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Category: English
An Introduction to semi-modal verbs
Before we talk about what a semi-modal verb is, you should be familiar with the concept of a modal verb. What is a semi-modal verb? A semi-modal verb is similar to a modal verb. In fact the prefix semi– means “half” or “partially”. In this case a semi-modal verb is partially a modal verb and…
Modal verbs – can/could
In the English language, the modal verb pair can/could is one of the most difficult modal pairs to learn as the modals can be used in a variety of situations. These include: The difficulties that many English-learning beginners have is that can and could are used in many situations and can even be used in…
Modal verbs – shall/should
The modal pair shall/should seem like they should be the easiest modal verbs to learn, so why aren’t they? Unlike most modal verbs, there are some regional and dialectical differences between shall and should. Let’s look at their uses and differences below: Order/command/prophecy You can use the word shall for orders, commands and prophecy when…
Modal verbs – will/would
Of all the modal verbs, will/would are probably used the most. Why, you may ask. They are used to form both the future and conditional tenses. However, these two do more than just that. They can also be used for habits, indirect order and politeness. Let’s have a look at these uses: Habits + will/would…
Modal verbs – may/might
What is the difference between the modal verbs may and might? How do you use them? This post explores these questions and more.
Modal verbs – must/must not
Must and must not are somewhat unique among the modal verb pairs. How can the positive and negative form of a verb mean the same thing??? Read more about it here
Reported Speech in English
In English, there are two types of speech: direct and indirect, also known as reported. Direct speech is when you say exactly what someone else said. Quotes are an example of this: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela Another form: He…
Past Simple vs Present Perfect
English can be a difficult language to use, especially when it comes to verb tenses (for a comprehensive review click here). Like other (often related) languages, English can use one verb tense but actually refer to a different point in time. An excellent example is when talking about the future. English has two distinct ways…
Present Perfect Verb Categories
The present perfect is a verb tense that is used very often in English. While many languages either do not have a present perfect tense or use it the same way as the past simple, English uses these two tenses very differently. Unlike the simple aspect (i.e. present simple or past simple), the present perfect…
Past Simple Verb Categories
The past simple is probably the hardest tense to learn in English in terms of the wide variety of irregular verbs. While these sometimes fall into categories, identifying whether a verb should fall into one category or another can be a difficult if not impossible task. For example, ‘cleave’ (to cut something in two) becomes…
A Review of Conditionals and Conditional Sentences
Conditionals sentences are an integral part of the English language. They are used every day in many situations; from the bank to driving to giving directions, they can be found just about anywhere. Let’s go through a review of conditional sentences. Basics of Conditional Sentences While conditional sentences come in many forms, shapes and sizes,…
A Review of Active Tenses in English
A challenge that learners of English often face is the number of tenses in English and when to use them. Especially if their native language has only a few tenses (such as Mandarin), the variety of tenses in English can be daunting. For students whose native language also has a large number of tenses (such…
Telling the Future: Will vs Going to vs Shall/Should
Like many of the languages related to it, English has more than one way to talk about actions in the future. The first is the future tense, which is the ‘will‘ future (and the closely related ‘shall‘). The other is the ‘going to‘ future. If you are not familiar with the ‘going to‘ (present progressive)…
Hedging
Time to get out the trimmers! No, not that kind of hedging!! Hedging is an important tool that all writers should have in their arsenal, especially when writing in an academic or scientific context. But what is hedging? Hedging is a writing style used to make the meaning of a sentence less absolute. For example:…
