Base One Grammar

Prepared by: Zareefullah Fazli
Grammar
The basic rules and principles of a language are called grammar.
Grammar is the skeleton of a language by the help of which we use a language accurately
and avoid ourselves from making mistakes
The scientific study of a language is called grammar
Grammar is the key of a language
Grammar is the base of a language
Sentence
Sentence is a group of words which has a subject, verb, complete meaning
and sense
Example: She works in a bank.
Components of a Sentence
A sentence has a subject , an auxiliary verb , main verb , object ,complement and
E.O.P
Subject
Subject is that part of a sentence about which something is said.
The thing, parson and the place we talk about is called subject.
Examples
Sohail is writing a letter.

Afghanistan is a nice country.
Auxiliary Verb (Helping Verb)

Auxiliary verbs are used to support the main verb to make a sentence,
negation, interrogation and tense.
Examples:
Ali is playing cricket.

They do not study hard.
Do they study hard?
Ali has met Sohail.

Verb
Verb is a word which shows action, existence, state of being and possession.
Examples:
Ali teaches English. (action)

We are in the class. (existence)
She is happy. (state of being)
They have a car. (possession)
Object
Object is a noun or pronoun which is affected by the action of a verb.
The receiver of an action is called object.
Examples:
She made a cake
o We have two kinds of objects

1. Direct Object 2. Indirect Object
Direct Object
Direct object is an object which is directly affected by the action of a verb.
The first receiver of an action is called Direct Object.
Indirect Object
Indirect object is an object which is indirectly affected by the action of a verb.
The second receiver of an action is called indirect object.
Note: Direct Object is usually a thing while Indirect Object is usually a person.
Examples:
I bought a book for Laila.

D.O I.O
She sent a letter to Sahil.
D.O I.O

To + Object: When the connection between subject and object is direct, we use to
+ Object.
For + object: When the connection between subject and object is indirect, we use
for + object.
Examples:
She cooked lunch for us . She cooked us lunch
D.O I.O I.O D.O
I teach English to you I teach you English
D.O I.O I.O D.O
Complement
Complement can be a noun , adjective ,adverb or prepositional phrase that
completes a sentence
Example:
Sohail is a teacher. (Noun)
She looks happy. (Adjective)
She speaks slowly. (Adverb)
They are in front of the class. (Prepositional Phrase)
Deference between Object and Complement
Object Complement
- Receives an action - Completes a sentence
- Object can be a part of complement - Complement can not be a part of object
- Objects are used after transitive verbs - Complements are used after intransitive verbs
- Object can be changed into passive voice - Complement can not be changed into passive
voice
E.O.P: Extension Of Predicate

Whatever comes after main verb without object and complement is called E.O.P
E.O.P : gives us additional information
E.O.P
Time Expression Place Expression

* She studied English last night. * She studied English at MELP.
Tense:
The word (Tense) comes from the Latin (Tempus) which means time.
Tense is the form of a verb which shows time and state of an action, event or
condition.
We have twelve tenses in English Language

Present Tenses:
Present Indefinite (Simple) Tense
Present Progressive (Continuous) Tense
Present Perfect Tense
Present Perfect Progressive Tense
Past Tenses:
Past Indefinite Tense
Past Progressive Tense
Past Perfect Tense
Past Perfect Progressive Tense
Future tenses:
Future Indefinite Tense
Future Progressive Tense
Future Perfect Tense
Future Perfect Progressive Tense
Present Indefinite Tense

Present indefinite tense is used to talk about an activity which happens in the
present.
Example: We study English.
Note: Do and dose are the helping verbs of the present indefinite tense.

I , you, we, they + base form of a verb + complement /object.
Example: They watch T.V.
He, She, It + base form of a verb +s/es/ies + complement /object.
Example: - He reads a newspaper.
I, you, We, they + do + not + base form of a verb + complement / object.
Example: - They do not watch television.
He, She, It + dose + not + base form of a verb + complement /object.
Example: - He does not read the newspaper.
Do + I, You, We, They + base form of a verb + complement /object?
Example: Do you study English?
Does + She, He, It + base form of a verb + complement / object?
Example: Does he read the newspaper?
Do + I, You, We, They + not + base form of a verb + complement/object?
Example: Do you not study English? (Formal)
Don t + I, You, We, They + base form of a verb + complement/object?
Example: Don t you pray? (Informal)
Does + She, He, It + not + base form of a verb + complement /object?
Example: Does she not cook rice?
Doesn t + She, He, It + base form of a verb + complement / object?
Example: Doesn t she cook rice?
Present indefinite tense is used to talk about a permanent situation or action or

about things that happen regularly, repeatedly or all the time (not just around
now).
Example: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
She goes to office at 8:00 AM every day.

To talk about Present Habits.
Example: He drinks milk every night before going to bad.
Present indefinite can talk about fact

Fact
General Fact Universal Fact

(Changeable Fact) (Unchangeable Fact)
(Present Fact) (Permanent Fact)
Ali is a boy. Ali is a human.
She is a teacher. Allah is One.
Sun rises from east.
Present indefinite tense is used to talk about future timetabled events.
Example: My brother s plane lands tomorrow at 8:00 PM.
The President goes to Pakistan on Friday.
The present indefinite is used in newspaper headlines to describe past events.
Example: Karzai meets Barack Obama.
To introduce a quotation
Examples: Quran says, Backbiting is sin.
Allah says, Do good and invite others to do good.
The present indefinite tense is normally used with those verbs which can not be
used in progressive forms.
Example: I have a pen. I love my parents. She knows English.
It is used to ask for and give directions.
Example: How do I get to MELI?
Walk for about two blocks then turn right, there is MELI.
It is used instead of future indefinite in clauses of time and condition
Example: I will be in the office until you come back.
If I have time, I will go to his party.

Present Progressive (Continuous) Tense
The present progressive tense is used to talk about an action which is in progress
at the moment of speaking.
Example: You are writing the note.
Note: Are, Am and is: are the helping verbs of the present progressive tense.
Subject + is, am, are + verb + -ing + complement / object.
Example: She is cooking rice
Subject + is, am, are + not + verb + -ing + complement / object.
Example: She is not cooking rice.
Is, Am, Are + Subject + verb + -ing + complement / object?
Example: Is she cooking rice?
Is, Am, Are + Subject + not + verb + -ing + complement /object?
Example: Are you not studying English?
Isn t, aren t + subject + verb + -ing + complement /object?
Aren t you studying English?
Isn t she studying English?
Present progressive tense is used talk a bout a temporary actions that are going
around now (before, during or after the moment of speaking).
Example: We are studying English.
To talk about developing or changing situations even if these are very long
lasting.
Example: Ali is feeling better.
The weather is getting hotter.

Present progressive tense is used to talk about future event which has already
been planned.
Example: President is visiting Nangrahar tomorrow.
Present progressive tense is used with (always, forever, constantly, etc) to show
that something irritating or shocking often happens.
Example: She is always coming late to the class.

She is constantly talking about herself.

The present perfect tense is used to talk about an activity which has been
completed before now.
She has written her home work.
Note: Have and has are the helping verbs of present perfect tense.
Subject + have / has + Past Participle + complement/object.
Example: They have eaten lunch.
Subject + have/has + not + Past Participle + complement/object.
Example: They have not eaten lunch.
Have/has + subject + Past Participle + complement/object
Example: Have you met Sohail?
Present perfect tense is used to say that a finished action or event is connected
with present in some way.
If we say that something has happened, then we are thinking about past and
present at some time.
Example: I can t go on holiday because I have broken my leg.
Present prefect is used to talk about the repetition of an activity which has been
completed before now.
Present perfect suggests that the process is not complete and more
actions are possible. We use expressions such as (two times, three
times, many times, a couple of times, etc.) in this case.
Example: She has studied Base One three times.

Present perfect tense is used in sentences constructed with (this/ that/ it is the
first/second/third time, etc.).
Example: This is the fifth time that you have asked the same question.
Present perfect tense is used with unfinished time adverbs when they are
not finished at the time of speaking.
Unfinished time adverbs are (this morning, this week, this afternoon,
today, this week, etc.).
Example: I have called my friend this morning. (It is still morning)
She has met me this week. (The week still hasn t finished)
Present perfect is not used with adverbs that refer to a completely finished time.
Finished time adverbs are (yesterday, last week, etc).
Example: I have seen her yesterday. (Incorrect)
Present perfect is the most normal tense of giving the news of recent events.
After announcing a piece of news, we normally change to past indefinite
to give details.
Example: Afghan President Hamid Karzai has had talks with his Pakistani
counterpart. They discussed the political and economic situation of the region and
agreed upon having close trade links.
Present perfect is used to talk about an activity which started in the past,
continues in the present and might go to future. We use (for/since) in this case.
Example: We have studied Base One for two weeks. (We still study Base One)

The present perfect progressive tense is used to emphasize the duration of an
activity which started in the past and has been in progress for a pried until now.
Example: We have been sitting in this room for an hour.
Subject + have, has + been + verb + -ing + complement/object.
Example: They have been meeting the director.
Subject + have, has + not + been + verb + -ing + complement/object.

Example: They have not been meeting the director.
Have/has + subject + been +verb + -ing + complement/object?
Example: Have they been meeting the director?
Present perfect progressive is used to emphasize the continuing nature of an

activity. It emphasizes the duration of an activity which started in the past, continues
in the present and might go future. It usually answers (how long) question.
Example: How long have you been studying English? I have been studying English for
one year.
It is used without (for/since) to talk about an activity which has

recently or just stopped. There is a connection with now.
Example: Her eyes are red because she has been crying.
For/Since
For: Is used to show the duration of time.
Example: She has been working here for two months.
Since: Is used to show the starting point (time) of an action.
Example: She has been working here since March.
Durative Verbs Non Durative Verbs

Teach Jump
Work Close
Study wink
Past Indefinite Tense (Simple Past Tense)

The past indefinite tense is used to talk about an activity which
happened in the past.
Example: She wrote her home work last night.
Note : Did is the helping verb of past indefinite tense.
Subject + second form of a verb + complement/object.

She met her family.
Subject + did + not + base form of a verb + complement/object
She did not meet her family.
Did + subject + base form of a verb + complement/object?
Did she meet her family?
The past indefinite tense is used to talk about a finished event which existed for
a pried of time in the past, but now.
Example: She lived in London for 10 years.
The past indefinite doesn t always show a past action; we can use it for polite
inquiries in present. We use verbs like (want, think, hope, etc).
Example: I wanted to get admission in Base One.
It shows a past action with no present result.
Example: - She broke her leg. She took the test.
Past indefinite can talk about past habits.
Example: He smoked a lot. He hunted birds every day.
past indefinite tense is used with both finished and un finished time adverbs. It is
used with unfinished time adverbs when these prides passed.
Example: Anoosh called Ali yesterday.
Anoosh called Ali this morning. (Morning finished)

Past progressive tense is used to talk about an activity which was in progress in
the past
Example:- I was watching T.V at 9:00 last night.
Note: - Was and were are the helping verbs of past progressive tense.
Subject + was / were + verb + ing + complement / object
Example: - They were playing football

The past progressive is used to talk about a temporary or a short term action or
situation that existed in the past
Example: - I was working in that office during my simmer vacation
It is used without time expressions to indicate a gradual development or change.
Example: - The weather was getting colder.
He was feeling better after taking the medicine.
It is used with (always, forever, constantly etc) to express persistent habits in the
past.
Example: - He was always gambling. He was constantly hunting birds
We often use past indefinite and past progressive tenses together in a sentence.
The past progressive shows that one activity was in progress when another
activity happened or interrupted it.
We use conjunctions (when / while) to join the two clauses.
Example: - I was walking with Laila in the park when my brother came.
Past progressive shows parallel actions. It emphasizes the fact that two or more
than two actions were in progress at the same time by using (while / at that time).
Example: - Last night I was watching TV; my elder brother was reading a newspaper
while my nephew was playing with toys.
Past Perfect Tense

(Past Before Past or Earlier Past)
The past perfect tense is used to talk about an activity which had been completed
before a time in the past.
Example: - I had eaten lunch by 2:00 PM.
She had graduated from the university by 2008.
Note: - Had is the helping verb of past perfect tense.
Sub + had + past participle + complement / object.

He had written his home work.
Sub + had + not + past participle + complement / object
He had not written his home work
The past perfect tense is used to talk about an activity which had been
completed before another activity in the past.
Example: - The patient had died before the doctor arrived.
When I came, she had left the office.
The past perfect is used to talk about the duration of an activity which had
been completed before another activity or time in the past
We use (since / for) in this case.
Example: - She had worked in the bank for ten years before she got married.

The past perfect progressive tense is used to talk about the duration of an activity
which had been in progress before another activity or time in the past.
We normally use past indefinite with past perfect progressive as a second clause.
Example: - They had been playing football for two hours when rain started.
Subject + had + been + verb + ing + complement / object.
She had been studying English.
Subject + had + not + been + verb + ing + complement / object.
She had not been studying English.
Had + subject + been + verb + ing + complement / object.
Had you been meeting Ali?
Past perfect progressive is used without (for / since) to talk about an

activity which was recent to another activity or time in the past.
Example: - Her eyes were red because she had been crying.

Future indefinite tense is used to talk about an activity which will happen
in future.
Example: - She will call you.
Note: - Will is the helping verb of future tenses.
Subject + will + base form of a verb + complement / object.
They will come to the party.
Subject + will + not + base form of verb + complement / object
They will not come to the party.
Will + subject + base form of a verb + complement / object.
Will you play football with us?
Future indefinite tense is used to predict a future event.
Example: - It will rain tonight. She will get first position.
It is used to express willingness.
Example: - The white board is dirty.
I will clean it.
To promise with someone or ourselves to do something in future.
Example: - I will send you a letter every month.
To talk about inevitability, when we say that something must happen, but it is
not in our control.
Example: - Every one will die except Allah the Almighty.
Doomsday will come.
(Will with you) to give orders.
Example: - You will do exactly what I say.

(Will with you, in interrogative form) to make invitations.
Example: - Will you come to my party?

The future progressive tense is used to talk about an activity which will be
in progress in future.
Example: - I will be playing football with my friends tomorrow at this time.
Subject + will + be + verb + ing + complement / object.
She will be meeting Ali.
Subject + will + not + be + verb + ing + complement / object.
She will not be meeting Ali.
Will + subject + be + verb + ing + complement / object?
Will you be working in the office?
The future progressive tense is used to talk about a future activity which
has already been arranged or planned.
Example: - Professor Ali will be giving lecture tomorrow at 3:00 PM.
The president will be addressing the nation tonight.
It is used in interrogative form, especially with (you) to request for

information in a more polite way.
Example: - Will you be coming to my party?
Will you call the chef? (Manager to waiter)
Will you be calling the chef? (Waiter to manager)

The future perfect tense is used to talk about an activity which will have
been completed before another activity or time in the future.
Example: - I will have written my home work when you come from the market.

She will have eaten lunch before you reach home.
Subject + will + have + Past Participle + complement / object.
Example: - They will have gone to school
Note: - We use present indefinite with future perfect as a second clause.
Subject + will + not + have + Past Participle + complement / object.
Example: - They will not have gone to school.
Future perfect is used to talk about the duration of an activity which will
have been completed before another activity or time in future.
Example: - I will have taught English at MELI for eight months by next September
She will have lived in London for seven years when she gets married.

The future perfect progressive tense is used to emphasize the duration of
an activity which will be in progress before another activity or time in
future
Example: - She will have been living in Kabul for ten years by next month
I will have been teaching English at MELI for eight months when you come
form Pakistan.
Subject + will + have + been + verb + ing + complement / object.
They will have been working in the bank.
Subject + will + not + have + been + verb + ing + complement / object
They will not have been working in the bank.
Will + subject + have + been + verb + ing + complement / object?

Voice: Is the form of a verb which shows whether the subject of a sentence acts or
receives an action.
Active Voice: The form of a verb which shows that the subject of a sentence acts
o He reads the book.
Passive Voice: The form of a verb which shows that the subject of a sentence
receives an action or something is done to the subject of a sentence is called passive
voice.
o The book is read by him (Here book can t act, but receives the action)
Generally we can divide verbs into two main groups
1. Transitive verb 2. Intransitive verbs

Transitive verbs: Are those verbs which need an object.
Teach, make, send, buy, meet, call, invite, cook, bring, etc.
o I teach you.
o She can speak English.
1. Mono Transitive Verbs 2. Di - Transitive Verbs

Mono transitive verbs: Are those transitive verbs which need one
Object.
o I called him.
o They met me.
Di-Transitive Verbs: Are those transitive verbs which need two

objects - one is direct and the other is indirect object
o I sent Ali a letter.
o She bought a car for me.
Intransitive Verbs
Intransitive verbs are those verbs which don t need an
object.
o He goes to school.
o We arrived in Kabul at 10:00 PM.

There are two kinds of Intransitive Verbs:
Verbs of Incomplete Predication: They are intransitive verbs, but their
meaning isn t complete. They need a complement which is generally a
noun or adjective.
o He is a teacher.
o She looks happy.
Verbs of Complete Predication: They are intransitive verbs and

their meaning is complete with out any complement.
o The baby is crying.
o She slept well last night.
o The patient died
Ergative Verb: Some verbs can be used both transitively and intransitively with
difference in meaning.
Transitive Intransitive
o The children fly their kites. Birds fly.
When we change an active sentence into passive voice, the following

points should be taken into account.
1) We can change only transitive verbs into passive voice; intransitive
verbs can t be change in passive.
2) Subject of active sentence becomes the object of passive and the
object of active sentence becomes the subject of passive sentence.
o I teach you. You are taught by me
o I called Laila. Laila was called by me.
3) The general formula for passive is: be + past participial ( 3rd form
Of verb).
4) We use past participial form of main verb whether the tense is
Simple, perfect or progressive.
5) Preposition (by) is used before the agent of passive
6) It is possible but not common to change perfect progressive and future
progressive tense into passive voice.

Passive Structures of Tenses
Present Tenses
Present I ndefinite Tense
Subject + is, am, are) + p . p + ( by phrase )
Active: She cooks rice. She doesn t cook rice.
Passive: Rice is cooked by her. Rice is not cooked by her.
Present Progressive Tense

Subject + is, am, are + being + p . p + (by phrase)
Active: She is cooking rice. She is not cooking rice.
Passive: Rice is being cooked by her. Rice is not being cooked by her.

Subject + has / have + been + p . p + (by phrase)
Active: She has cooked rice. She has not cooked rice.
Passive: Rice has been cooked by her. Rice has not been cooked by her.

Subject + has / have + been + being + p . p + ( by phrase )
Active: She has been being cooking rice. She has not been being cooking rice.
Passive: Rice has been being cooked by her. Rice has not been being cooked rice.
Past tenses
Past Indefinite Tense
Subject + was / were + p . p + ( by phrase )
Active: They watched TV. They did not watch TV.
Passive: TV was watched by them. TV was not watched by them.

Subject + was / were / + being + p . p + (by phrase)
Active: They were watching TV. They were not watching TV.
Passive: TV was being watched by them. TV was not being watched by them.
Past Perfect Tense

Subject + had + been + p . p + ( by phrase )
Active: They had watched TV. They had not watched TV.
Passive: TV had been watched by them. TV had not been watched by them.
Subject + had + been + being + p .p + ( by phrase )

Active: They had been watching TV. The had not been watching
Passive: TV had been being watched by them. TV had not been being watched by them.
Future tenses
Subject + will +be + p . p + ( by phrase )
Active: I will call him. Will I call him?
Passive: He will be called by me. Will he be called by me?

Subject + will + be + being + p . p + (by phrase)
Active: I will be meeting her. Will I be meeting her?
Passive: She will be being met by me. Will she be being met by me?

Subject + will + have + been + p .p + (by phrase)
Active: I will have met her. Will I have met her?
Passive: She will have been met by me. Will she have been met by me?

Subject + will + have + been + being + p . p + (by phrase)
Active: I will have been meeting her. Will I have been meeting her?
Passive: She will have been being met by me. Will she have been being met by me?
Affirmative imperative in passive

Let + object + be + p . p
Active: Open me door.
Passive: Let the door be opened.
Active: Bring a glass of water.
Passive: Let a glass of water be brought.
Negative imperative in passive

Let +object + not + p . p
Active: Don t chew gum.
Passive: Let gum not be chewed.
Those verbs which show possession can not be changed into passive.
I have a book.
This book belongs to me.
I sent a letter to Ali.

A letter was sent to Ali by me.
Ali was sent a letter by me.
What do you do? What is done by you?

What did you buy? What was bought by you?
Where have you studied English? Where has English been studied by you?
When will she meet Sohail? When will Sohail be met by her?
Why do they buy a car? Why is a car bought by them?
Which teacher did you invite? Which teacher was invited by you?
Who: Who is used to ask about subject and informally about object.
Whom: Whom is used to ask about object.
Who teaches you? By whom are you thought?
Who met her? By whom was she met?
Who did she call? Who was called by her?
Whom did you meet? Who was met by you?

Why do we use passive voice?
We use passive voice when the doer or agent is obvious and we know who the doer
or agent is, we use passive voice.
Ali was born in Kabul. (by his mother)
She was treated in hospital. (by doctors)
When it is not important to know who the agent or doer is.
This tablet should be taken three times a day after meal.
The passive is used when we want to focus attention on the person or thing effected
by the action of verb.
Karzai was invited to the party by her.
When we want to hide the name of person who is responsible for an unpleasant
decision or result.
Karzai s policy was condemned.
When the subject of an active sentence is (people) in general, we use passive voice.
Rice is grown in Afghanistan.
When the speaker doesn t know who performed an action or when the subject is an
indefinite pronoun such as (someone, somebody, anyone, etc.)
Three American soldiers were killed.
A passive sentence is more polite then active.
The fee should be paid.
Passive is common in scientific, technical and academic writing.
Small insects are eaten by frogs.
Many books are written about Afghanistan every year.
Auxiliary
Primary Auxiliary Verbs Semi-Auxiliary
Verbs
Modal Auxiliary Verbs
To be, to do to have
Modal Auxiliary Verbs: The verbs can, could, shall, should, may, might, will,
would and must are called modal auxiliary verbs.
They are used before bare infinitive of other verbs and express cerrtain kinds of meaning
such as permission, possibility, ability, request, prohibition, suggestion, recommend,
action, obligation, necessity, etc.

Semi Auxiliary Verbs: They are same as modals, but they can t change a sentence
into question and negative. They need the help of be and do.
have to, has to, be going to
Marginal Auxiliary Verbs: They are the same as modals, but they can t
function as operators in Modern English. We can t bring them at the
beginning of a sentence to make a question.
Common marginal auxiliary verbs are: used to, need, dare.
Used to: Is a marginal auxiliary verb. It is followed by base form of a verb.

Used to is used to show the past habit of someone.
I used to fly kites when I was ten years old.
Used he to fight with children? = Did he use to fight with children?
He used not to smoke. = He didn t use to smoke.
Would = Used to: Would is also used to talk about the past habit of someone, but we need
time reference when we used would. We can use both used to and would to talk about the
past habit of someone. Used to is more common in spoken English.
He would study hard when he was in primary school.
Subj + is, am, are + used to + verb ing/noun + comp/obj.
Subj + is, am, are + accustomed to + verb ing/noun + comp/obj.
These structures are used to show the present habit of someone or they are used when
someone is familiar with something or it doesn t seem new or strange to someone.
He is used to living in Afghanistan.
He is used to Afghan people.
I am accustomed to working here.
Can: Is a modal auxiliary verb. It is followed by bare infinitive.
Used of can:
1. To show present ability.
He can speak English.
2. To show power.
He can lift up this big stone.
3. To show present or future possibility.
She can come tomorrow.
4. To ask for permission informally.
Can I take your book?
5. To give permission informally.
You can use my book today.
6. To request informally.
Can you close the door?

Subj + can t have + past participle + comp/obj.
This structure is used to say that someone is 99 % sure that something didn t happen
because there is a logical proof.
He can t have taken the test. (Because he has been expelled.)
Subj + can t be + verb + -ing + comp/obj. (Present)
Subj + can t have been + verb + -ing + comp/obj. (Past)
These structures are used when we are 99 % sure that something isn t/wasn t happening
because there is a logical proof.
He can t be teaching now.
He can t have been teaching at that time.
Subj + can t stand/bear + verb + -ing/noun + comp/obj.
Subj + couldn t stand/bear + verb + -ing/noun + comp/obj.
These structures are used to show that someone can t/couldn t tolerate doing something.
Can t/couldn t stand/bear = can t/couldn t tolerate
I can t stand/bear working in this office.
She can t stand/bear studying here.
I can t bear to teach in the morning.
He can t/couldn t stand/bear seeing Laila talking with others.
Subj + can t help + verb + -ing + comp/obj. (Present)
Subj + couldn t help + verb + -ing + comp/obj. (Past)
These structures are used to show the habit of someone. They are used to say that
someone is used to doing something that he/she can t/couldn t control themselves doing
it. Can t/couldn t help = can t/couldn t stop/prevent
He can t help laughing.
She can t help chewing gum.
Subj + can t + (live) + without +comp.
This structure is used to talk about fact.
Living beings can t live without oxygen.
Plants can t grow without water.
Could: Is a modal auxiliary verb. It is followed by bare infinitive.

Used of could:
1. To show past ability.
He could run for hours when he was young.
He could come here tomorrow.
3. To ask for permission informally.
Could I take your book?
4. To request formally.
Could I take your book?

Subj + could have + past participle + comp/obj.
This structure is used to show that someone had the ability to do something, but he/she
didn t do it.
She could have gone to London last year.
He could have helped me.
Subj + couldn t have + past participle + comp/obj.
This structure is used to show that someone didn t try to do something. If he/she had tried,
he/she wouldn t have done it.
He couldn t have helped me.
She couldn t have passed the interview.
May/Might: They are modal auxiliary verbs. They are followed by bare infinitive.
They are used to express less than 50 % possibility in the present or future.
Might is weaker than May.
Uses of May:
1. To pray.
May you pass the test!
May he rest in peace!
He may/might get first position in this class.
3. To ask for permission formally.
May I come in, Sir?
4. To give permission formally.
You may stay here for as long as you want.
5. To offer something.
May I carry the bag for you?
Subj + may/might have + past participle + comp/obj.
This structure is used to express less than 50 % possibility in the past.
He might have visited Taj Mahal when he went to India.
Subj + might have + past participle + comp/obj.
This structure is used to talk about an action which could have happened, but it didn t
happen.
He might have failed.
Subj + may/might + be + verb + -ing + comp/obj.
This structure is used to talk about possible continuation of an action in the present.
He may/might be praying now.
Subj + may/might + have been + verb + -ing + comp/obj.
This structure is used to talk about possible continuation of an action in the past.
He may/might have been praying at that time.

Would: Is a modal auxiliary verb. It is followed by bare infinitive and expresses past habit
of someone.
He would smoke a lot when he was young.
Would + you + mind + verb + ing +comp/obj +? (More Polite)
Would you mind answering my question?
Do + you + mind + verb + ing +comp/obj +? (Less Polite)
Do you mind answering my question?
Would + you + mind + if + subj + second form of a verb +comp/obj +? (More Polite)
Would you mind if I asked you some questions?
Do + you + mind + if + subj + base form of a verb +comp/obj +? (Less Polite)
Do you mind if I ask you some questions?
Would + you + base form of a verb + comp/obj +? (Common/Polite)
Would you answer my question?
Note: Positive answers: No, I wouldn t, Never, Not at all
Negative answers: Yes, Yes, I would,
Would like/love: Would like/love is the same as want, but would like/love is more polite
and formal than want.
I would like/love to buy a car. = I want to buy a car.
Subj + would like + to have + past participle + comp/obj.
This structure is used to show that someone wanted to do something, but they couldn t do it
because of some reasons.
He would like/love to have visited Taj Mahal, but he didn t have time.
Subj + would rather + base form of a verb + (obj/comp) + than + base form of a verb +
(obj/comp).
I would rather study than teach.
Subj + would sooner + base form of a verb + (obj/comp) + than + base form of a verb +
(obj/comp).
I would sooner study than teach.
Subj + would prefer + to + base form of a verb + (obj/comp) + than + base form of a verb +
(obj/comp).
I would prefer to study than teach.
Subj + prefer + verb + -ing + (obj/comp) + to + verb + -ing + (obj/comp).
I prefer studying to teaching.
Subj + prefer + noun + to + noun.
I prefer Arabic to English.
All these above structures are used to express preference.

Subj + would rather + have + past participle + (obj/comp).
I would rather have studied Arabic.
Subj + would prefer + to + have + past participle + (obj/comp).
I would prefer to have studied Arabic.
Subj + would sooner + have + past participle + (obj/comp).
I would sooner have studied Arabic.
These structures are used to show that something happened against our wish or we didn t
something and now we regret over it.
Subj + would rather not + base form of a verb + comp/obj.

This structure is used to say that someone doesn t want to do something because it is not in
their favor.
I would rather not get admission in Base Two.
Would that/O that: They are used to express one s desire.

Would that/O that I had a car! = I wish I had a car!
Should: Is a modal auxiliary verb. It is followed by bare infinitive and expresses mild
obligation and advisability.
The students should come to class on time.
You should stay in bed for a few days more.
Ought to: Is a marginal auxiliary verb. It is followed by base form of a verb and expresses
mild obligation.
The students ought to come to class on time.
Subj + should/ought to have + past participle + obj/comp.

This structure is used to show that something should have happened, but it didn t happen.
I should have studied hard.
She ought to have gone there.
Subj + should/ought to have + had/got + noun.

This structure is used to show that someone should have had something, but they didn t have
it.
He should/ought to have had/got enough money.

There/subj + should/must/ought to + be + comp.
There/subj + should/must/ought to + have been + comp.
These structures are used to express the presence or absence of something and they are also
used to express the presence or absence of a quality of a person or thing.
There should be a place for praying at MELI.
There shouldn t be canteen at MELI.
The cook should be educated.
There ought to have been a police station in Koti Sangi last year.
Must: Is a modal auxiliary verb. It is followed by bare infinitive and shows strong
obligation.
Muslims must pray five times a day.
Subj + must have + past participle + comp/obj.
This structure is used to say that we are almost certain that something has happened.
They must have gone to Pakistan.
Subj + must be + verb + -ing + comp/obj. (Present)

Subj + must have been + verb + -ing + comp/obj. (Past)
These structures are used to show logical conclusion. They are used to show strong
possibility and are used when we 95 % sure that something is/was being done.
Had Better: Is a modal idiom. It is followed by bare infinitive. We use had better when we
give strong advice to people. We advise people with a threat.
The students had better study hard.
Need (N): As a noun it means requirement.

The major need of Afghan people is security.
Need (V): As a verb it means to require. When it is used as a verb, we can use to + base
form of a verb or a noun.
She needs to buy a car.
She needs a pen.
Need: Is a marginal auxiliary verb. It is followed by bare infinitive. It is used to express the
presence or absence of a necessary action.
She need study.
I need not teach them.
Need you work hard?

Need + verb + -ing has passive meaning.
The room needs cleaning. = The room needs to be cleaned.
Subj + need not have + past participle + comp/obj.
This structure is used to say that someone performed an unnecessary action in the past.
You need not have bought the car.
Dare (N): As a noun it means courage.

He doesn t have dare to talk with me.
Dare (V): As a verb it has two meanings.
1. to be brave enough.
How did you dare (to) use my phone?
2. to encourage someone to do something
America dares people to work against Islam.
Dare: Is a marginal auxiliary verb. It is followed by bare infinitive. It means to have enough
courage to do something.
Foreigners dare not fight with Afghans.
Will/Shall: They are modal auxiliary verbs. They are followed by bare infinitive. They are
the helping verbs of future tenses.
Shall: Shall is not used very much at all, especially in American English. Shall is now only
used with I and We and often sounds formal and old-fashioned. People mostly use will in
place of shall both in British and American English.
Uses of Shall:
1. It is used with I and we.
I/we shall meet them tomorrow.
2. It is used especially in passive voice when we threaten someone to do something.
Late comers shall be punished.
3. Shall I .? Is used to offer.
Shall I carry the bag for you?
4. Shall we .? Is used to make suggestions.
Shall we go to a restaurant tonight?
The End

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Base One Grammar

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Base One Grammar

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Prepared by: Zareefullah Fazli

Example: She works in a bank.

Sohail is writing a letter.

Auxiliary Verb (Helping Verb)

Ali is playing cricket.

Prepared by: Zareefullah Fazli

Ali teaches English. (action)

She made a cake

o We have two kinds of objects

I bought a book for Laila.

Prepared by: Zareefullah Fazli

Deference between Object and Complement

E.O.P: Extension Of Predicate

Time Expression Place Expression

Prepared by: Zareefullah Fazli

We have twelve tenses in English Language

Present Indefinite Tense

Example: We study English.

Prepared by: Zareefullah Fazli

Example: They watch T.V.

He, She, It + base form of a verb +s/es/ies + complement /object.

Example: - He reads a newspaper.

I, you, We, they + do + not + base form of a verb + complement / object.

Example: - They do not watch television.

He, She, It + dose + not + base form of a verb + complement /object.

Example: - He does not read the newspaper.

Do + I, You, We, They + base form of a verb + complement /object?

Example: Do you study English?

Does + She, He, It + base form of a verb + complement / object?

Example: Does he read the newspaper?

Do + I, You, We, They + not + base form of a verb + complement/object?

Example: Do you not study English? (Formal)

Don t + I, You, We, They + base form of a verb + complement/object?

Example: Don t you pray? (Informal)

Does + She, He, It + not + base form of a verb + complement /object?

Example: Does she not cook rice?

Doesn t + She, He, It + base form of a verb + complement / object?

Example: Doesn t she cook rice?

Present indefinite tense is used to talk about a permanent situation or action or

Prepared by: Zareefullah Fazli

Example: He drinks milk every night before going to bad.

Present indefinite can talk about fact

General Fact Universal Fact

Present indefinite tense is used to talk about future timetabled events.

Example: My brother s plane lands tomorrow at 8:00 PM.

The President goes to Pakistan on Friday.

The present indefinite is used in newspaper headlines to describe past events.

Example: Karzai meets Barack Obama.

Examples: Quran says, Backbiting is sin.

Allah says, Do good and invite others to do good.

Example: I have a pen. I love my parents. She knows English.

It is used to ask for and give directions.

Example: How do I get to MELI?

It is used instead of future indefinite in clauses of time and condition

Example: I will be in the office until you come back.

If I have time, I will go to his party.

Prepared by: Zareefullah Fazli

Example: You are writing the note.

Subject + is, am, are + verb + -ing + complement / object.

Example: She is cooking rice

Subject + is, am, are + not + verb + -ing + complement / object.

Example: She is not cooking rice.

Is, Am, Are + Subject + verb + -ing + complement / object?