English Module - Sachin Karve

AN EASY APPROACH TO ENGLISH GRAMMAR
Sachin Karve
Consultant & Trainer
Transform To Lead A-401 Bldg No:5, Tilak Nagar, Chembur, Mumbai 400089 Cell: 9819858269
English Grammar- Sachin Karve
Welcome to this module on English Grammar. Mr. Verma is the G. M Business Development in ABC Co. Ltd. and Ravi is the newly recruited office assistant. Ravi has recently been asked to assist Mr. Verma. Mr. Verma realized that Ravi did not have a command on English grammar. This led to Miscommunication. So, Mr. Verma called Ravi one fine day, and .. Read on..
Mr. Verma: Ravi, the letter that you have drafted to M/s XYZ has a lot of grammatical errors in it. This is th the 5 time today that I have corrected you. I feel that you urgently need to take up a course in English. Ravi: I am agree with you sir, but I not having time to attend classes because I am stay very far, and no time is remain for anything else. Mr. Verma : In that case, how will you learn correct English ? Ravi : Sir, will you helping me in this. I dont mind even if you stopping me every time I making mistake and correct me. Mr. Verma : OK ! I will try my best, but you must put in a lot of effort. Early morning on Monday 25 November. Ravi : I have typed letter you dictated in morning and kept in folder. Mr. Verma : Ravi, which letter are you talking about ? Ravi : Letter to Project site. Mr. Verma: And in which folder have you kept it ? Ravi : I filed it in An U-Clip Folder and have written Project Communication on it. Mr. Verma : Ravi, You must say The letter, The Project Site . Besides this, do not say AN U Clip folder. You should say A U Clip Folder. Ravi: But sir, last time you said that I must use An before any word beginning with a vowel ( a,e,i,o,u ) . Mr. Verma: Oh ! I forgot to tell you that you have to consider how the word sounds instead of what letter it begins with . For instance, when you say the word U-Clip it sounds like yoo clip and y is not a vowel. Hence we say A U-Clip and not An U-Clip. Do you understand. Ravi: I understand the principle now. However Sir, does this hold true in the opposite case too ? Mr. Verma: Which case ? Ravi: I mean that if there is a word beginning with a consonant say Hour begins with H , but the word sounds like our where O is a vowel, then will it begin with An. Mr. Verma: Yes Indeed. Why ? In fact I have heard you wrongly say A Hour many times. Ravi: Sir, I wont repeat the mistake again. Can you please tell me in detail the principle of using A and An. Mr. Verma: Yes. See. In Grammar, these are called as articles.
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Look at the following sentences : 1. I want apple from basket. 2. Church on the corner is progressive. 3. I borrowed pencil from your pile of pencils and pens. 4. One of students said, " professor is late today." 5. I bought umbrella to go out in rain. All the above sentences seem incomplete, there is something missing in each of them. The complete sentences should be : 1. I want an apple from the basket. 2. The church on the corner is progressive. 3. I borrowed a pencil from your pile of pencils and pens. 4. One of the students said, "The professor is late today." 5. I bought an umbrella to go out in the rain. Ravi: Sir, What are articles and are there different types of Articles? Mr. Verma: An article is used to announce a noun. There are two types of articles: 1. Indefinite article, and 2. Definite article Ravi: Sir, From their names, I guess that A and An would certainly be Indefinite articles, and The would be the definite article. Am I right sir ? Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi. You are right. But how did you guess. Ravi: Simple. If I say An Apple, or A Book, It does not indicate which apple or Book I am referring to. Mr. Verma: Correct . That is why they are called as Indefinite articles. Ravi : The is a definite article, because if I say The Book , one would clearly know which book I am referring to. . Am I right Sir ? Mr. Verma : Yes Ravi. You are perfectly right. I will give you a Note on Articles. You can go through it after lunch time and later at home. Right now, Please bring me The ISO File from The Last years Records. Ravi: Right sir. Mr. Verma has given Ravi the following Note on ARTICLES : Definition: An article is used to announce a noun. There are two types of articles: Indefinite article, and Definite article
Indefinite article: The articles a and an (used only when the next word begins with a vowel - a, e, i, o, u) are called indefinite articles because the noun they go with, is indefinite or general. The meaning of the article a or an is similar to the number one, but one is stronger and gives more emphasis. It is possible to say, I have a book or I have one book, but the second sentence emphasizes that I do not have two or three or some other number of books. Examples: 1. a = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) with consonants 1. She has a dog. 2. I work in a factory. 2. an = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) with vowels (a,e,i,o,u) 1. Can I have an apple? 2. She is an English teacher.
Definite article: The word the is the definite article. The definite article is used before singular and plural nouns when the noun is particular or specific. The signals that the noun is definite, that it refers to a particular member of a group. Examples: 1. Referring to something mentioned before: The is used with nouns referring to things previously mentioned. e.g. Here is the book I mentioned to you last week. As I was walking to work I passed a garden. The garden was full of roses. In the first example, the is used with book, because the book has been mentioned previously. In the second example, the first time the garden is referred to, the indefinite article a is used, because the garden has not been mentioned previously. The second time the garden is referred to, the definite article the is used, because the garden has already been mentioned. 2. Referring to something unique: The is used when referring to things which are unique, since in such cases there can be no doubt about which particular thing is meant. e.g. I have found the answer. This is the shortest route into town. In the first example, the would be used if there is only one possible answer. In the second example, the is used because only one route can be the shortest one. Expressions such as middle of and top of are generally preceded by the, since it is considered that there can, for example, be only one middle or one top of something. e.g. There is a car stopped in the middle of the road. She is at the top of her class. They like to be the center of attention. The police are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. 3. Referring to something when it is considered obvious what is meant: The is also used when, because the thing being referred to is the most important one of its kind to the speaker or writer, it is assumed that it will be understood which particular thing is meant. e.g. The house needs to be painted. The sun rose at six o'clock this morning. I'm going to the park. Don't slam the door.
These sentences give examples of the use of the to refer to things which are not in fact unique, but which are uniquely important to the speaker or writer. The expression the house is often used when referring to one's own house. The expression the sun almost always refers to the sun which is closest to the earth. The expression the park might be used to refer to the only park in the vicinity, or to a park which one visits often. In the sentence Don't slam the door, the expression the door might refer to the door of the room or building which one is presently occupying. 4. Referring to something as a class: When preceded by the, a singular countable noun can be used to represent something as a class. e.g. The telephone is a modern convenience. The horse is a domesticated animal. The eagle is a bird of prey. In the first example, the telephone refers to telephones considered as a class. Likewise, in the other examples, the horse refers to horses considered as a class, and the eagle refers to eagles considered as a class. It should be noted that the is not used when the word man represents the human race considered as a class. e.g. Man has invented many things. The dolphin may be as intelligent as man. In summary, English has two types of articles: definite (the) and indefinite (a, an.) The use of these articles depends mainly on whether you are referring to any member of a group, or to a specific member of a group: Next Day : Mr. Verma calls Ravi regarding the management committee meeting. Mr. Verma: Ravi, Do you know where Mr. Pandey is this week ? Ravi: Sir, Mr. Pandey will not be in the Head office. He has gone to United States last week. Mr. Verma: Ravi, you Must say The United States, and not just United States Ravi: But sir, you told me once that I should not use The before a Countrys Name. Mr. Verma: Yes. That is right. I had told you that. But that is because a countrys name is generally singular. In that case dont use THE. For Example: we say I am going to Delhi. But In case of United States, we say I am going to The United States . We use THE , because of presence of Plural States i.e Group of states. Do you get the point. Ravi: Yes. I am now clear about this. For example, I would say I wish to go to The Andamans in May. Is that right. I use The because I am speaking about Andaman Islands- A group of Islands. Mr. Verma: Yes ! Ravi: Sir, Are there any more exceptions similar to this where we do not use the article THE? Mr. Verma: Yes. There are many. CASES WHERE WE DO NOT USE THE : There is no article: 1. with names of countries (if singular) Germany is an important economic power. He's just returned from Zimbabwe. (But: I'm visiting the United States next week.)
2. with the names of languages Sindhi is written in Devnagiri script. English uses many words of Latin origin. Punjabi is a relatively new language as compared Urdu. 3. with the names of meals . Lunch is at midday. Dinner is in the evening. Breakfast is the first meal of the day. 4. with people's names (if singular): Ramya's coming to the party. Saurabh Gupta is my uncle. (But: we're having lunch with the Sharmas tomorrow- Due to plural-Sharmas.) 5. with titles and names: Priyanka Gandhi is Sonia Gandhis daughter. Dr. Rajesh was Rams friend. (But: the Raja of Kashmir, the Pope.- Since they are titles, Not names) 6. After the 's possessive case: His brother's car. Shama's house. 7. With professions: Engineering is a useful career. He'll probably go into medicine . 8. With names of shops: I'll get the card at Archie's. Can you go to McDonalds for me? 9. With years : 1947 was a wonderful year. Do you remember 1995? (But: Do you remember The 1975 War. Here we are actually referring to The War. - And 1975 is just giving the year of war.) 10. With uncountable nouns: `Rice is the main food in Asia. Milk is often added to tea in India. War is destructive. 11. with the names of individual mountains, lakes and islands: Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the Himalayas. She lives near Vihar Lake. Have you visited Andaman and Nicobar Islands ? 12. with most names of towns, streets, stations and airports : Colaba is the heart of Bombay. Can you direct me to Fashion Street? She lives in Dombivili. They're flying from Jaipur. 13. in some fixed expressions, for example: by car by air on holiday by train on foot on air (in broadcasting)
at school at University in prison
at work in church in bed
Mr. Verma: Ravi, I want you to take this simple test, on use of articles. I am sure that it will help you to understand how well you know the subject now. Answers are given at the end , so that you can check your score. Ravi: Yes sir. I will certainly take the test. I am sure that I will score well. TEST Just complete the following exercises and see how much you have understood: Test on Indefinite Articles ( A, An ) 1. This is Bhushan. He's ________ doctor. 2. Parag is ________ officer 3. That's Vijay. He's ________ police officer CHECK YOUR ANSWERS : 1. This is Bhushan. He's a doctor. 2. Parag is an officer 3. That's Vijay. He's a police officer 4. Shahrukh Khan is an actor. 5. Farookh is an electrician. 6. This is Gauri. She's a housewife. 4. Shahrukh Khan is ________ actor. 5. Farookh is ________ electrician. 6. This is Gauri. She's ________ housewife.
Ravi: Sir, though I did make some mistakes, I have scored fairly well in this test. In case you have one, please give me a test on Indefinite articles as well. Mr. Verma : Oh Sure. Heres one with questions on both Indefinite and definite articles. Good Luck !! Mr. Verma: I hope you are clear about the concepts. If not Please read this note before you begin the test. It is a summary on the basics of articles and their use. NOTE: In summary the rules for the usage of articles are as given below: 1. the = definite article (a specific object that both the person speaking and the listener know) 2. DO NOT use an article with countries, states, counties or provinces, lakes and mountains except when the country is a collection of states such as "The United States". 3. Use an article with bodies of water, oceans and seas. 4. DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about things in general 5. DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about Meals, places, and transport 6. "A" goes before all words that begin with consonants. * with one exception: Use an before unsounded h. 7. "An" goes before all words that begin with vowels: * with one exception: When u makes the same sound as the y in you, or o makes the same sound as w in won, then a is used.
Ravi: Yes. Now I am clear. I will certainly do better in the test.

Mr. Verma knows that Ravi is improving on English grammar. However, he feels that he is very weak with the use of Determiners and Quantifiers. So, Mr. Verma calls Ravi, and .. Mr. Verma: Ravi, How busy are you today ? Ravi: I have many work to do today. I have also got to do a few mailing. Mr. Verma : Oh God ! Ravi, You are using wrong quantifiers. Do you realise how odd your sentences sound ? Ravi : Sir, Please tell me what is my mistake. Mr. Verma : You should use quantifiers based on the Noun type that you use. You should have said I have a lot of work to do today. I have also got to do some mailing. Mr. Verma : Besides this, you could also have combined the two sentences using a conjunction. I will not confuse you with conjunctions right now. Let us go ahead one thing at a time. I hope you know what a quantifier is ? Ravi : No Sir. Mr. Verma : Ok, Like articles, quantifiers are words that precede and modify nouns. They tell us the quantity- i.e how many or how much. Selecting the correct quantifier depends on your understanding the distinction between Count and Non-Count Nouns. Ravi : Sir, Can you first tell me what are count and Non count nouns. Mr. Verma: Read this note Carefully : The main difference between count and non-count nouns is whether things they refer to can be counted or not. Count nouns refer to things that can be divided up into smaller units, which are separate and distinct from one another. They usually refer to what can individually be seen or heard: Table Finger Chair Bottle Word Award Remark Candidate Non-count nouns refer to things that cannot be counted because they are regarded as wholes which cannot be divided into parts. They often refer to abstractions and occasionally have a collective meaning: Anger Education Furniture Courage Warmth Progress Leisure Weather The Rule : Count nouns can be pluralized by adding a final -s to the nouns. Example : Word Table Word Remark Finger Plural is Tables Words Remarks Fingers
Noncount nouns cannot be not pluralized at all. Word Anger Warmth Courage Education Weather Plural can not be Angers Warmths Courages Educations Weathers
They do not have Plurals. They are used just as they are. What are MASS (NON-COUNT) NOUNS? Here is a list of MASS NOUNS for you to consider. Can you count any of these things? Do we use the plural form of any of these words in common speech and writing? wood water reading luggage cloth milk boating equipment ice wine smoking furniture plastic beer dancing experience wool cake hockey applause steel sugar weather photography aluminum rice heat traffic metal meat sunshine harm leather cheese electricity publicity porcelain flour biology homework hair history advice dust mathematics air economics oxygen poetry Ravi : Sir, Do you have some more examples on quantifiers. Mr. Verma : Yes. Read these examples carefully. The following quantifiers will work with count nouns: many trees a few trees few trees The following quantifiers will work with non-count nouns : not much dancing a little dancing little dancing a bit of dancing a good deal of dancing a great deal of dancing no dancing several trees a couple of trees none of the trees
The following quantifiers will work with both count and non-count nouns : all of the trees/dancing some trees/dancing most of the trees/dancing enough trees/dancing a lot of trees/dancing lots of trees/dancing plenty of trees/dancing a lack of trees/dancing
Ravi: Now I know why I should have said A lot of work, and NOT Many work. Mr. Verma: Good. However, remember that in formal writing, it is usually better to use many and much rather than phrases such as a lot of, lots of and plenty of. Ravi: Right Sir. Mr. Verma: Now you can take the following test on use of Quantifiers.
TEST 1 I. In the following sentences, fill in the gaps with one of the following quantifiers: ( much, many ) a. It seems to me that we've had b. How c. d. I've had e. assignments in English this term.
material can we be expected to read in one week? books are not in the library. headaches already because of stress. depression can be attributed to being overworked.
ANSWERS TO TEST 1: a. Many b. Much c. Many d. Many e. Much
TEST 2 In the following sentences, fill in the gaps with one of the following quantifiers: ( much, many, few, little, most. ) When you've gotten all the answers right, see if you can substitute other quantifiers from the list. (HINT: Three of the last four sentences could have two different answers.) a. Our garden looks awful this summer. There are too b. I didn't use c. Also, I've paid d. I'm afraid it's rained e. weeds.
fertilizer last spring, and that has made a difference. attention to how rain we've had.
times this summer, and the grass is turning brown and dying.
experts say you should fertilize your lawn in the autumn. good.
f. It didn't seem to do my lawn g. h.
advice you get from experts doesn't seem to help. of my neighbors ignore their grass, and they have better lawns this year.
ANSWERS TO TEST 2 : a. Many b. Much c. Little, Much d. Few e. Many / Some / Nothing f. Little / Any g. Most h. Most / Many
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TEST 3 Select the appropriate option from those given below: A FEW | A GREAT DEAL | A LITTLE | A LOT | A LOT OF | A MAJORITY OF | ENOUGH | MANY | MUCH OF | PLENTY | SEVERAL OF | SOME
1. I'm having 2. 3.
of trouble passing my driving exam. the movies were rated PG. information proved to be outdated. time left. will of them
4. We're close to the project deadline, but there is still
5. Although there are brilliant students in this state -- thousands, even, only choose to remain in the state after graduation. 6. We were able to destroy survived to cause trouble. 7. the parasites with our antigen, but
a student has passed through these doors. of the lawn is open to the sun, there are wine last night. of shade trees to
8. Although make it comfortable. 9. I think he drank 10.
the evidence was taken from the police safe last night.
Answers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. A great deal / a lot / plenty A lot of / a majority of / several of A lot of / some A little / a lot of / some A lot of ---- a few / some A majority of ---- some Many Much of -------- plenty A lot of Much of
Ravi: Sir I have solved all the questions that you gave. Many of my answers were correct, however, a few were not. Some of the questions had multiple answers. I was able to solve a Majority of them. Mr. Verma: Good. I can already see the difference in your speech in terms of use of quantifiers. Keep it up. Ravi: Now I have learnt articles. I have learnt quantifiers . I need some more practice. Mr. Verma: Ravi, you also need to work on your Conjunctions. You could have said these three sentences as a single one. Ravi: How ? Mr. Verma: You could have said Now I have learnt articles and quantifiers, but I need some more practice. Note that this makes the sentence short and crisp, without changing the meaning. This is an important aspect of speech.
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Ravi: Yes. Sir. Can you please explain me in detail about conjunctions next week. This week I will be busy with other work. Mr. Verma: Certainly. Ravi, Later on just try using the conjunction Because to join the above two sentences into a single one. Ravi: Ok. Sure.
Mr. Verma is glad with Ravis improvement in terms of English grammar. However, this week he has decided to make him aware of effective use of conjunctions in speech. So, Mr. Verma calls Ravi, and .. Mr. Verma: Please tell me the schedule of Mr. Pandey and Mr. Mehra for the coming week. Ravi : Sir, Mr. Pandey will be going to Jamnagar. Mr. Mehra is going to Delhi. Mr. Verma : Ravi. This week, I will tell you how to improve your speech by use of conjunctions. Ravi: What is a conjunction ? Mr. Verma: Certainly. Mr. Verma: A conjunction is a word which joins together sentences and words. Conjunctions join together sentences and often make them compact. Ravi : Can you please explain it to me in detail ? Mr. Verma: Read this note on Conjunctions, and let me know in case you have any problem. There are two parts . the first part is on basics , whereas the second one gives you the details. Mr Verma hands over the following note to Ravi :
What are Conjunctions? Conjunctions are words that "join". Conjunctions join two parts of a sentence. 1. Form Conjunctions have three basic forms: Single Word for example: and, but, because, although) Compound (often ending with as or that) (for example: provided that, as long as, in order that) Correlative (which surround an adverb or adjective) (for example: so...that) 2. Function (Job) Conjunctions are divided into two basic types. Coordinating Conjunctions are used to join two parts of a sentence that are grammatically equal. The two parts may be single words or clauses, for example: - Jack and Jill went up the hill. - The water was warm but I didn't go swimming . Subordinating Conjunctions are used to join a subordinate dependent clause to a main clause, for example: - I went swimming, although it was cold. 3. Position Coordinating Conjunctions always come between the words or clauses that they join. Subordinating Conjunctions usually come at the beginning of the subordinate clause.
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Coordinating Conjunctions The short, simple conjunctions are called "coordinating conjunctions": and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so A coordinating conjunction joins parts of a sentence (for example words or independent clauses) that are grammatically equal or similar. A coordinating conjunction shows that the elements it joins are similar in importance and structure: + Look at these examples - the two elements that the coordinating conjunction joins are shown in square brackets [ ]: I like [tea] and [coffee]. [Ram likes tea], but [Anthony likes coffee]. Coordinating conjunctions always come between the words or clauses that they join. When a coordinating conjunction joins independent clauses, it is always correct to place a comma before the conjunction: I want to work as an interpreter in the future, so I am studying Russian at university. However, if the independent clauses are short and well-balanced, a comma is not really essential: She is kind so she helps people. When "and" is used with the last word of a list, a comma is optional: He drinks beer, whisky, wine, and rum. He drinks beer, whisky, wine and rum. (ok) Subordinating Conjunctions The majority of conjunctions are "subordinating conjunctions". Common subordinating conjunctions are: after, although, as, because, before, how, if, once, since, than, that, though, till, until, when, where, whether, while A subordinating conjunction joins a subordinate (dependent) clause to a main (independent) clause:
+
Look at this example: main or independent clause Ram went swimming subordinate or dependent clause although subordinating conjunction Ravi: Now I am confident of using correct conjunctions without making mistakes. My sentences will be short and also keep the meaning intact. Mr. Verma: Ravi, You can take this test on Conjunctions to evaluate yourself. Ravi: Yes Sir. it was raining.
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TEST 1 1. I don't know ___ you want to meet that lady. She's such a snob. that why when He looks ___ he were sick. even if even though as if, as though He asked ___ he could smoke a cigarette. whether, if what that He insists ___ I be there. if that as if He punished the little boy ___ put salt in his coffee. who which whenever It was raining hard ___ we left the office. where when although He'll have the work done ___ that you arrive. when after by the time ___ I was saying, how many of you want to attend the conference? As So For He must be rich, ___ he spends a lot of money. but for in order to We have been having problems with the heater ___ we bought it. when while since
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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ANSWERS TO TEST 1 : 1. why 2. as if, as though 3. whether, if 4. that 5. who, that 6. when 7. by the time 8. As 9. for 10. since Earlier, we have seen how Ravi has learnt the use of Articles, determiners, quantifiers, and conjunctions. This time let us see what Ravi gets to learn. Monday morning, Mr. Verma is preparing himself for a meeting. Mr. Verma: Ravi, I need to take some prints can you please give me some sheets of paper? Ravi: Sir, how much sheets you need? Is ten will be enough? Mr. Verma: Oh Ravi! You are using the wrong adjective, and verbs too. You must say how many sheets and not how much sheets?. You also must know the use of verbs. In your second sentence, you should have said Will ten be enough? Ravi: I dont understand. Can you tell me in detail. Mr. Verma: Certainly. See, you asked about the quantity of papers required isnt it. Ravi: Yes Mr. Verma: Always remember that adjectives are those which tell us more about the noun. Ravi: Sir, but I dont know much about nouns. Mr. Verma: Well, a noun is a name. Ravi: Whose name sir? Mr. Verma: Well, a noun is the name, which you use to describe things, persons, or places with. Ravi: So sir is my name also a noun. Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi your name is also a noun. Ravi: Wow! I didnt know that. Can you tell me more about nouns and also about adjectives. Mr. Verma: Well Ravi, Now I will explain you about nouns and do remind me to explain you about adjectives later on when we are done with nouns. I also want to correct your use of verbs. But that we will do only after you are clear with Nouns and Adjectives. Ravi: That will be fine sir. Mr. Verma: Let us begin with nouns. Now, look around yourself, and tell me all the things that you see. Ravi: Table, chair, you, sunita (secretary), window, file, computer, pen, and many other things. Mr. Verma: What you have mentioned just now were all nouns. Note that nouns are of two main types. Proper nouns and common nouns. Ravi: From the names, I guess that Proper nouns are those, which have a specific identity. Say, sunita will be a Proper noun. Am I right ? Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi. In that case also tell me which are common nouns. Ravi: Maybe pen, computer and file is common noun. Am I right ? Mr. Verma : Yes. Can you give me examples of proper nouns, for the above three common nouns. Ravi: Yes I think Parker Pen, Compaq Computer, ISO File , are now proper nouns. Mr. Verma : Right Ravi. Here is some more information on nouns
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NOUNS A noun is a name. Nouns can be used in different ways. They can be common or proper. They can be subjects of sentences or direct objects, predicate nominatives, objects of prepositions, and indirect objects. There are also nouns of address, objects of infinitives, and gerund nouns. Nouns, nouns, nouns where do we begin? First, let's start with a basic definition: Nouns are the names of persons, places, things, or ideas or we can say that a noun gives a name to persons, places, things, or ideas.. Persons: Places: Things: Ideas: Mr. Sahney, mother, woman, Seeta city, home, Mumbai, India house, ring, shoe, table, desk, month, light grief, democracy, courage, obedience
Concrete nouns can be touched. Abstract nouns (like love, bitterness, happiness, or joking) cannot be touched but are, nonetheless, still nouns because they name entities. Types: There are 5 main types of nouns: 1. Common noun 2. Proper noun 3. Collective noun PROPER AND COMMON NOUNS Common noun and Proper noun: Nouns can be proper or common. Proper nouns are written beginning with a capital letter. They have a specific name or title and refer to a particular person, place, thing, or idea. Common nouns do not begin with capital letters because they are less specific. Here is a comparison: Common nouns are country, language, river, city, girl, boy. Those same nouns as Proper nouns might be India, Hindi, Ganga, Mumbai, Seema, Prashant. Read the sentences given below: 1. I am a girl. 2. My name is Seema. Both girl and Seema are nouns. When we say girl, it can be any girl. However when we say Seema, we say about one particular girl. So girl is a Common noun. Seema is a Proper noun. Remember: A proper noun always begins with a capital. Example: Jai, Nine, Faridabad. A common noun begins with a capital only if it is the first word of a sentence. Mr. Verma: Ravi. You can go through the following exercises, to know how much you have understood the subject.
4. Abstract noun 5. Material noun
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EXERCISE 1. List the nouns in the following sentences. Mark C for common and P for proper. 1. The mayor suggested that the boy clean up Shivajis Statue for his NSS project. 2. Two friends water-skied on Lake Dal. 3. The twins, who are from the large city of Mumbai, are vacationing in Bangalore all next month. 4. The teacher asked the student to report on the country of France. 5. The address on the envelope clearly read Chennai. 6. The witness's story was about a man fleeing from a building. 7. The factory blew into a thousand pieces. 8. Meena was so excited that she ran all the way home. 9. The journal by Surendranath was found after his death. 10. Tractors are good for farming and also for young boys and girls who want to practice their driving skills. ANSWERS TO EXERCISE 1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 mayor-C friends-C twins -C teacher-C address-C story-C factory-C Meena-P journal-C tractors -C boy -C Dal Lake-P city-C student-C envelope-C man-C pieces-C home -C Surendranath -P Farm(ing)-C Shivajis statue-P Mumbai-P country-C Chennai-P building-C project-C Bangalore-P France-P month-C
death-C boys -C
girls-C
skills -C
Friday Evening, all in Mr. Vermas office are about to leave office. Mr. Verma: So, Ravi. Good that we could finish all pending issues this week. It was indeed a busy week. Ravi: Yes Sir. I really need a break. This weekend I want to go out of Mumbai. Mr. Verma: are you going alone ? Ravi : No sir, my wife, my children, my mother and also my father all will be going. Mr. Verma: Ravi, You could have said .. My Family is going out instead of that long sentence. It seem you dont know the use of Collective nouns. Ravi: What is that sir ? Can you explain in detail. Mr. Verma : Ravi, the concept of collective nouns is very simple. Here, we just have to identify a set of things together, and replace it with a single word, which is the collective noun. Ravi : From your explanation I can think of some collective nouns. Is crowd a collective noun to replace A lot of People. Mr. Verma : You are right. I can see a good improvement in your English. Mr. Verma : Ravi, now that you know collective nouns, let me introduce you to abstract nouns. Ravi: Yes Sir. What are abstract nouns. Mr. Verma : Ravi, Abstract nouns are those nouns which describe qualities, state of mind, and other similar things. For example Kindness, Poverty, Childhood, Laughter etc.. are abstract nouns. Please read this note on Abstract nouns.
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ABSTRACT NOUNS 1. This beggar is a small child. His childhood is steeped in poverty. 2. This is a poor beggar. Poverty makes him beg. 3. The child laughs when the man gives him money. His laughter will make the man happy. In the first sentence we can see that the beggar is a small child. What is the state of the child? Childhood . Nouns which show the states of people like childhood, slavery etc. are called Abstract nouns. Here abstract nouns are formed from common nouns like child and slave. In the second sentence, the beggar is described as poor. What makes him beg? Poverty. Nouns which show qualities like poverty, kindness etc. are also, Abstract nouns. Abstract nouns are formed here from adjectives like poor and kind. In the third sentence the child laughs when it gets the money. What action does the child show? Laughter. Nouns, which show actions like laughter, movement etc., are Abstract nouns too. Here abstract nouns are formed from verbs like- laugh and move. Mr. Verma : Ravi, Take the following exercise on Abstract nouns. ABSTRACT NOUNS EXERCISE 1. Fill in the blanks forming suitable abstract nouns from the words given in the brackets. 1. His _________________ led to his downfall. ( foolish ) 2. The streets of Singapore are known for their ______________ . ( clean ) 3. The _______________ of the jewels shocked everybody. ( thief ) 4. The people mourned the _________________ of their beloved leader. ( die ) 5. I want to know the ___________, said the teacher. ( true ) 6. The boys ____________ upset his mother. ( lazy ) 7. Switzerland is famous for its natural _____________. ( beautiful ) 8. _______________ was abolished in America long ago. ( slave ) 9. The flights __________________ was delayed. ( depart ) 10. The minister gave a _____________________ in the parliament. ( speak ) ANSWERS TO EXERCISE 1. 1. foolishness 2. cleanliness . 3. theft 4. death. 5. truth. 6. laziness 7. beauty. 8. Slavery 9. departure 10. speech.
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Mr. Verma: Oh Ravi! You are back. Did you deliver the cheque that I gave you? What happened you look very tired? Ravi: Yes sir it is very hot outside. Mr. Verma: Then sit down and have some water. Ravi: I just drank two waters. Mr. Verma: Is it wrong to say two waters? Instead say two glasses of Water or else just say I drank water. Ravi: But then what do I say? And what is the difference? Mr. Verma: Ravi, nouns are further divided into 2 more parts; the countables which you can count like man, boy, book etc and the uncountables which you cannot count like water, rice, wheat etc. Go through this document and you will know the difference.
COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS Nouns like girl, pen etc can be counted. We can say two girls and four pens. However we cannot count nouns like water, sand etc. We cannot say four waters or three sands. Nouns which can be counted are called Countable Nouns . Example: dog, horse, man, shop, idea. They usually have a singular and plural form. Example: two dogs, ten horses, a man, six men, the shops, a few ideas. Nouns which cannot be counted are called Uncountable Nouns . Example: tea, sugar, water, air, rice. They are often the names for abstract ideas or qualities. Example: knowledge, beauty, anger, fear, love. They are used with a singular verb. They usually do not have a plural form. We cannot say sugars, angers, knowledges. Examples of common uncountable nouns: money, furniture, happiness, sadness, research, evidence, safety, beauty, knowledge. We cannot use a/an with these nouns. To express a quantity of one of these nouns, use a word or expression like: some, a lot of, a piece of, a bit of, a great deal of... Examples: 1. There has been a lot of research into the causes of this disease. 2. He gave me a great deal of advice before my interview. 3. They've got a lot of furniture. 4. Can you give me some information about uncountable nouns? Some common uncountable nouns are: Accommodation Behaviour Information Progress Trouble advice bread luggage traffic weather baggage furniture news travel work
BE CAREFUL with the noun 'hair' which is normally uncountable in English: She has long blonde hair It can also be countable when referring to individual hairs: My father's getting a few grey hairs now.
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Mr. Verma now knows that Ravi has improved on his use of Nouns. However needs some more inputs. Monday Morning in Mr. Vermas office Mr. Verma: What happened to the fish-bowl in the reception ? Ravi: Yesterday someone knocked off the bowl, and all fishes died. Mr. Verma: Well Ravi thats definitely bad news. But you should say Fish and Not Fishes . Mr. Verma: Dont you know anything about singular and plural. Ravi: Yes sir. I know. Singular means one and plural means more than one. You have to add an S at the end to make a singular into Plural. Sometimes we add s and sometimes we add es. Mr. Verma : So, tell me what is the plural of man? Ravi: Oh! Easy. Mens. Mr. Verma: Oh goodness!! You have made an attempt, but you are half wrong, and zero points for that. There are some rules for making the plural, Ravi. Ravi: Can you please tell me what they are, Sir? Mr. Verma: Sure Ravi, just go through this note and you will become really good in Singular and Plural also.
Most nouns form the plural by adding -s or -es. Singular boat hat Plural boats hats
A noun ending in -y preceded by a consonant makes the plural with -ies. Singular a cry a nappy a baby Plural cries nappies babies
A noun ending in f or fe makes the plural by changing f or fe into v and adding es Singular thief Wife wolf life Exceptions: Singular Chief Roof Hoof Gulf Safe Proof Brief Belief Plural Chiefs Roofs Hoofs Gulfs Safes Proofs Briefs Beliefs Plural thieves Wives Wolves Lives
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A few nouns form their plurals by changing the inside vowel of the singular: Singular Man Woman Foot Tooth Goose Mouse Plural Men Women Feet Teeth Geese Mice
There are a few nouns that form their plural by adding en to the singular: Singular Ox Child Plural Oxen Children
Some nouns have the same form in the singular and the plural. Singular sheep fish species aircraft Plural sheep fish species aircraft
Ravi has improved a lot in terms of using Nouns. The difference is evident in his speech. Mr. Verma is happy with the efforts that he is putting in learning English. This week Mr. Verma has planned to discuss Adjectives with Ravi. Ravi: May I come in Sir? Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi, come in. Sit down. Ravi, I have called you to discuss adjectives. I have noticed that although you have started using nouns correctly, you do not make use of proper Adjectives while writing. Ravi: But I dont know much about Adjectives? Mr. Verma: Ok. If I say Ravi, can you please get me the green file from the top shelf . Tell me which is the Adjective. Ravi: Sir, in this sentence, Ravi, File and Shelf are nouns. The is an Article. In that case, I feel that green should be an adjective. Am I right? Mr. Verma: Good ! but this is guesswork. Besides, you have missed one more adjective. Can you tell me which one. Ravi: Sir, first just give me a hint as to what is an Adjective. Mr. Verma : Ok. When I said green file, did I give you some more information on the file i.e. the noun. Ravi: Yes sir. Mr. Verma: So that is it. An adjective gives us more information about the noun. As in this case the adjective green gave you information about the noun file. Ravi: Ok sir, in that case, the word Top should be an adjective, because it gives some information about the shelf. Is that correct. Mr. Verma: absolutely right. However, there are different ways in which an adjective is used in speech. For example you can say I read the book. It is interesting. We can also say I read an interesting book. So, in certain cases, you can use an adjective before the noun, else also after the verb or noun. Mr. Verma : For more details, go through this document and you will come to know more about the adjectives, their types and how they are formed.
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ADJECTIVES Definition: An adjective is often defined as a word which describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun. Adjectives describe nouns in terms of such qualities as size, color, number, and kind. For example: 1. An elephant is a big animal. The word big says more (describes) about the noun animal. How is the animal? The animal is big. 2. He has one bat. The word one says more about the noun bat. How many bats are there? There is one bat
3.
Mrs. Sen wears a red saree. In the same way, the word red says more about the saree. What colour is the saree? The saree is red in colour. The words big, one and red are describing words or ADJECTIVES.
Position of an adjective in a sentence: Usually an adjective comes 1. Before the noun that it describes. a. A beautiful girl. 2. After a noun and after verbs like "to be", "to seem" , "to look", "to taste": a. The girl is beautiful. b. You look tired. c. This meat tastes funny. After the noun: in some fixed expressions: a. The Princess Royal b. The President elect c. A court martial
3.
Note: In case of the adjectives involved, present, concerned: a. I want to see the people involved/concerned (= the people who have something to do with the matter) b. Here is a list of the people present (= the people who were in the building or at the meeting) Be careful! When these adjectives are used before the noun they have a different meaning: a. An involved discussion = detailed, complex b. A concerned father = worried, anxious c. The present situation = current, happening now Formation of Adjectives: Adjectives can be formed from: a. Nouns Noun Adjective Man Fool Care Play Hope Trouble Shame Manly Foolish Careful Playful Hopeful Troublesome Shameless
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Sense Gold Dirt Courage Envy b. Verb Tire Talk Cease Move
Senseless Golden Dirty Courageous Envious Verbs Adjective Tireless Talkative Ceaseless Moveable
c. Adjectives Adjective Adjective Tragic Whole Three Black White Sick Tragical Wholesome Threefold Blackish Whitish Sickly
Ravi: Sir, What are the types of Adjectives. Mr. Verma: There are 5 types of Adjectives. Adjectives of Quality, Quantity, Number, Demonstrative Adjectives and Interrogative Adjectives Go through this note on Adjectives of Quality. Remember that these are very useful in day-to-day speech. TYPES OF ADJECTIVES The various types of adjectives are: 1. Adjectives of Quality 2. Adjectives of Quantity 3. Adjectives of Number 4. Demonstrative Adjectives 5. Interrogative Adjectives Adjectives of Quality: These are adjectives which show the quality of a person or a thing. For example: 1. The old man walked slowly. 2. The kind lady gave food to the beggar. In the above sentences, the adjectives old and kind show the qualities of the man and the lady respectively. Adjectives of Quality answer the question 'What kind of'? For eg. What kind of man? What kind of lady? Old man. Kind lady.
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Examples on Adjectives Of Quality 1. The rhinoceros is a strong animal. 2. The naughty child wore a pink dress. 3. She has Black hair. 4. The old man drove a new car. 5. The young lady lived in a luxurious house. 6. Miss Kshma is a bright student. 10. Teddy has a full pot of honey. Adjectives of Quantity: Adjectives which show the quantity of a thing are called Adjectives of Quantity. For Example: 1. I had little food. 2. There was sufficient rain last year. In the above sentences, the adjectives little and sufficient show the quantity of food and rain respectively. Adjectives of Quantity answer the question 'How much? For eg. How much food? How much rain? Little food. Sufficient rain.
Examples on Adjectives Of Quantity 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. She did not eat Much rice. The thief asked for a Large share of the booty. You should have Some sense to do it. There is Sufficient sugar in the jar. We got a lot of sunshine on the beach. He showed Great patience with the child. All his money was spent on education.
Adjectives of Number: Adjectives which show how many persons or things are meant or which show in what order a person or thing stands are Adjectives of Number. For Example: 1. The fourth boy is the monitor. 2. There are ten men in the room. In the above sentences, the adjectives fourth and some show in what order and how many boys and men were there respectively. Adjectives of number answer the questions: a. In what order? b. How many? For example: In What Order? How many men? fourth. ten
Examples on Adjectives Of Number Fill in the blanks with suitable adjectives of number. 1. 2. 3. 4. January is the First month of the year. Poonam stood Third in the line. Sharad has Five shirts in the cupboard. There are Seven planets around the sun.
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Mr. Verma : Ravi, in the sentence This article is excellent in its coverage on very important issues . , Which is the adjective ? Ravi: That is easy. The adjectives are excellent and Important, because they tell something extra about the noun. Mr. Verma : Ravi, there is one more adjective in the sentence, which you have not noticed. Tell me, is there any word, which gives me more information on the noun- article ? Ravi: Yes Sir. Now I realise. The word This gives the listener more information about the article. So it should also be an adjective. Mr. Verma : Ravi, I am really happy to see your progress in understanding the subject.. Actually, words such as This and That are called as Demonstrative Adjectives. Read this note.
Demonstrative Adjectives: Adjectives which point out which person or a thing is spoken of are Demonstrative Adjectives. 2. That book is very interesting.
For Example: 1. These toys are new.
In the above sentences, the adjectives these and that point out the toys and book respectively. Demonstrative Adjectives answer the question 'Which?' For eg. Remember: Which toys? Which book? These toys. That book.
In the case of singular nouns this and that are used. In the case of plural nouns these and those are used.
Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives Underline the demonstrative adjectives in the following sentences. 1. Have a look at these paintings. 3. This fort belonged to Shivaji. 2. That girl stood first in our class. 4. Those mangoes are sour. Ravi has now started using adjectives in his speech regularly. One fine day in office, Mr. Verma heard him say this to someone Ravi: Hello Mr. Shetty, I have got news that you have been given higherest increment. Heartiest congratulations to you !! Mr. Verma : Ravi, Please come to my cabin. Ravi: What happened sir ? Mr. Verma : Ravi, do you realise how odd your sentence sounded. It was terrible. You do not know the use of comparative degree of adjectives. You can say High Increment, or Higher Increment or Highest Increment, but certainly not Higherest. Read this note, so as to understand this subject.
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COMPARISION OF ADJECTIVES Read these sentences: 1. Priya is tall 2. Preeti is taller than Priya. 3. Poonam is taller than Preeti. Comparative Degree: From the above sentences, you can make out that Preeti is taller than Priya. Here we are comparing the heights of Priya and Preeti. We use the comparative degree of adjectives when we compare between two persons or things. The comparative degree of tall is taller. We get the comparative degree of adjectives by: 1. Adding 'er' to the adjective. For eg. Long - longer. 2. Using more before the adjective. For eg. Beautiful - more beautiful. Usually we write than after the adjective while using the comparative degree. Preeti is taller than Priya. Superlative degree From the above sentences, you can make out that Poonam is the tallest among the three of them. We use the Superlative Degree of adjectives to show the comparison between more than two persons or things. The superlative degree of tall is tallest. We get the superlative degree of adjectives by: 1. Adding 'est' to the adjective. For eg. long - longest. 2. Using most before the adjective. For eg. Beautiful - most beautiful. We also use the definite article 'the' while using the superlative degree. For eg. Poonam is the tallest among the three. Change the Degree of Adjectives: Note the sentences given below: 1. The Aeroplane is a fast mode of transport. (Positive) 2. The aeroplane is faster than all the other means of transport. (Comparative) 3. The aeroplane is the fastest means of transport. (Superlative) In the above sentences, you will see that the degree of adjectives (fast/faster/fastest) are different. But the meaning remains the same. Examples: Sr. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 POSITIVE DEGREE Clever Long Pretty Wise Young Neat Beautiful Strong Cold Big COMPARATIVE DEGREE Cleverer Longer Prettier Wiser Younger Neater More beautiful Stronger Colder Bigger SUPERLATIVE DEGREE Cleverest Longest Prettiest Wisest Youngest Neatest Most beautiful Strongest Coldest Biggest
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Examples of Positive/ Comparative and Superlative sentences. (Note that meaning remains same) 1. Superlative: Positive: Comparative: 2. Positive: Superlative: Comparative 3. Positive: Superlative: Comparative 4. Positive: Superlative: Comparative: 5. Positive: Superlative: Comparative: This is the most beautiful room in the house. No other room in the house is as beautiful as this room. This room is more beautiful than any other room in the house No other courtier in Emperor Akbars court was as witty as Birbal. Birbal was the wittiest courtier in Emperor Akbars court. Birbal was wittier than all other courtiers in Emperor Akbars court. No other student in the class is as smart as Ballu.. Ballu is the smartest amongst all the other students in the class. Ballu is smarter than all the other students in the class. No other question in the paper was as easy as the first one. The first question was the easiest question in the paper. The first question was easier than any other question in the paper.
No other suitcase as heavy as Pallavis suitcase. Pallavis suitcase was the heaviest amongst all other suitcases Pallavis suitcase was heavier than all the other suitcases.
Adjectives tell us more about a noun . They can: 1. Describe feelings or qualities: a. He is a lonely man b. They are honest people 2. Give nationality or origin: a. This clock is German b. Our house is Victorian 3. Tell more about a thing's characteristics: a. A wooden table. b. The knife is sharp. 4. Tell us about age: a. He's a young man b. My coat is very old 5. Tell us about size and measurement: a. John is a tall man. b. This is a very long film. 6. Tell us about colour: a. Paul wore a red shirt. b. The sunset was crimson and gold. 7. Tell us about material/what something is made of: a. She wore a cotton dress b. It was a wooden table 8. Tell us about shape: a. A rectangular box b. A square envelope 9. Express a judgment or a value: a. A fantastic film. b. Grammar is boring. Mr. Verma: Good. So how do you feel now? Ravi: I really feel great. I can sum up my knowledge of adjectives by saying that previously I was GOOD in my work, now after reading so much I have become BETTER and I want to learn so much so that I can become the BEST. Mr. Verma: That was very well versed. Good I am impressed by your use of adjectives.
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* VERBS * Monday Morning in Mr. Vermas officeRavi: Sir, Mr. Ghosh is called you just ten minutes ago. He will going to postpone todays meeting by 1 hour. What shall I tell him? Mr. Verma: Ravi, tell him that the new schedule is fine. We will have the meeting at 11 AM. However, do you realize what went wrong with your sentence Ravi: Oh God !! Sir, I think I should have said Mr. Ghosh had calling you ten minutes ago. He has postponing todays meeting by 1 hour. Am I right sir? Mr. Verma: Ravi, you have made two mistakes. One mistake is with the use of Verb, and then with use of tense. While correcting one error, (by using had/ has) you have messed up with the other aspect. Ravi: Then what is the correct way to say that ? Mr. Verma: You should have said Mr. Ghosh had called you ten minutes ago. He has postponed todays meeting by 1 hour. Mr. Verma: Ravi, I think you need to understand the use of VERBS in English language. Ravi: Verbs, what does that mean? Mr. Verma: Well Ravi, VERB MEANS ACTION. Ravi: Action in what sense Sir? Mr. Verma: See whenever you do something, you perform an action. Ravi: Give me an example please. Mr. Verma: OK See, now I am talking to you and you are talking to me, right. Ravi: Yes sir. Mr. Verma: So you agree that we are doing some action. Ravi: Yes sir. Mr. Verma: This action, which we are doing, is a Verb. Ravi: OK. So whatever I do is a Verb. Does it mean Talk is a verb. Mr. Verma: Yes. Talk is a verb. In fact, any action that is done is a Verb. Ravi: OK Sir, please tell me if there are types of verbs Mr. Verma: Yes there are different types of Verbs, like continuous, non-continuous and mixed verbs. Ravi: What is their meaning Sir? Mr. Verma: Let us understand the different types of Verbs now. Before you begin the verb lessons, it is extremely important to understand that NOT all verbs are the same. Verbs are divided into three groups: Ravi: OK Sir. Mr. Verma: Say for example, regarding your activity related to letter writing, I can have several sentences- I can say 1. Ravi writes letters. 2. Ravi was writing a letter 3. Ravi has written a letter Tell me- Do all mean the same ? 4. Ravi is writing a letter 5. Ravi will write a letter.
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Ravi : No sir, they seem to have different meanings. let me try to differentiate Ravi writes letters.- Means ( Ravis job is writing letters and he regularly writes letters ) Ravi was writing a letter Means( Ravi was in the process of writing a letter some time back. The current status is not known) Ravi has written a letter means( Ravi has completed the process of writing a letter in the past ) Ravi is writing a letter means ( Ravi is currently in process of writing a letter. The activity is still going on) Ravi will write a letter means (at some time in future ravi will write a letter ) Mr. Verma: You are absolutely right. Now I am sure you will easily understand the concept. However, before we get into the subject of verbs, it is essential that you know what is the meaning of Tense. Ravi : I know sir, I will give an example. When you give me very difficult work, Then I am very Tense . Am I right sir ? Mr. Verma : Oh God !! Ravi, You are talking about a totally different Tense. In your case, it means Tension. What I was talking about is related to Time of the action happening. For example Past tense, Present tense, Future tense. Mr. Verma: Ravi, Tenses tell us when a certain activity is taking place. Say if you are doing something right now , it is Present Tense. If something has happened in the past it is in the Past Tense and if something is going to happen in the future it will be Future Tense. Mr. Verma: See Ravi I told you what the tenses mean, right. Now all the three of past/ present and future tenses are further divided into groups (Simple /continuous and perfect). Ravi: OK. Sir so if I am sitting here now, it is Present Tense. I talked to you yesterday it is in Past Tense , and if I will go to my village next month that will be Future Tense. Mr. Verma: Absolutely right. But there is more to tenses, which I will explain it to you as we move ahead. Just look at the table below. Note that each of Present, Past and future tense is in turn divided into four sub types, thus making 12 tenses in all. VERB TENSE OVERVIEW WITH EXAMPLES Present Present Simple I study English everyday. Present Continuous I am studying English now. Present Perfect I have studied English in several different countries. Present Perfect Continuous Past Past Simple Two years ago, I studied English in England. Past Continuous I was studying English when you called yesterday. Past Perfect I had studied a little English before I moved to the U.S. Future Future Simple I am going to study English next year. If you are having problems, I will help you study English. Future Continuous I will be studying English when you arrive tonight. Future Perfect I will have studied every tense by the time I finish this course. Future Perfect Continuous I will have been studying English for over two hours by the time you arrive.
Past Perfect Continuous I had been studying English I have been studying English for for five years before I moved five years. to the U.S.
Mr. Verma: OK. We can go ahead with the types of verbs. I will explain you the tenses in detail later.
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Mr. Verma: Let us first look at Continuous Verbs In daily life, we come across this type most commonly. These verbs are usually physical actions, which you can see somebody actually doing. These verbs can be used in all the tenses. The major Continuous Verbs are: To run, to walk, to eat, to fly, to go, to say, to touch etc. Examples: I eat dinner every day / I ate dinner yesterday / I am eating dinner now / I will be eating dinner tonight. Mr. Verma: Do you realize that the verb eat has been used in different tenses in the example above? Ravi: So if some action is being done and it can be watched, then the verb is continuous. Mr. Verma: Absolutely Right. For example Doing, speaking, writing, singing, playing, eating, sleeping etc.. Ravi: It seems that they all end with ing. Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi. That is a good way to identify them. Mr. Verma: OK. So now the other type is Non-continuous Verbs The second group, called "Non-continuous Verbs", is related to those events not encountered very often in day-to-day Life. These verbs are usually things you cannot see somebody actually doing. They include: Abstract Verbs To be, to want, to cost, to seem, to need, to care, to contain, to owe, to exist... Possession Verbs To possess, to own, to belong... Emotion Verbs To like, to love, to hate, to dislike, to fear, to envy, to mind... Mr. Verma : These verbs are rarely used in "continuous" tenses. For example: He is being here now. ( Not Correct ) He is here now. Correct He is wanting a drink now. ( Not Correct ) He wants a drink now. Correct Ravi: But Sir what does Continuous Tense mean? Mr. Verma: It means that the action is being done or was being done in the past or will be done in the future. Ravi: Now I understand. Ravi: So this group includes Verbs, which I cannot see but feel. Besides, we also have present continuous tense, past continuous tense, and future continuous tense, as shown in the table of tenses that you showed me earlier.
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Mr. Verma: Absolutely correct Ravi. Now let us see the third group of verbs. The third group, called "Mixed Verbs", is the least encountered group. These verbs have more than one meaning. Some meanings behave like "Non-continuous Verbs", while other meanings behave like "Continuous Verbs." That is why they are called Mixed Examples of Mixed Verbs To have, to appear, to see, to hear, to feel, to weigh, to look... List of Mixed Verbs with Examples and Definitions: To appear: Look at the 2 sentences below 1. Dinesh appears confused. Here, appears Means seems which is a Non-continuous Verb 2. My favorite singer is appearing at the club tonight. Here, appears Means giving a performance- Which is a Continuous Verb. Mr. Verma : Ravi, now similar to the above example, go through the following, and appreciate the way in which same verbs are used, with different meanings, in different situations. To have: I have a dollar now. Non-continuous Verb - Means (I possess a dollar.) I am having fun now. Continuous Verb - Means (I am experiencing fun now.) To see: I see her. Non-continuous Verb - Means (I see her with my eyes.) I am seeing the doctor. Continuous Verb - Means ( I am visiting or consulting a doctor, dentist, or lawyer.) I am seeing her. Continuous Verb (I am having a relationship with her.) To think: He thinks the test is easy. Non-continuous Verb - Means (He considers the test to be easy.) She is thinking about the question. Continuous Verb - Means (She is pondering the question, going over it in her mind.) Ravi: Sir I am fine with the verbs and their types but I am still a bit confused with the tenses. Can you help me out with them. Mr. Verma: Sure Ravi. I am happy to know that you have fared well in the Verbs and now for the tenses let me explain to you in this manner. See you agree with me that there are three main tenses. Tell me their names. Ravi: Yes sir, the three main tenses are; present past and future. Mr. Verma: Yes and you know about their sub-types also.
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Ravi: I know that the three of them are divided into 4 types; one is simple and the others are continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous. I hope that I am correct. Mr. Verma: Correct. Let us take the Simple Present tense first.
Present Simple Present Continuous Present Perfect Present Perfect Continuous Simple Present EXAMPLE: [to run] I run you run he runs she runs it runs we run they run
Past Simple Past Continuous Past Perfect Past Perfect Continuous
Future Simple Future Continuous Future Perfect Future Perfect Continuous
Mr. Verma: Simple present just tells you that an event is happening at the present time. It may not tell you whether the event is in process or has been completed. Ravi: Are there any other uses of this tense ? Mr. Verma: Yes. They are as below. USE 1: Repeated Actions Use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens. Again, note that it may not tell you whether the event is in process or has been completed. EXAMPLES: I play tennis. The train leaves every morning at 8 am. She always forgets her purse. Ravi : I get the point sir. In the earlier example, the sentence on the train tells us a general fact about the train departure. It does not mention anything whether the train is leaving the station now, has already left, or will be leaving shortly. USE 2 : Facts or Generalizations The Simple Present can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact was true 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 things. EXAMPLES: Cats like milk. Windows are made of glass. Ravi : The above example, about windows, tells us a general fact about the material of windows being glass. It does not mention anything whether the window is already made of glass, currently being made, or will be made in future.
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Mr. Verma: Good. Now that you are familiar with present simple tense, lets proceed to Present continuous tense. Ravi: From the earlier explanation, I guess that in case of the Present continuous tense, the tense directly would suggest an ongoing process. Mr. Verma: Absolutely right. Present Simple Present Continuous Present Perfect Present Perfect Continuous Present Continuous [AM / IS / ARE] + [VERB+ing] EXAMPLES: I am watching TV. He is quickly learning the language. USE 1 Something happening Now Use the Present Continuous with Continuous Verbs to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. EXAMPLES: You are learning English now. I am sitting. USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now 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 a longer action, which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second. EXAMPLES: I am studying to become a doctor. ( May not be studying exactly at the time the sentence was spoken. But studying is in progress .) Similarly . I am reading the book Tom Sawyer. USE 3 Near Future Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not happen in the near future. EXAMPLES: I am meeting some friends after work. ( not meeting right now, but sometime later, on the same day ) Similarly He is visiting his parents next weekend. Past Simple Past Continuous Past Perfect Past Perfect Continuous Future Simple Future Continuous Future Perfect Future Perfect Continuous
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Ravi: Thank you sir. Now I think that I am ready for giving a test. Mr. Verma: Thats good here is the exercise: VERB TENSE EXERCISE 2 PART A All of the following sentences should be completed using the Simple Present. You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks. Hint: pay attention to word order. EXAMPLE: A) Taariq (help, always) ____________his students when they have grammar difficulties. Answer : always helps Now Solve this. 1. Jai (be, not)__________ Bengali, he is Oriya. 2. Mandira (take, always)____________ the bus to work. 3. I (speak, not)___________ Arabic. But Aziz (speak, well, English)___________, so he can help me. 4. Mr. Sharma (swim, never)__________ in the sea. He (be, really)___________ afraid of sea snakes. 5. Maryada (be, not)____________ a very good student because she (do, not)___________ her homework. ANSWERS FOR PART A 1. Jai (be, not) is not Bengali, he is Oriya. 2. Mandira (take, always) always takes the bus to work. 3. I (speak, not) don't speak Arabic. But Aziz (speak, well, English) speaks English well, so he can help me. 4. Mr. Sharma (swim, never) never swims in the sea. He (be, really) is really afraid of sea snakes. 5. Maryada (be, not) is not a very good student because she (do, not) doesn't do her homework.
PART B All of the following sentences should be completed using the Simple Present. EXAMPLE: a) Jagruti (feed, always) always feeds the neighbors' cat while they are on vacation. b) The neighbors' cat (feed, always) is always fed by Jagruti while they are on vacation. 1. The library (locate)__________________ at Colaba. 2. Sushma (ride, often)__________________ the bus to work. 3. The students (teach, usually) _______________ by Mrs. Bhatt, the new teacher from Nagpur. 4. I (study, not)_________________ at Mumbai University. 5. The earth (circle)_______________ the sun, but it (circles, not)_______________ the moon. ANSWERS FOR PART B 1. The library (locate) is located at Colaba. 2. Sushma (ride, often) often rides the bus to work. 3. The students (teach, usually) are usually taught by Mrs. Bhatt, the new teacher from Nagpur. 4. I (study, not) don't study at Mumbai University. 5. The earth (circle) circles the sun, but it (circles, not) doesn't circle the moon.
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PART C All of the following sentences should be completed using the Simple Present or the Present Continuous. You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks. EXAMPLE: A) Right now, I (sit) am sitting at my desk. B) I (go, often) often go to the beach during the summer. 1. Every Monday, Sarita (drive)_______________ her kids to football practice. 2. Don't forget to take your umbrella. It (rain)________________. 3. I love living in Orissa because it (rain, always) ____________________. 4. I'm sorry I can't hear what you (say)________________ because everybody (talk)_____________ so loudly. 5. This delicious chocolate (make)__________________ by a small chocolatier in Zurich, Switzerland. ANSWERS FOR PART C 1. Every Monday, Sarita (drive) drives her kids to football practice. 2.. Don't forget to take your umbrella. It (rain) is raining. 3. I love living in Orissa because it (rain, always) always rains. 4. I'm sorry I can't hear what you (say) are saying because everybody (talk) is talking so loudly. 5. This delicious chocolate (make) is made by a small chocolatier in Zurich, Switzerland. Ravi: Sir, the test was really great. I already feel as if I have mastered the tenses. Mr. Verma: Not so soon Ravi. There is a lot more to learn. But I am happy with your progress. Now since you have completed the present simple and present continuous tense lets go forward with the types of past tense. Ravi: Yes sir. Mr. Verma : But, before we go ahead, let me explain you what is a clause . It will be useful to understand the remaining topics. CLAUSE-INTRODUCTION 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 began..." These clauses are called "when clauses" and they are very important. The examples below contain "when clauses." Mr. Verma: OK so now let us start with past tense. Lets begin with simple past tense and then we will go further. Ravi : Sir, you have just explained Simple present and Present continuous. What happened to the other two ( Present perfect, and present perfect-continuous ) ? Mr. Verma : You are very attentive Ravi. Good you noticed that. Dont worry, Let me finish with the basic tenses first, then we will discuss the others. Mr. Verma : If that is OK, let us discuss Simple past, and Past Continuous.
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Present Simple Present Continuous Present Perfect Present Perfect Continuous Simple Past
USE 1: Completed Action in the Past Use the Simple Past to express the idea that an action started and finished at a specific time in the past. Sometimes the speaker may not actually mention the specific time, but they do have one specific time in mind. EXAMPLES: I visited my friends. I noticed some flaws. I edited the text. I played with the dog. Ravi : Sir, it seems that for this type of tense, we just add ed to the verb. Is that right. Mr. Verma : Yes !. in most of the cases, but not always. Ravi : Give me an example. Mr. Verma : After coming back from a meeting, I wont say I Meet-ed the delegates but I will say I met the delegates. Similarly, For find, I will say, I found my lost ring , instead of Find-ed my lost ring. Is this clear. Ravi : Yes Sir. Mr. Verma : Now look at another use of simple past. USE 2: A Series of Completed Actions We use the Simple Past to list a series of completed actions in the past. These actions happen 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th... EXAMPLES: 1. I finished work, walked to the beach, and found a nice place to swim. 2. He arrived from the airport at 8:00, checked into the hotel at 9:00, and met the others at 10:00. Note that this tells us a sequence in which the events happened. Mr. Verma : Another use of simple past is to tell about a duration which starts and stops in the past. USE 3: Single Duration 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 minutes," "all day" or "all year." EXAMPLES: 1. Shauna studied Japanese for five years. ( This means that she has studied i.e completed studying in the past. ) 2. They sat at the beach all day. 3. We talked on the phone for thirty minutes.
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Present Simple Present Continuous Present Perfect Present Perfect Continuous Past Continuous
Mr. Verma : Past continuous helps us to communicate about an event in the past which was going on at that time. [WAS / WERE] + [VERB+ing] EXAMPLES: 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).
Mr. Verma : Let me tell you about clauses in past continuous. Ravi : Sir, but I dont know what are clauses. Mr. Verma : OK, Before we proceed, let me introduce you to clauses. 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 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 same meaning. EXAMPLES: 1. I was studying when she called. 2. While I was studying, she called. Mr. Verma : Ravi, note that in the example, we realise that the activity of studying has been interrupted. Past continuous is often used to describe such a situation. USE 1: Interrupted Action in the Past 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. EXAMPLES: I was watching TV when she called. Ravi: Sir, here, was watching is in Past continuous, the action that interrupted (she called) is in simple past tense. Am I correct. Mr. Verma : Yes. You are right Ravi. I can give you some more examples. 1. When the phone rang, she was writing a letter. 2. While we were having a picnic, it started to rain.
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Ravi : Yes sir. I understand it now. Mr. Verma : In the examples above, the Past Continuous is interrupted by an action in the Simple Past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption. for example : Last night at 8 p.m., I was eating dinner. At midnight, we were still driving through the desert. IMPORTANT In the Simple Past a specific time is used to show when an action began or finished. In the Past Continuous a specific time only interrupts the action. EXAMPLES: Last night at 8 p.m., I ate dinner. ( Here I ate dinner is in simple past ) the sentence means (I started eating at 8 p.m.) Last night at 8 p.m., I was eating dinner. ( here, was eating dinner is in past continuous ) The sentence means (I started earlier and at 8 p.m. I was in the process of eating dinner.) USE 2: Parallel Actions Mr. Verma : Ravi, many times past continuous is used to describe two actions happening simultaneously. 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. EXAMPLES: I was studying while she was making dinner. They were eating dinner, discussing their plans and having a good time. 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 to be helped. One customer was yelling at a secretary and waving his hands. Others were complaining to each other about the bad service. Ravi: Sir, Here too , I realise that all the verbs end with ing. Mr. Verma : Yes. You are right. That was a good observation.
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VERB TENSE EXERCISE 3 All of the following sentences should be completed using the Simple Past or the Past Continuous. You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks. Hint: remember Non-continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous form. EXAMPLE: A) Sony (make) was making dinner when I arrived. B) Angered by the comment, Javed (jump) jumped up and (storm) stormed out of the room. 1. A: What (you, do) ___________________ when the accident occurred? B: I (try)___________________ to change a light bulb that had burnt out. 2. After I (find)__________________ the wallet full of money, I (go, immediately) ___________________ to the police and (turn)_______________ it in. 3. The doctor (say)_________________ that Gopal (be)__________________ too sick to go to work and that he (need)___________________ to stay at home for a couple of days. 4. A: I (call)__________________ you last night after dinner, but you (be, not)______________ there. Where were you? B: I (work)____________________ out at the fitness center. VERB TENSE EXERCISE 3 ANSWERS 1. A: What (you, do) were you doing when the accident occurred? B: I (try) was trying to change a light bulb that had burnt out. 2. After I (find) found the wallet full of money, I (go, immediately) immediately went to the police and (turn) turned it in. 3. The doctor (say) said that Gopal (be) was too sick to go to work and that he (need) needed to stay at home for a couple of days. 4. A: I (call) called you last night after dinner, but you (be, not) were not there. Where were you? B: I (work) was working out at the fitness center. Ravi: Sir I am so happy to tell you that I got all of them correct. Mr. Verma: That is good news Ravi. Now that you are clear with Present simple, past simple, Present continuous and past continuous, lets move on to the Perfect tense. Lets see Present perfect first. But before that, can you give me some example on each of them. Ravi : let me try Sir. Present simple I Play cricket Present continuous - I am playing Cricket Past simple I Played cricket. Past continuous I was playing cricket. Mr. Verma: That was excellent. Now let us move on to Present perfect tense.
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Present Simple Present Continuous Present Perfect Present Perfect Continuous
Present Perfect [HAS / HAVE] + [past participle] Mr. Verma: We use the Present Perfect to say that an action happened at an unspecified time before now. The exact time is not important. Many times this can be confused with past tense. So be careful. EXAMPLES: I have seen that movie twenty times. I think I have met him once before. People have traveled to the moon. Mr. Verma : You CANNOT use the Present Perfect ending with time expressions such as "yesterday," "one year ago," "last week," "when I was a child," "when I lived in Japan," "at that moment," "that day" or "one day." Ravi: Sir, then can we end it with phrases that indicate the number of times- as in example above. Mr. Verma : We CAN use the Present Perfect with expressions like "ever," "never," "once," "many times," "several times," "before," "so far," "already" and "yet." The most Important part is understanding how to actually use the Present Perfect? As I told you, the concept of "unspecified time" can be very confusing to English learners. Many times it appears similar to the Simple past tense. It is best to associate Present Perfect with the following topics: USE 1: Experience You can use the Present Perfect to describe your experience. It is like saying, "I have the experience of..." The Present Perfect is NOT used to describe a specific event. EXAMPLES: 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.) I have been to France three times. (You can also add the number of times at the end of the sentence.) I have seen that movie. He has traveled by train. Ravi: Sir, Here I notice that I Have been, He has seen, They have been etc.. are used. Mr. Verma : Good observation. That is peculiar to the present perfect tense.
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USE 2: Change Over Time Besides the above use, we often use the Present Perfect to talk about change that has happened over a period of time. EXAMPLES: You have grown since the last time I saw you. The government has become more interested in arts education. Japanese has become one of the most popular courses at the university since the Asian studies program was established. My English has really improved since I moved to Australia.
USE 3: Accomplishments We often use the Present Perfect to list the accomplishments of individuals and humanity. You cannot mention a specific time. EXAMPLES: Man has walked on the moon. Our son has learned how to read. Doctors have cured many deadly diseases.
Ravi: Now I understand. When we use the Present Perfect it means that something happened at some point in our lives before now. The exact time the action happened is not important. Mr. Verma : There is another type of situation where we use present perfect. We use it to communicate a situation where we want to tell others that something started in the past and has continued up until now. It could be -"For five minutes," "for two weeks" and "since Tuesday" These are all durations, which can be used with the Present Perfect. USE 4: Duration From Past Until Now (Non-continuous Verbs) EXAMPLES: I have had a cold for two weeks.( This means that I am still suffering from cold, and it started 2 weeks ago. ( Had I said- I had a cold for 2 weeks, it would mean that I dont have the cold now.) Similarly .. She has been in England for six months.( she still is in England ) Mary has loved chocolate since she was a little girl. ( She still loves chocolates)
Ravi : I have noticed that here, words such as for or since are used. Mr. Verma : Thats right. But note that here the meaning of since is not because but instead it means from a specific time Take the following exercise before we proceed.
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VERB TENSE EXERCISE 4 All of the following sentences should be completed using the Simple Past or the Present Perfect. You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks. Hint: remember Non-continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous form. EXAMPLE A) I (visit) visited my grandmother yesterday. B) Sandhya (travel) has traveled abroad several times. 1. A: Did you like the movie "Star Wars"? B: I don't know. I (see, never)__________that movie. 2. Sameer (arrive)_______ in India a week ago. 3. My best friend and I (know)_____________ each other for over fifteen years. 4. Satish is a fantastic writer. He (write)_______ten very creative short stories in the last year. One day, he'll be as famous as Sharatchandra. 5. I (have, not)___________ this much fun since I (be)_________ a kid.
VERB TENSE EXERCISE 4 ANSWERS 1. A: Did you like the movie "Star Wars"? B: I don't know. I (see, never) have never seen that movie. 2. Sameer (arrive) arrived in India a week ago. 3. My best friend and I (know) have known each other for over fifteen years. 4. Satish is a fantastic writer. He (write) has written ten very creative short stories in the last year. One day, he'll be as famous as Sharatchandra. 5. I (have, not) have not had this much fun since I (be) was a kid.
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Mr. Verma : Now let us move on to Present perfect continuous. You have just learnt present perfect. Now here, the only difference is that the activity is continuing. Present Perfect Continuous [HAS / HAVE] + [BEEN] + [VERB+ing] EXAMPLES: I have been waiting here for two hours. She has only been studying English for two years. USE 1: Duration from the Past Until Now 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 durations which can be used with the Present Perfect Continuous. EXAMPLES: They have been talking for the last hour. She has been working at that company for three years. Jameel has been teaching at the University since June.
USE 2: Recently, Lately 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: Recently, I have been feeling really tired. She has been watching too much television lately. Maria has been feeling a little depressed.
VERB TENSE EXERCISE 5 PART A All of the following sentences should be completed using the Present Continuous or the Present Perfect Continuous . You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks. EXAMPLE A) I cannot sleep because the baby (cry) is crying. B) I'm getting a little worried because the baby (cry) has been crying for over half an hour. 1. It (rain)_______________ all week. I hope it stops by Saturday because I want to go to the beach. 2. A: Where is Girish? B: He (study, at the library)______________________ for his German test on Wednesday. In fact, he (review)__________________________ for the test every day for the last week.
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3. You look really great! (You, exercise)_______________________ at the fitness center? 4. Farooq, where have you been? We (wait)______________________ for you since 1 P.M.. 5. A: What is that sound? B: A car alarm (ring)_________ somewhere down the street. It (drive)____________ me crazy - I wish it would stop! It (ring)___________ for more than twenty minutes. ANSWERS TO PART A 1. It (rain) has been raining all week. I hope it stops by Saturday because I want to go to the beach. 2. A: Where is Girish? B: He (study, at the library) is at the library studying for his German test on Wednesday. In fact, he (review) has been reviewing for the test every day for the last week. 3. You look really great! (You, exercise) Have you been exercising at the fitness center? 4. Farooq, where have you been? We (wait) have been waiting for you since 1 P.M.. 5. A: What is that sound? B: A car alarm (ring) is ringing somewhere down the street. It (drive) is driving me crazy - I wish it would stop! It (ring) has been ringing for more than twenty minutes. PART B All of the following sentences should be completed using the Present Perfect or the Present Perfect Continuous . You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks. Hint: remember Non-continuous Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. EXAMPLE A) I (work) have worked with that man somewhere before. B) I (work) have been working on that project for more than a year. 1. A: How long (be)_______________________ in Mumbai? B: I (study)________________________ here for more than three years. 2. I (have)______________________ the same car for more than ten years. I'm thinking about buying a new one. 3. I (love)________________________ chocolate since I was a child. You might even call me a "chocoholic." 4. Lately, I (think)______________________ about changing my career because I (become)____________________ dissatisfied with the conditions at my company. 5. I (see)_______________________ Maya for more than five years and during that time I have (see)_______________________ many changes in her personality. ANSWERS TO PART B 1. A: How long (be) have you been in Mumbai? B: I (study) have been studying here for more than three years. ("Study" is one of several words that are very flexibly used in the tenses. Often these words are used as though they were non-continuous. Therefore "I have studied here for more than three years." is also correct.") 2. I (have) have had the same car for more than ten years. I'm thinking about buying a new one. 3. I (love) have loved chocolate since I was a child. You might even call me a "chocoholic". 4. Lately, I (think) have been thinking about changing my career because I (become) have become dissatisfied with the conditions at my company. 5. I (see) have been seeing Maya for more than five years and during that time I have (see) have seen many changes in her personality.
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Mr. Verma: Let us now understand the Past Perfect tense . Ravi: I guess that in case of Present perfect, we said I have gone to US many times similarly, in case of past perfect, we will say I had gone to US many times. Mr. Verma : Tell me the difference. Ravi: Sir, In the former case, the process of going to US many times might be still on in the present. However, in the latter case, it is clear that the process of going to US many times is complete in the past. When completed is not told. Mr. Verma: Perfectly right Ravi. I am Impressed Present Simple Present Continuous Present Perfect Present Perfect Continuous Past Perfect [HAD] + [PAST PARTICIPLE] Examples: I had studied a little English when I came to the U.S. They had never met an Indian until they met Shyam. USE 1: Completed Action Before Something in Past The Past Perfect can express 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. Had you ever visited the U.S. before your trip in 1992? Yes, I had been to the U.S. once before in 1988. USE 2: Duration Before Something in the Past We use the 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. By the time Alex finished his studies, he had been in London for over eight years. Past Simple Past Continuous Past Perfect Past Perfect Continuous Future Simple Future Continuous Future Perfect Future Perfect Continuous
Mr. Verma: Let us now look at past perfect continuous . Ravi: I guess, similar to present perfect continuous, which was like I have been working there for three years, In the case of Past perfect we will say I had been working there . Which shows that at that time, the event of waiting was happening continuously. Mr. Verma: Right Ravi.
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Present Simple Present Continuous Present Perfect Present Perfect Continuous Past Perfect Continuous [HAD BEEN] + [VERB+ing] EXAMPLES:
I had been waiting there for two hours before she finally arrived. She had only been studying English for two years before she got the job.
USE 1: Duration Before Something in the Past 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 does not continue until now. EXAMPLES: They had been talking for over an hour before Tanveer arrived. She had been working at that company for three years when it went out of business. Jaichand had been teaching at the University for more than a year before he left for Asia.
USE 2: Cause of Something in the Past Using the Past Perfect Continuous before another action in the past is a good way to show cause and effect. EXAMPLES: Jason was tired because he had been jogging. Sam gained weight because he had been overeating VERB TENSE EXERCISE 6 PART A All of the following sentences should be completed using the Simple Past, the Present Perfect or the Past Perfect. You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks. EXAMPLES A) Five thousand years ago the Egyptians (build) built the Great Pyramids near modern-day Cairo. B) Fareeda (swim, never) has never swum in the Pacific Ocean. C) Eknath (see, never) had never seen an elephant before his trip to Kenya. 1. When I (arrive) ___________________ home last night, I discovered that Jeniffer (prepare) _______________ a beautiful candle-lit dinner. 2. Since I began acting, I (perform) __________ in two plays, a television commercial and a TV drama. However, I (speak, never even) _____________ publicly before I came to Bollywood in 1985. 3. By the time I got to the office, the meeting (begin, already) __________________ without me. My boss (be) _____________ furious with me and I (fire) ___________________. 4. When I (turn) ________________ the radio on yesterday, I (hear) _________________ a song that was popular when I was in school. I (hear, not) ____________________ the song in years and it (bring) ____________________ back some great memories.
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ANSWERS TO PART A
1. When I (arrive) arrived home last night, I discovered that Jeniffer (prepare) had prepared a beautiful candle-lit dinner. 2. Since I began acting, I (perform) have performed in two plays, a television commercial and a TV drama. However, I (speak, never even) had never even spoken publicly before I came to Bollywood in 1985. 3. By the time I got to the office, the meeting (begin, already) had already begun without me. My boss (be) was furious with me and I (fire) was fired. (Passive) 4. When I (turn) turned the radio on yesterday, I (hear) heard a song that was popular when I was in school. I (hear, not) had not heard the song in years and it (bring) brought back some great memories. PART B All of the following sentences should be completed using the Present Perfect, the Present Perfect Continuous, the Past Perfect or the Past Perfect Continuous. You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks. EXAMPLES A) I knew how to get to Rehmans house because I (go) had gone there twice before. B) Sheela had no problems while she was traveling through Mexico because she (take) had been taking Spanish lessons for over two years at that point. 1. It is already 9:30 pm and I (wait)_______________________ here for over an hour. If Mona does not get here in the next five minutes, I am going to leave. 2. I was really angry at Mona yesterday. By the time she finally arrived, I (wait)_________________________ for over an hour. I almost left without her. 3. Did you hear that Vineet was fired last month? He (work) _________________________ for that import company for more than ten years and he (work)________________________ in almost every department. Nobody knew the company like he did. 4. I (see)_______________________ many pictures of the pyramids before I went to Egypt. Pictures of the monuments are very misleading. The pyramids are actually quite small.
ANSWERS TO PART B 1. It is already 9:30 pm and I (wait) have been waiting here for over an hour. If Mona does not get here in the next five minutes, I am going to leave. 2. I was really angry at Mona yesterday. By the time she finally arrived, I (wait) had been waiting for over an hour. I almost left without her. 3. Did you hear that Vineet was fired last month? He (work) had been working for that import company for more than ten years and he (work) had worked in almost every department. Nobody knew the company like he did. 4. I (see) had seen many pictures of the pyramids before I went to Egypt. Pictures of the monuments are very misleading. The pyramids are actually quite small.
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Mr. Verma : Hello Ravi, I see that you are quite busy with your assignment. Ravi: Yes Sir, I didnt see you coming. Mr. Verma:: So how are your tenses going on. Ravi: Great Sir, I have mastered my present and past and am waiting to secure my future. Mr. Verma:: Well said Ravi. So now lets go on to secure your future, I mean, lets talk about future tense. But before that give me examples on Present perfect , Present perfect continuous, Past perfect, and Past perfect continuous. Ravi: Sir, The examples are Present perfect I have visited Delhi many times. Present perfect continuous I have been visiting Delhi for the last 2 years. Past perfect - I had visited Delhi many times. Past perfect continuous - I had been visiting Delhi for the last 2 years. Mr. Verma:: OK Ravi. The last main type of tense is Future Tense. This is much simpler than the previous ones. This again has been divided into various subtypes. We will see all of them now.
Simple Future Mr. Verma : The Simple Future has two different forms, "will" and "be going to." Although the 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 practice the differences will become clear. Both "will" and "be going to" refer to a specific time in the future. Will [WILL] + [VERB] EXAMPLES: He will meet Janhavi tonight. Be Going To [AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO] + [VERB] EXAMPLES: He is going to meet Jhanavi tonight. Ravi: Sir, can you clearly tell me the difference. Mr. Verma : See, both mean the same, but the second sentence gives a more definite picture of what will happen. Mr. Verma : Note that in Simple future tense, we just get a feel that the event is to happen in Future. We do not know whether it will be completed or will continue for ever. Ravi: Sir, I have observed that this is similar to all simple tenses. Right. Mr. Verma : Right.
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Mr. Verma : The simple future is often used to express a voluntary action. "Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else or himself. Often we use "will" to respond to someone else's complaint or request for help. EXAMPLES: A: I'm really hungry. B: I will make some sandwiches. A: I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep. B: I will get you some coffee. Mr. Verma : This is also used to express a promise or a commitment. Like you saying Sir, I will certainly learn English. EXAMPLES: I will call you when I arrive. If I am elected President of the India, I will make sure everyone gets good education.
Mr. Verma : We also use Simple future in the form of is / am / are going to .do somethingThis is to express that something is a plan or prediction. It expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the future or something that will happen in future. EXAMPLES: He is going to spend his vacation in Ooty. We are going to meet each other tonight at 6:00 PM. The year 2003 will be a very interesting year. The movie "Devdas" is going to win several Awards.
Ravi: Sir, it seems that in case of Simple future, we may not always be very sure of what the speaker has in mind. Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi. Thats why you need to be very careful in interpretations.
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VERB TENSE EXERCISE 7 PART A All of the following sentences should be completed using the Simple Future forms "will" and "be going to". You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks. Hint: pay attention to word order EXAMPLE: A) I promise that I 'll do my homework everyday. REASON a promise B) Next week, I am going to fly to Denver to visit a friend. REASON a plan 1. A: Why are you holding a piece of paper? B: I (write)__________ a letter to my friends back home in Ludhiana. REASON__________ 2. A: I'm about to fall asleep. I need to wake up! B: I (get)____________ you a cup of coffee. That will wake you up. REASON__________ 3. A: I can't hear the television! B: I (turn)_____________it up so you can hear it. REASON____________ 4. We are so excited about our trip next month to South India. We (visit)___________ Ooty, Bangalore and Mysore. REASON_____________ 5. A: It is so hot in here! B: I (turn)_______________ the air conditioning on. REASON_______________ ANSWERS TO PART A 1. A: Why are you holding a piece of paper? B: I (write) am going to write a letter to my friends back home in Ludhiana. REASON plan 2. A: I'm about to fall asleep. I need to wake up! B: I (get) will get you a cup of coffee. That will wake you up. REASON voluntary action 3. A: I can't hear the television! B: I (turn) will turn it up so you can hear it. REASON voluntary action 4. We are so excited about our trip next month to South India. We (visit) are going to visit Ooty, Bangalore and Mysore. REASON plan 5. A: It is so hot in here! B: I (turn) will turn the air conditioning on. REASON voluntary action
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PART B All of the following sentences should be completed using the Simple Present or the Simple Future forms "will" and "be going to". You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks. Hint: remember that you cannot use future forms in time clauses or clauses with conditional words. EXAMPLES A) If you drink too much at the party, I'll drive you home. B) After he gets home, I am going to make dinner. 1. Today after I (get)_________out of class, I (go)_________ to a movie with some friends. 2. When you (arrive)__________ in Nagpur, call my friend Ganpat. He (show)_____________ you around the city and help you get situated. 3. If it (snow)____________ this weekend, we (go)_____________ skiing at Shimla. 4. Your father (plan)___________ to pick you up after school today at 3:00 o'clock. He (meet)_______ you across the street near the ice cream shop. If something happens and he cannot be there, I (pick)_____________ you up instead. 5. If the people of the world (stop, not)____________ cutting down huge stretches of rain forest, we (experience)_____________huge changes in the environment during the twenty-first century. ANSWERS FOR PART B 1. Today after I (get) get (time clause) out of class, I (go) am going to go to a movie with some friends. 2. When you (arrive) arrive (time clause) in Nagpur, call my friend Ganpat. He (show) 'll show you around the city and help you get situated. 3. If it (snow) snows (time clause) this weekend, we (go) are going to go skiing at Shimla. 4. Your father (plan) plans (definition of "plan" includes future) to pick you up after school today at 3:00 o'clock. He (meet) is going to meet you across the street near the ice cream shop. If something happens and he cannot be there, I (pick) 'll pick you up instead. 5. If the people of the world (stop, not) do not stop (time clause) cutting down huge stretches of rain forest, we (experience) are going to experience/ will experience huge changes in the environment during the twenty-first century.
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Future Continuous [WILL BE] + [VERB+ing] Mr. Verma : In case of future continuous, the sentence is supposed to mean that the activity will be going on in future. 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. While I am working, Sachin will make dinner. NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "going to" to create the Future Continuous with little or no difference in meaning. Mr. Verma : We can also specify a time at which the activity is going to take place (will happen.) EXAMPLES: Tonight at 6 p.m., I am going to be eating dinner. At midnight tonight, we will still be driving through the desert.
IMPORTANT: Recollect that 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. Ravi: can you explain the difference with an example. Mr. Verma: In case of simple future, we will say Tonight at 6 p.m., I am going to eat dinner. (That means I am going to start eating at 6 p.m.) However, in case of Future continuous, we will say Tonight at 6 p.m., I am going to be eating dinner. ( This means I am going to start earlier and I will be in the process of eating dinner at 6 p.m.) Ravi: Now I have clearly understood the difference. Mr. Verma: Future continuous can also be used to express two or more activities happening simultaneously. I am going to be studying while he is making dinner. Tonight, they will be eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
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Mr. Verma: Also, 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.
VERB TENSE EXERCISE 8 PART A All of the following sentences should be completed using the Simple Future or the Future Continuous. You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks. Hint: remember that you cannot use future forms in time clauses or clauses with conditional words EXAMPLES: A) Tomorrow morning at 8:00 o'clock, I will be getting ready for work. B) While she is studying, I will be preparing dinner. 1. Right now I am watching T.V. Tomorrow at this time, I (watch)_______________________ T.V. as well. 2. Tomorrow after school, I (go)_________ to the beach. 3. We (hide)_________ when Tushar (arrive)________ at his surprise party. As soon as he opens the door, we (jump)___________ out and (scream)___________ "Surprise!" 4. We work out at the fitness center everyday after work. If you (come)___________ over while we (work)____________ out, we will not be able to let you into the house. Just to be safe, we (leave)_________ a key under the welcome mat so you will not have to wait outside. 5. While you (study)___________ at home, Mugdha (be)__________ in class. VERB TENSE EXERCISE 8 ANSWERS PART A 1. Right now I am watching T.V. Tomorrow at this time, I (watch) will be watching T.V. as well. 2. Tomorrow after school, I (go) am going to go to the beach. 3. We (hiding) will be hiding when Tushar (arrives) arrives at his surprise party. As soon as he opens the door, we (jump) are going to jump out and (scream) scream, "Surprise!" 4. We work out at the fitness center everyday after work. If you (come) come over while we (work) are working out, we will not be able to let you into the house. Just to be safe, we (leave) will leave (voluntary action) a key under the welcome mat so you will not have to wait outside. 5. While you (study) are studying at home, Mugdha (be) will be in class.
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Mr. Verma : In order to express an activity which will be completed in future at a specific time, we use the Future perfect tense. Future Perfect [WILL HAVE] + [PAST PARTICIPLE] EXAMPLE: I will have perfected my English by the time I come back from the U.S. By next November, I will have received my promotion. By the time he gets home, she is going to have cleaned the entire house.
Mr. Verma : This is a tense that we use rarely in speech. It is used to communicate the happening of an event in future, such that, at a particular time in future, the activity would have been going on for some time, and will go on for some more time. Exact details may or may not be mentioned. Future Perfect Continuous [WILL HAVE BEEN] + [VERB+ing] EXAMPLE: I will have been waiting for two hours when her plane finally arrives. They will have been talking for over an hour by the time Tarun arrives. She is going to have been working at that company for three years when it finally closes. Jehangir will have been teaching at the University for more than a year by the time he leaves for US.
Mr. Verma : Using the Future Perfect Continuous before another action in the future is a good way to show cause and effect. EXAMPLES: Janardhan will be tired when he gets home because he will have been jogging for over an hour. Rohans German will be perfect when he returns to India because he is going to have been studying German in Germany for over two years.
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VERB TENSE EXERCISE 9 PART A All of the following sentences should be completed using the Future Perfect or the Future Perfect Continuous. You must use the words in the brackets to fill in the blanks EXAMPLES: A) By the time I pick her up, she (wait) will have been waiting for thirty minutes. B) We are late. Tushar (arrive) will already have arrived when we get to his surprise party. 1. By the time we get to Jabalpur this evening, we (drive)__________ more than four hundred miles. We are going to be exhausted. 2. When Rohan goes on vacation next month, he (study)____________ German for over two years. He should be able to communicate fairly well while he is in Austria. 3. I have not traveled much yet; however, I (visit)___________ the Prince of Wales Museum and Gateway of India by the time I leave Mumbai. 4. By the time you finish studying the verb tense tutorial, you (master)____________ all twelve tenses including their passive forms. 5. Moushmi just called and said she would be here at 8:00 o'clock. By the time she gets here, we (wait)_________ for her for two hours.
VERB TENSE EXERCISE 9 - ANSWERS PART A 1. By the time we get to Jabalpur this evening, we (drive) will have driven more than four hundred miles. We are going to be exhausted. 2. When Rohan goes on vacation next month, he (study) will have been studying German for over two years. He should be able to communicate fairly well while he is in Austria. 3. I have not traveled much yet; however, I (visit) will have visited the Prince of Wales Museum and Gateway of India by the time I leave Mumbai. 4. By the time you finish studying the verb tense tutorial, you (master) will have mastered all twelve tenses including their passive forms. 5. Moushmi just called and said she would be here at 8:00 o'clock. By the time she gets here, we (wait) will have been waiting for her for two hours. Part B All of the following sentences should be completed using the appropriate tense. EXAMPLE A) I cannot sleep because the baby (cry) is crying. B) Tomorrow morning at 8:00 o'clock, I (get) will be getting ready for work. C) Sandhya (travel) has traveled abroad several times. 1. When Kiran (call) _____________ last night, I (watch) ____________ my favorite show on television. 2. I (work) ___________ for that company for more than thirty years. 3. Sheela (love) ___________ to travel. She (go) ___________ abroad almost every summer. 4. Thakur is an author. He (write) ____________ mystery novels and travel memoirs. He (write) __________ since he was twenty-eight. Altogether, he (write) _____________ seven novels, three collections of short stories and a book of poetry. 5. We were late because we (have) ___________ car problems. By the time we (get) ____________ to the train station, Sonia (wait) ___________ for us for more than two hours.
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ANSWERS- Part B 1. When Kiran (call) called last night, I (watch) was watching my favorite show on television. 2. I (work) have been working for that company for more than thirty years. 3. Sheela (love) loves to travel. She (go) goes abroad almost every summer. 4. Thakur is an author. He (write) writes mystery novels and travel memoirs. He (write) has been writing since he was twenty-eight. Altogether, he (write) has written seven novels, three collections of short stories and a book of poetry. 5. We were late because we (have) had / had had / had been having car problems. By the time we (get) got to the train station, Sonia (wait) had been waiting for us for more than two hours. Mr. Verma:: Ravi, after you finish with your test, please go through this table which will give you the summary of the verb tenses. Ravi: Yes sir. I shall certainly do that. VERB TENSE OVERVIEW WITH EXAMPLES
Simple Present
Simple Past Two years ago, I studied English in England. Past Continuous I was studying English when you called yesterday. Past Perfect I had studied a little English before I moved to the U.S. Past Continuous Perfect
Simple Future I am going to study English next year. If you are having problems, I will help you study English. Future Continuous I will be studying English when you arrive tonight.
I study English everyday.
Present Continuous
I am studying English now.
Present Perfect
Future Perfect I will have studied every tense by the time I finish this course.
I have studied English in several different countries.
Present Continuous
Perfect
Future Perfect Continuous I will have been studying English for over two hours by the time you arrive.
I have been studying English for five years.
I had been studying English for five years before I moved to the U.S.
Ravi: Sir I have completed all the exercises that had been assigned to me by you. I have also gone through the table which definitely was helpful in clearing whatever confusions I had in my mind and now I am sure that I will always be able to speak in the proper tense.
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INTRODUCTION TO AUXILIARY AND MODAL VERBS Mr. Verma: Ravi, Last time, I had explained to you about verbs and their types. Now there are two more things that I would like you to know. And they are very important in the study of English grammar if you have to make correct sentences. Ravi: Yes sir. What are they? Mr. Verma: See Ravi, you know that verbs are action words but these action words also need a helping hand to express themselves clearly. These words which help the verbs are termed as Auxiliary Verbs and Modals. Ravi: What is the difference between the two of them Sir? Mr. Verma: There is not much difference but still they are different. I will explain them to you one by one and so you will come to know. Mr. Verma: Let us take the Auxiliary verbs first. Auxiliary verbs are used together with a main verb to add extra meaning to a sentence. The three main auxiliary verbs are Be, Do and Have. These verbs can be used as main verbs but the modals differ to them in this respect. Modal verbs are also auxiliary verbs, but will be treated separately, these are can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would. Let us see the first one: To be Mr. Verma: Be is the most common verb in the English language. It can be used as an auxiliary and a main verb. It is used a lot in its other forms. Present tense form=am/is/are. Past tense form=was/were. Ravi: Sir, Is it like I am, He is, They are Mr. Verma: Right. Let me tell you the uses in detail.
Uses of: Am/Is/Are

Question Am I? Are you? Positive Statement I am (I'm) You are (You're) Singular I am not (I'm not) You are not (You're not/You aren't) He/she/it is not (He/she/it isn't// He/she/it's not) Plural We are not (We aren't/We're not) You are not (You aren't/You're not) They are not (They aren't/They're not) Negative Statement
Is he/she/it? He/she/it is (He's/She's/It's) Are we? Are you? Are they? We are (We're) You are (You're) They are (They're)
Examples Am/Are Question -? Positive Answer - Yes Negative Answer - No "Am I disturbing you?" "Yes you are." "No you're not." Is "Is this your coat" "Yes it is" "No it isn't"
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To do Mr. Verma: The verb do is one of the most common verbs in English. It can be used as an auxiliary and a main verb. It is often used in questions. Ravi: Sir, Is it like I do, You do, He does , They do Mr. Verma: Right. Let me tell you the uses in detail. Uses of Do / Does Question Singular Do I? Do you? Does he/she/it? Plural Do we? Do you? Do they?
Positive Statement (spoken) I do You do He/she/it does We do You do They do
Negative Statement (spoken) I do not (I don't) You do not (You don't) He/she/it does not (He/she/it doesn't) We do not (We don't) You do not (You don't) They do not (They don't)
Examples Do Question - ? Positive Answer Yes Negative Answer No "Do you always take the bus to work?" Does "Does she ever do her homework on time?" "Yes she does."
"Yes I do."
"No I don't."
"No she doesn't."
To have Mr. Verma: Have is one of the most common verbs in English. It is used to make perfect forms. Ravi: Sir, Is it like I have, You have, He has , They have Mr. Verma: Right. Let me tell you the uses in detail. Uses of Have/Has Question Singular Have I? Have you? Has he/she/it? Plural Have we? Have you? Have they? Positive Statement (spoken) Negative Statement (spoken)
I have (I've) You have (You've) He/she/it has (He/she/it 's)
I have not (I haven't/I've not) You have not (You haven't/You've not) He/she/it has not (He/she/it hasn't)
We have (We've) You have (You've) They have (They've)
We have not (We haven't/We've not) You have not (You haven't/You've not) They have not (They haven't/They've not)
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Have is often used to indicate possession (I have) or (I have got). Examples Have Question -? Positive Answer - Yes Negative Answer - No "Do you have a car?" or "Have you a car?" "Yes I have a car." "No I don't have a car." Have got "Have you got a car?" "Yes I've got a car." "No I haven't got a car."
Have and not have got is sometimes used to show an action. Question -? Positive Answer - Yes Negative Answer - No "Do you have a shower every morning?" "Yes I have a shower every day." "No I don't have a shower in the morning, I have a bath."
Have is also used to indicate necessity (I have to) or (I have got to). Have to Question - ? "Do you have to leave early?" Have got to "Have you got to leave early?" "Yes I've got to." "No I haven't got to."
Positive Answer - Yes "Yes I have to." or "Yes I do" Negative Answer - No "No I don't have to."
EXERCISES IN AUXILIARY VERBS Underline the auxiliary verbs in the following sentences: 1. Is it raining? 2. She was imprisoned for three years. 3. Do you smoke? 4. It didn't matter. 5. Do come in 6. What have you done? 7. I realized that I hadn't turned the lights off.
ANSWERS FOR EXERCISES IN AUXILIARY VERBS 4. didn't 1. Is 2. was 3. Do 5. Do 6. have 7. hadn't
Ravi: Sir I have realized that without auxiliary verbs one cannot really make a proper sentence. Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi, You are absolutely correct. Auxiliary verbs are very important if the sentence has to convey a meaning. Ravi: But Sir then what do Modals do?
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Mr. Verma: Modal are equally important Ravi. Let me explain, all the auxiliary verbs except be, do and have are called modals. Unlike the other auxiliary verbs modals only exist in their helping form; they cannot act alone as the principle verb in a sentence. Be, do, and have differ from the other auxiliaries in that they can also serve as ordinary verbs in a given sentence. The Modal verbs are: CAN / COULD / MAY / MIGHT / MUST / SHALL / SHOULD / OUGHT TO / WILL / WOULD
Modal Can
Example They can control their own budgets. We cant fix it. Can I smoke here? Can you help me?
Uses Ability / Possibility Inability / Impossibility Asking for permission Request Asking for permission. Request Suggestion Future possibility Ability in the past Asking for permission Future possibility Future possibility Necessity / Obligation Prohibition Saying whats right or correct
Could
Could I borrow your dictionary? Could you say it again more slowly? We could try to fix it ourselves. I think we could have another Gulf War. He gave up his old job so he could work for us.
May
May I have another cup of coffee? China may become a major economic power.
Might Must
They might give us a 10% discount. We must say good-bye now. They mustnt disrupt the work more than necessary.
Ought to
We ought to employ a professional writer.
Shall
Shall I help you with your luggage? Shall we say 2.30 then? Shall I do that or will you?
Offer Suggestion Asking what to do Saying whats right or correct Recommending action
Should
We should sort out this problem at once. I think we should check everything again.
Will
I cant see any taxis so Ill walk. I'll do that for you if you like. Ill get back to you first thing on Monday. Profits will increase next year.
Instant decisions Offer Promise Prediction Asking for permission Request Request Making arrangements Invitation Preferences
Would
Would you mind if I brought a colleague with me? Would you pass the salt please? Would you mind waiting a moment? "Would three oclock suit you?" - "Thatd be fine." Would you like to play golf this Friday? "Would you prefer tea or coffee?" - "Id like tea please."
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EXERCISES IN VERBS 2 Choose the correct form of the verb that agrees with the subject. 1. Anita and her brothers ____ at school. 2. Either my mother or my father ____ coming to the meeting. 3. The dog or the cats ____ outside. 4. Either my shoes or your coat ____ always on the floor. 5. Gyan and Tara ____ want to see that movie. 6. Babita ____ know the answer. 7. One of my sisters ____ going on a trip to France. 8. The man with all the birds ____ on my street. 9. The movie, including all the previews, ____ about two hours to watch. 10. The players, as well as the captain, ____ to win. 11. Either answer ____ acceptable. 12. Every one of those books ____ fiction. 13. Nobody ____ the trouble I've seen. 14. ____ the news on at five or six? 15. Mathematics ____ Jai's favorite subject, while Civics ____ Anandis favorite subject. 16. Eighty rupees ____ the price of a movie these days. 17. ____ the scissors in this drawer? 18. Your pants ____ at the dry cleaner's. 19. There ____ fifteen chocolates in that bag. Now there ____ only one left! 20. All of the CDs, even the scratched one, ____ in this case. ANSWERS FOR EXERCISES IN VERBS 2 1. are 2. is 3. are 4. is 5. don't 6. doesn't 7. is 8. lives 9. takes 10. want 11. is 12. is 13. knows 14. Is 15. is , is 16. is 17. Are 18. are 19. were , is 20. are
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Ravi: Good morning Sir. Mr. Verma: Good Morning. Did you file those papers, Ravi? Ravi: Yes Sir, I filed the papers. I took care that all the documents are in place and also that the documents were in proper order of date. Mr. Verma: Ravi, you could have said that you filed the documents carefully. Ravi: Yes sir, I filed the documents carefully. Mr. Verma: Did you realize that when you said that you filed the documents carefully, you used an adverb. Ravi: I know what a verb is but Sir what does an Adverb mean? Mr. Verma: Ravi, an adverb tells us more about the verb. Ravi: Oh Sir, I got it AD + VERB = ADVERB Mr. Verma: Right Ravi. Ravi: Sir can you give me the proper definition of Adverb? Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi. A word that modifies the meaning of a verb, an adjective, or another adverb is called an adverb. So if you say that, I filed the papers carefully. In this sentence carefully tells us the manner in which you performed the action i.e. verb so carefully is an adverb. Ravi: Sir can you give me an example each of how the adverb modifies the meanings of verb, adjective and another adverb? Mr. Verma: Sure Ravi. See if I say that, Hemant runs quickly. The word quickly shows how (in what manner) Hemant runs, that is the word quickly modifies the verb runs. Ravi: OK Sir. So runs is the verb and quickly the adverb. Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi. Now see this sentence, This is a very sweet mango. In this sentence very shows how much (in what degree) the mango is sweet that is very modifies the adjective sweet. Ravi: I got it Sir. Mr. Verma: And now, take the sentence, Simran reads quite clearly. In this sentence, quite shows how far (to what extent) Simran reads clearly that is it modifies the adverb clearly . Ravi: OK Sir. Tell me if there are types of Adverbs also. Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi. There are many types of adverbs.
They are adverb of TIME, FREQUENCY, PLACE, MANNER, and DEGREE,
Mr. Verma: See Ravi, Adverb of time tells us when the particular thing took place. Adverb of frequency tells us how often a particular thing takes place. Adverb of place tells us where something has taken place. Adverb of manner tells us how or in what manner something has/is/had takes place. Adverbs of degree tells us how much or in what quantity something takes place. Ravi: Can you explain it to me in detail, Sir? Mr. Verma: Sure Ravi. Let us take ADVERB OF MANNER first.
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ADVERB OF MANNER Adverbs of Manner tell us how something happens. They are usually placed after the main verb or after the object. Common Adverbs of Manner: quickly slowly fast loudly angrily beautifully sharply happily
Normally, adverbs of manner modify or give more information about verbs by indicating how or in what manner an action is done. Examples : He swims fast. (After the main verb) She sings the song beautifully. (After the object)
* An adverb of manner should not be placed between the verb and the object: Examples : She sings beautifully the song. (Between the verb and the object incorrect) She sings the song beautifully. (After the object) If there is a preposition before the object, (e.g.: towards, to) an adverb can be placed before the preposition or after the object. Examples : The girl sings loudly to the crowd. (Before preposition) The girl sings to the crowd loudly. (After the object)
However, the position of an adverb is important to determine the meaning of a sentence: Note that if an adverb of manner is placed after a clause, it modifies the whole action described by the clause. If the adverb is placed next to a verb, then it modifies the action, but not the whole clause. Examples : She slowly agreed to cook. (She hesitates to cook) She agreed to cook slowly. (The process of cooking will be slow)
Examples of Adverbs : Quietly, politely, gracefully, dangerously, loudly, generously, fearlessly
Mr. Verma: OK Ravi. Now we move on to Adverb of Time. As you already know this particular type of adverb tells you about the time or rather when.
ADVERB OF TIME Adverbs of Time tell us when an action happened, and the use of this adverb might affect the verb tenses in a particular clause. Common Adverbs of Time: yesterday Now last night currently next morning tomorrow today now recently tonight
Therefore, be careful with the verb tenses whenever using Adverbs of Time.
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There are three common categories for Adverbs of Time : Present : Past : Future : Examples : presently, currently, nowadays, now yesterday, recently, ago, last year tomorrow, next month She currently works as a newscaster. (present tense) She went to school yesterday. (past tense) I will finish doing my work tomorrow. (future tense)
Adverbs of Time can be placed at the initial, middle or final position ( before the main verb, after the auxiliary verb, between an auxiliary verb and a main verb, or at the end of a clause.) Examples : She presently cooks for the family. (before the main verb) My father is currently working with the press. (after the auxiliary verb/between auxiliary verb and main verb) I was at the party yesterday. (end of clause)
Ravi: OK Sir so to know the adverb of time properly one has to have the knowledge of verbs. Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi. I hope that you are well versed with the tenses. Ravi: Oh of course Sir, I am your student. And am really happy with my knowledge of tenses all due to you Sir. Mr. Verma: OK Ravi, now as usual can we start the test. Ravi: Of course Sir. Mr. Verma: Here Ravi, complete this test and get back to me after you finish it. Ravi: OK Sir. ADVERBS EXERCISE 2 Underline the adverbs of time in the following sentences. 1. I am going to the shops on Monday. 2. I've been to the shops today. 3. I went to the shops yesterday. 4. I am going to the shops next week. 5. I went to the shops last year. 6. I finally went to the shops. 7. I eventually went to the shops. 8. I've already been to the shops. 9. I'm going to the shops soon. 10. I'm just going to the shops. 11. I'm still at the shops. ANSWERS TO ADVERBS EXERCISE 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Monday. today. yesterday. next week. last year. finally 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. eventually already soon. just still
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Ravi: Sir. I have completed the Adverbs of time right in time to learn the new one. Mr. Verma: Well Ravi that was quite a well-phrased sentence. Ravi: Thank you Sir. Mr. Verma: OK. Since you have completed the Adverb of Time also let us move ahead and start with Adverb of Frequency. ADVERBS OF FREQUENCY Adverbs of Frequency indicate approximately how many times something happens. Similar to Adverbs of Manner and Adverbs of Time, Adverbs of Frequency can also be placed at the initial, middle and final position of a clause. (before the main verb, after the auxiliary verb, between an auxiliary verb and before a main verb, or at the end of a clause). Common Adverbs of Frequency : Always Regularly Seldom Frequently Daily Monthly never often sometimes regularly every day annually
Normally, adverbs of frequency modify or give more information about verbs by informing how many times an action happens. Examples : I often visit my grandmother. (before the main verb) You should always think about your future. (after auxiliary verb/between auxiliary verb and main verb) The compartment is always clean. (after auxiliary verb) She cleans her room daily. (end of clause)
* An adverb of frequency is much stronger when it is being placed at the end of a sentence Examples : The book is published annually. (directly modifying the preceding verb) He visits his mother regularly. (modifying the preceding clause)
Ravi: Sir I am sorry, I dont quite understand this. Mr. Verma: Ravi, tell me where is the problem. Ravi: Sir I am not able to make out how to use this particular type of verb, I mean which words to use where. Mr. Verma: Tell me how much have you understood. Ravi: Sir, I know that this type of adverb is to be used to denote how many times something has happened. But Sir, which words to use where is something that still I cannot figure out. Mr. Verma: Oh Ravi, your problem is of the meaning of the words and their applications in sentences. Ravi: Yes sir. Absolutely correct. So how do I solve this problem of mine. Mr. Verma: Dont worry Ravi. Just go through this list The following list shows the most common adverbs of frequency , with the one that refers to things that happen most often at the top, and least often at the bottom:
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Always Usually Frequently Often Sometimes
Occasionally Rarely Seldom Hardly ever Never
Ravi: OK Sir. Now I know the words but how to use them in sentences. Mr. Verma: Now go through the following sentences, which explain you the meaning of the abovementioned words. I always brush my teeth before I go to bed. (=every night) I usually have toast for breakfast. (=happens most days) I frequently watch the news before dinner. (=it's common) I often go to the park with my dog. (=many times) I sometimes see him down at the shops. (=at particular occasions but not all the time) I occasionally visit the capital. (=not happening often or regularly) I rarely smoke cigars. (=it is not common) I seldom have a chance to go to the theatre. (=almost never) I hardly ever travel abroad. (=almost never) I never work on the weekend. (=not at any time or not on any occasion)
Ravi: Thank you Sir. Now I am quite confident about this type of adverb. Mr. Verma: OK Ravi, now let us move ahead. Ravi: Yes sir. Now the adverb of place, which tells us where something happened. Am I correct sir? Mr. Verma: Absolutely Ravi. Let us begin with the topic. ADVERBS OF PLACE Adverbs of Place tell us where an incident happens or takes place. They are usually placed after the main verb or after the object. Common Adverbs of Place: southwards anywhere northwards downstairs nowhere home there here elsewhere upstairs
Like other adverbs, Adverbs of Place can also be placed at the initial, middle, and at the final position of a clause. Examples : The students are walking home. (after the main verb/final position) He threw the towel downstairs. (after object) In comparison with people elsewhere... (after object)
Besides that, Adverbs of Place can also be placed after an auxiliary verb Examples : The girl is there. (after auxiliary verb) The books are here. (after auxiliary verb)
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* Most common Adverbs of Place also function as prepositions : across over under up off in next by behind around about along aside beside through up
ADVERBS OF DEGREE Adverbs of Degree tell us about the intensiveness or the degree of a quality/Quantity ( adjectives), or even an adverb itself, (normally adverbs of manner). Common Adverbs of Degree: very just quite enough almost really spectacularly extremely So too Unlike other adverbs, adverbs of degree are usually placed before the adjective or the adverb they are modifying, after the auxiliary verb, before the main verb or between the auxiliary verb and the main verb. Examples : He is really good. (before the adjective) She almost noticed his presence. (before main verb) He is just sad. (after the auxiliary verb) They don't really know you. (between auxiliary verb and main verb)
* " enough " as an adverb of degree (which means " to the necessary degree ") comes after adjectives or adverbs. Examples : He is fat enough. (after adjectives) They didn't work hard enough. (after adverb) - adverb of manner
Note that the word " enough " also comes before nouns. In this case, the word is a determiner, not an adverb. Ravi: OK Sir so the adverb of degree determines the extent. Mr. Verma: Right Ravi. You have interpreted it well. That means that you have finally understood the Simple Adverbs. Ravi: But Sir I havent understood your saying Simple Adverbs. Are there some other types of adverbs also besides these five. Mr. Verma: Well Ravi, all these five adverbs are a part of Simple Adverbs. There are other two types of adverbs also, namely, interrogative and Relative Adverb. Ravi: Oh, OK. So when am I doing that Sir? Mr. Verma: We will do them today and now itself but before that you have to complete this test. Ravi: Yes Sir, Certainly.
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EXERCISES IN ADVERBS 5 Underline the adverbs of Degree/Quantity from the following sentences. 1. He was too careless while driving. 2. I am fully prepared. 3. He is good enough to pass in the exam. 4. You are partly correct. 5. I am so happy that you came. 6. She sings pretty well. 7. I am rather busy. ANSWERS TO EXERCISES IN ADVERBS 5 1. He was too careless while driving. 2. I am fully prepared. 3. He is good enough to pass in the exam. 4. You are partly correct. 5. I am so happy that you came. 6. She sings pretty well. 7. I am rather busy during the weekend.
Ravi: Good Morning Sir. How are you ? Mr. Verma: Good Morning Ravi. I am fine, and how are you? Ravi: My English practice is going on great Sir and I am for sure seeing a great deal of difference in the way I speak now and the way I used to speak. However I have some doubts. Mr. Verma: OK. tell me. Ravi: Sir. I was looking at a sentence and trying to figure out what is what and I came across some things which I am not sure of. Mr. Verma: Like what Ravi. Ravi: Sir, for example, in the sentence: Ravi is in the house, I know that Ravi is a Proper Noun, Is stands for the helping verb, the is the article and house is the common noun. Mr. Verma: Absolutely correct Ravi, I am impressed. Ravi: Thank you sir. But what part of speech is in? Mr. Verma: IN is the preposition. Ravi: What is a preposition Sir? Mr. Verma: Oh, havent we done prepositions? Ravi: No Sir. We havent. Mr. Verma: OK Ravi. Today I will explain prepositions to you. Ravi: Is this also a part of speech. Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi and a very important one. Prepositions show relation. Ravi: What relation Sir? Mr. Verma: They show relation between any two same or different parts of speech. Just go through this note Ravi.
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A preposition is a word, which shows relationships among other words in the sentence. The relationships include direction, place, time, cause, manner and amount. For example: 1. 2. 3. 4. In the sentence She went to the store, to is a preposition, which shows direction. In the sentence He came by bus, by is a preposition, which shows manner. In the sentence They will be here at three o'clock, at is a preposition, which shows time. In the sentence It is under the table, under is a preposition, which shows place.
A preposition always goes with a noun or pronoun, which is called the object of the preposition. The preposition is almost always before the noun or pronoun and that is why it is called a preposition.
Ravi: Sir, are there any particular words which can be used as prepositions? Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi, though it is difficult to list down all the prepositions but I can give you a list of common words that can be used as prepositions. About, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, besides, between, beyond, but (when it means except), by, concerning, down, during, except, for, from, in, inside, into, like, near, of, off, on, out, outside, over, past, since, through, to, toward, under, until, up, upon, with, within, and without.
Ravi: Can these words be used as other parts of speech also? Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi these words can be used as other parts of speech. What part of speech it is depends on how it is used in that sentence. Many of the common words used as prepositions can be used as adverbs. Words are prepositions if they have an object to complete them. To decide which it is say the preposition followed by whom or what. If a noun or a pronoun answers the question, the word is a preposition. Ravi: Sir, are there some rules for using prepositions? I am asking this because there are so many prepositions, how will we come to know which preposition should be used at which place? Mr. Verma: Yes Ravi, there are a few rules, which can be used to determine which prepositions should be used. Say for example: Rule 1: When the object of the preposition is the relative pronoun THAT, the preposition is always placed at the end. For example: 1. 2. Here is the book you asked for? This is the house that he came to.
Rule 2: In is used with the names of countries and large towns; at is used more often when speaking of small towns and villages. For example: 1. 2. He is in America. He lives at Chembur in Mumbai.
Rule 3: In and at are used in speaking of things at rest; to and into are used in speaking of things in motion. For example: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. He is in bed. He is at the top of the class. He ran to school. He jumped into the river. The snake crawled into its hole.
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Rule 4: On is often used in speaking of things at rest and upon of things in motion. For example: 1. 2. He sat on a chair. The cat jumped on (upon) the table.
Rule 5: Till is used of time and to is used of place. For example: 1. 2. I slept till eight oclock. He walked to the end of the street.
Rule 6: With often denotes the instrument, and by the agent. For example: 1. 2. He killed two birds with one shot. He was stabbed by a lunatic with a dagger.
Rule 7: Since is used before a noun or phrase denoting some point of time and is preceded by a verb in some perfect tense. For example: 1. 2. 3. 4. I have eaten nothing since yesterday. He has been ill since Monday. I have not seen him since last week. He has been here since nine oclock.
Rule 8: From is also used before a noun or phrase denoting some point of time, but unlike since, is used with all these tenses. For example: 1. 2. 3. I commenced work from 1 January. I shall take rest from May. He will join school from tomorrow.
st
Rule 9: In before a noun denoting a period of time means at the end of; within means before the end of. For example. 1. 2. I shall return in an hour. I shall return within an hour.
Rule 10: Beside means by the side of, while besides means in addition to. For example: 1. 2. He lied down beside the lamp. Besides his children his nephews and nieces were also present.
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EXERCISE 1: FIND THE CORRECT PREPOSITION 1. We set _________ the Aurangabad office 6 years ago. A In B At C up D through 2. We have decided to take _________ his offer. A up B In C through D out of 3. We have decided to invest _________ computer shares. A At B through C on D In 4. We are not interested _________ your problems. A In B At C through D out of 5. In Spain, we are working _________ a local company. A on B out C To D with 6. I am quite happy to listen _________ what you have to say. A To B At C In D on 7. We know all _________ your other job offer. A In B on C At D about 8. There is absolutely no way we can make a deal _________ them. A on B with C At D To 9. We're delighted _________ what you have done. A with B At C In D on 10. As people have left the company, I've had to take _________ more and more work. A on B In C At D To
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ANSWERS TO EXERCISE 1 1. . We set UP the Aurangabad office 6 years ago. 2. We have decided to take UP his offer. 3. We have decided to invest IN computer shares. 4. We are not interested IN your problems. 5. In Spain, we are working WITH a local company. 6. I am quite happy to listen TO what you have to say. 7. We know all ABOUT your other job offer. 8. There is absolutely no way we can make a deal TO them. 9. We're delighted WITH what you have done. 10. As people have left the company, I've had to take ON more and more work.
EXERCISE 2 : SELECT THE CORRECT ALTERNATIVE

1. My best friend lives ______ Mint Road. a. in a. in a. on a. with b. by b. on b. on b. in c. from c. at c. at c. at 2. I'll be ready to leave ____ about twenty minutes. 3. Since he met his new girlfriend, Jai never seems to be ______ home. 4. The child responded to his mother's demands ______ spilling the milk. 5. I think she spent the entire afternoon ______ the phone. a. on a. from a. in a. for a. to a. about a. after b. in b. at b. at b. with c. to b. for b. to b. to c. in c. of c. about c. at c. until c. from
6. I will wait ______ 6:30, but then I'm going home. 7. The police caught the thief _____ the corner of first and fourth road. 8. My fingers were injured so my sister had to write the note _____ me. 9. I am not interested _____ buying a new car now. 10. What are the main ingredients ______ this sweet dish? 11. My best friend, Ram, is named ______ his great-grandfather.
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12. Grandpa stayed up ______ two in the morning. a. since a. since a. by b. for b. for b. at c. until c. until c. with 13. My parents have been married ______ forty-nine years. 14. He usually travels to Churchgate _______ train.
15. You frequently see this kind of violence ____ television. a. with b. in a. to a. of a. from a. in a. since b. in b. at b. of b. by b. for c. on c. at c. in c. in c. at c. until 16. I told Mom we'd be home ______ an hour or so. 17. I was visiting my best friend _____ the hospital. 18. The professor _______ South Africa amazed the Indian students with her stories. 19. I'll see you ____ home when I get there. 20. It's been raining ________ today morning.
ANSWERS TO EXERCISE 2 1. My best friend lives AT Mint Road. 2. I'll be ready to leave IN about twenty minutes. 3. Since he met his new girlfriend, Jai never seems to be AT home. 4. The child responded to his mother's demands BY spilling the milk. 5. I think she spent the entire afternoon ON the phone. 6. I will wait UNTIL 6:30, but then I'm going home. 7. The police caught the thief AT the corner of first and fourth road. 8. My fingers were injured so my sister had to write the note FOR me. 9. I am not interested IN buying a new car now. 10. What are the main ingredients OF this sweetdish? 11. My best friend, Ram, is named AFTER his great-grandfather. 12. Grandpa stayed up UNTIL two in the morning. 13. My parents have been married FOR forty-nine years. 14. He usually travels to Churchgate BY train. 15. You frequently see this kind of violence ON television. 16. I told Mom we'd be home IN an hour or so. 17. I was visiting my best friend AT the hospital. 18. The professor FROM South Africa amazed the Indian students with her stories. 19. I'll see you AT home when I get there. 20. It's been raining SINCE today morning.
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Ravi: Sir, I have completed the exercises but I have a slight confusion about the use of certain prepositions can you please clarify. Mr. Verma: Sure Ravi. Tell me what is the problem. Ravi: Sir, is it, in the night or at night. Mr. Verma: Ravi, just go through this table and tell me if you still have any doubts. Position in Time The prepositions of time position, at, in and on answer the question "When?". Meaning (to show...) points of time period reference to days Preposition at in on Examples The class will end at eight o'clock. I have tea in the evening. I go shopping on Sunday afternoon.
Reference to night can be viewed as points of time and a period: Meaning (to show...) Preposition points of time period Time duration Meaning ( to show...) how long or duration From the beginning to the end of a period, the action can be taken place several times / continuously reference to the beginning and ending something happens earlier than a particular time or event something happens later than a particular time or event reference to the beginning of a period of time something happens at some time or continuously after a particular time or event something happens and then ends at a particular time point of time after a particular period or date has passed throughout the length or duration of time Preposition for during, between ...... and from ...... to before after from since at in
Examples He doesn't go out much at night. There were some strange noises in the night.
Examples I have been typing this for three hours. Maya likes to go swimming during the summer. Krishna usually has a meal between six and eight o'clock. The film runs from three to six o'clock. He received the gift before Diwali. Mandhar went home after seven o'clock. Hari slept from eight o'clock at night. Charu has lived here since last year. Kiran often goes without eating till the end of the day. the party went on until dawn. They don't normally allow people to work beyond the age of 60. The police carried on the investigation over a long period of time.
till / until beyond over
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Mr. Verma: Absolutely correct Ravi; now let me give you the table for prepositions of place. Reference to a point in space (1) indicating direction Go to A Go away from A Go back to A Go through A We have gone past (beyond) A
Reference to a point in space (2) indicating position Stay at A We are past (beyond) A
Reference to a surface (1) indicating direction Go onto the platform Get off the platform We are driving along the road We are going across the road A is running in front of B A is running behind B A is running beside B Go up the hill Go down the hill Jump over A The plane is flying over A Crawl under A We are flying above the water We are going (a)round the circle
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Reference to a surface (2) indicating position Stay on the platform Stay off the platform We live along the road We are safely across the road A is in front of B A is behind B A is beside B A is opposite B We are up the hill We are down the hill It is over A Now we are over A Stay under A We are above the water We have gone all (a)round the circle My belt is (a)round my waist
Reference to a containing area (1) indicating direction Come into (inside ) my office Go out (outside ) of my office
Reference to a containing area indicating position Stay in (inside) my room Stay out (outside) of my room
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AN EASY APPROACH TO ENGLISH GRAMMAR

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

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at school at University in prison

at work in church in bed

Ravi: Yes. Now I am clear. I will certainly do better in the test.

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

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ANSWERS TO TEST 1: a. Many b. Much c. Many d. Many e. Much

f. It didn't seem to do my lawn g. h.

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4. We're close to the project deadline, but there is still

8. Although make it comfortable. 9. I think he drank 10.

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4. Abstract noun 5. Material noun

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English Grammar- Sachin Karve

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English Grammar- Sachin Karve

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For Example: 1. These toys are new.

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Past Simple Past Continuous Past Perfect Past Perfect Continuous

Future Simple Future Continuous Future Perfect Future Perfect Continuous

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

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Past Simple Past Continuous Past Perfect Past Perfect Continuous

Future Simple Future Continuous Future Perfect Future Perfect Continuous

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

Past Simple Past Continuous Past Perfect Past Perfect Continuous

Future Simple Future Continuous Future Perfect Future Perfect Continuous

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

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Present Simple Present Continuous Present Perfect Present Perfect Continuous

Past Simple Past Continuous Past Perfect Past Perfect Continuous

Future Simple Future Continuous Future Perfect Future Perfect Continuous

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

Present Simple Present Continuous Present Perfect Present Perfect Continuous

Past Simple Past Continuous Past Perfect Past Perfect Continuous

Future Simple Future Continuous Future Perfect Future Perfect Continuous

English Grammar- Sachin Karve

English Grammar- Sachin Karve