Prepositions
Prepositions are small and can be a tricky area of grammar to master. Because they are usually small, they are easy to forget or leave out.
Unfortunately, there is no formula to them and each preposition and use needs to be learned.
Time
There are three basic prepositions of time: at, on and in.
• At is used to talk times such as: at three o'clock, at lunchtime or at Christmas.
• On is often used to talk about days, such as: on Monday, on the third of June or on Christmas Day.
• In usually refers to longer periods of time, such as: in the morning, in July or in the winter.
Be careful! In the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening but at night!
Place
Prepositions of place are words like in, on, at, over and between, among others. They tell us where things are or where they are moving to.
• The clock is on the wall.
• Please take the plates from the cupboard and put them in the oven.
• He ran around the building and between the houses.
Dependent prepositions
Dependent prepositions are the connectors between a word and what may follow before or after it.
Many nouns, verbs and adjectives have dependent prepositions.
They are the connectors that help us form sentences.
Examples are: good at, pride in, rely on.
• I'm not interested in anything you have to say.
• The criminal confessed to committing the crime.
• I don't believe in ghosts.
@Englishteacherideas1
Prepositions are small and can be a tricky area of grammar to master. Because they are usually small, they are easy to forget or leave out.
Unfortunately, there is no formula to them and each preposition and use needs to be learned.
Time
There are three basic prepositions of time: at, on and in.
• At is used to talk times such as: at three o'clock, at lunchtime or at Christmas.
• On is often used to talk about days, such as: on Monday, on the third of June or on Christmas Day.
• In usually refers to longer periods of time, such as: in the morning, in July or in the winter.
Be careful! In the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening but at night!
Place
Prepositions of place are words like in, on, at, over and between, among others. They tell us where things are or where they are moving to.
• The clock is on the wall.
• Please take the plates from the cupboard and put them in the oven.
• He ran around the building and between the houses.
Dependent prepositions
Dependent prepositions are the connectors between a word and what may follow before or after it.
Many nouns, verbs and adjectives have dependent prepositions.
They are the connectors that help us form sentences.
Examples are: good at, pride in, rely on.
• I'm not interested in anything you have to say.
• The criminal confessed to committing the crime.
• I don't believe in ghosts.
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So and Such
Emphasis
So and such can be used to emphasise an adjective or noun phrase in a sentence. We use so to emphasise an adjective, and such to emphasise a noun phrase. With a noun phrase, don't forget to include the article and remember that you can still use an adjective before the noun! Finally, in order to say that the thing being emphasised caused a reaction, we use a that clause.
Thank you. It's been such a beautiful day.
It was such a beautiful day that we couldn't resist going out for ice-cream.
She said she had never been so insulted in her life.
She was so insulted that she left the house immediately.
Quantity
We can combine so with much or many to emphasise the quantity of something. So much is used for uncountable nouns and so many is used for countable nouns. Again, an adjective can be used before the noun if required, and a that clause can be added to talk about the effect of the number of items. There is no such much or such many.
The fountain was beautiful. We just drank so much fresh water.
They drank so much fresh water that they needed to sit down from being too heavy.
The first time she went to a city, she felt overwhelmed. She'd never seen so many busy people.
There were so many busy people that it was nearly impossible to cross the street.
So, such and very
So such and very can all be used to emphasise information. However, very tends to be used to emphasise information that is new to the conversation or context. So and such are used to emphasise already established or known information.
A: How was your trip to the zoo?
B: It was certainly very interesting.
A: Why was it so interesting?
B: Well, frankly I've never seen a monkey play a trumpet. That's what was so interesting about it all.
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Emphasis
So and such can be used to emphasise an adjective or noun phrase in a sentence. We use so to emphasise an adjective, and such to emphasise a noun phrase. With a noun phrase, don't forget to include the article and remember that you can still use an adjective before the noun! Finally, in order to say that the thing being emphasised caused a reaction, we use a that clause.
Thank you. It's been such a beautiful day.
It was such a beautiful day that we couldn't resist going out for ice-cream.
She said she had never been so insulted in her life.
She was so insulted that she left the house immediately.
Quantity
We can combine so with much or many to emphasise the quantity of something. So much is used for uncountable nouns and so many is used for countable nouns. Again, an adjective can be used before the noun if required, and a that clause can be added to talk about the effect of the number of items. There is no such much or such many.
The fountain was beautiful. We just drank so much fresh water.
They drank so much fresh water that they needed to sit down from being too heavy.
The first time she went to a city, she felt overwhelmed. She'd never seen so many busy people.
There were so many busy people that it was nearly impossible to cross the street.
So, such and very
So such and very can all be used to emphasise information. However, very tends to be used to emphasise information that is new to the conversation or context. So and such are used to emphasise already established or known information.
A: How was your trip to the zoo?
B: It was certainly very interesting.
A: Why was it so interesting?
B: Well, frankly I've never seen a monkey play a trumpet. That's what was so interesting about it all.
@Englishteacherideas1
Linking words of contrast
We use words and phrases like though, although and even though to link two clauses together. We call them linking words of contrast. We use despite and in spite of in front of nouns and gerunds.
• Marta broke her leg a year ago. Marta ran a marathon last weekend.
• Despite breaking her leg a year ago, Marta ran a marathon last weekend.
• Binh loves football. Binh has never been to a professional football match.
• Though Binh loves football, he's never seen a professional match.
Where to use them
Although, even though and though go in front of a clause. They can go at the beginning or middle of a sentence.
• Although Endang worked hard, she failed her exams.
• Endang failed her exams, although she worked hard.
• Though it was cold, Katya only wore a t-shirt.
• Katya only wore a t-shirt, though it was cold.
Despite and in spite of go in front of nouns or gerunds. They can also go at the beginning or middle of sentences.
• Despite smoking 40 cigarettes a day, my grandfather lived to 100.
• My grandfather lived to 100, despite smoking 100 cigarettes a day.
• In spite of the terrible weather, they had a nice holiday.
• They had a nice holiday, in spite of the terrible weather.
@Englishtacherideas1
We use words and phrases like though, although and even though to link two clauses together. We call them linking words of contrast. We use despite and in spite of in front of nouns and gerunds.
• Marta broke her leg a year ago. Marta ran a marathon last weekend.
• Despite breaking her leg a year ago, Marta ran a marathon last weekend.
• Binh loves football. Binh has never been to a professional football match.
• Though Binh loves football, he's never seen a professional match.
Where to use them
Although, even though and though go in front of a clause. They can go at the beginning or middle of a sentence.
• Although Endang worked hard, she failed her exams.
• Endang failed her exams, although she worked hard.
• Though it was cold, Katya only wore a t-shirt.
• Katya only wore a t-shirt, though it was cold.
Despite and in spite of go in front of nouns or gerunds. They can also go at the beginning or middle of sentences.
• Despite smoking 40 cigarettes a day, my grandfather lived to 100.
• My grandfather lived to 100, despite smoking 100 cigarettes a day.
• In spite of the terrible weather, they had a nice holiday.
• They had a nice holiday, in spite of the terrible weather.
@Englishtacherideas1
Phrasal verbs
Phrasal verbs, like love, can be confusing because often there's more than one meaning. Here are just some of the many examples:
Take out
1. Invite someone to go somewhere.
• I'd like to take you out for a drink.
2. Remove something from a hidden/covered place.
• He took out a gun and pointed it at the cashier.
3. Withdraw.
• I took out £20 from the bank for a bit of shopping.
Pick up
1. Lift.
• Can you pick up that rubbish from the floor, please?
2. Improve (an atmosphere or someone's performance).
• Let's come back to this restaurant later when the atmosphere picks up a bit.
3. Take someone in a vehicle.
• I can pick you up from college.
Make up
1. Invent.
• He said he's been chosen to play football for Manchester United but I think he's just making it up.
2. Become friends again after an argument.
• It was years after the divorce but eventually Jorge and Ingrid made up.
3. Prepare something.
• The pharmacist made up my prescription while I waited.
Give away
1. Reveal a secret.
• It was supposed to be a surprise party but I gave it away by leaving the guest list on the kitchen table.
2. Give something for free.
• Kanako gave away her old furniture to her sister.
Join us 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
@Englishteacherideas1
Phrasal verbs, like love, can be confusing because often there's more than one meaning. Here are just some of the many examples:
Take out
1. Invite someone to go somewhere.
• I'd like to take you out for a drink.
2. Remove something from a hidden/covered place.
• He took out a gun and pointed it at the cashier.
3. Withdraw.
• I took out £20 from the bank for a bit of shopping.
Pick up
1. Lift.
• Can you pick up that rubbish from the floor, please?
2. Improve (an atmosphere or someone's performance).
• Let's come back to this restaurant later when the atmosphere picks up a bit.
3. Take someone in a vehicle.
• I can pick you up from college.
Make up
1. Invent.
• He said he's been chosen to play football for Manchester United but I think he's just making it up.
2. Become friends again after an argument.
• It was years after the divorce but eventually Jorge and Ingrid made up.
3. Prepare something.
• The pharmacist made up my prescription while I waited.
Give away
1. Reveal a secret.
• It was supposed to be a surprise party but I gave it away by leaving the guest list on the kitchen table.
2. Give something for free.
• Kanako gave away her old furniture to her sister.
Join us 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
@Englishteacherideas1
When and If
The main difference is to do with certainty. Compare these:
1) If the coin lands on tails, I'll eat these sweets.
2) When the coin stops, I'll know what to do.
In the first sentence, we don't know what will happen. The coin could land on heads or tails. Both consequences are possible, so we use if.
But in the second sentence, we are certain that the coin will stop. It's a question of when it stops, not if it stops.
Now try the quiz to see of you have a good understanding of this subject.
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The main difference is to do with certainty. Compare these:
1) If the coin lands on tails, I'll eat these sweets.
2) When the coin stops, I'll know what to do.
In the first sentence, we don't know what will happen. The coin could land on heads or tails. Both consequences are possible, so we use if.
But in the second sentence, we are certain that the coin will stop. It's a question of when it stops, not if it stops.
Now try the quiz to see of you have a good understanding of this subject.
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Subjunctive
The subjunctive is a verb form which expresses possible, unreal, imaginary or desirable situations. We see it most often in conditionals and wishes.
We also find it in sentences that start with: It + be + an adjective:
• It is important that you go as soon as possible
• It's essential that he see a doctor
• It's crucial that they leave the building
• It's best that you not be at the meeting
These sentences are very formal. Notice that the form of the subjunctive is almost always the same as the form of the infinitive (except for be).
The other place we can find a subjunctive is with verbs like recommend and suggest:
• I suggest that you be there on time
• I recommend that he not drink so much again
Now try the quiz to see of you have a good understanding of this subject.
@Englishteacherideas1
The subjunctive is a verb form which expresses possible, unreal, imaginary or desirable situations. We see it most often in conditionals and wishes.
We also find it in sentences that start with: It + be + an adjective:
• It is important that you go as soon as possible
• It's essential that he see a doctor
• It's crucial that they leave the building
• It's best that you not be at the meeting
These sentences are very formal. Notice that the form of the subjunctive is almost always the same as the form of the infinitive (except for be).
The other place we can find a subjunctive is with verbs like recommend and suggest:
• I suggest that you be there on time
• I recommend that he not drink so much again
Now try the quiz to see of you have a good understanding of this subject.
@Englishteacherideas1
As long as = Only if
• As long as we go somewhere hot.
Suppose + question clause = How about if ...
Note: Use this when making a suggestion.
• Suppose we go to America, will that be hot enough?
Unless = If ... not
• Unless I get the time off work, I won't be able to go.
Providing/provided = If
Note: Provided is more formal than providing but has the same meaning.
• Providing I get the time off work, I'll go.
On the condition that = If
Note: this is very formal and mostly used in writing.
• On the condition that you pay me extra, I'll work over the holiday.
Now try the quiz to see of you have a good understanding of this subject.
@Englishteacherideas1
• As long as we go somewhere hot.
Suppose + question clause = How about if ...
Note: Use this when making a suggestion.
• Suppose we go to America, will that be hot enough?
Unless = If ... not
• Unless I get the time off work, I won't be able to go.
Providing/provided = If
Note: Provided is more formal than providing but has the same meaning.
• Providing I get the time off work, I'll go.
On the condition that = If
Note: this is very formal and mostly used in writing.
• On the condition that you pay me extra, I'll work over the holiday.
Now try the quiz to see of you have a good understanding of this subject.
@Englishteacherideas1
We use this form when we talk about something that must be done, but we choose not to say who needs to do it.
This is often because the person who needs to do it is unknown, obvious or unimportant.
We usually use this form to talk about fixing or improving things.
The form is:
noun + need/s + verb-ing
• This studio needs tidying.
• My hair needs cutting.
• My shirt needs washing.
• His room doesn't need painting.
• Does the house need cleaning?
@Englishteacherideas1
This is often because the person who needs to do it is unknown, obvious or unimportant.
We usually use this form to talk about fixing or improving things.
The form is:
noun + need/s + verb-ing
• This studio needs tidying.
• My hair needs cutting.
• My shirt needs washing.
• His room doesn't need painting.
• Does the house need cleaning?
@Englishteacherideas1
Definite article
Use the when both the speaker and listener know what is being talked about or to identify a particular thing.
Which pen do you want?
The one on the table.
You can also use the to mean the same as enough.
When we use the like this it is often in a negative structure and frequently with the verb to have. We can also use it with make and get.
If followed by a verb, it is the infinitive with to.
• We don't have the time to go to the shops before the film starts.
• Have we got the money for a foreign holiday this year?
• You don't have the skill to win at this game.
• Can you make the time this weekend to visit your mother?
• I don't think we can get the people to make the party worthwhile.
@Englishteacherideas1
Use the when both the speaker and listener know what is being talked about or to identify a particular thing.
Which pen do you want?
The one on the table.
You can also use the to mean the same as enough.
When we use the like this it is often in a negative structure and frequently with the verb to have. We can also use it with make and get.
If followed by a verb, it is the infinitive with to.
• We don't have the time to go to the shops before the film starts.
• Have we got the money for a foreign holiday this year?
• You don't have the skill to win at this game.
• Can you make the time this weekend to visit your mother?
• I don't think we can get the people to make the party worthwhile.
@Englishteacherideas1
Indefinite article
Indefinite articles are not used with plural nouns or uncountable nouns.
They are used when a singular countable noun is talked about for the first time:
• I took a taxi from the station.
• I had to buy a new computer after I dropped my old one in the bath.
They can be used when classifying, describing and generalizing:
• It's a dog.
• It's an enormous dog.
• A dog is a man's best friend.
They are commonly used in exclamations following words such as what and such.
• What a fantastic present!
• It was such a loud noise I had to sleep with my pillow on my head.
Indefinite articles are also found in expressions like: a kind of, a sort of and a type of.
• It was a kind of brown colour.
• It is a sort of bread, but not one I'd ever tried before.
• It's made in a special type of oven.
@Englishteacherides1
Indefinite articles are not used with plural nouns or uncountable nouns.
They are used when a singular countable noun is talked about for the first time:
• I took a taxi from the station.
• I had to buy a new computer after I dropped my old one in the bath.
They can be used when classifying, describing and generalizing:
• It's a dog.
• It's an enormous dog.
• A dog is a man's best friend.
They are commonly used in exclamations following words such as what and such.
• What a fantastic present!
• It was such a loud noise I had to sleep with my pillow on my head.
Indefinite articles are also found in expressions like: a kind of, a sort of and a type of.
• It was a kind of brown colour.
• It is a sort of bread, but not one I'd ever tried before.
• It's made in a special type of oven.
@Englishteacherides1
Zero article
There are different types of nouns that don't require an article. Here are some examples.
Plural and uncountable nouns for generalisations.
• Fruit is healthier than sweets.
Proper nouns
• Dan was standing in front of New Broadcasting House.
When talking about the normal role of an institution
• What time does school finish on Fridays?
• After serving his sentence he was released from prison.
Times of day, year and named holidays and special days/festivals.
• Do you put your cat out at night.
• I always go home for Christmas.
• The weather is usually best in August.
@Englishteacherideas1
There are different types of nouns that don't require an article. Here are some examples.
Plural and uncountable nouns for generalisations.
• Fruit is healthier than sweets.
Proper nouns
• Dan was standing in front of New Broadcasting House.
When talking about the normal role of an institution
• What time does school finish on Fridays?
• After serving his sentence he was released from prison.
Times of day, year and named holidays and special days/festivals.
• Do you put your cat out at night.
• I always go home for Christmas.
• The weather is usually best in August.
@Englishteacherideas1
Difference between Let and Allow
The main difference is that allow is often used in the passive, but let is not used in the passive. Allow is also slightly more formal than let.
Form (allow in passive)
Subject + to be + allowed (past participle)
Take note
While you're here, here's another useful tip. In the active voice, allow takes the infinitive + to, but let does not.
• They let him leave early to go to the doctor.
• She let her brother borrow the car.
• They allowed him to leave early to go to the doctor.
• She allowed her brother to borrow the car.
Check you've understood
You are going to read a conversation about office rules between a new employee and a colleague who has worked at the company for some time. Can you complete their conversation with grammatically correct forms?
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The main difference is that allow is often used in the passive, but let is not used in the passive. Allow is also slightly more formal than let.
Form (allow in passive)
Subject + to be + allowed (past participle)
Take note
While you're here, here's another useful tip. In the active voice, allow takes the infinitive + to, but let does not.
• They let him leave early to go to the doctor.
• She let her brother borrow the car.
• They allowed him to leave early to go to the doctor.
• She allowed her brother to borrow the car.
Check you've understood
You are going to read a conversation about office rules between a new employee and a colleague who has worked at the company for some time. Can you complete their conversation with grammatically correct forms?
@Englishteacherideas1
Vocabulary
strain
slight variation of an original virus caused by mutation
precursor
event or situation which existed before something and led to the development or existence of that thing
red flag
symbol of danger and that some action needs to be taken
hypothesis
idea which is suggested as a possible explanation of a particular situation but which has not yet been proved to be correct
central nervous system
the body's main system of nerve control consisting of the brain and spinal cord
seizure
sudden, violent attack of an illness, especially one affecting the heart or brain
@Englishteacherideas1
strain
slight variation of an original virus caused by mutation
precursor
event or situation which existed before something and led to the development or existence of that thing
red flag
symbol of danger and that some action needs to be taken
hypothesis
idea which is suggested as a possible explanation of a particular situation but which has not yet been proved to be correct
central nervous system
the body's main system of nerve control consisting of the brain and spinal cord
seizure
sudden, violent attack of an illness, especially one affecting the heart or brain
@Englishteacherideas1
Vocabulary
be taken seriously
be treated as being deserving of attention or respect
get a label
be thought of as having a particular character or nature, often unfairly
final straw
further problem or difficulty, usually minor in itself, which comes after a series of other problems and makes you want to give up
resentments
feelings of anger because you think you have been treated unfairly or because you have been forced to accept something that you don't like
weeping
crying tears
backlog
accumulation of uncompleted matters that you should have dealt with before and must now do
@Englishteacherideas1
be taken seriously
be treated as being deserving of attention or respect
get a label
be thought of as having a particular character or nature, often unfairly
final straw
further problem or difficulty, usually minor in itself, which comes after a series of other problems and makes you want to give up
resentments
feelings of anger because you think you have been treated unfairly or because you have been forced to accept something that you don't like
weeping
crying tears
backlog
accumulation of uncompleted matters that you should have dealt with before and must now do
@Englishteacherideas1
Key words and phrases
eclipses
makes something seem less important
• Coronavirus eclipsed Brexit in the UK's media.
• When she scored her 100th goal, she eclipsed all other players' achievements for the club.
(something/someone's) moment
an opportunity to achieve something significant
• This seems like climate protestors' moment. Most people now accept something needs to be done.
• It's Jones's moment. If he doesn't take it now, he may never become champion.
embattled
experiencing a lot of difficulties
• The embattled prime minister was finally forced to resign after yet another scandal.
• The embattled department store eventually had to shut down after years of low profits.
@Englishteacherideas1
eclipses
makes something seem less important
• Coronavirus eclipsed Brexit in the UK's media.
• When she scored her 100th goal, she eclipsed all other players' achievements for the club.
(something/someone's) moment
an opportunity to achieve something significant
• This seems like climate protestors' moment. Most people now accept something needs to be done.
• It's Jones's moment. If he doesn't take it now, he may never become champion.
embattled
experiencing a lot of difficulties
• The embattled prime minister was finally forced to resign after yet another scandal.
• The embattled department store eventually had to shut down after years of low profits.
@Englishteacherideas1