English Notes

2021-05-27 19:01:22 Used to or past simple?

Used to or past simple use for repeated actions or states and the meaning is the same.

But we have to use the past simple if:
– We mention exact dates or number of times.
– The action happened only once.

#tip #habits #difference #usedto Open / Comment

2021-05-26 19:01:34 Present habits

For present habits we use a verb in the present simple, often with an adverb of frequency.

I usually meet my friends at weekends.
Do you normally walk to work?

#tip #habbits Open / Comment

2021-05-25 19:01:21 Past habits and states.

For past habits and states we use used to / didn't use to + infinitive
I used to teach English when i was living abroad.

Used to often refers to something which is not true now.
Used to not exist in the present tense.
We often use never used instead didn't use to.
Can be used with action verbs (e.g. go, do) and non-action (e.g. be, have)

We often use not... any more / any longer with present simple to contrast with used to.
I used to go to the gym, but I don't any more

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2021-05-12 09:16:12 be able to + infinitive

We use be able to for ability and possibility where there is no form of can
e.g. present perfect, infinitive, gerund, future

And sometimes we use be able to in the present and past (instead of can / could), if we want to be more formal.

#ability #possibility #beableto Open / Comment

2021-05-11 22:34:49 Can / Could

Can is a modal verb.

Present form — Can
I can speak three languages fluently.

Past form — Could
Our daughter could play the violin when she was three.

#ability #possibility #can #could Open / Comment

2021-04-29 19:00:00 Should / shouldn't + infnitive

We use should to give advice or an opinion.
Should is not as strong as must / have to

Advise
You should take warm clothes with you to Dublin.

Opinion
I think the government should do something about unemployment.

#should #obligation Open / Comment

2021-04-28 19:01:22 Have to / must + infinitive

Have to is more common for general, external obligations, for example, rules and laws.
I have to wear a shirt and tie at work. (it's the rule in this company)

Must is more common for specific or personal obligations.
I must buy a new shirt - this one is too old now. (it's my own decision)

We can also use have to or must for strong recommendations.

have to is a normal verb and it exists in all tenses and forms.
must is a model verb. It only exist in the present, but it can be used with a future meaning.

Use don't have to when there is no obligation to do something.
You don't have to pay – the museum is free.

Use mustn't when something is prohibited (not allowing).
You mustn't eat that cake – it's for the party.

We can often use can't or not allowed to instead of mustn't

#have #must #difference #obligation #prohibition Open / Comment

2021-04-23 19:01:13 Don't use articles

1. when we are speaking in general (with plural and uncountable nouns):
I love flowers.

2. with some nouns, e.g. home, work, school, church, after at / to / from
She's not at home today.
I get back from work at 5.30.

3. before meals, days, and months.
I never have breakfast.
I'm going to the theatre on Tuesday.

4. before next / last + day, week, etc.
See you next week.

#article Open / Comment

2021-04-22 19:01:11 Articles: the

We use the:

1. when we talk about something we've already mentioned.
I saw an old man with a dog. The dog was barking.

2. when it's clear what we're referring to.
The children are at school.

3. when there's only one of something.
The moon. The Earth.

4. with places in a town, e.g. cinema, theatre
I'm going to the cinema tonight.

5. with superlatives
It's the best café in town.

#article #the Open / Comment

2021-04-21 19:01:23 Articles: a / an

We use a / an with singular countable nouns:
1. when we say what something is or what somebody does
I saw an old man with a dog.

2. the first time we mention a thing / person
It's a nice house. She's a lawyer.

3. in exclamations with What ... !
What an awful day!

4. in expressions of frequency.
I have classes three times a week.

#article Open / Comment