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ESL Grammar
An adjective describes how something 'is'. For this reason, we usually use the verb 'to be'
when using adjectives. Adjectives are used to describe nouns. Example: He is a good doctor.
They Rule: Adjectives describe nouns. The adjective is always invariable.
Be careful!
Adjectives don't have a singular and plural form OR a masculine, femine and neuter
form.
Adjectives are always the same! Never add a final -s to an adjective.
Adjectives can also be placed at the end of a sentence if they describe the subject of a
sentence. Example: My doctor is excellent.
Be careful!
Filed In:
1. Grammar
2. > Grammar - Intermediate
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Sometimes students are not sure when to use an adverb or an adjective. This short guide
provides an overview and rules to using both adjectives and adverbs.
Adjectives
Examples:
Adjectives are also used in simple sentences with the verb 'to be'. In this case, the
adjective describes the subject of the sentence:
Examples:
``````
Jack is happy.
Adjectives are used with sense verbs or verbs or appearance (feel, taste, smell, sound,
appear and seem) to modify the noun which comes before the verb:
Examples:
Adverbs
Adverbs are easily recognized because the end in '-ly' (with a few exceptions!):
Examples:
Adverbs are often used at the end of a sentence to modify the verb:
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
When using more than one adjective to describe a noun place the adjectives in the following
order before the noun.
1. Opinion
2. Dimension
3. Age
4. Shape
5. Color
6. Origin
7. Material
Here are some examples of nouns modified with three adjectives in the correct order based on
the list above. Notice that the adjectives are not separated by commas.
Adjective Placement
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When using more than one adjective to describe a noun place the adjectives in the following
order before the noun.
1. Opinion
2. Dimension
3. Age
4. Shape
5. Color
``````
6. Origin
7. Material
Here are some examples of nouns modified with three adjectives in the correct order based on
the list above. Notice that the adjectives are not separated by commas.
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Examples:
``````
Adjectives are also used in simple sentences with the verb 'to be'. In this case, the
adjective describes the subject of the sentence:
Examples:
Jack is happy.
Adverbs
Adverbs are easily recognized because they end in '-ly' (with a few exceptions!):
Examples:
Adverbs are often used at the end of a sentence to modify the verb:
Examples:
Discuss in my Forum
``````
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(Continued from Page 2)
Using Adverbs
Adverbs modify verbs. They tell you How something is done. Example: How does he she
sing? - She sings beautifully.
Be Careful!
Some adjectives don't change in the adverb form. The most important of these are:
fast - fast, hard - hard
Good is probably the most important exception. The adverb form of 'good' is 'well'.
Unfortunately, this is a common mistake that many Americans make!
Rule: Adverbs can also modify an adjective. In this case, the adverb is placed before the
adjective.
Be Careful!
Do not use 'very' with adjectives that express an increased quality of a basic adjective
Example: good - fantastic
Rule: Adverbs of frequency (always, never, sometimes, often, etc.) usually come before the
main verb
Example: He is often late for class. Do you always eat in a restaurant? They don't
usually travel on Fridays.
Be Careful!
Adverbs of frequency expressing infrequency are not usually used in the negative or
question form. NOT!!: Does she rarely eat fish? They don't seldom go to the cinema.
``````
When an adverb clause begins the sentence use a comma to separate the two clauses.
Example: As soon as he arrives, we will have some lunch.. When the adverb clause finishes
the sentence there is no need for a comma. Example: He gave me a call when he arrived in
town.
When
'When' means 'at that moment, at that time, etc.'. Notice the different tenses used in
relationship to the clause beginning with when. It is important to remember that 'when' takes
either the simple past OR the present - the dependent clause changes tense in relation to the
'when' clause.
Before
'Before' means 'before that moment'. It is important to remember that 'before' takes either the
simple past OR the present.
After
'After' means 'after that moment'. It is important to remember that 'after' takes the present for
future events and the past OR past perfect for past events.
While, as
'While' and 'as' mean 'during that time'. 'While' and 'as' are both usually used with the past
continuous because the meaning of 'during that time' which indicates an action in progess.
By the time
'By the time' expresses the idea that one event has been completed before another. It is
important to notice the use of the past perfect for past events and future perfect for future
events in the main clause. This is because of the idea of something happening up to another
point in time.
Until, till
'Until' and 'till' express 'up to that time'. We use either the simple present or simple past with
'until' and 'till'. 'Till' is usually only used in spoken English.
Since
'Since' means 'from that time'. We use the present perfect (continuous) with 'since'. 'Since' can
also be used with a specific point in time.
As soon as
'As soon as' means 'when something happens - immediately afterwards'. 'As soon as' is very
similar to 'when' it emphasizes that the event will occur immediately after the other. We
usually use the simple present for future events, although present perfect can also be used.
'Whenever' and 'every time' mean 'each time something happens'. We use the simple present
(or the simple past in the past) because 'whenever' and 'every time' express habitual action.
The first time I went to New York, I was intimidated by the city.
I saw Jack the last time I went to San Francisco.
The second time I played tennis, I began to have fun.
The first, second, third, fourth etc., next, last time means 'that specific time'. We can use these
forms to be more specific about which time of a number of times something happened.
Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens/is the case, happened/was
the case, will happen/will be the case, etc.
usually
constantly
normally sometimes
habitually often
mostly occasionally rarely
chiefly frequently
always generally sporadically infrequently never
predominantly
commonly intermittently seldom
typically repeatedly
largely spasmodically
continuously
regularly
1. If the sentence has one verb in it (e.g. no auxiliary verb) we usually put the
adverb in the middle of the sentence, i.e. after the subject and before the verb:
Position A
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Position B
This is not the case if we put the adverb at the beginning or end of the sentence for
emphasis.
3. If the sentence has more than one verb in it (e.g. auxiliary verb) we usually put the
adverb after the first part of the verb:
Position C
Anne doesn't usually smoke. about the state of the school toilets.
Exception:
4. For emphasis we can put the adverb at the beginning or end of the sentence.
``````
At the end is unusual - we usually only put it there when we have forgotten to put it in earlier.
Position D
Position E
Exceptions:
"Never", "seldom", "rarely" can't go at the end of a sentence. They only go at the beginning
of a sentence in "polemic statements". Then they have to be followed by the word order for
questions:
5. When using adverbs of frequency in the question form, put the adverb before the main
verb.
Position F
Exceptions:
"Never", "seldom", "rarely" and other adverbs of frequency with a negative sense are not
usually used in the question form.
6. When using adverbs of frequency in the negative form, put the adverb before the main
verb.
Position G
Exceptions:
"Never", "seldom", "rarely" and other adverbs of frequency with a negative sense are not
usually used in the negative form.
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Punctuation
When an adverb clause begins the sentence use a comma to separate the two clauses.
Example: As soon as he arrives, we will have some lunch.. When the adverb clause finishes
the sentence there is no need for a comma. Example: He gave me a call when he arrived in
town.
When
'When' means 'at that moment, at that time, etc.'. Notice the different tenses used in
relationship to the clause beginning with when. It is important to remember that 'when' takes
either the simple past OR the present - the dependent clause changes tense in relation to the
'when' clause.
Before
'Before' means 'before that moment'. It is important to remember that 'before' takes either the
simple past OR the present.
After
'After' means 'after that moment'. It is important to remember that 'after' takes the present for
future events and the past OR past perfect for past events.
While, as
'While' and 'as' mean 'during that time'. 'While' and 'as' are both usually used with the past
continuous because the meaning of 'during that time' which indicates an action in progess.
By the time
'By the time' expresses the idea that one event has been completed before another. It is
important to notice the use of the past perfect for past events and future perfect for future
events in the main clause. This is because of the idea of something happening up to another
point in time.
Until, till
'Until' and 'till' express 'up to that time'. We use either the simple present or simple past with
'until' and 'till'. 'Till' is usually only used in spoken English.
Since
'Since' means 'from that time'. We use the present perfect (continuous) with 'since'. 'Since' can
also be used with a specific point in time.
As soon as
'As soon as' means 'when something happens - immediately afterwards'. 'As soon as' is very
similar to 'when' it emphasizes that the event will occur immediately after the other. We
usually use the simple present for future events, although present perfect can also be used.
'Whenever' and 'every time' mean 'each time something happens'. We use the simple present
(or the simple past in the past) because 'whenever' and 'every time' express habitual action.
The first time I went to New York, I was intimidated by the city.
I saw Jack the last time I went to San Francisco.
The second time I played tennis, I began to have fun.
The first, second, third, fourth etc., next, last time means 'that specific time'. We can use these
forms to be more specific about which time of a number of times something happened.
Punctuation
When an adverb clause begins the sentence use a comma to separate the two clauses.
Example: Even though the it was expensive, he bought the car.. When the adverb clause
finishes the sentence there is no need for a comma. Example: He bought the car even though
it was expensive.
For more information about how to use these words click on the link for an explanation of the
usage.
Notice how 'though, even though' or 'although' show a situation which is contrary to the main
clause to express opposition. Even though, though and although are all synonyms.
Whereas, while
``````
Whereas you have lots of time to do your homework, I have very little time indeed.
Mary is rich, while I am poor.
'Whereas' and 'while' show clauses in direct opposition to each other. Notice that you should
always use a comma with 'whereas' and 'while'.
Punctuation
When an adverb clause begins the sentence use a comma to separate the two clauses.
Example: If he comes, we will have some lunch.. When the adverb clause finishes the
sentence there is no need for a comma. Example: He would have invited me if he had known.
If
'If' clauses express the conditions necessary for the result. If clauses are followed by expected
results based on the condition. More information on the correct tense usage for the
conditionals
Even if
Even if she saves a lot, she won't be able to afford that house.
In contrast to sentences with 'if' sentences with 'even if' show a result that is unexpected based
on the condition in the 'even if' clause. Example: COMPARE: If she studies hard, she will
pass the exam AND Even if she studies hard, she won't pass the exam.
Whether or not
They won't be able to come whether or not they have enough money.
Whether they have money or not, they won't be able to come.
'Whether or not' expresses the idea that neither one condition or another matters; the result
will be the same. Notice the possibility of inversion (Whether they have money or not) with
'whether or not'.
Unless
``````
'Unless' expresses the idea of 'if not' Example: Unless she hurries up, we won't arrive in
time. MEANS THE SAME AS: If she doesn't hurry up, we won't arrive in time. 'Unless' is only
used in the first conditional.
'In case' and 'in the event' usually mean that you don't expect something to happen, but if it
does... Both are used primarily for future events.
Only if
We'll give you your bicycle only if you do well on your exams.
Only if you do well on your exams will we give you your bicycle.
'Only if' means 'only in the case that something happens - and only if'. This form basically
means the same as 'if'. However, it does stress the condition for the result. Note that when
'only if' begins the sentence you need to invert the main clause.
Punctuation
When an adverb clause begins the sentence use a comma to separate the two clauses.
Example: Because he had to work late, we had dinner after nine o'clock.. When the adverb
clause finishes the sentence there is no need for a comma. Example: We had dinner after
nine o'clock because he had to work late.
For more information about how to use these words click on the link for an explanation of the
usage.
Because
They received a high mark on their exam because they had studied hard.
I'm studying hard because I want to pass my exam.
``````
Notice how because can be used with a variety of tenses based on the time relationship
between the two clauses.
Since
'Since' means the same as because. 'Since' tends to be used in more informal spoken English.
Important note: "Since" when used as a conjunction is typically used to refer to a period of
time, while "because" implies a cause or reason.
As long as
As long as you have the time, why don't you come for dinner?
'As long as' means the same as because. 'As long as' tends to be used in more informal spoken
English.
As
'As' means the same as because. 'As' tends to be used in more formal, written English.
Inasamuch as
Inasmuch as the students had succesfully completed their exams, their parents
rewarded their efforts by giving them a trip to Paris.
'Inasmuch as' means the same as because. 'Inasmuch as' is used in very formal, written
English.
We will be staying for an extra week due to the fact that we haven not yet finished.
'Due to the fact that' means the same as because. 'Due to the fact that' is generally used in
very formal, written English
Present Simple
Structure and Usage
sentence structure
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The present simple is used to express daily routines and habits. Adverbs of frequency such as
'usually', 'sometimes', 'rarely', etc. are often used with the present simple.
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Question
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``````
One use of the present continuous tense is for action that is occurring at the moment of speaking.
Remember that only action verbs can take the continuous form.
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Question
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``````
Use the present continuous to describe projects and actions that are happening around the present
moment in time. Remember that these projects have begun in the recent past and will end in the
near future. This usage is especially popular for talking about current projects at work or for specific
hobbies.
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Question
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One use of the present continuous tense is for scheduled future events. This usage is especially
useful when talking about appointments and meetings for work.
... tomorrow
... on Friday, Monday, etc.
... today
... this morning / afternoon / evening
... next week / month
... in December, March, etc.
Basic Construction
``````
Positive
Negative
Question
Past Simple
Structure and Usage
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``````
The past simple is used to express something that happened a past point in time. Remember to
always use a past time expression, or a clear contextual clue when using the past simple. If you do
not indicate when something happened, use the present perfect for unspecified past.
... ago
... in + year / month
...yesterday
...last week / month / year
... when ....
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Question
sentence structure
grammar review
verb forms
english tenses
6 of 19
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The past continuous tense is used to describe what was happening at a specific moment in time in
the past. Do not use this form when referring to longer periods of time in the past such as 'last
March', 'two years ago', etc. Use the past continuous with times of the day in the past.
Basic Construction
Positive
``````
Negative
Subject + was / were + not (wasn't, weren't) + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
Question
(Question Word) + was / were + subject + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
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``````
Use the past continuous to express what was happening when something important happened. This
form is almost always used with the time clause '... when xyz happened'. It is also possible to use this
form with '... while something was happening' to express two past actions that were occurring
simultaneously.
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Subject + was / were + not (wasn't, weren't) + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
Question
(Question Word) + was / were + subject + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
What were you doing when Tom gave you the bad news?
``````
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The future with 'going to' is used to express future plans or scheduled events. It is often used
instead of the present continuous for future scheduled work events. Either form can be used
for this purpose.
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Question
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``````
The future with 'will' is used to make future predictions and promises. Often the precise moment the
action will occur is unknown or not defined.
... soon
... next month / year / week
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Question
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The future with 'going to' is used for future intent. Remember that you can express a future intent
without expressing the exact future time that something will occur. This use of the future with 'going
to' can be used to discuss future study plans, career plans, and more.
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
They aren't going to develop any new projects for the next few years.
Question
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``````
Use the present perfect to express a state or repeated action that began in the past and continues
into the moment of speaking. The present perfect or the present perfect continuous can often be
interchanged. The main difference between these two forms is that the present perfect continuous
is generally used to express the length of the current activity up to the present moment in time.
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Subject + have / has not (haven't, hasn't) + past participle + object(s) + time Expression
Question
(Question Word) + have / has + subject + past participle + object(s) + time Expression
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The present perfect is often used to express recent events that affect the present moment. These
sentences generally use the time expressions 'just', 'yet', 'already', or 'recently' to express this
connection. Remember that if you give a specific time in the past, the past simple is required.
just
yet
already
recently
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Subject + have / has not (haven't, hasn't) + past participle + object(s) + time Expression
Question
(Question Word) + have / has + subject + past participle + object(s) + time Expression
sentence structure
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``````
The present perfect is often used to express events that occurred in the past at an unspecified
moment. This form is often used to express cumulative life experiences up to the present moment.
Remember that if you use a specific past time expression, choose the past simple.
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Subject + have / has not (haven't, hasn't) + past participle + object(s) + time Expression
Question
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``````
The present perfect continuous is used to express how long a current activity has been going on. It is
often used in context to provide a reason for a present result. Remember that continuous forms can
only be used with action verbs.
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Subject + has / have not (hasn't / haven't) + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
Question
(Question Word) + has / have + subject + been + verb + ing + object(s) + (time Expression)
Future Perfect
``````
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Use the future perfect tense to express what will happened by a certain time in the future. The
future perfect tense is often used to express achievements or work done by a future point in time.
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Subject + will not (won't) + have + past participle + object(s) + time Expression
Mary won't have answered all the questions by the end of this hour.
Question
(Question Word) + will + subject + have + past participle + object(s) + time Expression
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``````
The future perfect continuous is used to express the duration of an action up to a future point in
time. This tense is not commonly used in English.
Basic Construction
Positive
We will have been studying for two hours by the time he arrives.
Negative
Subject + will not (won't) + have + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
Question
(Question Word) + will + subject + have + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
How long will you have been working on that project by the time he arrives?
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``````
The past perfect continuous is used to describe how long an activity had been going on before
something else happened. It is often used to provide context, or a reason for a specific action.
Basic Construction
Positive
She had been waiting for two hours when he finally arrived.
Negative
Subject + had not (hadn't) + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
They hadn't been working long when the boss asked them to change their focus.
Question
(Question Word) + had + subject + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression
How long had Tom been working on that project when they decided to give it to Pete?
Past Perfect
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The past perfect is used to express something that happened before another point in time. It is often
used to provide context, or an explanation for a specific action or result.
... before
already
once, twice, three times, etc.
... by the time
Basic Construction
Positive
She had already eaten by the time the children came home.
Negative
They hadn't finished their homework before the teacher asked them to hand it in.
Question
Future Continuous
Usage and Construction
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``````
The future continuous is used to talk about an activity that will be in progress at a specific point in
time in the future. For example, We'll be having lunch on the beach this time next week.
Basic Construction
Positive
Negative
Question