English Topics and Tips

Grammar Lesson: VERB + -ING

When a verb ends in -ing, it can be either a gerund or a present participle. They have very different jobs!

When we use a VERB + -ING as a gerund, it behaves as a noun. Think of it as an activity.

For example swimming:  swimming includes going to the pool/beach, getting into the water, and actually swimming

Other examples:

• fishing
• smoking
• cooking
• traveling

Some phrasal verbs with FALL

fall for = develop romantic feelings

“I think Scott is falling for Ana. Does he know she has a boyfriend?”

fall flat = fail

“I tried to quit smoking, but I fell flat. It is so hard to stop!”

fall apart = not keep its shape / not work any longer

“My new boots fell apart within a month. I should have bought ones that were of better quality.”

Some phrasal verbs with RUN

run rampant = behave with no control/discipline

Jean’s kids run rampant whenever they come over. The have no manners.”

run scared = escape a situation you don’t want to be in / panic about something

“I bet Ted is running scared after his manager warned him about his poor performance.”

run short (of) = not have enough

“I’m going to run short of euros today. I should have exchanged more money.”

Ways to say YES and NO in English

Sometimes English speakers say yes and no in ways that may not be clear.

Here are some examples:

“Would you like to see a movie?”

(YES)

“Sure.”…”Why not?”…”Let’s do it.”…”Certainly.”…”I’m in.”…”You bet.”…”Good call.”

(NO)

“I’m ok.”…”I’m alright.”…”I’ll pass thanks.”…”I’m fine for now.”…”Maybe another time.”

Vocabulary Lesson: imply v. infer

Even native-speaks get confused by this difference!

imply (that) = to suggest something is true without saying it

A: “You should get a new hairstyle.”
B: “Are you implying that I look messy?”

“Adam implied he would lend me the money, but when I needed it, he said no.”

“You did say you would help me move house on Sunday! I didn’t imply anything!”

Grammar Lesson: the imperative

We use the imperative verb form to give instructions, advice, support, etc.

It is the base form of the verb without ‘to’ and generally does not have a subject.

• Be quiet!
• Sit down!
• Drive more slowly!
• Be careful!

ww
We also use the negative imperative to tell someone to NOT do something. Simply add Don’t.

• Don’t say anything!
• Don’t leave!
• Don’t worry!

Second Conditional

We use the second conditional to talk about an unreal/unlikely situation. Often to talk about a fantasy or dream…I wish this was true!

Structure:

If + subject + past simple, subject + would + base verb

“If I was taller, I would be a model. ” (I am short so this will never happen!)

OR

Subject + would + verb + (no comma) if + subject+ past simple.

Spelling Lesson: separate

separate (v) = to move apart / isolate

“We need to separate the children who have the flu from the healthy kids.”

separate (adj) = removed from the rest of something

“The money we need for gasoline is separate from the travel fund.”

seperate = one of the most common spelling mistakes in English! NEVER use this

Writing English Essays

Writing essays is a difficult task - especially in a second language!

There IS a formula to the structure of essays, but the rest is your knowledge of grammar/vocabulary, and…of course…the subject you are writing about.

This is a good reference to help you build an essay: http://lklivingston.tripod.com/essay/

Best of luck!

SPEAKING DEVELOPMENT = self-correcting

Self-correcting is the MOST important thing you can do while you are speaking. If you make a mistake, fix it in the same moment. It is a good sign if you self-correct. It means your brain is taking note of an error, so you know the word/structure.

If you self-correct the same mistake 3 times, you generally will not make the mistake again!

Teachers love it when a student self-corrects