out + indicate figures in column two might
be outdated.
He pulls down about
pull down earn
$300,000 a year.
Mark pulled in too quickly
pull in park (a vehicle)
and crashed into the wall.
Our train pulls out at 8:00,
pull out depart (a vehicle)
so don't be late.
I didn't think she was going
pull through barely survive to make it, but she pulled
through in the end.
communicate (an idea or I thought Ms. Smith put her
put * across + suggestion) clearly so that ideas across rather clearly
it is understood in the meeting.
return to the proper place I told you kids to put your
put * away +
of storage toys away.
She always puts down
insult, say bad things
put * down + people who don't share her
about
opinions.
officially submit a request
He put in for a transfer to
put in + (in the armed forces or
the division in Los Angeles.
public services)
Don't put off your work - do
put * off + postpone
it now!
Make sure you put on a
put * on + wear sweater before you go
outside.
I didn't believe a thing he
put * on + deceive said. I think he was putting
me on.
Don't use water to put out a
put * out + extinguish (a fire)
grease fire.
I don't want to put you out,
put * out + inconvenience someone but could you pick me up at
the airport.
spend (usually used with
I can't put out that much
put out + unreasonably large sums
money each month.
of money)
have a guest stay in your Can you put me up while I'm
put * up
house for a short time in town.
Sandy will not put up with
put up with + tolerate
smoking in her house.
I need to read up on the
research a topic for a
read up on + company before I go on the
reason
job interview.
ring * up telephone Jack rung me up last night at
 3:00 in the morning. party?
I wouldn't rule out the You shouldn't swim where
possibility of moving to run off waste water the sewage runs off into the
rule * out + eliminate
another country if I get a ocean.
good job offer. We ran out of milk this
not have any more of
I ran across some old photos run out of + morning, so we need to go to
find or meet something
run across + while I was cleaning my the store.
unexpectedly
house.
Gore ran against Bush in the
run against + compete in an election
2000 elections in the U.S.A. I hope I will be able to save
leave home save * up + accumulate (money) up enough money to go to
The child ran away because school.
run away permanently before
her parents beat her.
you are a legal adult My dad said he was going
arrange or consider
The child ran away from its see about + to see about buying me a
run away from + escape from something
parents. car.
Have you run down those say good-bye to someone
run * down trace phone numbers I asked for at the beginning of their Did you see your sister off
see * off
last week? trip (at the airport, train at the train station?
My boss runs everyone station)
run * down criticize make sure something I'll see to it that Mr. Ramirez
down. see to +
My dog was run down by a happens, arrange gets your message.
run * down hit with a car Are you going to be able to
bus. finish something despite
loose power, be very You need to wind your watch see * through see your studies through
run down difficulties
tired so it doesn't run down. now that you have a baby?
campaign for a Gore is running for president My partner in crime sold me
run for + sell * out tell on someone out for a reduced jail
government position of the U.S.A.
I ran into my English teacher sentence.
run into + meet unexpectedly at the movies last night. My mom set me up with her
set * up arrange a relationship
She's so nice! friend's son.
The new government is falsely incriminate a I don't think he killed those
set * up
run * off + make leave trying to run the drug person men. Somebody set him up.
traffickers off. I set up an appointment with
arrange (an appointment,
Would you mind running off set up + my doctor at 3:30 this
reproduce a meeting,etc.)
run * off 10 copies of this document afternoon.
(photocopies) make a decision after a I settled on the job at the oil
for me? settle on +
run off leave quickly Why did you run off after the period of time company.
 We need to settle up before
settle up pay one's debts
you move.
show to everybody with a He always shows off his
show * off +
lot of pride new things.
boast, draw attention to Young boys show off in
show off
oneself order to impress girls.
He's always trying to show
make someone seem
show * up up his co-workers in order to
inferior
get ahead.
I hadn't seen my cousin for
arrive without previous years, and all of a sudden,
show up
notice he showed up at my
workplace yesterday!
If you don't pay your electric
shut * off stop from functioning bill, your power is going to
get shut off.
Would someone shut him
up! He's talking so loudly
shut * up make quiet
that we're going to get in
trouble.
Because Mary's level in
English is lower than the
slow * down + make move more slowly
rest of the students, she
slows the class down.
Because Mary's level in
English is lower than the
slow * up + make move more slowly
rest of the students, she
slows the class up.
to explain something in a
He's so stupid that you have
detailed way so that the
spell * out + to spell everything our for
meaning is clearly
him.
understood
I need you to stand by and
stand by wait answer the phone when my
broker calls.
stand for + represent SCUBA stands for "self
contained underwater
breathing apparatus."
I won't stand for people
stand for + tolerate
criticizing me.
Soledad is so beautiful! She
stand out be very noticeable
really stands out in a crowd.
I arranged to meet Joe at
not arrive to a date or an the library at 8:00, but he
stand * up
appointment (inf.) stood me up. I hope he has
a good excuse.
defend (something one Every individual must stand
stand up for +
believes in) up for what they believe in.
I think you should stand up
defend oneself against to your older brother and tell
stand up to +
someone or something him to stop pushing you
around.
It takes you so long to take
spend the night at a
stay over the bus home, so why don't
person's house
you just stay over?
My boss really stuck it to me
severely criticize a person
stick it to + when I arrived late to work
(inf.)
for the third time this week.
Even though English is a
stick to + persevere, keep trying hard language to master,
you must stick to it!
Joseph joined the army
defend oneself or
stick up for + because he believes he
opinions
must stick up for his country.
resemble a parent or I take after my father. Who
take after +
relative do you take after?
 remove, seize or The soldiers took the the family business when
take * away +
capture captives away. Aretha's father dies?
retract something you I demand that you take If the President is
take * back +
said back what you said. take over take control of assassinated, the Vice-
The dress my grandmother president will take over.
return an item to a bought for me didn't fit, so I accompany a person I can't meet you tonight
take * back +
store took it back and exchanged take * out + on a date (for dinner, because I am taking
it for a pair of pants. the movies) Fernanda out to dinner.
Would you mind taking Have you taken up any
take * down + write down what is said down my messages while I take * up + begin a new hobby new hobbies since you
am on vacation? moved here?
The city government made We should take this issue
remove (from a high
take * down + the shop take down their take * up + discuss (at a later date) up in the meeting
place)
bright, neon sign. tomorrow.
Do you take me for an shorten a garment This dress is too long, I am
take * for consider, view as take * up +
idiot? when sewing going to take it up.
Are you taking in all of This couch takes up too
take * in + learning
these phrasal verbs? take up + occupy space much space in the living
He was taken in by the con room.
take * in + deceive a person
artist. respond in an impolite
talk back Don't talk back!
I lost weight, so I need to way to an adult
make smaller when take some of my skirts to respond in an impolite Children should not talk
take * in + talk back to +
sewing the tailor to have them way to an adult back to their parents.
taken in. I hope my parents talk their
when a plane or rocket My stomach felt funny talk * over + discuss relationship problems over
take * off
leaves the ground when the plane took off. before they get divorced.
In many cultures, it is The county decided to tear
appropriate to take off your down the dilapidated
take * off + remove tear * down + destroy
shoes when entering a school and build a new
house. one.
leave work or school I was sick last week, so I I always tear up my
take * off + tear or rip into small
for a period of time took a few days off of work. tear * up + personal papers before I
pieces
take off leave We took off after dinner. throw them out.
accept (responsibilities, She has taken on too much Carolina told me off when
take on + criticize a person
work) responsibility in this project. she found out I was
tell * off + severely, reprimand
take * over + take control of Who is going to take over gossiping about her date
(inf.)
with Martin.
 report a crime to the Every time I did something Try out this massage chair
try * out test
tell on + police or bad behavior wrong when I was a child, - it feels great!
to a parent my sister would tell on me. They turned us away at the
refuse to deal with or
Think over the offer before turn * away border because we didn't
think * over + consider give service
you sign the contract. have visas.
You need to think this change or reverse Turn the car around and go
turn * around
think * through + consider carefully through carefully before direction back home.
you make a decision. She turned down the new
refuse an offer; reject
I need to think up an turn * down + job in New York, because
create or invent a false an application
think * up + excuse for not going to her she didn't want to move.
story
party. lower the volume or
I'm studying! Please turn
Don't throw away those turn * down + intensity of a TV, radio,
down the TV.
throw * away + discard bottles; we can recycle or other machine
them. You need to turn your
turn * in submit
I asked him not to throw out essays in next week.
the Sunday newspaper It's getting late. I think it is
throw * out + discard turn in go to bed (inf.)
because I wanted to save about time to turn in.
an article. When she kissed the frog,
remove by force from Mary threw out her become something
turn into + it turned into a handsome
throw * out + (a room, school, a roommate because she different, transform
prince.
house, etc.) stopped paying rent. stop the function of (a Don't forget to turn off the
If you drink too much turn * off + stove, a water faucet, a iron before you leave the
throw up vomit alcohol, you might throw car, etc.) house.
up. The pit bull suddenly turned
When we dock, make sure turn on + attack unexpectedly
tie * up + tie securely on the small child.
you tie the boat up. Scientists have discovered
cause someone to be Speaking English all day cause to be excited
tire * out turn * on that the smell of cinnamon
very tired tires me out. sexually
turns many people on.
The presidential candidates Turn on the TV. The
talk about for a short touched on the subject of start the function of a
touch on + turn * on + baseball game starts in a
time health care during the TV, a radio, a machine
few minutes.
debates. The weavers can turn out
We didn't paint the whole turn * out produce
make the final two or three rugs a month.
touch * up kitchen, we just touched up Turn out the light before
improvements turn * out switch off a light
the cabinets. you go to bed.
put on to make sure a Try on the pants before you turn out audience members to a Over 100,000 people
try * on +
piece of clothing fits buy them.
 function turned out for the concert. minutes.
She turned out to be the Watch out - there's a
turn out end up being watch out be careful
murderer after all. rattlesnake!
give to authorities (said Watch out for snakes while
They turned the wallet over watch out for + be careful of
turn * over of evidence or stolen / you are hiking in the desert.
to the police.
lost property) The affects of the medicine
disappear after a period
increase the volume or wear off will wear off after a few
Turn up the TV. I can't hear of time
turn * up + intensity of a TV, radio, hours.
what they're saying.
or other machine If you wear the same shoes
use until something is
My keys turned up in the wear * out everyday, you'll wear them
turn up find unexpectedly not useable anymore
bedroom. out.
I used up all of the soap, so wear * out cause to be very tired Her three kids wore me out.
use * up use all of something we need to buy some If he doesn't get his act
more. wind up + finish (inf.) together, he is going to wind
up in jail.
tighten the spring of a
He wound up the toy dog
wind * up + watch or similar
and set it on the floor.
machine
The kids always get wound
cause an animal or a
wind * up + up when Uncle Henry comes
Each waitress waits on three child to behave wildly
over.
wait on + serve, service (a table) different tables in the The tidal wave wiped out the
restaurant. wipe * out + massacre or destroy
small fishing village.
not sleep because you After surfing all day, I was
wait up are waiting for Don't wait up. wipe * out cause to be very tired
completely wiped out.
something or someone
I hope you two can work out
not sleep because you work * out + solve
Let's wait up for Mary to see your problems.
wait up for + are waiting for someone
how her date went. I work out three times a
or something work out exercise
week at the fitness center.
The car alarm woke me up
wake * up + awaken someone I am glad your new catering
at 6:00 in the morning. work out be successful
business is working out.
Wake up. It's time to get
wake up awaken Write down the directions so
ready for work. write * down + record
you don't forget them.
Make sure you wash up
wash up clean oneself He wrote out the lyrics so I
before dinner. write down every word
write * out + could understand what the
wash * up + clean If we work together, we can or letter
singer was saying.
wash the kitchen up in a few
 He wrote up a business
write * up + prepare a report proposal in order to get a
loan.

conditionals
I think I have zeroed in on what has
zero in on + discover, pinpoint
been causing the problem. Listed below are examples, uses and formation of conditionals :
move quickly from I zipped around town after work
zip around +
place to place today. Examples Usage
stop paying Conditional 0
Situations that are always true if something
zone out He zoned out during class. happens.
attention
Jill was so exhausted after taking If I am late, my father
NOTE
zonk out fall asleep the TOEFL test that she zonked out takes me to school.
before dinner.
This use is similiar to, and can usually be
You need a telephoto lens to zoom She doesn't worry if
zoom in focus replaced by, a time clause using 'when'
in. Jack stays out after
(example: When I am late, my father takes
school.
focus on me to school.)
She zoomed in on his face while
zoom in on + something, Conditional 1 Often called the "real" conditional because it
taking the picture. is used for real - or possible - situations.
pinpoint
If it rains, we will stay These situations take place if a certain
at home. condition is met.

He will arrive late NOTE

unless he hurries up.
In the conditional 1 we often use unless
Peter will buy a new which means 'if ... not'. In other words,
car, if he gets his '...unless he hurries up.' could also be
raise. written, '...if he doesn't hurry up.'.
Conditional 2
Often called the "unreal" conditional because
it is used for unreal - impossible or
If he studied more, he
improbable - situations. This conditional
would pass the exam.
provides an imaginary result for a given
situation.
I would lower taxes if I
were the President.
NOTE

They would buy a new

The verb 'to be', when used in the 2nd
house if they had more
conditional, is always conjugated as 'were'.
money.
Conditional 3

If he had known that, Quiz

Often referred to as the "past" conditional
he would have decided
because it concerns only past situations with
differently.
hypothetical results. Used to express a Choose the correct conditional form to complete the sentences below. Once you
hypothetical result to a past given situation. have decided on your answer, click on the arrow to check your answer.
Jane would have found
1- If I _________(stay) in Boston, I would have found a new appartment.
a new job if she had
2-She would help the poor if she _________(be) the President.
stayed in Boston.
3-If he goes to Rome on a business trip, he often ________(visit) the Vatican.
4- We won't go to the film unless they _________(arrive) in the next 5
Structure minutes.
Conditional 0 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if 5-She _________(buy) a new car if she had had the money.
clause followed by a comma + the present simple in the result 6- If Enrico were me, he _________(go) to New York immediately.
clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a 7- They will talk to John if he ________(come).
comma between the clauses. 8 -She comes to work 30 minutes late if her child _______(miss) the bus to
school.
If he comes to town, we have dinner
9 -If Jack ________(think) twice, he wouldn't have made such a stupid
mistake.
We have dinner if he comes to town. 10- Katherine ___________(become) a VIP if she studies hard!
Conditional 1 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if 11- If they _________(know) all the facts, they would have found the
clause followed by a comma + will + verb (base form) in the result defendant guilty.
clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma 12-tUnless you __________(hurry up), we will never arrive on time.
between the clauses. 13- If I were in charge, I ________(change) the standard business routines.
If he finishes on time, we will go to the movies. 14- He takes his daughter out to dinner, if she ________(come) to town.
15- If I hadn't known better, I _________(trust) him.
We will go to the movies if he finishes on time.
Conditional 2 is formed by the use of the past simple in the if clause
Correction
followed by a comma + would + verb (base form) in the result
clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma
between the clauses. 1-Had stayed 2-were 3-visits 4-arrive 5-would have bought 6- would go 7-
comes 8-misses 9- had thought 10- will become11-had known 12-hurry up
If they had more money, they would buy a new house. 13- would change 14-comes 15-would have trusted

They would buy a new house if they had more money.

Conditional 3 is formed by the use of the past perfect in the if clause
followed by a comma + would have + past participle in the result
clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma
between the clauses.
If Alice had won the life would have changed.
competition,
if Alice had won the
Life would have changed competition. Indirect speech
Indirect Speech (also referred to as 'reported speech') refers to a
sentence reporting what someone has said. It is almost always used in
spoken English.
 If the reporting verb (i.e. said) is in the past, the reported clause
will be in a past form. This form is usually one step back into the
past from the original.
For example:
o He said the test was difficult.
o She said she watched TV every day.
o Jack said he came to school every day.
 If simple present, present perfect or the future is used in the
reporting verb (i.e. says) the tense is retained.
For example:
o He says the test is difficult.
o She has said that she watches TV every day.
o Jack will say that he comes to school every day.
 If reporting a general truth the present tense will be retained.
For example: The teacher said that phrasal verbs are very
important.
 She said, "I want to bring my children tomorrow." BECOMES She said
she wanted to bring her children the next day.
 Jack said, "My wife went with me to the show yesterday." BECOMES Jack
said his wife had gone with him to the show the day before.
Indirect Questions
When reporting questions, it is especially important to pay attention to sentence
order. When reporting yes/ no questions connect the reported question using
'if'. When reporting questions using question words (why, where, when, etc.)
use the question word.
For example:
 She asked, "Do you want to come with me?" BECOMES She asked me if I
wanted to come with her.
 Dave asked, "Where did you go last weekend?" BECOMES Dave asked
me where I had gone the previous weekend.
 He asked, "Why are you studying English?" BECOMES She asked me why
I was studying English.
The following chart includes sentences changed from quoted speech to reported
speech using a past form. Pay special attention to sentences marked with "*".
Note Simple past, present perfect, and past perfect all change to past perfect in
the reported form.

Changing Pronouns and Time Signifiers

When changing from direct speech to indirect speech, it is often

necessary to change the pronouns to match the subject of the sentence.

For example:

 She said, "I want to bring my children." BECOMES She said she
wanted to bring her children.
 Jack said, "My wife went with me to the show." BECOMES Jack
said his wife had gone with him to the show.

It is also important to change time words (signifiers) when referring to Direct Speech Indirect Speech
present, past or future time to match the moment of speaking. He said, "I live in Paris." He said he lived in Paris.
He said, "I am cooking He said he was cooking
For example:
 dinner." dinner. Examples:
He said, "I have visted He said he had visited
London twice." London twice. John told me he was going to stay late at work.
Peter said he wanted to visit his parents that weekend.
He said he had gone to
He said, "I went to New
New York the week
York last week." These forms are perfectly correct for reporting what others have said. However,
before.
there are a number of other reporting verbs which can more accurately describe
He said, "I had already He said he had already
eaten." eaten. what someone has said. These verbs take a variety of structures. The following list
gives you reporting verbs in various categories based on sentence structure. Notice
He said, "I am going to find He said he was going to
a new job." find a new job. that a number of verbs can take more than one form.
He said, "I will give Jack a He said he would give Jack
verb +
call." a call. verb + verb +
verb + verb + verb + object +
He said, "I have been He said he had been object + preposition
infinitive (that) gerund preposition
working on that project for working on that project infinitive + gerund
+ gerund
over two weeks." for over two weeks.
admit
He said, "I can come He said he could come that agree
tonight." night. agree
advise decide
decide
* He said, "I may buy a He said he might buy a encourage deny deny accuse
offer apologize
new car." new car. invite explain recommend blame
promise insist
remind insist suggest congratulate
* He said, "I might go to He said he might go to refuse
warn promise
Denver." Denver. threaten
recommend
* He said, "I must give Ken He said he had to give Ken suggest
a call." a call. Examples: Examples: Examples:
* He said, "I have to give He said he had to give Ken Examples:
Jack Examples: Tom He denied
Ken a call." a call. They Examples:
encouraged She offered admitted having
accused the He
* He said, "I should see a He said he should see a me to look to give him (that) he anything to
boys of apologized
doctor" doctor. for a new a lift to had tried to do with
cheating on for being
job. work. leave early. her.
the exam. late.

They invited My brother She agreed Ken

She blamed She insisted
all their refused to (that) we suggested
her husband on doing the
friends to take no for needed to studying
for missing washing up.
attend the an answer. reconsider early in the
the train.
presentation. our plans. morning.
Quiz
Reporting verbs 1. Tom said, "I want to visit my friends this weekend."

When using reported speech, most students learn to use "say" and Tom said____________________.
"tell":
2. Jerry said, "I'm studying English a lot at the moment."
 Jerry said ______________________ .

3. They said, "We've lived here for a long time."

They said ___________________for a long time.

4. He asked me, "Have you finished reading the newspaper?"

He asked me _______________________.

5. "I get up every morning at seven o'clock.", Peter said.

Peter said _______________________at seven o'clock.

6. Susan reassured me, "I can come tonight."

Susan told me ____________________.

7. She said, "I really wish I had bought that new car."

She told me __________________that new car.

8. Jack said, "He must be guilty!"

Jack said he must have been guilty.

9. Cheryl asked her, "How long have you lived here?"

Cheryl asked her ___________________.

10. He said, "I must get going. Otherwise, I'm going to be late."

He told me _________________________.