English practice 1: build clear everyday sentences
Begin with the person, thing, or idea you are talking about. Add a verb that matches it, then add the information that answers a useful question such as what, where, or when.
Search for a phrase or choose a level. The time filter describes the sample recording, not the whole lesson.
Begin with the person, thing, or idea you are talking about. Add a verb that matches it, then add the information that answers a useful question such as what, where, or when.
To choose an accurate everyday sentence, check five things: the meaning, the usual word order, the noun form, the time clue, and the situation. Read the whole sentence after you make a choice, because a correct word must also fit the message.
For a clear everyday sentence, find the subject and its verb first. Then add information such as an object, place, or time. Use a capital letter at the beginning and a full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark at the end.
Read the whole context before you choose a form. Find the subject, look for a time clue, check whether the noun is one thing or more than one, and notice whether the sentence is a statement or a question.
Use will for a decision you make now or a general prediction. Use be going to for an existing plan or evidence you can see now. Use the present continuous when an arrangement is already set.
Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound. Use the for a particular noun that the context, an earlier sentence, or a shared place makes clear.
Can shows ability or gives permission. Must gives a strong instruction or obligation. Have to says that an action is necessary because of a rule or situation.
Use a comparative when you compare two people or things, usually with than. Use a superlative when one person or thing is at one end of a group, usually with the. Short adjectives often take -er and -est; many longer adjectives use more and most.
Use a or an with one countable thing. Use a plural form with a number or many. Use an uncountable noun without a plural ending, often with some or much. Add a unit phrase when you need to count an uncountable thing.
Use an adjective after be, then add a small detail. Say He is patient and explains things clearly, or She has curly hair and enjoys drawing.
Use the present simple for a routine or habit. Add words such as usually, often, or never, and add a time phrase when it helps: I usually read before bed. She starts work at nine.
Use a route verb first, then add a landmark or location phrase. For example, say Go past the bank and turn left at the traffic lights. To ask for help, say Excuse me, where is the museum?