Monday, March 28, 2016
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Expresing Purpose; Reason/Cause; Result/Effect
PURPOSE:
Examples:
We had a meeting today so as to discuss next year's programme.
He did all he could for her not to worry.
I moved to France so that I could improve my French.
Everyone did their best in order to finish the work.
RESULT:
Examples:
He missed the early train, as a result he was too late for the job interview.
The result of his trial, therefore, could hardly have been other than a foregone conclusion.
If he locked the door, then Kitty is trapped inside.
taken from:
http://languagelearningbase.com/19645/expressing-purpose-reason-cause-result-effect
I moved to France so that I could improve my French.
Everyone did their best in order to finish the work.
REASON:
Examples:
Since you don't believe me, I won't give evidence.
Because of his lack of training he had difficulties finding a job.
He gave him his jacket out of pity.
On account of the weather we didn't go for a walk.
Billy was punished for lying to his teacher.
Owing to the snow,the planes couldn't take off.
As you are a foreigner you can't express your opinions on the situation in the area.
Seeing that you aren't interested I' ll do it by myself.
Since you don't believe me, I won't give evidence.
Because of his lack of training he had difficulties finding a job.
He gave him his jacket out of pity.
On account of the weather we didn't go for a walk.
Billy was punished for lying to his teacher.
Owing to the snow,the planes couldn't take off.
As you are a foreigner you can't express your opinions on the situation in the area.
Seeing that you aren't interested I' ll do it by myself.
RESULT:
He missed the early train, as a result he was too late for the job interview.
The result of his trial, therefore, could hardly have been other than a foregone conclusion.
If he locked the door, then Kitty is trapped inside.
taken from:
http://languagelearningbase.com/19645/expressing-purpose-reason-cause-result-effect
Friday, March 25, 2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Compound Adjectives
A compound adjective is sometimes called a hyphenated adjective. What are they?
Let's look at the following sentences:
I saw a man-eating alligator
I saw a man eating alligator
The first sentence contains a compound adjective.
The second sentence doesn't.
However the meaning of the two sentences are very different as can be seen in the picture below:
I saw a man-eating alligator.
We are describing the alligator. What type of alligator is it? It is one that eats men (or people).
I saw a man eating alligator.
This sentence without the hyphen sounds like a man is eating an alligator.
(man is the subject, eating is the verb, alligator is the object or thing that is being eaten).
As you can see, the hyphen (or lack of it) makes a big difference in the meaning of the sentence.
Compound Adjectives + Periods of Time
When he have compound adjectives using numbers + a time period, that word referring to a time period is in singular form and is joined to the number with a hyphen.
I work eight hours every day --> I work an eight-hour day
I'm going on vacation for three weeks --> I have a three-week vacation
There was a delay of 5 seconds --> There was a five-second delay
Notice how we normally write the number as a word, not in numerical form.
Adverbs and Compound Adjectives
Adverbs modify a verb.
She walks slowly.
How does she walk? Slowly. Slowly is an adverb that modifies (or describes) the verb.
Adverbs can also be used to modify an adjective.
It is very hot today. (Very is an adverb)
She is extremely intelligent. (Extremely is an adverb)
Notice how we do not put a hyphen between an adverb and an adjective (not even before a noun).
It is a very hot day.
She is an extremely intelligent girl.
Adverb + Past Participle
However when we have an Adverb + past participle, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
This is a brightly-lit room.
She is a well-known actress.
We live in a densely-populated city.
Noun + Past Participle
When we have a noun + past participle, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
We should start using wind-powered generators to cut costs.
I love eating sun-dried raisins.
Noun + Present Participle
When we have a noun + present participle, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
I bought some mouth-watering strawberries.
That was a record-breaking jump.
Noun + Adjective
When we have a noun + adjective, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
She is a world-famous singer.
This is a smoke-free restaurant.
Adjective + Noun
When we have an adjective + noun, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
It was a last-minute decision.
We watched the full-length version of the movie.
Adjective + Past Participle
When we have an adjective + past participle, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
That is an old-fashioned dress
Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures.
Adjective + Present Participle
When we have an adjective + present participle, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
She is a good-looking girl.
It left a long-lasting taste in my mouth.
Compound Adjectives with Proper Nouns
A proper noun is the name of something or someone (e.g. John, Susan Sanders).
Compound Adjectives made from Proper nouns don't need a hyphen though must have capital letters.
I bought the James Jackson tickets for us.
James Jackson is a compound adjective describing the tickets (What type of tickets? James Jackson tickets). Since the adjective is a Proper noun, we don't need a hyphen between the two names.
How do we know when to put a hyphen?
If you can use the word “and” between the two adjectives or words, then a hyphen isn't necessary.
She has a big blue book.
(Big and Blue are adjectives)
Can we say: She has a big and blue book. (Yes, it is possible)
Let's look at the following sentences:
I saw a man-eating alligator
I saw a man eating alligator
The first sentence contains a compound adjective.
The second sentence doesn't.
However the meaning of the two sentences are very different as can be seen in the picture below:
We are describing the alligator. What type of alligator is it? It is one that eats men (or people).
I saw a man eating alligator.
This sentence without the hyphen sounds like a man is eating an alligator.
(man is the subject, eating is the verb, alligator is the object or thing that is being eaten).
As you can see, the hyphen (or lack of it) makes a big difference in the meaning of the sentence.
Compound adjectives
A compound adjective is an adjective that contains two or more words.
In general we put a hyphen between two or more words (before a noun) when we want them to act as a single idea (adjective) that describes something.
I live in an English-speaking country.
English-speaking is an adjective (used to describe the country). We use a hyphen to connect the word English with speaking to show that it is one adjective (or one idea).
This adjective with two words joined by the hyphen is called a compound adjective.
Some more examples of compound adjectives are:
Our office is in a twenty-storey building.
I have just finished reading a 300-page book.
He is a well-known writer.
There are many types of Compound Adjectives. Here is a list of the most common types:
A compound adjective is an adjective that contains two or more words.
In general we put a hyphen between two or more words (before a noun) when we want them to act as a single idea (adjective) that describes something.
I live in an English-speaking country.
English-speaking is an adjective (used to describe the country). We use a hyphen to connect the word English with speaking to show that it is one adjective (or one idea).
This adjective with two words joined by the hyphen is called a compound adjective.
Some more examples of compound adjectives are:
Our office is in a twenty-storey building.
I have just finished reading a 300-page book.
He is a well-known writer.
There are many types of Compound Adjectives. Here is a list of the most common types:
Compound Adjectives + Periods of Time
When he have compound adjectives using numbers + a time period, that word referring to a time period is in singular form and is joined to the number with a hyphen.
I work eight hours every day --> I work an eight-hour day
I'm going on vacation for three weeks --> I have a three-week vacation
There was a delay of 5 seconds --> There was a five-second delay
Notice how we normally write the number as a word, not in numerical form.
Adverbs and Compound Adjectives
Adverbs modify a verb.
She walks slowly.
How does she walk? Slowly. Slowly is an adverb that modifies (or describes) the verb.
Adverbs can also be used to modify an adjective.
It is very hot today. (Very is an adverb)
She is extremely intelligent. (Extremely is an adverb)
Notice how we do not put a hyphen between an adverb and an adjective (not even before a noun).
It is a very hot day.
She is an extremely intelligent girl.
Adverb + Past Participle
However when we have an Adverb + past participle, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
This is a brightly-lit room.
She is a well-known actress.
We live in a densely-populated city.
Noun + Past Participle
When we have a noun + past participle, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
We should start using wind-powered generators to cut costs.
I love eating sun-dried raisins.
Noun + Present Participle
When we have a noun + present participle, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
I bought some mouth-watering strawberries.
That was a record-breaking jump.
Noun + Adjective
When we have a noun + adjective, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
She is a world-famous singer.
This is a smoke-free restaurant.
Adjective + Noun
When we have an adjective + noun, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
It was a last-minute decision.
We watched the full-length version of the movie.
Adjective + Past Participle
When we have an adjective + past participle, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
That is an old-fashioned dress
Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures.
Adjective + Present Participle
When we have an adjective + present participle, we put a hyphen between the two words to make it a compound adjective.
She is a good-looking girl.
It left a long-lasting taste in my mouth.
Compound Adjectives with Proper Nouns
A proper noun is the name of something or someone (e.g. John, Susan Sanders).
Compound Adjectives made from Proper nouns don't need a hyphen though must have capital letters.
I bought the James Jackson tickets for us.
James Jackson is a compound adjective describing the tickets (What type of tickets? James Jackson tickets). Since the adjective is a Proper noun, we don't need a hyphen between the two names.
How do we know when to put a hyphen?
If you can use the word “and” between the two adjectives or words, then a hyphen isn't necessary.
She has a big blue book.
(Big and Blue are adjectives)
Can we say: She has a big and blue book. (Yes, it is possible)
He is a world-famous singer
Can we say: He is a world and famous singer. No, it doesn't sound correct so we need a hyphen to join the words world and famous.
Also, look at the following:
It's an old coal-mining townNotice how we didn't put a hyphen between the word old and coal. If we had have done that, we would have been referring to old coal, as in coal that is old. We want to emphasis that the town is old and not the coal.
taken from:
Can we say: He is a world and famous singer. No, it doesn't sound correct so we need a hyphen to join the words world and famous.
Also, look at the following:
It's an old coal-mining townNotice how we didn't put a hyphen between the word old and coal. If we had have done that, we would have been referring to old coal, as in coal that is old. We want to emphasis that the town is old and not the coal.
taken from:
Question Words
There are two types of questions in English.
1. Yes/No questions use the auxiliary verb To Be or To Do and can be answered by a simple Yes/No and the auxiliary.
Example:
A: Are you a student?
B: Yes, I am/ No, I'm not
A; Is he your brother?
B: Yes, he is/ No, he isn't
A: Do you like your new teacher?
B: Yes, I do/No, I don't
A: Does she likes pizza?
B: Yes, she does?No, she doesn't
2. Wh-questions are those that ask for complete information and use question words (Wh words) at the beginning of the question plus the auxiliary verb To Be or To Do or To Have (perfect tenses)
Example;
A: Where are you from?
B: I'm from the United States/ I'm American
A: What does your father do? = What does your father do for a living?
B: He is a teacher.
A: Why isn't she coming to class today?
B: Because she feels sick.
A; What have you been doing lately? (present perfect continuous)
B: I have been studying for my exams (present perfect continuous)
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Word of the Week
obnubilate
verb: ahb-NOO-buh-laytDefinition
: becloud, obscure
Examples
The writer's essay includes some valid points, but they are obnubilated by his convoluted prose style.
"Early street lighting had the disconcerting effect of obnubilating as well as illuminating urban space." — Matthew Beaumont, Nightwalking: A Nocturnal History of London, 2015
Did You Know?
The meaning of obnubilate becomes clearer when you know that its ancestors are the Latin terms ob- (meaning "in the way") and nubes ("cloud"). It's a high-flown sounding word, which may be why it often turns up in texts by and about politicians. This has been true for a long time. In fact, when the U.S. Constitution was up for ratification, 18th-century Pennsylvania statesman James Wilson used obnubilate to calm fears that the president would have too much power: "Our first executive magistrate is not obnubilated behind the mysterious obscurity of counsellors…. He is the dignified, but accountable magistrate of a free and great people."
The writer's essay includes some valid points, but they are obnubilated by his convoluted prose style.
"Early street lighting had the disconcerting effect of obnubilating as well as illuminating urban space." — Matthew Beaumont, Nightwalking: A Nocturnal History of London, 2015
Did You Know?
The meaning of obnubilate becomes clearer when you know that its ancestors are the Latin terms ob- (meaning "in the way") and nubes ("cloud"). It's a high-flown sounding word, which may be why it often turns up in texts by and about politicians. This has been true for a long time. In fact, when the U.S. Constitution was up for ratification, 18th-century Pennsylvania statesman James Wilson used obnubilate to calm fears that the president would have too much power: "Our first executive magistrate is not obnubilated behind the mysterious obscurity of counsellors…. He is the dignified, but accountable magistrate of a free and great people."
Can/Cannot (Can't)
Can is used to express ability or to say that something is possible.
Can is the same for all subjects. We don't add an 'S' in the third person (like other verbs)
The verb that comes after Can is in the infinitive without to:
I can speak Spanish. (= it is possible for me to speak Spanish = I have the ability to speak Spanish)
He can swim well.
We can see our neighbour in the garden.
They can play the guitar.
Negative
To form the negative we add "not" after can to form one word: cannot.
We can also contract the negative to form can't. (can't = cannot)
I cannot play the piano. We can't go to the cinema tonight.
She cannot speak French very well. He can't drive a car.
Questions
To from the question we change the position of the subject and the auxiliary verb.
The main verb is still in the infinitive without to.
Where can I buy an ice-cream?
Can I go to the party, please?
Can you speak Japanese?
What can we do on Saturday?
Remember that you can use short answers:
Can I sit here please? Yes, you can.
Can you speak Chinese? No, I can't.
Impersonal Can
Sometimes You can and Can you…? are impersonal and refer to people in general.
You can see many stars at night from here. (= people in general can see many stars)
It doesn't necessarily refer to you but people in general.
You can't run naked in the middle of the street.
Not necessarily saying YOU can't run naked in the middle of the street but in general it is not possible for anyone.
taken from:
All - Every - Each,
All means the total number of people or things considered as a group.
Every means all members of a group considered individually.
Each means all members of a group considered individually though we think of them more one by one.
You need to remove all of them before they start to smell bad.
Every means all members of a group considered individually.
Each means all members of a group considered individually though we think of them more one by one.
What is the difference between Each and Every?
Both Each and Every generally have the same meaning. They refer to all members of a group considered individually. Every is closer in meaning to All than Each is.
Both Each and Every generally have the same meaning. They refer to all members of a group considered individually. Every is closer in meaning to All than Each is.
Every book in the course must be read before the end of the semester.
Each book in the course must be read before the end of the semester.
(= This book and that book and that book etc. of the group of books) We use each when we think of them more as one by one. There is a little less emphasis on the individual with Every when comparing it to Each.
However notice that every cannot be used when referring to two things and is not common with small numbers.
Every (one) of my parents (incorrect)
Each of my parents (correct)
We cannot use Each with the words Almost or Nearly. Here we use Every.
Almost each car pollutes the atmosphere. (incorrect)
Almost every car pollutes the atmosphere. (correct)
More details about Every, Each and All…
Each book in the course must be read before the end of the semester.
(= This book and that book and that book etc. of the group of books) We use each when we think of them more as one by one. There is a little less emphasis on the individual with Every when comparing it to Each.
However notice that every cannot be used when referring to two things and is not common with small numbers.
Each of my parents (correct)
We cannot use Each with the words Almost or Nearly. Here we use Every.
Almost every car pollutes the atmosphere. (correct)
More details about Every, Each and All…
-- EVERY --
Every refers to all members of a group though considered individually. It can be used to talk about three or more people/things.
Every refers to all members of a group though considered individually. It can be used to talk about three or more people/things.
Every + singular noun
The noun that comes after Every is in singular form.
I have visited every country in South America (we do NOT say: every countries)
I can understand every word our teacher says. (we do NOT say: every words)
Note, when you use every + noun as a subject, it uses a singular verb (verb + s)
Every day is a chance to learn something new.
Every child needs love and care.
Every house on the street looks the same.
The noun that comes after Every is in singular form.
I have visited every country in South America (we do NOT say: every countries)
I can understand every word our teacher says. (we do NOT say: every words)
Note, when you use every + noun as a subject, it uses a singular verb (verb + s)
Every day is a chance to learn something new.
Every child needs love and care.
Every house on the street looks the same.
Every + number + plural noun
Every can be followed by a plural noun when there is a number before that noun. This is common with periods of time or things at regular intervals.
He gets his head shaved every three weeks.
You need to take a break every two hours.
We can also use every without a number and a singular noun to refer to regular intervals:
He plays football every Saturday.
She goes to the gym every day.
-- EACH --
Each refers to all members of a group though we think of them more one by one (individually). Each can be used to talk about two or more people/things.
Every can be followed by a plural noun when there is a number before that noun. This is common with periods of time or things at regular intervals.
He gets his head shaved every three weeks.
You need to take a break every two hours.
We can also use every without a number and a singular noun to refer to regular intervals:
He plays football every Saturday.
She goes to the gym every day.
-- EACH --
Each refers to all members of a group though we think of them more one by one (individually). Each can be used to talk about two or more people/things.
Each + singular countable noun
You use a singular (countable) noun after the word Each.
Make sure you enjoy each moment in your life.
They play the national anthem of each country before the game begins.
Live each day as if it were your last.
You use a singular (countable) noun after the word Each.
Make sure you enjoy each moment in your life.
They play the national anthem of each country before the game begins.
Live each day as if it were your last.
Each + one
One can be used to replace the singular countable noun if it has already been mentioned.
A: What do I have to do with these antique vases? B: You need to take each one out of the box very carefully. (each one = each vase)
One can be used to replace the singular countable noun if it has already been mentioned.
A: What do I have to do with these antique vases? B: You need to take each one out of the box very carefully. (each one = each vase)
Each of + determiner + plural noun
Each can be followed by a determiner (my, his, the, etc.) and a plural noun.
I kiss each of my children before they go to bed at night.
The teacher had a little kid holding on to each of her hands.
Each of the guides has a different group to show around the museum.
Notice how after each of the verb is usually in singular form though when speaking informally, you will sometimes hear a plural verb used.
Each of my students has a different assignment to complete. (correct use)
Each of my students have a different assignment to complete. (informal use)
Each can be followed by a determiner (my, his, the, etc.) and a plural noun.
I kiss each of my children before they go to bed at night.
The teacher had a little kid holding on to each of her hands.
Each of the guides has a different group to show around the museum.
Notice how after each of the verb is usually in singular form though when speaking informally, you will sometimes hear a plural verb used.
Each of my students has a different assignment to complete. (correct use)
Each of my students have a different assignment to complete. (informal use)
Each of + pronoun (you/us/them)
We can only use the pronouns you/us/them after each of.
He gave each of us a small gift at the end of the course.
You need to wash each of them before use.
Each of you needs to complete the assignment individually.
Again the verb following each of + pronoun should be in the singular form.
We can only use the pronouns you/us/them after each of.
He gave each of us a small gift at the end of the course.
You need to wash each of them before use.
Each of you needs to complete the assignment individually.
Again the verb following each of + pronoun should be in the singular form.
Each as a pronoun
Each can be used by itself (without a noun) as a pronoun.
When the students finished to course, each was given a certificate. (Each = each of the students)
Though it is more common to use each one instead of each by itself.
…each one was given a certificate.
Each can be used by itself (without a noun) as a pronoun.
When the students finished to course, each was given a certificate. (Each = each of the students)
Though it is more common to use each one instead of each by itself.
…each one was given a certificate.
Noun/Pronoun + each
Each can be used after the noun (or pronoun) it describes.
The parents gave their children some pocket money. To avoid problems, they each received the same amount.
Each can be used after the noun (or pronoun) it describes.
The parents gave their children some pocket money. To avoid problems, they each received the same amount.
Auxiliary Verb/To Be + each
Each can be used after an auxiliary verb or the verbs Are and Were.
I have four books to sell and they are each worth around five dollars.
They have each been told their responsibilities.
Each can be used after an auxiliary verb or the verbs Are and Were.
I have four books to sell and they are each worth around five dollars.
They have each been told their responsibilities.
Object + each
Instead of going before/after the subject, each can appear after the object.
This is common when the noun object refers to an amount, how many of something there is or when giving a price.
My paintings are worth $100 each (= Each of my paintings are worth $100)
-- ALL --
All refers to the total number of people or things of a group. They are considered as a group and not individually. There are minimum three things in the group.
Instead of going before/after the subject, each can appear after the object.
This is common when the noun object refers to an amount, how many of something there is or when giving a price.
My paintings are worth $100 each (= Each of my paintings are worth $100)
-- ALL --
All refers to the total number of people or things of a group. They are considered as a group and not individually. There are minimum three things in the group.
All + noun
We can use All with a plural noun to make a generalization about an entire group of something.
All sharks are dangerous.
All elephants are slow.
We can use All with a plural noun to make a generalization about an entire group of something.
All sharks are dangerous.
All elephants are slow.
All + of + determiner + noun
The noun can be singular, plural or an uncountable noun. These nouns can also be replaced by pronouns.
You need to read all of the book.
All of the pages are yellow and old.
All of the fish in the pond have died.
You need to remove all of them before they start to smell bad.
Note that All of + singular noun is not common and Whole or Entire used instead of all of.
You need to read the whole book (= all of the book)
We can also remove OF before the determiner + noun (but we must use OF before a pronoun)
You need to read all the book.
All the pages are yellow and old.
All of the fish in the pond have died.The noun can be singular, plural or an uncountable noun. These nouns can also be replaced by pronouns.
You need to read all of the book.
All of the pages are yellow and old.
All of the fish in the pond have died.
You need to remove all of them before they start to smell bad.
Note that All of + singular noun is not common and Whole or Entire used instead of all of.
You need to read the whole book (= all of the book)
We can also remove OF before the determiner + noun (but we must use OF before a pronoun)
You need to read all the book.
All the pages are yellow and old.
You need to remove all of them before they start to smell bad.
Pronoun + all
Sometimes you can place All after a pronoun to emphasize that every single one of that group is included.
We all hope you get better soon.
I hope you all have a great time.
I have made us all some sandwiches.
Sometimes you can place All after a pronoun to emphasize that every single one of that group is included.
We all hope you get better soon.
I hope you all have a great time.
I have made us all some sandwiches.
Compare All vs. Each
All refers to the entire group as a whole. Each refers to the individual members of the group.
I say goodbye to each student as they leave the room.
(= Goodbye John, goodbye Mary, goodbye Daniel… etc. until it has been said to ALL of the students individually… Yes, there is a lot of repetition)
All refers to the entire group as a whole. Each refers to the individual members of the group.
I say goodbye to each student as they leave the room.
(= Goodbye John, goodbye Mary, goodbye Daniel… etc. until it has been said to ALL of the students individually… Yes, there is a lot of repetition)
I say goodbye to all of the students as they leave the room.
(= Goodbye students … I just say goodbye once)
(= Goodbye students … I just say goodbye once)
Compare All vs. Every
A simple way to remember is that All is with a plural noun + plural verb while Every is with a singular noun +singular verb. Every can also suggest “without exception”.
All students receive a certificate.
Every student receives a certificate.
We can use All with uncountable nouns (and not Every).
I like all music (NOT every music)
Place all luggage on the counter. (NOT every luggage)
A simple way to remember is that All is with a plural noun + plural verb while Every is with a singular noun +singular verb. Every can also suggest “without exception”.
All students receive a certificate.
Every student receives a certificate.
We can use All with uncountable nouns (and not Every).
I like all music (NOT every music)
Place all luggage on the counter. (NOT every luggage)
taken from:
Monday, March 21, 2016
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Homophones
Homophones are words that sound the same although they are written differently and differ in meanings.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Reported Speech
Reported speech is how we represent the speech of other people or what we ourselves say.
Direct speech repeats the exact words the person used, or how we remember their words:
Ex: Barbara said, “I didn’t realise it was midnight.”
In indirect speech (Reported Speech, the original speaker’s words are changed.
Ex: Barbara said she hadn’t realised it was midnight.
If you have a sentence in Direct Speech, try to follow our 5 steps to put the sentence into Reported Speech:
1. Define the type of the sentence (statement, questions, command)
2. What tense is used in the introductory sentence?
3. Do you have to change the person (pronoun)?
4. Do you have to backshift the tenses?
5. Do you have to change expressions of time and place?
Conversion of expressions of time and place:
If there is an expression of time/place in the sentence, it may be changed, depending on the situation.
Direct Speech → Peter: “I worked in the garden yesterday.”
Reported Speech → Peter said (that) he had worked in the garden the day before.
Direct speech repeats the exact words the person used, or how we remember their words:
Ex: Barbara said, “I didn’t realise it was midnight.”
In indirect speech (Reported Speech, the original speaker’s words are changed.
Ex: Barbara said she hadn’t realised it was midnight.
If you have a sentence in Direct Speech, try to follow our 5 steps to put the sentence into Reported Speech:
1. Define the type of the sentence (statement, questions, command)
2. What tense is used in the introductory sentence?
3. Do you have to change the person (pronoun)?
4. Do you have to backshift the tenses?
5. Do you have to change expressions of time and place?
Verb tense change (backshift) when using Reported Speech:
Reporting verbs:
We can use say and tell to report statements in direct speech.
Other reporting verbs:
add, admit, advise, agree, announce, answer, ask, claim, comment, complain, confess, confirm, continue, cry (=shout), demand, enquire, explain, hint, inform, insist, interrupt, maintain, note, observe, offer, order, point out, promise, protest, repeat, reply, shout, state, suggest, threaten, warn,
Reporting verbs:
We can use say and tell to report statements in direct speech.
Other reporting verbs:
add, admit, advise, agree, announce, answer, ask, claim, comment, complain, confess, confirm, continue, cry (=shout), demand, enquire, explain, hint, inform, insist, interrupt, maintain, note, observe, offer, order, point out, promise, protest, repeat, reply, shout, state, suggest, threaten, warn,
wonder.
Ex.: Direct Speech: Peter: "I made a mistake".
Reported Speech: Peter admitted (that) he had made a mistake.
Direct Speech: Mary: "I am going to get married this year.
Reported Speech: Mary announce to all her friends (that) she was going to get married that year
Conversion of expressions of time and place:
If there is an expression of time/place in the sentence, it may be changed, depending on the situation.
Direct Speech → Peter: “I worked in the garden yesterday.”
Reported Speech → Peter said (that) he had worked in the garden the day before.
taken from:
Friday, March 11, 2016
Giving Directions Vocabulary
Asking somebody for directions
Questions you can ask about directions:
Can you please tell me how I can get to Oxford Street?
Where is the nearest supermarket?
How can I get to the local market?
I'm trying to get to Downing Street.
How do I get to the office?
What's the best way to get to your house next ?
Where is Mc Donalds can you tell me please?
How to give directions to somebody else
Go straight on till you see the hospital then turn left.
Turn back, you have gone past the turning.
Turn left when you see a roundabout.
Turn right at the end of the road and my house is number 67.
Cross the junction (intersection) and keep going for about 1 mile.
Take the third road on the right and you will see the office on the right
Take the third road on the right and you will see the shop on the left
Take the second road on the left and you will see the house on the left
Take the second road on the left and you will see the hospital straight ahead
The hospital is opposite the railway station.
The shop is near the hospital.
The house is next to the local cricket ground.
The shop is between the chemist and KFC.
At the end of the road you will see a roundabout.
At the corner of the road you will see red building.
Just around the corner is my house you will need to stop quickly or you will miss it.
Go straight on at the traffic lights.
Turn right at the crossroads.
Go straight on till you see the hospital then turn left.
Turn back, you have gone past the turning.
Turn left when you see a roundabout.
Turn right at the end of the road and my house is number 67.
Cross the junction (intersection) and keep going for about 1 mile.
Take the third road on the right and you will see the office on the right
Take the third road on the right and you will see the shop on the left
Take the second road on the left and you will see the house on the left
Take the second road on the left and you will see the hospital straight ahead
The hospital is opposite the railway station.
The shop is near the hospital.
The house is next to the local cricket ground.
The shop is between the chemist and KFC.
At the end of the road you will see a roundabout.
At the corner of the road you will see red building.
Just around the corner is my house you will need to stop quickly or you will miss it.
Go straight on at the traffic lights.
Turn right at the crossroads.
Taken from:
Thursday, March 10, 2016
"Sorry" vs "Excuse Me" vs "Pardon Me"
Excuse me and pardon me are polite expressions that you use when you do something that could be slightly embarrassing or rude.
You usually use sorry to apologize after you have done something wrong.
According to Macmillan Dictionary, excuse me is used for:
-politely getting someone's attention
-showing you are sorry for interrupting someone
-asking someone to move so that you can get past them
-politely telling someone you are leaving
Sorry is used for :
-emphasizing how bad,stupid,or embarrassing something is
-feeling sadness or sympathy because something bad has happened to them
-disappointed about a situation,and wishing you could change it
1. We usually say excuse me before we interrupt or disturb somebody;
we say sorry after we disturb or trouble somebody.
Compare:
Excuse me, could I get past?… Oh, sorry, did I step on your foot?
Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the station?
I beg your pardon is a more formal way of saying sorry.
I beg your pardon. I’m afraid I didn’t realize this was yours
2. If we do not hear or understand what people say, we usually say Sorry?What? (informal) or (I beg your) pardon?
Americans also say Pardon me?
“Mike’s on the phone.” ” Sorry?” I said “Mike’s on the phone”
“See you tomorrow”. “What?” I said “See you tomorrow”.
“You’re going deaf”.” I beg your pardon?”
You usually use sorry to apologize after you have done something wrong.
According to Macmillan Dictionary, excuse me is used for:
-politely getting someone's attention
-showing you are sorry for interrupting someone
-asking someone to move so that you can get past them
-politely telling someone you are leaving
Sorry is used for :
-emphasizing how bad,stupid,or embarrassing something is
-feeling sadness or sympathy because something bad has happened to them
-disappointed about a situation,and wishing you could change it
1. We usually say excuse me before we interrupt or disturb somebody;
we say sorry after we disturb or trouble somebody.
Compare:
Excuse me, could I get past?… Oh, sorry, did I step on your foot?
Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the station?
I beg your pardon is a more formal way of saying sorry.
I beg your pardon. I’m afraid I didn’t realize this was yours
2. If we do not hear or understand what people say, we usually say Sorry?What? (informal) or (I beg your) pardon?
Americans also say Pardon me?
“Mike’s on the phone.” ” Sorry?” I said “Mike’s on the phone”
“See you tomorrow”. “What?” I said “See you tomorrow”.
“You’re going deaf”.” I beg your pardon?”
taken from:
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