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.
Start with short recordings, then work through longer phrases. Listen once for the situation and again for the words.
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?