Category: Beginning English

Pt 7 Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners

Continuing with The Basics Series

These basic English lessons provide the most important learning points for beginning level English learners. Use these short lessons to study for tests, review basic English essentials, or check your understanding of the basics.

Lesson 12: Countries and Languages – Names and Adjectives

This list shows first the country, then language and, finally the nationality of many major countries from around the world.

One-Syllable Country Names

  • France, French, French
  • Greece, Greek, Greek

 

Nationality Ends in ‘-Ish’

  • Britain, English, British
  • Denmark, Danish, Danish
  • Finland, Finnish, Finnish
  • Poland, Polish, Polish
  • Spain, Spanish, Spanish
  • Sweden, Swedish, Swedish
  • Turkey, Turkish, Turkish

 

” Ends in ‘-An’

  • Germany, German, German
  • Mexico, Spanish, Mexican
  • The United States, English, American

 

Nationality Ends in ‘-Ian’ or ‘-Ean’

  • Australia, English, Australian
  • Brazil, Portuguese, Brazilian
  • Egypt, Arabic, Egyptian
  • Italy, Italian, Italian
  • Hungary, Hungarian, Hungarian
  • Korea, Korean, Korean
  • Russia, Russian, Russian

 

” Ends in ‘Ese’

  • China, Chinese, Chinese
  • Japan, Japanese, Japanese
  • Portugal, Portuguese, Portuguese

 

Lesson 13: Countable and Uncountable Expressions with Nouns

 

Uncountable

Use the singular form of the verb with uncountable nouns. Use both ‘some’ and any’ with uncountable nouns when speaking about specific objects.

Examples

  • Do you have any butter?
  • There is some juice in the bottle.

If you are speaking in general, do not use a modifier.

Examples

  • Do you drink Coca-Cola?
  • He doesn’t eat meat.

Countable

Use the plural form of the verb with countable nouns. Use both ‘some’ and ‘any’ with countable nouns when speaking about specific objects.

Examples

  • There are some magazines on the table.
  • Has he got any friends?

If you are speaking in general, use the plural form of the noun.

Examples

  • They love books by Hemingway.
  • She doesn’t eat apples.

 

Expressions for Use with Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Use the following expressions with uncountable nouns.

  • most
  • much, lots of, a lot of
  • some
  • a little, little

Examples

  • There is lots of interest in the project.
  • She’s got some money left in the bank.
  • There’s little time to finish.

Use the following expressions with countable nouns.

  • many, lots of, a lot of
  • several
  • some
  • not many, only a few, few

Examples

  • There are a lot of pictures on the wall.
  • We have several friends in Chicago.
  • She bought some envelopes this afternoon.
  • There are only a few people in the restaurant.

Source:  thoughtco.com©

Pt 6 Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners

Continuing with The Basics Series

These basic English lessons provide the most important learning points for beginning level English learners. Hence, use these short lessons to study for tests, review basic English essentials, or check your understanding of the basics.

Lesson 10: Form the Future Tense with Going to and Will

Indeed, the future can be expressed with either the word ‘will’ or the phrase ‘going to’. Here are examples of how and when to use each of these future forms.

 

The Future Tense with Will

Generally, ‘will’ is used with the following forms. Further, notice that ‘will’ or ‘won’t’ is used for ALL subjects.

  • Positive: Formed by combining Subject + will + base form of verb + object(s)
  • Negative: Made by combining Subject + will + not + base form of verb + object(s)
  • Question: Formed by combining (Question Word) + will + subject + base form of verb.

 

Use Will for Spontaneous Decisions

These decisions are specifically made AT the moment of speaking.

Examples: 

  • Jack’s hungry. I will make him a sandwich.
  • That’s difficult! I will help you with the problem.

 

Will Is Used for Predictions

Examples: 

  • It will snow tomorrow.
  • She will not win the game.

 

Also, Will is Used for Scheduled Public Events

Examples: 

  • The concert will begin at 8 o’clock.
  • When will the train leave?
  • The class will not start next week.

 

Will Is Used for Promises

Examples: 

  • Will you marry me?
  • After class. I will help you with your homework.

 

Form the Future Tense with ‘Going to’

The future with ‘going to’ is used to specifically speak about future intentions or plans made before the present moment. Thus, use the following forms with ‘going to’.

  • Positive: Formed by combining Subject + to be + going to + base form of verb + object(s)
  • Negative: Made by combining Subject + to be + not + going to + base form of verb + object(s)
  • Question: Made by combining (Question Word) + to be + subject + going to + base form of verb

Examples:

  • We are going to study French next semester.
  • Where are you going to stay in France?
  • She isn’t going to take a vacation this year.

 

Going to Is Used For Planned Decisions

Planned decisions are decisions made BEFORE the moment of speaking.

Examples: 

  • I’m going to study Languages at university next year.
  • We’re going to stay at the Hilton in New York next week.

 

For Predicting an Action That You See is About to Happen, Going to Is Used

Examples:

  • Watch out! You’re going to hit that car!
  • Look at those clouds. It’s going to rain.

 

Going to is also used for Future Intentions

Examples:

  • I’m going to be a policeman when I grow up.
  • Katherine is going to study English when she goes to university.

 

Source:  thoughtco.com©

Pt 5 Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners

These basic English lessons provide the most important learning points for beginning level English learners. Use these short lessons to study for tests, review basic English essentials, or check your understanding of the basics.

Note:  A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun. Create a gerund by adding the suffix “-ing” to the base form of a verb. Like all nouns, gerunds can be used as subjects, objects of verbs, objects of prepositions, or complements. For example:  Swimming is permitted in the lake.

Infinitives are a special form of verbs that can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Make them by adding the word to before the base verb. Further, they can be useful when discussing actions without actually doing the action, such as “I want to go home,” or “To err is human.”

Lesson 9: Verbs Followed by the Gerund or the Infinitive

When two verbs are used together, the second verb is often in the gerund form (-ing) or the infinitive. There are no specific rules concerning which verbs take which form. Like irregular verbs, you will need to learn which form a verb takes.

 

Common Verbs That Take the Gerund ‘ing’ Form

  • go
  • enjoy
  • quit
  • discuss
  • mind
  • can’t stand
  • suggest

Examples:

  • They go jogging on Saturdays.
  • I don’t mind helping you.
  • They can’t stand driving in traffic jams.

 

Common Verbs That Use the Infinitive Form

  • promise
  • plan
  • refuse
  • want
  • need
  • decide
  • hope

Examples:

  • I promised to help him.
  • Alice needs to start that task.
  • He decided to quit his job.
Lesson 10: Verbs That Modify Other Verbs: The Basics of the Modal Form

Modals are verbs that modify other verbs. The most common modals are:

  • Can
  • Should
  • Must

Note that all subjects take the same form of the modal.

 

Positive

Formed by combining Subject + Modal + Base Form of Verb + Objects

Examples:

  • He can play the piano.
  • I must leave soon.

 

Negative

Formed by combining Subject + Modal + Not + Base Form of Verb + Objects

Examples:

  • They can’t visit next week.
  • You shouldn’t go to that film.

 

Question

Formed by combining Modal + Subject + Base Form of Verb + Objects

Examples:

  • Can you help me?
  • What should I do?

 

Giving Advice with Should

Use ‘Should’ when asking for or giving advice. Also use it when asking for suggestions.

Examples:

  • I think you should see a doctor.
  • What type of job should I get?

 

Expressing Ability with Can

Use ‘Can’ to speak about abilities.

Examples:

  • He can speak Japanese.
  • Can you play golf?

 

Asking for Permission with May

‘May’ is used formally and politely to ask for permission. However, can is often used in spoken English.

Examples:

  • May I help you?
  • May I visit you this afternoon?

Source:  thoughtco.com©

Pt 6 Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners – TUTORING YOU

Pt 4 Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners

Let’s continue with more basic English lessons that provide the most important learning points for beginning level English learners

 

Lesson 7: Understanding the Four Types of Pronouns

Basic English explains that there are four types of pronouns: Subject Pronouns, Object Pronouns, Possessive Pronouns, and Demonstrative Pronouns. Here are explanations and examples of each.

Subject Pronouns

Function as the subject of a sentence:

  • I live in New York.
  • Do you like playing tennis?
  • He doesn’t want to come this evening.
  • She works in London.
  • It won’t be easy.​
  • We are studying pronouns at the moment.
  • You went to Paris last year, didn’t you?
  • They bought a new car last month.​

Object Pronouns

Serve as the object of a verb.

  • Give me the book.
  • He told you to come tonight.
  • She asked him to help.
  • They visited her when they came to New York.
  • She bought it at the store.
  • He picked us up at the airport.
  • The teacher asked you to finish your homework.
  • I invited them to a party.

Possessive Pronouns

Show that something belongs to someone. That house is mine.

  • This is yours.
  • I’m sorry, that’s his.
  • Those books are hers.
  • Those students are ours.
  • Look over there, those seats are yours.
  • Theirs will be green.

Demonstrative Pronouns

Refer to things. ‘this’ and ‘these’ refer to something that is near. ‘that’ and ‘those’ refer to things that are farther away.

  • This is my house.
  • That is our car over there.
  • These are my colleagues in this room.
  • Those are beautiful flowers in the next field.

Possessive adjectives – my, your, his, her, its, our, your, their

Are often confused with possessive pronouns. The possessive adjective modifies the noun following it in order to show possession.

  • I’ll get my books.
  • Is that your car over there?
  • That is his teacher, Mr. Jones.
  • I want to go to her store.
  • Its color is red.
  • Can we bring our children?
  • You are welcome to invite your husbands.

 Lesson 8: Using the Basic English Prepositions of Time – In / At / On

When and How to Use In for Time

Use ‘in’ months and years and periods of time:

  • in January
  • in 1978
  • in the twenties

Use ‘in’ a period of time in the future:

  • in a few weeks
  • in a couple of days

When and How to Use At for Time

Use ‘at’ with precise time:

  • at six o’clock
  • at 10.30
  • at two p.m.

When and How to Use On for Time

Use ‘on’ with days of the week:

  • on Monday
  • on Fridays

Use ‘on’ with specific calendar days:

  • on Christmas day
  • on October 22nd

Important Notes

  • We say in the morning, afternoon or evening BUT we say ‘at night’.

Source:  thoughtco.com©

Pt 5 Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners – TUTORING YOU

Pt 3 Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners

 

Let’s continue with more basic English lessons that provide the most important learning points for beginning level English learners.
Lesson 5: How to Use the Present Simple Tense

Use the present simple to talk about activities or routines which take place on a regular basis.

Positive Sentences: Subject + present conjugation of verb + objects

  • I / You drive to work every day.
  • She / He / It drives to work every day.
  • You / We / They drive to work every day.

Negative Sentences: Subject + do not + base form of verb + objects

  • I / You don’t (do not) use a computer every day.
  • She / He / It doesn’t (does not) use a computer at work.
  • You / We / They don’t (do not) use a typewriter at work.

Question Form: Wh question words + do + subject + base form of verb

  • When do I / you arrive at work?
  • What does he / she / it use at work?
  • Where do we / you / they keep the paper?

lesson 6: Forming the Past Tense of Irregular Verbs

The past form of regular verbs ends in ‘ed’. Irregular verbs must be studied and learned individually. Here is a list of past forms of some of the most common irregular verbs.

  • be – was/were
  • become – became
  • begin – began
  • break – broke
  • bring – brought
  • build – built
  • buy – bought
  • come – came
  • cost – cost
  • cut – cut
  • do – did
  • drink – drank
  • eat – ate
  • find – found
  • fly – flew
  • get – got
  • give – gave
  • go – went
  • have – had
  • keep – kept
  • know – knew
  • leave – left
  • make – made
  • meet – met
  • pay – paid
  • put – put
  • read – read
  • say – said
  • see – saw
  • sell – sold
  • send – sent
  • speak – spoke
  • spend – spent
  • take – took
  • teach – taught
  • tell – told
  • think – thought

Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners Pt 2

Let’s continue with more basic English lessons that provide the most important learning points for beginning level English learners.

Lesson 3: Using Definite and Indefinite Articles The / A / An

a = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) with consonants

  • She has a dog.
  • I work in a factory.

an = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) with vowels (a,e,i,o,u)

  • Can I have an apple?
  • She is an English teacher.

the = definite article (a specific object that both the person speaking and the listener know)

  • The car over there is fast.
  • The teacher is very good, isn’t he?

The first time you speak of something use “a or an”, the next time you repeat that object use “the”.

  • I live in a house. The house is quite old and has four bedrooms.
  • I ate in a Chinese restaurant. The restaurant was very good.

DO NOT use an article with countries, states, counties or provinces, lakes and mountains except when the country is a collection of states such as “The United States”.

  • He lives in Washington near Mount Rainier.
  • They live in northern British Columbia.

Use an article with bodies of water, oceans and seas.

  • My country borders on the Pacific Ocean.

DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about things in general

  • I like Russian tea.
  • She likes reading books.

DO NOT use an article when you are speaking about meals, places, and transport

  • He has breakfast at home.
  • I go to university.
  • He comes to work by taxi.

Lesson 4: How to Use the Word ‘Like’

‘Like’ can be used as a verb or as a preposition. There are a number of common questions with ‘like’ that are easy to confuse.

  • What’s he like? – ‘What … like?’ is used to ask about a person’s or object’s character and is general in nature.
  • What does he like? – This use of the verb ‘like’ is for general preferences. ‘Like’ as a verb is generally followed by the ‘ing’ form of the verb (I like playing tennis).
  • What does she look like? – ‘Like’ is used as a preposition to express physical appearance. In this case, ‘like’ can also mean ‘similar to’ if you are making a comparison to other people.
  • What would you like to drink? – Another common use of ‘like’ is in ‘would like’ to express wishes. Note that ‘would like’ is followed by the infinite form of the verb NOT the ‘-ing’ form.

The 50 Most Commonly Used Words in the English Language–Part 2

 

This is Part 2 of the series.

If you’re an English learner, knowing which words are most commonly used in the language can help you to improve your vocabulary skills and gain confidence in casual conversations.

Man

  • An adult male.
  • The man was much taller than his son. 

Name

  • The title of a place, book, person, etc.
  • I never liked my name growing up. 

Never

  • Not ever.
  • I am never getting back together with my boyfriend.

Next

  • The thing that happens after something else in a sequence; to be situated by something else.
  • Let’s go to the next question.

New

  • Something just created or unused or unopened.
  • My mother bought me a new doll for Christmas. It was still in the package.

Noise

  • Loud sounds, especially made by music or a group of people.
  • There was so much noise at the party, the neighbors called the police. 

Often

  • To happen frequently.
  • My teacher gets mad because I often forget my homework. 

Pair

  • Two things that go together.
  • I like the new pair of shoes my sister bought me for my birthday.

Pick

  • To choose or select.
  • I picked the cupcake with vanilla frosting. 

Play

  • To have fun with someone or engage in an activity or sport. 
  • I like to play football with my brother.

Room

  • A part of a home, building, office or another structure. 
  • The room at the end of the hall is the coldest in the building.

See

  • To watch or observe something.
  • I see clouds in the sky, which must mean it will rain soon.

Sell

  • To offer a service or a good for a price.
  • I am going to sell my surfboard for $50 because it’s time for a new one. 

Sit

  • To rest on a floor, chair, or another surface.
  • The teacher told the children to sit on the carpet. 

Speak

  • To say something.
  • I speak too loudly sometimes. 

Smile

  • To grin or show pleasure.
  • I smile when my brother tells jokes.

Sister

  • The opposite of brother. The female child in relation to other children of the same parents.
  • My parents took my sister and me to the circus.

Think

  • To contemplate something or have an idea or belief.
  • I think all pets should have a home. 

Then

  • Something that comes after an event in a sequence.
  • I opened the refrigerator. Then, I ate some food. 

Walk

  • To travel on foot.
  • I walk home from school every day.

Water

  • A substance plants, people, animals, and the earth need to survive.
  • If animals don’t have enough water to drink, they will die. 

Work

  • To make a living, engage in an activity for pay, or to reach a goal.
  • I work as a teacher because I like children. 

Write

  • To put something on paper with a pen or pencil. To use a computer to type text.
  • I have to write three essays in English class this semester. 

Woman

  • A female adult.
  • That woman was our new school principal. 

Yes

  • To answer affirmatively or respond to one’s name being called.
  • “Yes, I’m here,” the student said when the teacher called her name.

Source:  thoughtco.com©

Here is a link to Part 1 of the series:

Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners Pt 1 – TUTORING YOU

Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners Pt 1

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.’

 
 
Source:  thoughtco.com/basic-english-essentials-4122690

 

The Basic Series continues here:  Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners Pt 2 – TUTORING YOU

 

Study Skills for English Beginners

 

Learning any language takes practice – lots of practice! Often, it’s difficult to know what you should practice. Should you watch a video? Perhaps, it would be a good idea to do a few quizzes. Of course, you should try to speak English with your friends. All of these are great ideas, but it’s also important to build a routine. A routine will help you make studying English a habit. That’s the best way to improve your English!

Make Learning a Habit

It’s important to be exposed to many different areas every day. However, you shouldn’t try to study too many different subjects. These suggestions take a short listening and reading as the basis for daily practice. You are trying to learn many new things, so don’t try to learn too much in any one area too quickly!

Listen – 10 Minutes

There are a number of beginning level listening selections that you can use on this site. Books written for children are also a great idea. Here are some suggestions for free children’s books that you can listen to on your computer:

Read – 10 Minutes

Choose a subject you like to read about and read for fun. You can find beginning level reading here on the site. These sites also offer ‘easy’ English reading selections.

Simple English News
Easy English Times

Improve your Vocabulary – 5 Minutes

Take five minutes to write down all the new words you find in your listening and reading exercises. Keep a notebook, and write in the translation in your native language.

Grammar – 5 – 10 Minutes

Think about what you are studying in English class (if you are taking it). Or, if you are studying by yourself, take out your grammar book and find one grammar point to review. You can also use the beginner grammar resources at this site. Take a quick look at the grammar and then think about the listening and your reading. Did you hear or read these forms? How were they used?

Speaking – 5 Minutes

It is very important to move your mouth and speak! Even if you only speak to yourself. Take five minutes and speak out loud (not silently). Try to quickly summarize what you listened to and what you read. Can you do it? Of course, it’s better if you can do this with a friend. Find a friend and study together a few times a week. You can practice together.

That’s it! Approximately thirty minutes a day, every day – or at least four times a week! If you continue to do this, you will be surprised at how quickly your English improves!

Of course, there are much more ways to improve your English. However, make a habit of doing these simple exercises at least four times a week. When you have questions come to this site and use the beginning English resources or use your grammar book. Watch a video online, try to use English in every way you can – even if the language is too difficult.

Source: By Kenneth Beare (thoughtco.com)

Related:  Why is Learning English So Hard? – TUTORING YOU

 

Learn more basic English here:

Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners Pt 1 – TUTORING YOU

Questions to ask at Parent-Teacher-Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences can provide much-needed insight into your child’s learning style, growth opportunities, social and interaction styles, likes, dislikes, and the myriad of challenges that you may otherwise not know about. The trick to maximizing your very limited assigned time is to have a sense of what questions you deem essential before heading to the meeting. Here are some questions you might consider asking.

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