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Showing posts from November, 2014

Passive Voice - Rules and examples - All tenses in 1 table!

Today we're going to have a look at PASSIVE VOICE. We use this construction when we don't know who performed a certain action or it is simply not important. Passive voice is also a great choice when you write essays, give instructions or write formal e-mails - in the 1st case you can show off with your fluency, in the 2nd and 3rd - whatever you write or say will sound more serious and worth attention :) There are certain situations in which passive voice is not possible, but when it comes to the English language - you will be surprised how many sentences put in the passive voice are considered correct - even though in your native language they would be completely absurd! Study these 2 examples: 1. People say that doctor Martin is the best in town. - This is a normal, natural sentence. Now, let's put it in the passive voice: 2. Doctor Martin is said to be the best in town. - Sounds ridiculous when you translate it into your mother tongue, doesn't it? Well, i

Modal Verbs and Related Forms - all in one table! Present and Future Reference

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Modal verbs are more than 'Can you speak English' and 'You mustn't smoke here'. They can be used to describe our abilities, express our predictions or give advice to our friends whether they want it or not :) They are not as easy to learn as some may think because they change their meaning completely depending on the context in which they are put. And as if this wasn't enough - our English friends invented a whole bunch of expressions that mean exactly the same, depending on the context, of course! :) Today we're going to have a look at most of them (yes, you've understood correctly, there are still some more of 'related forms!) in relation to present and future. Study the table below and come up with our own examples! Yes, it MAY be difficult. Yes, it MIGHT take you a lot of time. No, you MUSTN'T quit now. Yes, of course that you CAN do it! You'D BETTER start now! Get the printatble version by clicking HERE . The printable version

I used to get up early vs I'm used to getting up early and I'm getting used to getting up early

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Today we're going to discuss three popular constructions that may cause you some trouble. What are the differences between 'used to' and 'be used to -ing'? And what on earth is 'get used to -ing' all about? Study the table below, read the examples and try to come up with your own examples! Visit my website with lost of exam tips, printable lessons and ESL games   https://www.teatimeschool.ch/ As usual - you can download the printable version with some extra speaking activities by clicking HERE . I USED TO PLAY THE PIANO/ I’M USED TO PLAYING THE PIANO/ I’M GETTING USED TO PLAYING THE PIANO USED TO BE USED TO + ING GET USED TO +ING I used to like boy bands. (I liked boy bands in the past, now I don’t like them) I am used to getting up early because I start my job at 6 a.m. (It is normal for me to get up early because of my job) When I first moved to France it was difficult for me to speak

The offensive translator - parodies of different languages :)

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Have you ever thought about how your native language sounds to people from other countries? The short extract from 'The Catherine Tate Show' takes the stereotypes to the ridiculous extreme but in a very funny way :) Which parody do you find the best? ;D Link for the video

Talking about our plans and predictions- a detailed revision of the future tenses!

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Let me start with a cheesy joke that I love and which shows that I need to go out more ;D Back to business: I've already shared with you the revision tables for the past and present tenses, so it was just a matter of time for me to present you with today's lesson - Different Ways of Talking about the Future! I must warn you - this set does not include Future Perfect Continuous and Going to (for a simple reason of not having enough space to put them all on one sheet:) ) I promise to write posts on them soon but for the moment being - this will do the job :) As usual - you can download the printable version of this post with some extra speaking activities by clicking HERE . So, who's ready to talk about their plans, hopes and fears for the future??? Present Simple Future Simple Present Continuous Future Continuous Future Perfect Construction: The concert starts at 10.00. The concert doesn’t start at 10.00.