English grammar explained using clear and simple explanations.
We use the present continuous to talk about an exact moment in the present, that is now (I am writing); we use the past continuous to talk about an exact moment in the past (I was sleeping at 6 o’clock this morning), we use the future continuous to talk about an exact moment in the future. I will be having dinner at 7 o’clock this evening. The […]
Read moreWe usually write the date in one of two ways: I was born on 2nd October 1970. I was born on October 2nd 1970. We say these dates in this way: I was born on the second of October nineteen seventy. I was born on October the second nineteen seventy. When we say the year we divide the number into two: 1990 – nineteen ninety 1278 – twelve seventy-eight For the first 10 […]
Read moreA countable noun has a plural form. For example we say: 1 dog and 2 dogs. The singular form and the plural form are different and for this reason dog is a countable noun, like pen, car, etc. Note that most irregular nouns are countable. For example 1 child, 2 children. There is no “s” in the plural but the singular form […]
Read moreWe use could to talk about general abilty in the past and we use to be able to or managed to to talk about a specific situation in the past. Examples So we say I could run fast when I was a child. because it is a general fact, but we say I was able to run five miles without stopping last night. or I managed to run five miles without stopping. because we are […]
Read moreIn certain conditional sentences we can omit “if” and invert the subject and auxiliary verb as if it were a question auxiliary + subject + verb It is a more formal form but the meaning is exactly the same. Normal form Inversion If he should call, let me know. Should he call, let me know. If he were to ask for […]
Read moreThe most common mixed conditional is a mix of the 3rd conditional in the if clause and the 2nd conditional in the main clause. We use this conditional to talk about a hypothetical situation in the past (3rd conditional) with the results now (2nd conditional): If I had studied harder, I would have a better job now. If I hadn’t gone out last night I wouldn’t be tired […]
Read moreWe use the third conditional to talk about a situation in the past which would have happened if something else had happened. It is the past conditional. If I had studied harder for my exam, I would have passed. If I hadn’t passed my driving test they wouldn’t have given me the job. Look at the construction: If subject had past participle subject […]
Read moreWe use the second conditional to talk about an imaginary situation in the present. Maybe in the future it will become reality but now it is a dream. If I had a million dollars, I would buy a ranch. If I played tennis, I would be fitter. Look at the construction: If subject past simple subject would base form of verb If I ate a lot of chips I would […]
Read moreWe use the First Conditional to talk about something which will happen in the future if something else happens. It is the Future Conditional. If it’s sunny tomorrow, I’ll go to the beach. If I sleep too long, I won’t arrive on time. Look at the construction: If subject present simple subject will base form of verb If I study hard I will […]
Read moreWe use the Zero Conditional to talk about something which happens in general. If, or when, something happens something else always happens. It can be used to talk about routines and facts. If I can’t sleep, I read my book. If you heat water, it becomes steam. Look at the construction: If subject present simple subject present simple If I have a headache I take an […]
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