Ammar

Department of English
Faculté des Lettres et des Sciences Humaines de Ben M‟sik

Université Hassan II de Casablanca
Grammar I
Semester One
Notes and Exercises Compiled by:
Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal
September 2021
Contents
Page
Introduction 3
1. English Verb Tenses 5
The present simple and the present progressive 6
Exercises 9
The past simple and the past progressive 11
Exercises 13
The present perfect simple and progressive 15
Exercises 17
The past perfect simple and progressive 19
Exercises 20
The expression of the future time 22
Exercises 25
Mixed tenses exercises 28
2. Conditionals 32
Conditionals in context 32
Form and types 33
I wish, if only, it‘s time 35
Exercises 36
3. Nouns 39
Singular and Plural Nouns 39
Countable and Uncountable Nouns 41
Exercises 43
4. Articles 45
Uses of the definite article 45
Uses of the indefinite article 46
Exercises 48
5. Quantifiers 50
Definite quantifiers 50
Indefinite quantifiers 50
Negative quantifiers 51
Comparative quantifiers 52
Exercises 53
Sample Grammar tests 55
Grammar 1/S 1/Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal Page 2

Introduction
Background
This course-pack is an introductory coursebook dealing with some aspects of the grammar of
English and is meant for Semester One undergraduate students in the department of English
Studies in Morocco. The coursebook is designed in a way these students to communicate
effectively and appropriately in real life situations and ultimately use English effectively for
study purposes across the curriculum. It consists of 5 chapters, each of which revolves around
one main grammatical structure. In each chapter, a specific targeted grammatical structure is
presented in the various contexts it is used, followed by a series of exercises appropriately
chosen to help students consolidate their grasp of these newly presented structures.
This coursebook is meant to be used for in-class activities and homework practice and review.
It should in no way be used as the students‘ main and only reference to ―Grammar I.‖
Students should consult additional resources and do practical exercises drawn from other
relevant references, some of which are given below.
Objectives
The objective of the ―Grammar I‖ course is to supply Semester One students with the essential
information about some grammatical forms and structures in English. In particular, the course
introduces the students to the basics of standard English grammar to enable them to establish
the connection between grammatical form and cultural meaning.
Learning goals
When students have completed the tasks in this coursebook, they will be able to recognize and
understand the meaning of targeted grammatical structures in both written and spoken forms
and use them appropriately.
Teaching Method
Part of the course consists of theoretical presentations of designated grammatical structures
and concepts, but a substantial part of the course is devoted to various grammar exercises,
culminating in the student's ability to manipulate the rules and mechanics of the English
language to compose correct sentences and ultimately other higher order discourses. Students
are exposed to two modes of teaching: face-to-face and distance. The online Moodle platform
is used to facilitate distance learning.
Useful References
To compile this coursepack, I have consulted and/or used materials from the references cited
below:
Bland, S. K. (2003). Grammar sense. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Boudlal, A. & Yeou, M. (2017). Grammar I/Semester one (Compiled notes and exercises. Ms.
Faculté des Lettres et des Sciences Humaines, El Jadida.
Cowan (2008). The teacher’s grammar of English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Erguig, R. (2006). Issues in Morphosyntax: A coursebook designed for Semester 1 students.
Ms. Faculté des Lettres et des Sciences Humaines, El Jadida.
Foley, M. & Hall, D. (2012). My Grammar Lab: B1/b2. Harlow: Pearson Education.
Hewings, M. (2006). Advanced Grammar in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Hewings, M. (1999). Advanced grammar in use: A self-study reference and practice book for
advanced learners of English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Murphy, R. & Smalzer, W. R. Grammar in Use: intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge

University Press.
Thomson, A. J. & Martinet, A. V. (1987). A Practical English Grammar. London: Oxford

University Press.
Thomson, A. J. & Martinet, A. V. (1987). A practical English Grammar: Exercises 1-2.

London: Oxford University Press.
Schoenberg, I. (2005). Focus on Grammar 3 & 4: An Integrated Skills Approach (Course

book & Workbook). Pearson.
Vince, M. (2014). Macmillan English Grammar in Context: Advanced. Macmillan Publishers.

§1. English Verb Tenses

1.1 The Present Simple and the Present Progressive
1.1.1 THE SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE
a. To express habitual actions

-Dogs bark.
-I walk to work.
b. To express external truths (found in scientific, mathematical and other statements made for
all time)
-Two and three make five.
-Hydrogen is the lightest element.
-Water boils at 100 °C.
-The earth moves round the sun.
c. With some adverbs or adverb phrases such as often, always, sometimes, once or twice a
year ….)
He often works at night.
-I always go to mosque on Friday.
d. In newspaper headlines
PEACE TALKS BETWEEN THE ARABS AND THE ISRAELIS FAIL
e. In dramatic narratives and commentaries

-Benzima passes the ball to Ronaldo who heads it straight into the goal.
-The crowd swarms around the gateway, and seethes with delighted anticipation;
excitement grows, as suddenly their hero makes his entrance.
f. For a planned future action or series of actions

-We leave London at 10:00 next Tuesday and arrive in Paris at 13:00. We spend two
hours in Paris and leave again at 14:00. We arrive in Rome at 09:00, spend four hours
in Rome ...
g. In performative declarations
-I name this ship ―Marrakech‖
-I declare you husband and wife.
h. In time clauses
-As soon as he earns any money, he spends it.
-I‘ll let you know as soon as I hear from her.
i. In conditional sentences
-If I see Mary, I‘ll ask her for help.
He‘ll do it if you pay him.
j. To refer to the past and future

-In 1940, Hitler gives his troops the order to invade Europe.

-The train leaves at 8 a.m. tomorrow.
State verbs vs. Action verbs
State verbs describe stales rather than actions, e.g. ways of thinking or feeling. These verbs
are not usually used in the progressive form:
-I prefer classical music to popular music.

- I am prefering classical music to popular music.
-Do you understand the maths homework now?

- Are you understanding the maths homework now?
State verbs include ―verbs of feeling and wanting‖ such as like, love, dislike, hate, prefer,
want, wish, need; verbs of ―thinking/believing‖ such as believe, doubt, forget, know, mean,
realize, recognize, remember, think, understand; verbs of ―being/appearing‖ such as appear,
be, seem; verbs of verbs of ―possessing/
Relating‖ such as belong, contain, have (got), own; ―sense verbs‖ such as hear, see, smell,
taste.
Action verbs, on the other hand, describe an action and can usually be used in both simple and
progressive forms:
-Janice flies around the world. She’s flying to Sydney today.

-We usually drive to work, but at the moment we aren't driving because the car has
broken down.
1.1.2 THE PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE
a. For an action happening now

-It‘s raining.
-What‘s he doing now?
b. For an action about this time (not necessarily at the moment of speaking)
-I am writing some short stories.
c. For habitual or iterative actions

-I am taking Spanish classes.
-The trains are arriving late particularly everyday this winter.
d. Repetitive events of limited duration.

-Whenever I visit, he is always mowing the lawn.
e. Definite arrangement in the near future

-I am meeting John tonight. He is taking me to the Cinema.
f. For an action which appears to be persistent or continuous

-John is always coming late.
-Day by day we are getting nearer to death.

g. With a point in time to indicate an action which begins before this point and probably
continues after it.
-At six I am bathing the baby.
h. To indicate a gradual movement or an incomplete action

-The man is drowning (compare with: the man drowned)
-The house is falling down.

Exercise 1. Choose the correct words in italics. In one sentence, both answers are
possible.
1. Fatima's a really good friend. She never forgets/is forgetting my birthday.

2. Selina doesn’t work / isn’t working in her office at the moment because the builders are
there.
3. Mmm. These roses smell / are smelling lovely. Are they from your garden?
4. I can't believe how difficult my new course is. I find / I am finding it really hard to keep up
with all the reading at the moment.
5. These are difficult times because food and fuel prices go up / are going up quickly.
6. Do you believe / Are you believing anything that child says?
7. Harry isn't at work because he feels / he's feeling unwell.
8. In the film 'Australia' two young people meet / are meeting and become friends during
World War II.
9. Some of the students don’t understand /aren’t understanding basic mathematical ideas.
Exercise 2. Jeanette usually teaches English in London in the summer. This year she is
giving English lessons to two children in Greece. Complete each sentence with a suitable
form of the verbs in brackets.
1. Jeanette usually (work) ________ all day in the summer but today she (stop) ________
at 12.30.
2. She usually (live) ________ with friends, but now she (have) ________ a house just
for herself.
3. She usually (wear) ________ trousers to work, but today she (wear) ________
a summer dress.
4. She usually (watch) ________ TV at the weekend, but this summer she (visit) ________
the sights in Athens.
5. Most summers she (not earn) ________ very much, but this summer she (get) ________
more money.
5 Most summers she (feel) ________ tired and overworked, but this summer she (feel)
________ really happy.
Exercise 3. Use the Present Simple or the Present Progressive.
Hi Jane,
I _____________ (think) it‘s my turn to write, so here‘s my message! I_____________ (hope)
you _____________ (have) a nice day today. What _____________ you _____________
(do)? I _____________ (busy) at the moment because I _____________ (write) a report for
work – it always _____________ (take) me ages! I usually _____________ (make) notes first,
but not today. I _____________ (try) to finish it quickly because we‘ve got a meeting
tomorrow morning.
At the moment, my flatmate _____________ (make) dinner in the kitchen. I _____________

(imagine) she _____________(cook) chicken – we always _____________ (have) chicken on

Wednesdays. I _____________(think) she_____________ (call) me because the food is ready
–I‘ll write again tomorrow.
Love,
Kate.
Exercise 4. Use the Present Simple or the Present Progressive.
1. These apples________________ (cost) 40 p a bag. You____________________ (think)

that is expensive? —It ________________ (depend) on the size of the bag.
2. This is a story about an invalid who _______________ (spend) most of the day in bed. He
_______________ (have) a powerful telescope and he _______________ (amuse) himself by
watching the activities of the people in the opposite houses.
3. Mrs. Jones: My daughter never _______________ (write) to me so I never

________________ (know) what she ________________ (do). Your son _______________
(write) to you, Mrs. Smith?
Mrs. Smith: Yes, I ________________ (hear) from him every week. He ________________
(seem) to like writing letters.
4. I________________ (see) my solicitor tomorrow; I ________________ (change) my will,-

You________________ always change) your will. Why _____________________(you, not
leave) it alone? You ________________ (look) very thoughtful. What ________________
(you, think) about? —I ________________________ (think) about my retirement. —But
you‘re only 25. You only ________________ (just, start) your career.— I________________
(know); but I ________________ (read) an article which________________ (say) that a
sensible man ________________ (start) thinking about retirement at 25.
5. Tom: I ________________ (smell) something burning!

Jack: So ________________ (do) I. I ________________ (think) it ________________
(come) from the kitchen. Ann probably ________________________ (iron). She
usually________________ (iron) and ________________________ (watch) TV at the same
time and if she (get) very interested in a program she ________________ (forget) that she
(press) a hot iron on to somebody‘s shirt. Mother ________________ (think) of selling the
TV set.

1.2 The Past Simple and the Past Progressive
1.2.1 THE SIMPLE PAST TENSE
a. To exclude present time

-She lived in Casablanca for six years (as opposed to She has lived in Casablanca for
six years)
b. With a definite time in mind

-Shakespeare died in 1616.
c. For a past action (time given)

-We arrived at our new house yesterday.
d. When the time is asked about

-When did you meet him?
e. For an action which took place at a definite time even if the time is not mentioned.
-I bought this laptop in Boston.
-How did you get this job?
f. When time becomes definite as a result of a question and answer in the present perfect.
-Where have you been?
-I have been to the opera.
-Did you enjoy it?
g. For a past habit

-When we were in England we used to go to museums.
-We spent our holidays in Spain when we were children.
h. Past events happening simultaneously and in a sequence

-He enjoyed and admired the sonnets of Shakespeare.
-He addressed and sealed the envelope.
i. To express hypothetical meaning

-It‘s time we had a holiday.
-If you loved me, you wouldn‘t do such a thing.
j. For politeness
-I wondered if you‘d look after my dog while I go shopping.
1.2.2 THE PAST PROGRESSIVE TENSE
a. Past actions which continued for sometime but whose limits are unknown
-He wasn‘t writing the essay; he was doing a math exercise.
b. To indicate a gradual development

-The man was drowning.

c. For an action which began before the time of speaking and probably continued after
-At eight, he was having breakfast.
d. In descriptions
-A girl was playing the piano and (was) singing to herself.
e. As the equivalent of the present progressive in reported speech

-He said he was living in Casablanca.
f. With ―always‖ (for frequently repeated actions)

-He was always ringing me up.
g. As the future in the past

-He was busy packing, for he was leaving that night.

Exercise 1. Write true answers to the questions below.
e.g. What were you doing, or what was happening when …

… you received your last text message? I was watching TV.
l. you received your last text message? _____________________________

2 you lost something important? _____________________________
3 you saw something unusual? _____________________________
4 you heard some shocking news? _____________________________
5 you lost your temper? _____________________________
Exercise 2. Use the Past or the Past Continuous.
1. My tooth________________ (break) when I __________________ (eat) a hazel-nut.

2. As he ________________ (die), he asked for a priest.
3. I ________________________ (talk) about him when he suddenly came in.
4. I ________________________ (have) a bath when the bell rang.
5. He (start) ________________ when he heard the sudden noise.
6. She ________________ (burst) into tears on hearing the tragic news.
7. He smiled at me in a friendly way when he ________________________ (see) me.
8. At six o‘clock yesterday I ________________________ (wait) for you at the station.
9. When I ________________ (pick) up the teapot, the handle________________ (come) off.
10. I ________________________ (die) but a clever man saved my life.
Exercise 3. Read this interview by a dorm advisor who is investigating a theft in a college
dorm. Choose the simple past or past continuous forms that best complete the
conversation.
Advisor: What (did you notice/ were you noticing) last night?
Student: It was after dinner and I was in the student lounge. Four male students (played /
were playing) cards at a table. Three others (studied / were studying) together on the couches.
A female student (read / was reading) a newspaper in the corner. I (did / was doing) a
crossword puzzle. At eight o‘dock, (I heard / was hearing) two of my friends in the hall.
They (told / were telling) jokes, so I (went / was going) into the hall to talk to them. On the
way back to my seat, I (stopped / was stopping) to talk to the card players. The female student
suddenly (jumped / was jumping) up, (dropped / was dropping) her newspaper, and (ran / was
running) out of the lounge. I (sat / was sitting) down and (saw / was seeing) that my backpack
was missing.
Exercise 4. Read the article and choose the correct words in italics.
Steve Fossett was always looking for adventure, even as a boy in the 1950s. After some years
in business, he began/was beginning his well-known adventures, from swimming the English
Channels to sailing around the world. But Fossett is best known for his adventures in the air –
in hot-air balloons, gliders and light aircraft.
In 2005 he (1) broke/was breaking the record for non-stop flying when he flew round the
world in 67 hours without stopping for fuel. A year later, as he (2) attempted/was attempting

to break the record for the longest flight, he had to stop because part of his engine had failed -
but he broke the record, anyway.
Fossett's adventures often put hm in danger - in 1998, while he (3) travelled/was traveling
around the world in a balloon, he almost died (4) while/when the balloon fell from the sky. In
the end, it was a routine flight that (5) took/was taking his life - he was flying a small plane
across the Nevada Desert in September 2007 when he (6) disappeared/was disappearing. No
one could find him, then, some months later, a hiker (7) walked/was walking through the
mountains in southern California when he (8) noticed/ was noticing some personal items
which (9) belonged/were belonging to the adventurer, and soon afterwards a search party (10)
found/was finding the wreckage of the plane. Some time later, Fossett's body was found - his
adventures were over.
Exercise 5. Decide if the verbs should be in the Past Simple or Past Continuous.
Story 1
It was a hot day, so I (decide) ___________ to prepare salad for lunch. Outside, the children
(play) ___________ in the garden. Suddenly I (hear) ___________ a loud noise, followed by
a scream. I (run) ___________ outside to see what (happen) ___________.
Story 2
On my first day at work, I was a bit nervous. I (get up) ___________ early, (have)
___________ a shower, and (drink) ___________ some coffee. I was too nervous to eat.
I (think) ___________ I (look) ___________ very smart. I (wear) ___________ a suit and my
best shoes. I (walk) ___________ to the bus stop and (wait) ___________ for the bus. While I
(wait) ___________, I (notice) ___________ that people (look) ___________ at me in a
strange way. I (try) ___________ to ignore them, and when my bus (arrive) ___________ I
(get) ___________ on and (find) ___________ a seat. 30 minutes later, I (arrive)
___________ at my office. Just as I (get) ___________ off the bus, I (look down)
___________ and (realize) ___________ that I (wear) ___________ shoes of different colors.

1.3 The Present Perfect Simple and Progressive
1.3.1 THE PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE
The present perfect simple tense is used in the following situations:
a. A state up to the moment of speaking

-We have lived in Casablanca since 2002. (Casablanca is where we are living now)
b. For past actions whose time is indefinite

-He is a man who has experienced suffering.
c. For past actions which have results in the present

-He has washed the car. (It looks clean).
d. Past actions that could be repeated in the present

-John Smith has written a number of short stories.
e. A habit up to the present

-I have always walked to work.
f. A situation up to the present with for/since, how long ..

-David has worked in Mexico for many years.
- I haven't seen Janice for a long time.
g. For habitual actions (with some adverbs)

-I have never been late for work.
h. With ―just‖ for a recently completed action

-He has just gone out.
i. In newspapers, broadcasts, letters …

-Thirty thousands pounds‘ worth of jewelry has been stolen …..
1.3.2 THE PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
The present perfect progressive tense is used in the following situations:
a. For an action which began in the past and is still continuing, or has just only finished.
-I am sorry I am late. Have you been waiting long?
b. Only with verbs which allow the progressive form

-He has been living in this neighborhood for more than 20 years.
c. For a repeated action in the simple present perfect

-I have been writing letters since breakfast

d. To indicate possible incompleteness
-They have been widening the road (as opposed to: they have widened the road).
e. For a present result

-It‘s been raining again (the ground is wet)
-―Have you lost weight?‖ ―Yes, I've been going to the gym a lot.‖

Exercise 1. Complete these sentences using the verb given. If possible, use the present
perfect progressive; if not, use the present perfect simple.
1 Since they were very young, the children (enjoy) ____________ travelling by plane.
2 It (snow) ____________ heavily since this morning.
3 I'm pleased to say that the team (play) ____________ well all season.
4 I never (understand) ____________ why we have to pay so much tax.
5 I (not read) ____________ any of Dickens' novels.
6 In recent years, Brazilian companies (put) ____________ a lot of money into developing
advanced technology.
Exercise 2. Complete the sentences with the verbs in the list below, using the same one
for each sentence in the pair. Use the present perfect in one sentence and the present
perfect progressive in the other:
claim; disappear; give; move; stop
1. A- An important file ____________ from my office.

B- Plants and vegetables ____________ from my garden since we had new neighbors.
2. A-Dr. Fletcher ____________ the same lecture to students for the last ten years.
B- Mr. Goldman ____________ nearly a million pounds to the charity this year.
3. A- With their win yesterday, Italy ____________ into second place in the table.
B-As house prices in the cities have risen, people ____________ into the countryside.
4. A- For years he ____________ that he is related to the royal family.

B-The earthquake ____________ over 5000 lives.
5. A- All day, the police ____________ motorists to question them about the accident.
B- Good, the noise ____________. I can start concentrating on my work again.
Exercise 3. Use the present perfect simple or the present perfect progressive in the
following sentences.
1. _______________ (they / arrive) already?
2. Lucy _______________ (run) 2000 meters today.
3. I _______________ (clean) all morning – I‘m fed up!
4. How long _______________ (you / know) Simon?
5. I _______________ (drink) more water lately, and I feel better.
6. Sorry about the mess! I _______________ (bake).
7. How many times _______________ (you / take) this exam?
8. He _______________ (eat) six bars of chocolate today!
9. Julie _______________ (cook) dinner. Let‘s go and eat!
10. The students _______________ (finish) their exams. They‘re very happy.
11. The baby‘s face is really dirty! What _______________ (he / eat)?
12. Iona is exhausted these days. She _______________ (work) too hard recently.
13. Luke _______________ (never / be) abroad.
14. I _______________ (wait) for three hours already !
15. _______________ (you / finish) your homework yet?
16. How long _______________ (you / be) a lawyer?

17. I _______________ (read) your book all day. It‘s very interesting, but I‘m only on the
second chapter.
18. She _______________ (drink) ten glasses of water!
19. I _______________ (have) my dog for sixteen years.
20. Help, I _______________ (lose) my wallet! How can I get home?
Exercise 4. Choose the present perfect or the past simple.

1. I _____________ (see) three police cars this morning (it‘s still morning).
2. After he _____________ (arrive) home, he _____________ (unpack) and _____________
(go) to bed early.
3. A: What‘s wrong?
B: I _____________ (break) a glass!
4. My grandparents only _____________ (know) each other for a few months before they
_____________ (get) married.
5. I _____________ (be) in London for three years. I love it here.
6. We _____________ (see) Julie last night.
7. He _____________ (be) a teacher before he _____________ (become) a musician.
8. When the boss _____________ (walk) into the room, we _____________ (know) someone
was going to get fired.
9. The children _____________ (break) a window in the school last week.
10. He _____________ (see) that film last year.
11. Lucy _____________ (break) her leg, so she can‘t come skiing.
12. Julie _____________ (arrive)! Come and say hello!
13. They _____________ (be) cold when they _____________ (arrive) home.
14. Jack _____________ (break) his arm when he _____________ (fall) off a horse in 2005.
15. I _____________ (know) about the problem for months, but I _____________ (not / find)
a solution yet.
16. A: When _____________ (you / arrive)?
B: At 10pm last night.
17. She _____________ (be) a teacher for ten years, and she still enjoys it.
18. How long _____________ (you / know) Jill? I know you see her often.
19. I _____________ (see) the sea before.
20. A: Hello
B: Hi Mum, it‘s me. I just wanted to say I _____________ (arrive) safely and everything
is fine.

1.4 The Past Perfect Simple and Progressive
1.4.1 THE PAST PERFECT SIMPLE
The past perfect simple is used in the following cases:
a. In indirect speech (e.g. the equivalent of the present perfect)

-He said he had been in England for 10 years.
b. State or habit up to then

-The house had been empty up to then.
-Mr. Smith had preached in that church for over 30 years.
c. Resultative past in the past

-The goal keeper had injured his leg and couldn‘t play.
d. Indefinite past in the past

-Had they been to France before?
e. The past equivalent of simple past (in narration)

Tom was 30 when our story begins. His father had died 5 years before.
f. With superlative adjectives (and ever):

-It was the worst meal I had ever eaten! I never went there again..
1.4.2 THE PAST PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
The past perfect progressive is used in the following cases:
a. When the action began before the time of speaking in the past and continued up to that time
or stopped just before.
-It was six and he was tired because he had been working since dawn.
b. When we want to talk about an action or situation that was happening in the past before
another action or time:
-I had been learning French for five years when I went to live in Paris.
-―How long had had you been living in the house when you sold it?‖ ―Oh, about a
year.‖
c. For a repeated action in the past perfect

-He had been trying to get her on the phone.
-He had been reading articles since breakfast.
d. To emphasize time or give reasons

-Pizarro had been exploring for twenty years when he went to Peru.

Exercise 1. In this story, decide which tense the verbs in brackets should be – past
simple, past progressive or past perfect.
When I (was living) in London, a strange thing ___________ (happen) to me. At that time, I
___________ (have) a job as a receptionist in a hotel. I ___________ (apply) for the job
before I ___________ (arrive) in London, which ___________ (make) things a bit easier. The
hotel ___________ (be) in the center, and ___________ (be) always busy. One day, as I
___________ (work) I ___________ (hear) someone call my name. The voice was familiar –
I ___________ (think) I ___________ (hear) it before. I ___________ (look) up and
___________ (see) to my surprise that the person standing in front of me ___________ (be)
…..
Exercise 2. Choose the correct answer.
1. Alice felt very pleased with herself. She had found/found what she was looking for.
2. ―Where are we?‖ had asked/asked Martha.
3. By the time I got back to the bathroom, the bath had overflowed/overflowed.
4. She walked into the station only to find that the train had left/left.
5. I was just about to leave when I had remembered/remembered my briefcase.
6. My sister told me that Joe had died/died.
7. He had looked/looked at his watch again and began to walk even faster.
8. In a surprise move, the Prime Minister had resigned/ resigned last night.
Exercise 3. Use these pairs of verbs to complete the sentences. Choose the past perfect
where possible; otherwise, use the past simple.
turn/caught - come/start - eat/pick - check/go - type/give - collapse/phone
1. After Michael __________ the letter, he __________ it to Kay to sign.

2. When she __________ into the hall, everyone __________ cheering.
3. When Jenny __________ that the children were asleep, she __________ out to the concert.
4. As soon as I __________ the ignition key, the engine __________ fire.
5. When Norma __________, I __________ for an ambulance.
6. After they __________ all the food, they __________ up their bags and left.
Exercise 4. Choose the past perfect continuous form of the verb if appropriate. If not,
use the past perfect.
1. Andrew died last week. He (suffer) __________ from cancer for some time.
2. I __________ (see) the view many times before, but it never failed to impress me.
3. The opposing sides __________ (fight) in the war since the president was overthrown.
4. I __________ (know) Megan since we were at school together.
5. For years we __________ (talk) about buying new carpets, and last weekend we finally
went out and ordered some.
6. My car was once again in the garage for repairs. This was the third time it __________
(break down) since I got it.
7. Before now we __________ (always agree) on where to go on holiday.
Exercise 5. Choose the past perfect, or the past simple:

1. We had already eaten when John _____________ (come) home.
2. Last year Juan _____________ (pass) all his exams.
3. When I _____________ (get) to the airport I discovered I had forgotten my passport.
4. I went to the library, then I _____________ (buy) some milk and went home.
5. I opened my handbag to find that I _____________ (forgot) my credit card.
6. When we _____________ (arrive) at the station, the train had already left.
7. We got home to find that someone _____________ (break) into the house.
8. I opened the fridge to find someone _____________ (eat) all my chocolate.
9. I had known my husband for three years when we _____________ (get) married.
10. Julie was very pleased to see that John _____________ (clean) the kitchen.
11. It _____________ (not / rain) all summer, so the grass was completely dead.
12. When he _____________ (arrive) at the party, Julie had just left.
13. After arriving home, I realised I _____________ (not / buy) any milk.
14. The laundry was wet – it _____________ (rain) while I was out.
15. William felt ill last night because he _____________ (eat) too many cakes.
16. Keiko _____________ (meet) William last September.
17. First I tidied the flat, then I _____________ (sit) down and had a cup of coffee.
18. John _____________ (play) the piano when he was a child, but he doesn‘t play now.
19. When I opened the curtains the sun was shining but the ground was white. It
_____________ (snow) during the night.
20. When Julie got home from her holiday, her flat was a mess. John _____________ (have) a
party.

1.5 The Expression of Future Time
1.5.1 Be going to + infinitive
―Be going to + infinitive‖ is used in the following:
a. To talk about future plans

-We're going to meet lee's mother next week, but we haven't arranged a time yet.
-I'm going to be a doctor one day.
b. For predictions based on something we can see now, or that everybody knows:
-We're going to get soaked (because it is raining now)
-I'm going to be late for work (because my car has broken down)
1.5.2 Will/shall + infinitive (Future simple)
Shall (or shan't) instead of will (or won't) is used in statements about the future with I and we,
although it is more common to use will/won't:
-When I retire, I shall/will have more time for my painting.
-The stronger we are, the more we shall/will be able to help others.
The future with ―will/shall + infinitive‖ is used:
a. For predictions based on our own personal opinion or knowledge:

- The rain will stop in a minute. (I know it never rains for long here).
- In the future, people will live on other planets. (This is my opinion).
b. To talk about events that are certain to happen

-There will be a full moon tomorrow.
-New Year's Day will fall on a Tuesday next year.
c. To take immediate decisions at the time of speaking (not planned)

-―The manager isn‘t here right now. Can I take a message?‖
―No thanks. I'll call back later.‖
d. To express offers, promises and warnings

-Don't worry about a taxi. We'll take you to the hospital. (Offer)
-I'll work harder next year, I promise. I will never do that again. (Promise)
1.5.3 Simple present with future meaning
The simple present is used:
a. To refer to fixed future events (with a time or a date)
-The Dallas flight arrives at 9.45.

-Our next meeting is at 11.00 on Thursday.
-Tomorrow is Wednesday.
b. To ta lk about future events after ―when, as soon as, before, after, once and until‖
-I won't be able to use my phone until the plane lands. But as soon as I get there, I‘11
phone you.
-I'll send you a text message once the parcel arrives.
c. We use the present simple in that- & Wh-clauses when both the main clause and the that-
& the Wh-clause refer to the future. We don't use will in these clauses:
-I'm going to make sure (that) you are invited next time, (not ...you will be invited...)
-I'll let you know when she gets here, (not ...when she will get here.)
1.5.4 Present progressive with future meaning
The present progressive is used to talk about future activities and events that have already
been arranged:
-They're leaving from Frankfurt airport at 6.30 pm.
-She's making a speech at the conference next week.
-Are you seeing Tony this week? (= do you have an arrangement to see him?)
-She is getting married this summer.
-I am inviting several people to a party.
1.5.5 Will/shall + progressive infinitive (Future progressive)
The future progressive is used when
a. We talk about an activity or event going on at a particular time or over a particular period in
the future:
-Next Friday, the President will be celebrating ten years in power.
-After the operation you won't be doing any sport for a while.
-I will be saying more about that topic in my next lecture.
-Don‘t phone me at 7:00. I will be watching my favorite TV program.
b. When the future activity or event is the result of a previous decision or arrangement:
-He will be taking up his place at university in July. (The result of a previous decision)
-She will be performing every day until the end of the month. (Part of a schedule)
1.5.6 Will/shall + the perfect (Future perfect simple)
The future perfect simple is for actions which we expect to be completed by a particular time in
the future (usually with time expressions):
-The plain will have landed by now.
-I will have finished the repairs to your car by tomorrow. It will be ready for you at 11:00.
1.5.7 Will/shall + perfect progressive (Future perfect progressive)
The future perfect progressive is used for an action in progress happening up to a particular time
in the future. The action may stop at that time or it may continue after it.
-By the end of the month, I will have been working here for 10 years.
-By next Friday, I‘ll have been waiting for my exam results for over two months!

1.5.8 Other ways to express future
a. ―Was/Were going to‖ are used to talk about something that was expected or planned for the
future but it didn't happen (the future in the past):
- I was going to study medicine but my grades weren't good enough for medical
school.
- I was going to finish my homework but I didn't have time.
b. ―am/is/are to + infinitive‖ are used in formal situations to talk about future events:
-The president is to talk to the nation tomorrow.
-The bridge is to be opened by the mayor on July 20th.
-The police are to start house-to-house enquiries this week.
-The driver of the stolen car is to appear in court tomorrow.
c. ―am/is/are about to + infinitive‖ are used to talk about an action that will happen in the
immediate future:
-Hurry up! The train's about to leave.
-I can‘t talk now - my phone battery is about to run out.

Exercise 1. Choose the correct words in italics in the following conversation:
VANESSA: I hear you've booked your flights to Bangkok. When are you leaving / will you
leave?
PETER: On Monday, We're (1) getting / going to get the overnight flight.
VANESSA: (2) Are you staying / Will you stay long?
PETER: A couple of weeks. We (3) will fly / 're flying back on the 26th.
VANESSA: What about accommodation?
PETER: We've booked a hotel for the first two nights. (4) We're staying / We'll stay at
the Asia Hotel on Sukhumvit Road.
VANESSA: That sounds nice. But I've heard Thailand can be terribly hot in February.
PETER: No, I've been before, so I know it (5) won't / isn't going to be too hot then.
VANESSA: What are your plans while you're in the city?
PETER: Do you remember John? (6) We're having / We'll have lunch with him on the
14th.
VANESSA: Give him my best wishes when you see him. What about after that?
PETER: I'm not sure. (7) We will / we're going to look around and see what's available.
We'd like to go to the beach.
VANESSA: How are you going to get there?
PETER: We'll (8) probably / certainly get the bus. I'm not sure really.
VANESSA: (9) Shall / Will I look on the Internet? There might be a timetable or
something.
PETER: That's a good idea.
VANESSA: OK. (10) I'm getting / I’ll get my computer.
Exercise 2. Choose a verb that can complete both sentences in the pair. Use will/won't (+
infinitive) in one sentence and the future progressive (will/won't be + -ing) in the other.
drive - go - open – organize - tell – try
1. A. Matsuki ______________ their first factory in Europe next year.

B. Here, give me the bottle. I ______________ it for you.
2. A. Keno ______________ to win his third gold medal in the next Olympics.
B. I ______________ to get over to see you, but I've got a very busy weekend coming
up.
3. A. Sam ______________ to the dentist. He simply refuses to make an appointment.

B. I ______________ to the party, I'm afraid; I have to be in Spain that weekend.
4. A. ―How old is he?‖ ―I've no idea, but I'm sure he ______________ you if you ask him.‖
B. In this program I ______________ you how to cook duck in a lemon sauce.
5. A. It's odd to think that this time tomorrow we ______________ to Madrid.

B. He ______________ anywhere without first looking at a road map.
6. A. I won't have time to meet you next weekend, I'm afraid. I ______________ the school
timetable for next year.

B. Perhaps John ______________ the games at the party. I'll ask him. He's good at that
sort of thing.
Exercise 3. Complete the conversations. Write one word (or a short form) in each gap.
e.g. A. How … are … you getting to the station tomorrow?

B. I don't know. I'll … probably … order a taxi. Actually, I … ’ll … phone them now
and see if I can book one.
1. A. This bag's too heavy. I'm ____________ to hurt my back!

B. ____________ I help you carry it?
A. Thanks.
2. A. Do you ____________ Davina will be here on time?

B. Yes, I'm sure she ____________ She's never late.
3. A Have the tickets arrived?

B. Yes. We ____________ sitting in row E. That's quite near the front.
A. Excellent. I ____________ call Pedro and tell him.
4. A. I ____________ going to do the shopping later. Is there anything you want?

B. Yes. Quite a few things. ____________ I make a list?
5. A. Have you asked Brian to the concert? I've got an extra ticket for him.
B. Yes, but I ____________ think he'll come. He hates classical music,
A. How annoying. Well, I ____________ waste money on an extra ticket again!
Exercise 4. Complete the captain's announcement with the future continuous form of the
verbs in brackets.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. Welcome on board
today's flight to Las Palmas. Our flight time today will be around five hours and we (0) will
be flying (fly) at an altitude of 35,000 feet. Weather conditions are good and we (1)
___________ (arrive) at Las Palmas at six o'clock local time.
During today's flight we (2) ___________ (show) a selection of films. You can find details in
the in-flight magazine in the pocket of the seat in front of you. Our cabin crew (3)
___________ (pass) through the aircraft with refreshments shortly after take-off. I apologize
for the fact that we (4) ___________ (not I serve) a hot meal on today's flight. This is due to a
strike at the catering company. However, we (5) ___________ (offer) you sandwiches and the
usual choice of drinks. In a few moments the cabin crew (6) ___________ (demonstrate) the
safety equipment. Please give them your full attention, then sit back, relax and en joy the
flight.
Thank you."
Exercise 5. Say whether or not the underlined verbs are correct. If they are wrong,
correct them.
1. I'm sorry, I didn't think the noise will disturb anyone.

2. Where were you? I thought you were going to wait for me?
3. We were discussing your case tomorrow, so I'll be able to give you an answer soon.
4. I never thought that I would be spending my holiday in hospital, but there I was.
5. I hope the building work would have finished by the time we get there.
6. At the height of her popularity her face is to be seen on advertisements all over the country.
7. The council has announced that the housing estate is to be demolished.
8. I was about to report him missing, when he walked through the door.

1.6 Mixed Tenses Exercises
Write correct form of the verb in brackets in the space provided. Place any item
accompanying the verb in the right position.
Passage 1.
The last weeks of the year (1. be) __________________ a festive time in most countries; but
while Europeans just (2. celebrate) __________________ Christmas and the New Year,
Americans (3. begin) __________________ their festive season about a month earlier. The
feast of Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, (4. be)
__________________ second only in importance to Christmas in the American calendar of
feast days.
Thanksgiving (5. be) __________________ the oldest non-Indian tradition in the United
States, and (6. be) __________________ first celebrated in the year 1621. It (7. be)
__________________ in this year that the men and women in Plymouth, one of the first New
England colonies, (8. decided) __________________ to establish a feast day to mark the end
of the farming year.
As devout Protestants, they (9. call) __________________ their feast day "Thanksgiving", a
day on which people (10. modal + celebrate) __________________ and (11. give)
__________________ thanks to God for the crops that they (12. manage, to grow)
__________________ and harvest. This (13. be) __________________ not in fact an original
idea, but (14. be based) __________________ on the English "Harvest Festival", an old
custom whereby people (15. give) __________________ thanks to God once the crops (16.
be) __________________ all in.
In America however, a successful harvest (17. be) __________________ more significant
than in England, for any failure to bring in an adequate supply of crops (18. modal + be)
__________________ fatal for a new colony, struggling to set itself up in an alien continent.
While several early North Americans colonies (19. fail) __________________ because the
colonists (20. kill) __________________ off by disease or fighting, others (21. perish)
__________________ because they (22. not have) __________________ time to prepare
enough land and grow enough food for their needs during the long cold winter months. The
year 1621 (23. be) __________________ a particularly bountiful one for the Plymouth
colonists, so they "(24. give) __________________ thanks" for their good fortunes.
In the years that (25. follow) __________________, other colonies (26. introduce)
__________________ their own Thanksgiving festivals, each one at first choosing its own
date, and many varying the date according to the state of the harvests. In 1789, President
George Washington (27. give) __________________ an official Thanksgiving Day address in
honor of the new Constitution; and Thanksgiving Day, like Independence Day (July 4th) (28.
become) __________________ one of America's great days.
Nevertheless, it (29. not be) __________________ until the year 1941, when Congress and
the President jointly (30. declare) __________________ that Thanksgiving (31. modal+ be
fixed) __________________ on the fourth Thursday of November. Since then, Thanksgiving
Day (32. remain) __________________ fixed.
Passage 2.
A couple who (spend) (1) ______________________ more than fifty years apart after being
(separate) (2) ______________________ by the Second World War eventually (get married)
(3) ______________________ this year.
Irene Smith (fall) (4) ______________________ in love with Donald Cruickshank when he
(be) (5) ______________________ a student at Cambridge University. But three years later,
their romance (shatter) (6) ______________________ when he was (send) (7)
______________________ to the front line. ―He (be) (8) ______________________ certain
he would not survive. So he (write) (9) ______________________ breaking off the
engagement and telling me to get on with my life," (say) (10) ______________________
Irene.
They (put) (11) ______________________ their love behind them and (go) (12)
______________________ on to lead separate lives. Donald was (make) (13)
______________________ a lieutenant , serving for three years in Malta, before being
(capture) (14) ______________________ and (make) (15) ______________________ a
prisoner of war. On his release and return to America, he (spend) (16)
______________________ years as a headmaster at Stanford School, Lincs. Irene (become)
(17) ______________________ a teacher and a missionary in Africa. When her husband
Hugh (die) (18) ______________________, she (face) (19) ______________________ a
lonely retirement but earlier this year she (receive)(20) ______________________ a letter
from Donald -now living in north Devon- (say) (21) ______________________ his wife,
Judy, (die) (22) ______________________.
Passage 3.
I (1. windsurf) __________________ now for six years and teaching others (2. do)
__________________ it for most of that time. I (3. teach) __________________ in Corsica
and now in Poole, where I (4. run) __________________ a windsurf school and shop with my
wife Jane. I (5. not think) __________________ I (6. choose) __________________
windsurfing as a profession: windsurfing (7. choose) __________________ me. Strangely
enough, I (8. never see) __________________ anyone (9. windsurf) __________________
before I (10. go) __________________ to a sailing school back in the summer of 1975 in
Propriano, on the island of Corsica. They (11. have) __________________ a school there, but
no one (12. be) __________________ very proficient. After all, they (13. only have)
__________________ their boards a month when I (14. arrive) __________________.
However, as soon as I (15. see) __________________ people (16. enjoy)
__________________ the sport, I immediately (17. decide) __________________ (18. take)
__________________ it up. I (19. sail) __________________ for at least ten years, and in
some ways, it (20. seem) __________________ like another sailing boat: at least it (21. have)
__________________ a sail. And I (22. see) __________________ it as a challenge. At the
time I (23. also just meet) __________________ Jane, who (24. teach) __________________
water skiing there.
Probably because I (25. do) __________________ so much windsurfing since then, I (26.
remember) __________________ every detail of my first experience. What I (27. remember)
__________________ is that I (28. spend) __________________ most of the first day
struggling with the board in the deep Harbor water and (29. try) __________________ (30.
avoid) __________________ all the boats that (31. be moor) __________________ there. At
first, I (32. Not can) __________________ even stand on the thing – after all, the board (33.
be) __________________ only about 70 cm wide! – but after I (34. fall)
__________________ off quite a few times, I (35. soon catch on) __________________, and
by the end of that first day I (36. do) __________________ quite well.
Passage 4.
We (1. come) __________________ to ―the end of science,‖ writer John Horgan (2. declare)
__________________ recently, (3. say) __________________ that scientists (4. already,

make) __________________ all the really important discoveries. With future jobs on their
minds, worried young scientists (5. quickly, respond) __________________ with lists of what
they (6. not know) __________________. After all, somewhere between the big
unanswerable problems, like the meaning of life and the very specialized subjects of most
doctoral theses, there must (7. be) __________________ some questions that (8. be)
__________________ both important and answerable. An informal survey of a variety of
young scientists (9. produce) __________________ some topics that might (10. be)
__________________ worthwhile to look at:
Memory: How the human brain (11. store) __________________ knowledge? The brain (be)
__________________ a physical organ , so this (12. mean) __________________ that
memory (13. have) __________________ a physical part too? We (14. not discover)
__________________ it yet, but if we (15. do) __________________, the results (16. be)
__________________ earthshaking. Consider some possibilities: we (17. be able, find)
__________________ certain memories in the brain, (18. change) __________________
them, or (19. move) __________________ them from person to person? And now (20. ask)
__________________ yourself this question: How many new technologies and terrifying
possibilities from science fiction can you imagine?
Missing Matter: Very simply, we can (21. not find) __________________ most of the
universe. Physicists (22. estimate) __________________ the quantity of material in the
universe, but they (23. observe) __________________ only about 10 percent of it. (24. Be)
__________________the equations wrong, or they (25. not find) __________________
everything yet? (26. Be) __________________there entire new classes of matter that (27. be)
__________________ part of the universe?
We (28. be) __________________ alone? It (29. be) __________________ a simple yes or

no question. According to statistics, it (30. be) __________________ very likely that life (31.
evolve) __________________ elsewhere in the universe. However, we (32. still wait)
__________________ for the first bit of convincing evidence of life elsewhere else.
How we (33. reach) __________________ the end of scientific discovery? ―No way,‖ (34.
say) __________________ one young scientist from the University of British Columbia. Like
most scientists, he (35. cheerfully, conclude) __________________ that we (36. only, just,
begin) __________________ to make important discoveries.
Passage 5.
Many folk cures which (1) ______________ (be) around for centuries (2) ______________
(Modal + be) more therapeutic than previously suspected. A case in point (3)
______________ (be) that of penicillin. Alexander Fleming (4) ______________ (not just
randomly choose) cheese molds to study when he (5) ______________ (discover) this very
important bacteria-killing substance. Moldy cheese (6) ______________ (frequently give) to
patients as a remedy for illness at one time. Fleming just (7) ______________ (isolate) what it
(8) ______________ (be) about the cheese which (9) ______________ (cure) the patients.
In parts of South America, a powder obtained from grinding sugar cane (10) ______________
(use, ‗use the passive‘) for healing infections in wounds and ulcers. This usage (11)
______________ (date) back to pre-Colombian times. Experiments carried out on several
hundred patients (12) ______________ (indicate) that ordinary sugar in high concentrations
(13) ______________(be) lethal to bacteria. Its suction effect (14) ______________
(eliminate) dead cells, and it (15) ______________ (generate) a glasslike layer which (16)
______________ (protect) the wound and (17) ______________ (ensure) healing.

Another example of folk medicine which scientists (18) ______________ (now investigate)
(19) ______________ (be) that of Arab fishermen who (20) ______________ (rub) their
wounds with a venomous catfish to quicken healing. This catfish (21) ______________
(excrete) a gellike slime which scientists (22) ______________ (find) to contain antibiotics, a
coagulant that (23) ______________ (help) close injured blood vessels, anti-inflammatory
agents, and a chemical that (24) ______________ (direct) production of a gluelike material
that (25) ______________ (aid) healing.
It (26) ______________ (hope, ‗use the passive‘) that by documenting these folk remedies
and experimenting to see if the results (27) ______________ (be) indeed beneficial, synthetic
substances (28) ______________ (Modal + be developed) for human consumption.

§2. Conditionals
I. Conditionals in Context
How to win friends and sell records
It is Angela‘s first day as an assistant in a record shop. She is nervous and not looking forward
to it. Luckily, Judy, a much more experienced girl, is there to guide her.
Angela: What shall I do if I get into difficulties?

Judy: Don‘t worry. I‘ll be here if you need me. But if you keep calm, everything will be all
right. If you keep calm, everything will be all right. If a customer doesn‘t remember the name
of a record or an artist, look it up in the catalogue ; if you don‘t know where a record is kept,
ask me ; if we haven‘t got a record in stock, try to interest him in a different one.
Angela: If I knew as much about music as you do, I would be much more confident.
Judy: You‘re talking to me as if I were an expert.
Angela: You sound like an expert to me.
Judy: I know more about selling records than I do about music. But if you had worked here
for three years, like me, you would have learnt where everything is. Look out! Here comes a
customer.
Angela: Good morning, madam. What can I do for you?
Customer: I‘m looking for a record for my husband.
Angela: Have you any particular record in mind?
Customer: Yes. He was listening to some music on the radio last night, which he liked very
much.
Angela: Do you remember the title?
Customer: No. Now I wish I had written it down. If I had, I wouldn‘t have forgotten it.
Angela: Well, what sort of music does your husband like best?
Customer: He likes all kinds. If he were here, he would be able to tell you. But I want the
record to be a surprise, you see.
Angela: Oh dear! I wish I knew what to recommend. If I knew, I‘d suggest something, but...
Judy (who has been looking on all the time, amused): Did you say this music was on the
radio last night, madam?
Customer: Yes. About half past nine.
Judy: Half-past nine? Then it must have been Beethoven‘s Eroica symphony. They were
broadcasting it from Germany.
Customer: I expect that was it. I‘ll take it if you have it in stock.
Judy: Certainly, madam. I think you‘ll find this is the best recording. If your husband isn‘t
satisfied, we‘ll be pleased to exchange it for any record in the same price range. (She wraps
up the record and the customer goes out)
Angela: I was looking to you for help. But how did you know that that was the record her
husband heard last night?
Judy: I didn‘t. It would have been a miracle if I had even guessed it. But if I hadn‘t said
anything, she would have gone away and we wouldn‘t have sold a record! You‘ll soon learn.
But in this business, if you don‘t take a chance, you never sell anything.

II. Form and Types
A. Basic Verb Forms
Situation If-clause Result clause Examples

simple present If I have enough time, I watch
True in the simple present TV every evening
present/future will + simple If I have enough time, I will
form watch TV later tonight.
Untrue in the simple simple past would + simple If had enough time, I would
present/future form watch TV now or later on.
Untrue in the past Past perfect would have + If I had had enough time, I
past participle would have watched TV
yesterday.
B. Type 0 conditional (Present conditions)
We use the zero conditional to describe real situations that can happen at any time, or one
event that always follows another.
-If I don‘t eat breakfast, I always get hungry during class.

-Water freezes OR will freeze if the temperature reaches 32°F/O°C.
We can use when instead of if:
-If/When we talk to the baby, she smiles.
We often use this conditional form, with the imperative in the result clause, for rules and to
give instructions:
-If the lift breaks down, press the alarm button.

-If you arrive after the start of the performance, please wait outside until the first
interval.
C. Type 1: True in the present/future
We use the first conditional to talk about the results of a possible future condition, one we
think is likely to happen:
If I don’t eat breakfast tomorrow morning, I will get hungry during class.
If I don‘t see you at the gym, I will give you a call.
If it rains, we should stay home,
If it rains, I might decide to stay home.
D. Type 2: Untrue (contrary to fact) in the present/future
It is used for present situations that are imaginary, and also for future situations or actions that
are possible but not unlikely:

-If I taught this class, I wouldn’t give tests. (I don‘t teach this class)
-If he were here right now, he would help us.
-If I were you, I would accept their invitation.
-If I had enough money, I would buy a car. (I don‘t have money)
-If I got a pay rise this year, I‘d buy a new car (I don‘t think I‘ll get a pay rise)
D. Type 3: Untrue (contrary to fact) in the past
We use this type to imagine situations or actions in the past that we know are the opposite of
the facts:
-If you had told me about the problem, I would have helped you.
-If they had studied, they would have passed the exam.
-If I hadn‘t slipped on the stairs, I wouldn‘t have broken my arm. .
-If I had had enough money, I would have bought a car.
-If I had had enough money, I could have bought a car.
E. Using “mixed time” in Conditional sentences.
i. Past to present conditional
We use this conditional to talk about present results of an imagined past condition/action:
a. TRUE: I did not eat breakfast several hours ago, so I am hungry now.
b. CONDITIONAL: If I had eaten breakfast several hours ago, I would not be
hungry now. (past) (present)
-If that thief hadn‘t tricked me, I wouldn‘t be in prison now.

-If I had learnt to play the violin, I could be in an orchestra now.
ii. Present to past conditional
We use it to talk about imagined past results of a present condition/situation:
c. TRUE: He is not a good student. He did not study for the test yesterday.
d. CONDITIONAL: If he were a good student, he would have studied for the test
yesterday. (present) (past)
-If I didn‘t believe you, I would have left you.

-If you were a better student, you could have gone to university.
F. Omitting if.
-Were I you, I wouldn‘t do that. Were I you = if I were you.
-Had I known, I would have told you. Had I known = if I had known.
-Should anyone call, please take a message. Should anyone call = if anyone should
call.

III. I wish, if only, it‟s time …
A. “wish” and “if only” + past simple/would
We use wish + past simple to talk about present situations, when we are unhappy with the
situation:
-I wish we were still on holiday. (We aren't on holiday now)
-I wish we had a new car. (Our current car keeps breaking down)
If only means the same but can have a little more emphasis:
-If only I didn‘t get angry so easily! (=I get angry easily, but I don‘t like it)
We can use wish/if only + would (not) to talk about a habit in someone else that
we would like to change:
-If only Jenny would talk about her problems.
-I wish you wouldn't bite your nails!
B. “wish” and “if only” + past perfect
We use wish/if only + past perfect to talk about a past situation or action that we regret:
-I've failed my exams. I wish I had studied harder.

-If only I hadn't left all my jewelry here. I left it in the drawer and it's been stolen.
-I'm really tired. I wish I had gone to bed earlier.
We don't use wish/if only with the past simple if we want to talk about the past:
-If only I hadn't shouted at my boss last week.

If only I didn't shout at my boss last week.
C. “It‟s time” and “would rather”
We use the past tense after it's time and would rather when we are talking about the present:
It‘s (about) time means we think that someone should do something:
-Come on - it's time we went home.
-Come on - It‘s time (for us) to go home.
-It's about time you got on the plane.
-It‘s high time you started looking for a flat of your own.
We use would rather to say what we prefer:

-I‘d rather we stayed home. (=I prefer to stay home)
-We‘d rather we didn‘t go by plane (=We would prefer not to go by plane)

Exercise 1. Write the verbs from the list below in the correct form to make first
conditional sentences. Use will or might (not) in the result clause:
be able to / not have - confuse / allow - not cover / see - get / steal - not have / not be -
tell / not return
Credit card fraud - the facts

If a credit card thief __ gets __ the chance, he __ will steal __ your card or your money. How
can you prevent this? There are several ways:
1. Always cover your PIN number when you use it. If you ____________ it, someone
____________ it.
2. Don't talk to people at the cash machine - a thief ____________ you by talking to you if
you ____________ him to.
3. You need good security on your computer - thieves ____________ get into your accounts if
you ____________ proper security.
4. When you buy something on the Internet, make sure the website has a 'locked' symbol. If it
____________ one, it ____________ secure enough.
5. Don't forget, if you ____________ your PIN number to another person and your money is
stolen, your credit card company ____________ your money.
Exercise 2. Find seven more mistakes and correct them.
0. If I get the job at Siemens, I move (I‘ll move) to Swansea.

1. Take your warm coat tonight if case it gets cold.
2. Mike really dislikes Luke and Pete. He won't come to your party unless they come.
3. When you go out, don't forget to lock the back door.
4. I'll meet you at 6.00, but when my bus is late, don't wait for me.
5. If the corner shop won't be open, I can go to the supermarket.
6. If I don't cat much during the day, I always get a headache.
7. Even my boss begs me to stay, I won't listen to him.
8. The taxi won't wait at the airport if your plane will be delayed.
9. I'll make some sandwiches provided you get hungry on the journey.
10. The match might be cancelled if the weather's really bad.
Exercise 3. Choose the correct meaning, A or B.
0. If Charles got a pay rise, he'd buy a better car.

A I think Charles will get a pay rise. B I think Charles is unlikely to get a pay rise.
1. If house prices rise, we'll sell our flat and buy a cottage in the country.
A. The speaker thinks house prices will probably rise.
B. The speaker thinks house prices probably won't rise.
2. If I were you, I'd take the train to Cornwall; it's more relaxing than driving.
A. I'm giving advice.
B. You've taken the train before.
3. If I had a mobile phone, I'd call the police.

A. I might call the police.

B. I can't call the police.
4. Suppose you had a yacht, where would you sail to?

A. You have a yacht.
B. You don't have a yacht.
5. Pablo would be very disappointed if he didn't pass the exam.

A. Pablo expects to pass the exam.
B. Pablo doesn't expect to pass the exam.
Exercise 4. Read the letter and then complete the responses below, using the underlined
parts of the letter to help you.
This week's problem

We're really worried about our son at present. He's fifteen and he's just started going round
with a gang of older boys who are involved in petty crime. (0) We don't take him to school in
the morning, and we know that he doesn't actually go to school a lot of the time - he meets
these boys. They go to the cinema and funfairs, and our son uses (1) the money we give him
for lunch to go with them. (2) We haven‘t talked to our son about this yet, because we're sure
(3) he'd just lie to us - he accuses us of treating him like a child and watching him all the time.
(4) We really don't know whether to talk to the police about him - it seems so drastic. There's
a parents' evening at school next week. So (5) perhaps we should speak to the teachers first.
We don't know (6) if there's any way they can help us.
0. If __ you took him to school __ in the morning, you could make sure he goes inside.
1. He wouldn't be able to spend money on funfairs if you _____________.
2. I would talk to your son if I _____________.
3. He probably _____________ lie to you if you treated him like an adult.
4. If I were you I _____________ unless you know he has committed a crime. Your son is
very young and you don't want the police involved at this stage.
5. It would be a good idea if you _____________. They might be worried, too.
6. The teachers know your son. If you speak to them, they _____________.
Exercise 5. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct forms.

1. I‘ve hung out the clothes, It‘s lovely and sunny; if it _________________ (stay) like this
they _________________ (be) dry in two hours.
2. French is essential in this job. All the telephonists speak it. If they _________________
(not know) French they _________________ (not understand) half the callers.
3. This flat would be all right if the people above us _________________ (not be) so noisy.
4. A group of spectators, including myself, left the stand just before the end of the game.
When we were half way down the stairs a goal was scored and there was a great cheer from
the spectators. If there _______________ (not be) a goal the crowd ________________ (not
cheer)
5. If the pain _________________ (return) you‘d better take another pill.
6. If you aren‘t going to live in the house why you _________________ (not sell) it? If I
_________________ (have) a house I couldn‘t use, I _________________ (sell) it at once.
7. Tell him to bring his bicycle inside. If he _________________ (leave) it outside someone
_________________ (steal) it.

8. When he left school he became a fisherman. His family didn‘t like it at all, They
____________ (be) much happier if he _______________ (become) a greengrocer like his
father.
9. They still say that if he _________________ (go) into the greengrocery business when he
left school he _________________ (be) comfortably off now instead of being poor.
10. But he says that if he _________________ (have) his life again he _________________
(make) the same choice.
11. Look at poor Tom trying to start his car by hand again! If I _________________ (be) Tom
I _________________ (get) a new battery.
12. Jack rang while you were out. —Oh dear! If I _________________ (know) he was going
to ring I _________________ (stay) at home.
13. My unmarried friends are always telling me how to bring up my children. I sometimes
think that if they _________________ (have) children they _________________ (make) just
as many mistakes as I do.
14. Be careful about the time. If you _________________ (spend) too long on the first
question you _________________ (not have) enough time to do the others properly.
15. We had a lot of trouble putting the tent up. If it _________________ (not be) so windy
perhaps it _________________ (not be) quite so difficult.
Exercise 6. Change the statements into conditional sentences.
1. I‘m hungry now because I didn‘t eat dinner. But…

- But if I’d eaten dinner, I wouldn’t be hungry now.
2. The room is full of flies because you left the door open. But _________________
3. You are tired this morning because you didn‘t go to bed at a reasonable hour last night. But
_________________
4. I didn‘t finish my report yesterday, so I can‘t begin a new project today. But
_________________
5. Anita is sick because she didn‘t follow the doctor‘s orders. But _________________
6. I‘m not you, so I didn‘t tell him the truth. But _________________
7. I don‘t know anything about plumbing, so I didn‘t fix the leak in the sink myself. But
_________________
8. I received a good job offer from the oil company, so I won‘t seriously consider taking the
job with the electronics firm. But _________________

§3. Nouns
I. Singular and Plural Nouns
1. Variable nouns
Variable nouns have two forms: one singular and one plural. The singular is the unmarked form that
we find in dictionaries. In English, most of the nouns are variable, and the plural can be predicted from
the singular; that is, they form the regular plurals. However, if we cannot predict the plural form from
the singular, it is an irregular plural.
A. Regular plurals
The regular plural is formed by adding an –s suffix (the ‗-s plural‘).
a. The spelling of the regular plural:
The –s suffix is written –s after most nouns including nouns ending in silent ‗e‘ (college – colleges).
However, there are several classes of exceptions:
b. Addition of „e.‟
The ending is spelled –es after nouns ending in sibilants, unless the noun is written with a silent ‗e‘:
-s bus → buses -ch church → churches
-z buzz → buzzes -sh bush → bushes
-x fox → foxes -ze prize → prizes
c. Treatment of –y:
 After a consonant: baby, babies; country, countries; fly, flies; lady, ladies; spy, spies.
 After a vowel: day, days; toy, toys; boy, boys; toy, toys; donkey, donkeys; guy, guys.
 In proper nouns: the two Germanys; the Kennedys
 In stand-bys, lay-bys
d. Doubling of consonant in a few words:
Fez → fezzez
Quiz → quizzes
Bus → busses (AmE, also buses)
e. Apostrophe „s‟ is used in some cases:
Letters dot your i‘s
Numerals in the 1980‘s or 1980s
Abbreviations two MP‘s or MPs; three PhD‘s or PhDs
The regular plural suffix of nouns in –o has two spellings: -os and –oes. In the following cases, the
spelling is –os:
a. after a vowel: bamboos, embryos, kangaroos, radios, studios, zoos; exceptions are
goes and noes.
b. in proper names: Neros, Romeos, Eskimos.
c. abbreviations: kilos (kilogram), photos (photographs), pros (professional).
In other case, however, there is important vacillation, as the following sample shows. The less
common forms are put in parentheses.
-os -oes ……….. -os -oes

concerto concertos tornado tornados Tornadoes
dynamo dynamos volcano volcanos Volcanoes
quarto quartos echo Echoes
Solo solos (or sloi) embargo Embargoes
tobacco tobaccos hero Heroes
buffalo buffalos Buffaloes piano Pianos

B. Compounds
Compounds form the plural form in a variety of ways. Normally, the last word in a compound is made
plural.
a. Plural in last element:
assistant director assistant directors ……….. forget-me-not forget-me-nots
boy friend boy friends Mouthful mouthfuls, mouthsful
Breakdown Breakdowns Spoonful spoonfuls, spoonsful
break-in break-ins sit-in sit-ins
close-up close-ups take-off take-offs
b. Plural in first element

Examples of this are: (attorney general, attorneys general; notary public, notaries public). This also
occurs in case of compounds formed of noun+adverb or verb+er:
mother-in-law mothers-in-law …….. hanger-on hangers-on

man-of-war men-of-war looker-on lookers-on
lady-in-waiting ladies-in-waiting runner-up runners-up
c. Plural in both first and last element. This occurs when man or woman is prefixed.
gentleman farmer gentlemen farmers
Manservant Menservants
man/woman driver men/women drivers
woman doctor women doctors
C. Irregular plurals
a. Voicing + -s plural
Some nouns whose singular forms end in the final voiceless fricatives /f/ have the correspondent
voiced /v/ and the plural {s}:
Singular Plural Singular Plural

calf calves loaf loaves
elf Elves self selves
half halves shelf shelves
knife knives thief thieves
leaf leaves wife wives
life Lives wolf wolves
The voicing of –s words occurs only in house. There is considerable indeterminacy between voicing
and non-voicing in many words ending in –th and –f(e):
b. Nouns in –f(e) /f/:

Singular Plural 1 Plural 2
a. belief beliefs ---
chief chiefs ---
cliff cliffs ---
proof proofs ---
b. Dwarf dwarfs dwarves

handkerchief handkerchiefs handkerchieves
Scarf scarfs scarves
Wharf wharfs wharves
Hoof hoofs hooves

c. Mutation
Mutation consists in a change of the medial vowel in the following seven nouns:
Singular Plural
foot feet
mouse mice ………..
Goose geese
Louse lice
tooth teeth
2. Plural invariable nouns

A. Summation plurals
Summation plurals are tools, instruments and articles of dress which consist of two equal
parts. The head in such nouns can be made singular and countable by ‗a pair of‘: ‗a pair of
scissors.‘
Binoculars Pincers Scissors

Flannels Pliers Shorts
Glasses Pyjamas spectacles (but a spectacle
case)
Pants scales (a balance) Trousers
B. Other pluralia tantum in –s
‗Pluralia tantum‘ refer to nouns that only occur in the plural. Among these plurals, the
following nouns occur in –s:
The Middle Ages Looks (he has good looks)

Archives The Lords (the House of Lords)
Arms (weapons) Manners Means (man of means)
Ashes (burn to ashes; cigarette ash) Minutes (the minutes of a meeting)
Auspices Odds (in betting)
Bowels (bowel movement) Outskirts
Brain(s) (he’s got good brains) Pains (take pains, be at pains)
Clothes Particulars (take down the particulars/details)
The Commons (the House of Commons) Premises (‗building’ in official style)
C. Invariable unmarked plural nouns

These words are always plural and they take a plural verb: Cattle, Clergy, People, Police, Youth
E.g. The youth of a country are its backbone.
D. Personal adjectival heads
Personal adjectival heads take a plural verb: The poor, the rich, the helpless, the needy, the sick
E.g. The poor are the ones who suffer most from the recent increase in life expenses.
II. Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Countable nouns are things we can count:
-How many museums are there in Paris?
-There are 10,000 paintings in the Louvre.
Uncountable nouns are things we can't count.

-Food and drink: bread, butter, meat, tea, coffee, milk, oil, pasta, salt, rice …

-Materials: water, oil, air, oxygen, metal, cotton, wood, plastic, paper …
-School subjects and languages: geography, art, music, English, Spanish …
-Ideas and feelings: education, work, advice, beauty, love, knowledge, fun …
-Activities: shopping, cycling, swimming …
-Groups of similar things: furniture, luggage, money …
Countable nouns Uncountable nouns

have a singular and a plural form: Don‘t normally have a plural form:
one shop - two shops Petrol - two petrols - some petrol
We use a singular or plural verb: We only use a singular verb:
-That painting is beautiful. -Swimming is a popular sport.
-Those paintings were expensive. -That petrol was expensive.
We use a/an, the or this/that before a

singular noun: We don't use a/an before an uncountable
noun. We can use some or this/that:
-Is there a museum here?
-Where's the museum? -This table is made of a plastic.
-This museum is enormous! √- This table is mode of plastic.
-Can you give me an advice?
We use words like some, the. these/those √-Can you give me some advice?
before a plural noun: -This rice isn't cooked I
-I'd like some apples, please.

-Those books look interesting.
A. Nouns that can be countable or uncountable
Countable meaning Uncountable meaning

We keep six chickens in our garden. Do you like chicken and rice? (food)
(animals)
A coffee and two teas, please. (cups of tea) Sam prefers lemon tea. (drink)
Did you get a paper today? (a newspaper) I need some writing paper. (material)
Those were easy exercises. (tasks) Do you do much exercise? (physical activity)
I had some interesting experiences on Experience is more important than
holiday. qualifications. (Learning by doing something)
The gallery has two works by Goya. (paintings) My work is really interesting. (job)
B. Ways of counting uncountable nouns
We use different expressions to ‗count‘ some uncountable nouns:
-Units: a bar of soap, a bit of information/fun, an item of news, a loaf of bread, a piece of
furniture/luggage/paper, a sheet of paper, a slice of bread/cake/meat …
-Containers: a bottle of water, a can/tin of soup, a carton of milk, a cup of coffee, a glass of
orange juice, a jar of jam, a packet of sugar, a tub of butter/margarine, a tube of toothpaste …
-Measurements: half a kilo of meat, a liter of petrol, two meters of silk

Exercise 1. Put the noun between brackets in the appropriate form.
1. These (person) ____________ are protesting against the president.

2. The (woman) ____________ over there want to meet the manager.
3. My (child) ____________ hate eating pasta.
4. I am ill. My (foot) ____________ hurt.
5. Muslims kill (sheep) ____________ in a religious celebration.
6. I clean my (tooth) ____________ three times a day.
7. The (student) ____________ are doing the exercise right now.
8. The (fish) ____________ I bought is in the fridge.
9. They are sending some (man) ____________ to fix the roof.
10. Most (houswife) ____________ work more than ten hours a day at home.
11. A: Where did you put the (knife) ____________?
B: On the (shelf).
12. (Goose) ____________ like water.
13. (Piano) ____________ are expensive
14. Some (policeman) ____________ came to arrest him.
15. A: Where is my (luggage) ____________ ?
B: In the car!
Exercise 2. Decide if the word should be countable or uncountable. If the word is countable,
add a/an at an appropriate point in the sentence or make it plural. 1.a is done for you.
(Hewings, 1999)
damage - education - traffic - paper - resistance - speech
1. a. I had to go through a very strict and traditional education.

b. _____________ has been hit once again in the government's spending cuts.
2. a. _____________ was building up on the motorway as the fog got thicker.
b. Since the war, illegal _____________ in weapons has grown.
3. a. Outnumbered by at least three to one, he knew that _____________ was useless.
b. After a while we seemed to build up _____________ to mosquitoes.
4. a. The judge awarded Mr. Sinclair _____________ of nearly £50,000.
b. The accident caused some _____________ to my car but it wasn't worth getting it
repaired.
5. a. Muriel gave _____________ at the conference on the psychological effects of divorce.
b. The use of recycled _____________ is saving thousands of trees from being cut down
each year.
6. a. It is said to be that _____________ distinguishes us from the other animals.
b. We had to listen to some long and boring _____________ after the meal.
Exercise 3. Choose a word from the list below and use it in the plural form to complete the
sentence. (Hewings, 1999)
Accommodation - bag - equipment - house – jewelry – job – luggage - painting -

shower - sunshine - tool – work.
1. On the weather forecast they said there would be _____________ this afternoon.
2. The waiting room was so full of people and their ____________ there was nowhere to sit.
3. Repairing car engines is easy if you've got the right _____________.

4. In Stockholm at the moment there's a fascinating exhibition of _____________ from 19th
century Sweden.
5. Both my brothers are looking for ____________.
6. The price of _____________ has increased by 12% this year alone.
Exercise 4. Rewrite the following sentences making the words in brackets plural. You may
use other words when necessary.
1. There were two serious car (crash) ____________ on the highway this weekend.
2. He wished to place certain (memorandum) ____________ before the committee.
3. We cannot proceed on such unlikely (hypothesis) ____________
4. The new (syllabus) ____________ will be drawn up according to different (criterion)
____________
5. Television and newspapers are the mass (medium) ____________ of advertising.
6. The (thief) ____________ broke into the shop without attracting the attention of (passer-
by) ____________
7. She didn‘t like these old fashioned (belief) ____________
8. The accused men had carefully prepared what appeared to be (alibi) ____________
9. He can give you lots of important (information) ____________
10. We have got three (fish) ____________ for dinner.
11. The ships were unloading their (cargo) ____________ on the (wharf) ____________
12. Can I have a few (paper) ____________ to write on?
13. Many people think that (parent-in-law) ____________ are potentially a nuisance.
14. Let me give you a few (advice) ____________.

§4. Articles
1. Uses of the definite article “the”
―The‖ is used to indicate that readers or listeners know the particular person(s) or thing(s) you
are talking about. It is used:
a. when there is only one in the world

The sun, the moon, the earth … etc
b. when there is only one in the physical environment you are talking about
The library (if, for example, you happen to be at the faculty)
c. to describe a general rather than a particular example

The family, the group
d. when you have already mentioned the person(s) or the thing(s) in question
The flat has two rooms, a kitchen and a toilet. The kitchen is ….
e. before a noun made definite by the addition of a phrase or clause

The man with the blue hat.
The man that you met.
f. before superlatives
the biggest, the largest
g. before certain proper names of:

 seas and oceans: the Mediterranean, the Pacific, the Baltic
 deserts: the Sahara
 chains of mountains: the Rockies, the Middle-Atlas, the Alps
 plural names of countries: the Netherlands
 groups of islands: the Philippines, the Bahamas
 public institutions and buildings: the Great Mosque, the Louvre,
 Rivers: the Amazon, the Thames, the Rhine
 newspapers: the New-York Times, the Observer
 ships: the Titanic, the Mayflower
 before an adjective representing a class of persons: the poor, the rich, the old
 before names of people: the Smiths, the Johnsons
2. Names without article
a. Personal names (with or without titles)

Dr Brown, Lady Churchill; President Kennedy; Cardinal Spekkman;
Captain/Inspector Harris; Lord Nelson
b. Locational names
These are used without article and comprise a wide range of designations:
 Extraterrestrial: Jupiter, Mars (but the moon, the sun)
 Continents: Asia, (South) America
 Countries, provinces, counties etc: (Great) Britain, Canada, Ontario, (but the
United Kingdom, (the) Sudan),
 Lakes: Lake Michigan
 Mountains: (Mount) Everest, Mont Blanc, Toubkal
 Cities, etc: New York, Casablanca (but The Hague)
 Streets, buildings, bridges etc: Fifth Avenue, Canterbury Cathedral, Scotland
Yard, Waterloo Station, Oxford.
3. Uses of the indefinite articles “an” and “a”
The indefinite article is used:

a. before a singular noun mentioned for the first time
He bought a car
b. before s singular countable noun used as an example of a class of things

A car (= all cars) must be insured
c. with a noun complement

He is a student
d. in certain expressions of quantity

A lot of, a great deal of, a handful of
e. with certain numbers

A hundred, a thousand
f. in expressions of price, speed, ratio …etc

Two dirhams a kilo,
20 kms an hour,
One hour and a half
g. in exclamations before singular countable nouns

what a pretty girl!
h. before the name of a person to imply that you don‘t know him
A Mr. Smith called.

4. Choosing the right article
Common noun or noun phrase
Countable Uncountable
Singular Plural
a/an the the Ø the Ø

(Non specific) (specific) (specific ) (generic)

Exercise 1. Read each sentence and the statements that follow. Write True or False.
Justify your answer.
1. I bought a tennis racket last night.

a. The speaker has a specific tennis racket in mind.
b. The listener has a specific tennis racket in mind.
2. I looked at an apartment last night, but the kitchen was too srnall.
a. The listener has seen the kitchen.
b. The listener has just heard about this apartment.
3. Please take the other cookie.
a. The speaker is referring to the last cookie.
b. Sorneone already took a cookie.
4. I‘d like sorne cheese, please.
a.The speaker is referring to a small quantity of cheese.
b.The listener knows exactly which cheese the speaker wants.
5. Open a window, please.
a.The speaker wants a particular window to be opened.
b.There are at least two windows.
6. Mother: Wear the dress to school.
Daughter: No, not today.
a.The rnother has a specific dress in mind.
b.The daughter has a specific dress in mind.
Exercise 2. Insert the definite article the if necessary. If no article is needed, use the
symbol ø.
1 ______ youngest boy has just started going to ______ school; ______ eldest boy is at
______ college.
2 She lives on ______ top floor of an old house. When ______ wind blows, all ______
windows rattle.
3. ______ darkness doesn‘t worry ______ cats; ______ cats can see in ______ dark.
4. My little boys say that they want to be ______ spacemen, but most of them will probably
end up in ______ less dramatic jobs.
5. -Do you know______ time?
-Yes ______ clock in ______ hall has just struck nine.
-Then it isn‘t ______ time to go yet.
6. -He was sent to ______ prison for ______ six months for ______ shop-lifting. When
______ six months are over he‘ll be released ______ difficulty then will be to find ______
work.
-Do you go to ______ prison to visit him?
7. I went to ______ school to talk to ______ headmistress. I persuaded her to let Ann give
up______ gymnastics and take ______ ballet lessons instead.
8. ______ ballet isn‘t much use for ______ girls; it is much better to be able to play ______
piano.
9. I am on ______ night duty. When you go to ______ bed, I go to ______ work.
10. Peter‘s at ______ office but you could get him on ______ phone. There‘s a telephone box
just round ______ corner.

Exercise 3. Use the articles “a”, “an” or “the” where necessary. If no article is needed,
use the symbol “ø”.
Paragraph 1
In my opinion, there is (1) ______ basic difference between (2) ______ diaries and (3)
______ autobiographies. (4) ______ Autobiographies are generally meant to be read by (5)
______ general public, who are interested only if (6) ______ narrator is someone famous
and (7) ______ people are curious about his or her life. (8) ______ author of (9) ______
autobiography may have suffered from what was published in (10) ______ press about his
or her life, and he or she wants the truth to be known.
Paragraph 2
I Liked my uncle‘s backyard. Although it was not big, it was beautiful and tranquil. It was in
(1) _____ back of (2) _____ two-story Spanish style house, located in (3) _____ countryside
of Boston. (4) _____ countryside was calm and elegant with few people living there. (5)
_____ group of (6) _____houses was built along (7) _____ tiny river. There was (8) _____
small waterfall with (9) _____ water running from (10) _____ top of (11) _____ hill into
(12) _____ river.
Paragraph 3
Although (1) _____ women now have (2) _____ freedom to choose whether or not they
have (3) _____ children, it is generally (4) _____ joint decision between (5) _____ partners
involved. In fact, in _____ cultures which remain strongly traditional, (6) _____ decision to
have (7) _____ baby may well be affected by (8) _____ society, (9) _____ family and (10)
_____ man of (11) _____ family, rather than (12) _____ mother.
Paragraph 4
Guy Harvold, (1) _____ young English teacher, saved (2) _____ lives of 30 students on
(3)_____ bus from Gatwick to Bournemouth after (4) ____ driver had suffered (5)_____ fatal
heart attack. (6)_____bus went out of (7)____ control when Harvold was speaking to
(8)_____ students on (9)_____ microphone. (10)_____ bus hit (11)_____ trees at (12)_____
side of (13)_____ road and (14)_____ driver was slumped over (15)_____ wheel; then it hit
(16)_____ barrier and Harvold grabbed (17)____ wheel.(18)_____driver‘s legs were over
(19)_____ pedals and Harvold had difficulty reaching (20)_____ brake. (21)_____ bus also
hit (22)_____ lamp post and it shattered (23) _____ glass on (24)_____ front door before
Harvold managed to bring (25) _____ bus to (26) _____ halt.

§5. Quantifiers
Quantifiers can be divided into four groups: definite, indefinite, negative and comparative
quantifiers.
I. DEFINITE QUANTIFIERS
1. Numbers (used only with count nouns)

-He has three classes and about sixty students in each
2. Both
-Both of us knew him
-It was both cold and wet
3. Either
-I haven‘t read either of these (books)
3. All (used with both count and uncountable nouns)

-I got all the things you asked for.
-All life ends in death.
4. Each and Every: refer to a number of people/things considered individually. They are
used with singular nouns.
Each is used when we think of people/things separately one by one.

-Each student has a grammar textbook. (Each = a+b+c+d+e …)
Every is used when we think of people/things as a group. The meaning is similar to all.
-There is a phone in every room of the house (Every = a b c )

d e
II. INDEFINITE QUANTIFIERS
A. Quantifiers used with count and uncountable nouns
1. Any (used in questions and negative statements)

-I have hardly any spare time.
-I haven‘t got any matches.
2. Some (a number of quantity which is not large)

-He ate some dates.
-They bought some honey.
3. A lot of/Lots of
-He‘s got a lot of money.
-Lots of people gathered round the accident.

B. Quantifiers used with countable nouns only
1. A couple of
-There are a couple of things I want to tell you.
2. A few = some, a small number of

-They copied a few sentences from the textbook.
3. Several (more than a few but not a large number)

-There were several cases where people were arrested.
4. Many (a large number)

-Many teachers are teaching without textbook at all.
-Are there many students in your grammar class?
C. Quantifiers used with uncountable nouns only
1. Much
-I don‘t have much time.
-Did you have much rain on your holidays?
2. A little = some, a small amount of

-Do you speak English?
-A little
-So we can talk a bit
3. A great deal of (a large quantity of something)

-We spent a great deal of time enjoying ourselves.
III. NEGATIVE QUANTIFIERS
1. No (used with both singular and plural nouns)

-There is no time left.
-We had to walk home because there was no bus.
2. None (used with affirmative verbs)

-None of the shops was (were) open.
3. Neither (not one of a set of two)

-Neither of them knew how to do it.
4. Few (used with count nouns. It means ‗not many/not enough)

-He isn‘t popular. He has few friends.
5. Little (used with uncountable nouns. It means ‗not much/not enough)

-We must be quick. There is little time left.

IV. COMPARATIVE QUANTIFIERS
1. Most
-Most students were absent.
2. More (with both count and uncountable nouns)

-I need more time to prepare for my classes.
3. Less (with uncountable nouns only. With count nouns ―fewer‖ is used instead)
-To do this exercise, she needs less time than I do.
4. Enough (with both count and uncountable nouns)

-I don‘t have enough money to buy a computer.
V. OTHER QUANTIFIERS
All of An amount of The majority of

Another of A bit of The rest of
Anybody A good many of The remainder of
Anything A great many of The whole of
Anyone
No-one
Any of
Everybody Heaps of
Everyone Loads of +Plural Ns.
Everything Masses of Uncount Ns
Numbers of Tons of
One of
Plenty of
Quantities of
Various of
Several of

Exercise 1. Complete the following sentences by using many or much and the correct
form of the noun in parentheses.
1 . (edge) How ______________________ does a pentagon have?

2. (equipment) How ______________________ does a skier need?
3. (information) I couldn‘t find _______________________ in that book.
4. (people) I haven‘t met ______________________________ since I came here.
5. (patience) I don‘t have ______________________________with incompetence.
6. (patient) The doctor has so _______________________that she has to work at least
twelve hours a day.
7. (violence) I think there (is/are) too ______________________________ on television.
8. (news) There (isn‘t/aren‘t)_____________________________ in the paper tonight.
9. (traffic) It didn‘t take us long to get here because there (wasn‘t/weren‘t) _________.
10. (progress) How ____________________ has your country made in improving the
quality of medical care available to the average citizen?
Exercise 2. Choose the right quantifier to complete this e-mail.

Hi Sam,
I haven't got _________ (many, a little, much, a lot) time to write, but I wanted to send you
_________
(a little, a few, much, many) words by e-mail. I've been busy because we've had _________ (much,
many, a lot of, a few) coursework at university for the past few weeks. That's why you haven't heard
_________ (many, a little, a few, much) from me lately. Anyway, our exams start tomorrow! Luckily,
I haven't got _________ (much, many, a few, a lot of) this time because a lot of our work is
continuously assessed throughout the term. Nevertheless, I've done (a lot, lots of, a few, a little)
_________ revision because I'd like to do better than I did last term. What about you? Have you got
_________ (much, many, a lot, a little) exams? Are you doing _________ (a little, a lot of, many,
much) work too? Or just _________ (a lot of,
a few, a little, much)?
Knowing you, I bet you're doing more studying than anybody else! _________ (Much, Few,
Many, A little) students I know work as hard as you do. Well, I must go now. I've still got _________
(many, much, few, lots of) pages of English to study before I go to bed.
Write soon.
Best wishes,
Ben
Exercise 3. Put in much, many, little, a little, few, a few.
1. Did you take . _____________ photographs when you were on holiday?

2. I am not very busy today. I haven‘t got _____________ to do.
3. The museum was very crowded. There were too _____________ people.
4. Most of the town is modern. There are _____________ old buildings.
5. Listen carefully. I am going to give you _____________ advice.
6. Do you mind if I ask you _____________ questions?
7. The weather has been very dry recently. We have had _____________ rain.
8. This town is not a very interesting place to visit, so _____________ tourists come here.
9. I don‘t think John would be a good teacher. He‘s got _____________ patience.
10. ―Would you like milk in your coffee?‖ ―Yes, please _____________‖

Exercise 4. Complete the passage using the following quantifiers:
too many, too much, some more, another and enough.
Mr Root George Wright and his party have made far (1) __________ mistakes during
their time as the government. Mr Wright doesn't really spend (2) _____ time at his job, I'm
afraid. Our Prime Minister spends (3) ____________time playing golf. While he's doing that,
our industry is dying. A lot of factories have closed in the last few years
(4)___________factories, in my opinion. And we've just learnt that (5)__________factories
are going to close soon, thanks to George Wright again. The Progressives simply don't spend
(6)___________ money on the really important things, like helping industry. And of course
they spend (7)__________ on things that no one needs. We don't want (8)__________
Progressive government after this one. Mr Wright would like to give us (9)__________ of the
same medicine. But the medicine is killing our country. You gave the Progressives a chance
to put the country right, and you've seen the result. Don't give them (10)___________ chance.
Exercise 5. Use the appropriate verb form and quantifiers to complete the following sentences.
1. How ______________ homework did the teacher assign last week?

2. There ______________ (isn't/aren't) international news in the local paper.
3. How ______________ fish (is/are) ______________ there in the ocean?
4. How ______________ progress has your country made in improving the quality of medical care
available to the average citizen?
5. I think that ______________ lemon juice on fish makes it taste better.
6. Many people are multilingual, but ______________ speak more than ten languages.
7. Mrs. Adams doesn't like to wear rings around her fingers. She wears ______________ jewellery.
8. ______________ the fish we caught were too small to keep.
9. I bought two books. ______________ were expensive.
10. ______________ my books are in English.
Exercise 6. Fill in the blank with the appropriate quantifier.
1. I am afraid there isn‘t _____________ coffee left; will you grind _____________?
2. _____________ to their surprise, the players were welcomed warmly despite their defeat.
3. As a result of the recent housing crisis, _____________ people get married nowadays.
4. We can watch _____________ films these days; yet, _____________ good ones are
available.
5. _____________ soldiers were injured in the war; however, _____________ of them was
offered _____________ reward.
6. You needn‘t have bothered _____________ about flowers. We have _____________ in the
garden.
7. It‘s _____________ use crying over split milk.
8. He came down the road with a girl on _____________ arm.
9. _____________ of these machines is suitable for the work you want done.
10. Far _____________ flour is needed to make such a kind of cake.

Sample Grammar
Tests

Test 1
I. Complete the article by writing the verbs in brackets in the correct tense.
I (1 WINDSURF) ____ now for six years and teaching others (2 DO) ____ it for most of that
time. I (3 TEACH) ____ in Corsica and now in Poole, where I (4 RUN) ____ a windsurf
school and shop with my wife Jane. I (5 NOT THINK) ____ I (6 CHOOSE) ____
windsurfing as a profession: windsurfing (7 CHOOSE) ____ me. Strangely enough, I (8
NEVER SEE) ____ anyone (9WINDSURF) ____ before I (10 GO) ____ to a sailing school
back in the summer of 1975 in Propriano, on the island of Corsica. They (11 HAVE) ____ a
school there, but no one (12 BE) ____ very proficient. After all, they (13 ONLY HAVE) ____
their boards a month when I (14 ARRIVE) ____. However, as soon as I (15 SEE) ____ people
(16 ENJOY) ____ the sport, I immediately (17 DECIDE) ____ (18 TAKE) ____ it up. I (19
SAIL) ____ for at least ten years, and in some ways, it (20 SEEM) ____ like another sailing
boat: at least it (21 HAVE) ____ a sail. And I (22 SEE) ____ it as a challenge. At the time I
(23 ALSO JUST MEET) ____ Jane, who (24 TEACH) ____ water skiing there.
Probably because I (25 DO) ____ so much windsurfing since then, I (26 REMEMBER) ____
every detail of my first experience. What I (27 REMEMBER) ____ is that I (28 SPEND)
____ most of the first day struggling with the board in the deep Harbor water and (29 TRY)
____ (30 AVOID) ____ all the boats that (31 BE MOOR) ____ there. At first, I (32 NOT
CAN) ____ even stand on the thing – after all, the board (33 BE) ____ only about 70 cm
wide! – but after I (34 FALL) ____ off quite a few times, I (35 SOON CATCH ON) ____,
and by the end of that first day I (36 DO) ____ quite well.
II. Complete the passage using the following quantifiers:

a little, little, no, a lot of, a few, few, fewer, many, much
DON‘T CALL US, WE‘LL CALL YOU!

Two years ago, I moved to a new neighborhood. There seem to be very (39) ___ people in
this area who are without telephones, so I expected to get a new phone quickly. I applied for
one as soon as I moved into my new house. ―We aren‘t supplying (40) ___ new phones in
your area‖ and engineer told me. ―Only (41) ___ people want new phones at the moment and
the company is employing (42) ___ engineers to save money. A new phone won‘t cost you
(43) ___ money, but it will take (44) ___ time. We can‘t do anything before December. ―You
need (45) ___ patience if you‘re waiting for a new phone and you need (46) ___ friends
whose phones you can use as well. Fortunately, I had both. December came and went, but
there was (47) ___ sign of a phone I went to the company‘s local office to protest, for I had
(48) ___ patience left. ―They told me, I‘d have a phone by December‖, I protested. ―Which
year?‖ the assistant asked.
III. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate article where necessary. If no article is needed
use the symbol Ø.
It has been announced that for (49) ___ third consecutive month there has been (50) ___ rise
in (51) ___ number of (52) ___ people unemployed, rather than (53) ___ fall that had been
predicted. (54) ___ rise was blamed on (55) ___ continuing uncertainty over (56) ___
government economic policy, and couldn't come at (57) ___ worse time for (58) ___ Prime
Minister, who is facing (59) ___ growing criticism over (60) ___ way (61) ___ present crisis
is being handled. (62) ___ MPs are increasingly voicing (63) ___ fears that despite (64) ___
recent devaluation of (65) ___ pound and cuts in (66) ___ interest rates, (67) ___ government
still expects (68) ___ recovery of the economy to take three or even four years. To make (69)
___ matters worse, (70) __ number of small businesses going into (71) ___ liquidation is still
at (72) ___ record level, and (73) ___ housing market is showing no signs of recovery. Some
backbenchers expect (74) ___ general election before the end of winter unless there is (75)
___ rapid change of (76) ___ fortune.

Test 2
I. Complete the following passage with the appropriate form of the verb between
parentheses, placing any item accompanying the verb in the correct position. The
answers are to be written in the spaces provided
I (decide, not go out) (1) _________________ with Tony anymore. He (say) (2)
_________________ that he (be) (3) _________________ at my house by 8:30, but he (not
arrive) (4) _________________ until twenty after nine. Then he (tell) (5)
_________________ me that it (be) (6) _________________ too late to go to the new Woody
Allen film I (want, see) (7) _________________ and we (go to) (8) _________________ The
Night of the Living Dead instead. I (tell) (9) _________________ him that I (not like) (10)
_________________ chiller films, but he (say) (11) _________________ that I (shut) (12)
_________________ my eyes during the gory parts. After the film, rather than (suggest) (13)
_________________ a sandwich or drink, he (drive) (14) _________________ right out to a
back road and (start, talk) (15) _________________ nonsense. What Tony (do) (16)
_________________ a half-hour later (anger) (17) _________________ me most of all. He
(cut) (18) _________________ his finger on a pin I (wear) (19) _________________ and
(say) (20) _________________ we (have, go) (21) _________________ right home, because
he (be afraid) (22) _________________ the scratch (get) (23) _________________ infected if
he (not put) (24) _________________ Mercurochrome and a Band-Aid on it. When he (drop)
(25) _________________ me off, I (say) (26) _________________ ―Goodbye, Tony,‖ in a
friendly enough way, but in my head I (think) (27) _________________, ―Goodbye forever,
Tony.‖
II. Use the articles “a”, “an” or “the” where necessary. If no article is needed, use the
symbol “ø”.
Last week I went to (1) _______ exhibition of (2) _______ paintings at (3) _______
Tate Gallery in London. I‘m not really (4) _______ great art lover but I‘d read a lot of
good reviews of (5) _______. exhibition and I was keen to see it. When I arrived, there
were already some people waiting outside for (6) _______ doors to open. I joined (7)
_______ queue and in (8)_______end (9) _______ doors opened and we went inside to
see (10) _______ show.
III. Fill in each blank with the appropriate quantifier.

1. The doctor‘s reputation has been affected. He has barely had _______________ patients
recently.

2. John used to live with his uncle who kept a sweetshop. He used to get ever so
_______________ sweets.
3. The neighbors‘ kids are making so _______________ noise, and this makes me lose my
temper. I wish they would stop.
4. a. Our yard looks awful this summer. There are too _______________ weeds.
5. _______________ of the evidence was taken from the police safe last night.

Test 3
I. Complete the following passage with the appropriate form of the verb between
parentheses, placing any item accompanying the verb in the correct position.
A couple who (spend) (1) ___________________ more than fifty years apart after (be,
separate) (2) ___________________ by the Second World War (eventually, get married) (3)
___________________ this year.
Irene Smith (fall) (4) ___________________ in love with Donald Cruickshank when
he (be) (5) ___________________ a student at Cambridge University. But three years later,
their romance (shatter) (6) ___________________ when he (send) (7)
___________________ to the front line. ―He (be) (8) ___________________ certain he (not
survive) (9) ___________________. So he (write) (10) ___________________ breaking off
the engagement and (tell) (11) ___________________ me to get on with my life," (say) (12)
___________________ Irene.
They (put) (13) ___________________ their love behind them and (go) (14)
___________________ on to lead separate lives. Donald (make) (15)
___________________ a lieutenant , (serving) (16) ___________________ for three years
in Malta, before (capture) (17) ___________________ and (make) (18)
___________________ a prisoner of war. On his release and return to America, he (spend)
(19) ___________________ years as a headmaster at Stanford School, Lincs. Irene (become)
(20) ___________________ a teacher and a missionary in Africa. When her husband Hugh
(die) (21) ___________________, she (face) (22) ___________________ a lonely retirement
but earlier this year she (receive)(23) ___________________ a letter from Donald -now
living in north Devon- (say) (24) ___________________ his wife, Judy, (die) (25)
___________________.
It (be) (26) ___________________ their first communication in half a century. "I
(write) (27) ___________________ saying how sorry I (be) (28) ___________________ and
we (exchange) (29) ___________________ correspondence before finally (arrange) (30)
___________________ to meet," (say) (31) ___________________ Irene, from Stowmarket,
Suffolk.
When I (get) (32) ___________________ off the train it (be) (33)
___________________ lovely. I (know) (34) ___________________ him as soon as I (set)
(35) ___________________ eyes on him, and he (know) (36) ___________________ me
instantly. He just (say) (37) ___________________, "How lovely to see you", and it all
(come) (38) ___________________ flooding back. We (pick) (39) ___________________
up where we (leave) (40) ___________________ off. It (be) (41) ___________________ as
if we (not be) (42) ___________________ apart.
II. Use the articles “a”, “an” or “the” where necessary. If no article is needed, use the
symbol “ø”.
I Liked my uncle‘s backyard. Although it was not big, it was beautiful and tranquil. It was in
(1) _____ back of (2) _____ two-story Spanish style house, located in (3) _____ countryside
of Boston. (4) _____ countryside was calm and elegant with few people living there. (5)
_____ group of (6) _____houses was built along (7) _____ tiny river. There was (8) _____
small waterfall with (9) _____ water running from (10) _____ top of (11) _____ hill into
(12) _____ river.
III. Fill in each blank with the appropriate quantifier.

1. The earthquake in Japan left behind too __________ victims.
2. __________has been done to help the poor; it‘s time to change the situation
3. It‘s a simple diet: __________ meat, __________ vegetables, __________ walking, not
too __________ work.
4. He is a lazy pupil; he‘s made __________ progress this term.
5. The police tortured him but got __________ information out of him.

Test 4
I. Use the articles “a”, “an” or “the” where necessary. If no article is needed, use the
symbol “ø”.
Although (1) _______ women now have (2) _______ freedom to choose whether or
not they have (3) _______ children, it is generally (4) _______ joint decision between (5)
_______ partners involved. In fact, in _______ cultures which remain strongly traditional, (6)
_______ decision to have (7) _______ baby may well be affected by (8) _______ society, (9)
_______ family and (10) _______ man of (11) _______ family, rather than (12) _______
mother.
II. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate quantifier from the list.
In geography, a desert is an area which receives (1) _______ (a lot; much; few; little) rain and
which loses (2) _______ (less; few; a lot; many) of its moisture through evaporation.
(3)_______ (few; most; some; any) polar regions can be called deserts, but most of us think
of a desert as being a sandy, rocky area with not (4)_______ (little; some; much; a little)
water. (5) _______ (lots; some; few; a great deal) of deserts consist of sand dunes or bare
rock, and (6) _______ (much; any; many; a few) are near mountain ranges, which take away
the moisture from clouds. Others are far away from the sea or other water, so receive (7)
_______ (little; much; a lot of; a great deal of) moisture. Although we might assume that very
(8) _______ (many; a lot of; some; few) kinds of life live in deserts, in fact there are (9)
_______ (few; some; a lot; a few) of plants, animals and insects in these regions.
III. Complete the following passage with the appropriate form of the verb between
parentheses, placing any item accompanying the verb in the correct position. The
answers are to be written in the spaces provided
A very important world problem, if not the most serious of all the great world
problems which (affect) (1) -------------------------------- us at the moment, (be) (2) --------------
----------------- the increasing number of people who actually (inhabit) (3) ------------------------
------- this planet. The limited amount of land and land resources (soon, be) (4) ------------------
------------- unable to support the huge population if it (continue) (5) -------------------------------
to grow at its present rate.
In an early survey conducted in 1888, a billion and a half people (inhabit) (6) -----------
-------------------- the earth. Now, the population (exceed) (7) ------------------------------- five
billion and (grow) (8) ------------------------------- fast - by the staggering figure of 90 million
in 1988 alone. This (mean) (9) ------------------------------- that the world would have
(accommodate) (10) ------------------------------- a new population roughly equal to that of the
United States and Canada every three years! Even though the rate of growth (begin) (11) ------
------------------------- to slow down, most experts (believe) (12) ------------------------------- the
population size (still, pass) (13) ------------------------------- eight billion during the next 50
years.
So why (be) (14) ------------------------------- this huge increase in population taking
place? It (really, be) (15) ------------------------------- due to the spread of the knowledge and
practice of what (become) (16) ------------------------------- known as "Death Control". You (no
doubt, hear) (17) ------------------------------- of the term "Birth Control" - "Death Control" (be)
(18) ------------------------------- something rather different. It (recognize) (19) --------------------

----------- the work of the doctors and scientists who (now, keep) (20) -----------------------------
-- alive people who, not very long ago, would have (die) (21) ------------------------------- of a
variety of then incurable diseases. Through a wide variety of technological innovations that
(include) (22) ------------------------------- farming methods and sanitation, as well as the
control of these deadly diseases, we (find) (23) ------------------------------- ways to reduce the
rate at which we (die) (24) ------------------------------- - creating a population explosion. We
(think) (25) ------------------------------- that (reach) (26) ------------------------------- seventy
years old (be) (27) ------------------------------- a remarkable achievement, but now eighty or
even ninety (become) (28) ------------------------------- recognized as the normal life-span for
humans. In a sense, this (represent) (29) ------------------------------- a tremendous achievement
for our species. Biologically this (be) (30) ------------------------------- the very definition of
success and we (undoubtedly, become) (31) ------------------------------- the dominant animal
on the planet. However, this success (be) (32) ------------------------------- the very cause of the
greatest threat to mankind.

Ammar

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Department of English

Faculté des Lettres et des Sciences Humaines de Ben M‟sik

Notes and Exercises Compiled by:

Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal

Grammar 1/S 1/Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal Page 2

Bland, S. K. (2003). Grammar sense. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Grammar 1/S 1/Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal Page 3

Hewings, M. (2006). Advanced Grammar in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Murphy, R. & Smalzer, W. R. Grammar in Use: intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge

Thomson, A. J. & Martinet, A. V. (1987). A Practical English Grammar. London: Oxford

Thomson, A. J. & Martinet, A. V. (1987). A practical English Grammar: Exercises 1-2.

Schoenberg, I. (2005). Focus on Grammar 3 & 4: An Integrated Skills Approach (Course

Vince, M. (2014). Macmillan English Grammar in Context: Advanced. Macmillan Publishers.

Grammar 1/S 1/Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal Page 4

Grammar 1/S 1/Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal Page 5

1.1.1 THE SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

a. To express habitual actions

e. In dramatic narratives and commentaries

f. For a planned future action or series of actions

j. To refer to the past and future

Grammar 1/S 1/Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal Page 6

State verbs vs. Action verbs

-I prefer classical music to popular music.

-Do you understand the maths homework now?

-Janice flies around the world. She’s flying to Sydney today.

1.1.2 THE PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE

a. For an action happening now

c. For habitual or iterative actions

d. Repetitive events of limited duration.

e. Definite arrangement in the near future

f. For an action which appears to be persistent or continuous

Grammar 1/S 1/Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal Page 7

h. To indicate a gradual movement or an incomplete action

Grammar 1/S 1/Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal Page 8

1. Fatima's a really good friend. She never forgets/is forgetting my birthday.

Exercise 3. Use the Present Simple or the Present Progressive.

At the moment, my flatmate _____________ (make) dinner in the kitchen. I _____________

Grammar 1/S 1/Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal Page 9

Exercise 4. Use the Present Simple or the Present Progressive.

1. These apples________________ (cost) 40 p a bag. You____________________ (think)

3. Mrs. Jones: My daughter never _______________ (write) to me so I never

4. I________________ (see) my solicitor tomorrow; I ________________ (change) my will,-

5. Tom: I ________________ (smell) something burning!

Grammar 1/S 1/Prof. Abdelaziz Boudlal Page 10

1.2.1 THE SIMPLE PAST TENSE

a. To exclude present time

b. With a definite time in mind

c. For a past action (time given)

d. When the time is asked about

g. For a past habit

h. Past events happening simultaneously and in a sequence

i. To express hypothetical meaning

1.2.2 THE PAST PROGRESSIVE TENSE

b. To indicate a gradual development

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e. As the equivalent of the present progressive in reported speech

f. With ―always‖ (for frequently repeated actions)

g. As the future in the past

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e.g. What were you doing, or what was happening when …

l. you received your last text message? _____________________________

Exercise 2. Use the Past or the Past Continuous.

At the moment, my flatmate _ (make) dinner in the kitchen. I _

1. These apples (cost) 40 p a bag. You____ (think)

4. I (see) my solicitor tomorrow; I (change) my will,-

1. My tooth (break) when I __ (eat) a hazel-nut.

1. After Michael the letter, he it to Kay to sign.