Essential Basic English Lessons
These basic English lessons provide the most important learning points for beginning level English learners. Use these 25 short lessons to study for tests, review basic English essentials, or check your understanding of the basics.
The lessons are about how to use different words. I have set this up as 2 lessons per post. You should do all 25 lessons working at your own pace. No need to rush.
Lesson 1: When to Use ‘Any’ or ‘Some’
Some and any are used with both countable and uncountable nouns to ask about, confirm and respond negatively about an indefinite amount. Some and any are used with singular and plural verb forms. Here are some examples followed by the rules: Do you have any salt? There are some chairs in that room. She doesn’t have any money.
- Use “some” in positive sentences. We use some for both countable and uncountable nouns. Example: I have some friends.
- Use “any” in negative sentences or questions. We use any for both countable and uncountable nouns. Example: Do you have any cheese? – He doesn’t have any friends in Chicago.
- Do use “some” in questions when offering or requesting something that is there. Example: Would you like some bread? (offer) – Could I have some water? (request)
- Use “any” in negative sentences or questions. We use any for both countable and uncountable nouns. Example: Do you have any cheese? – He doesn’t have any friends in Chicago.
- Do use “some” words—somebody, someone, somewhere and something—in positive sentences. Example: He lives somewhere near here.
- Use “any” words—anybody, anyone, anywhere and anything—in negative sentences or questions. Example: Do you know anything about that boy? – She doesn’t have anywhere to go.
Lesson 2: Use Basic Prepositions In / On / To / At
When and How to Use ‘In’
Use ‘in’ with spaces:
- in a room / in a building
- in a garden / in a park
Do use ‘in’ with bodies of water:
- in the water
- in the sea
- in a river
Use ‘in’ with lines:
- in a row / in a line
- in a queue
When and How to Use ‘At’
Do use ‘at’ with places:
- at the bus-stop
- at the door
- also, at the cinema
- at the end of the street
When and How to Use ‘On’
Do use ‘on’ with surfaces:
- on the ceiling / on the wall / on the floor
- on the table
Use ‘on’ with small islands:
- I stayed on Maui.
Use ‘on’ with directions:
- on the left
- on the right
- straight on
When and How to Use ‘To’
Use ‘to’ with movement from one place to another:
- I went to school.
- Did you go to work?
- Let’s go to the shopping mall.
DO NOT Use ‘to’ with ‘home.’
The Basic Series continues here: Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners Pt 2 – TUTORING YOU
Discover more from TUTORING YOU
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