In Your Words...

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

'at your English Tips 3'


Useful review tips for intermediate learners

If he were ... Use "were" in the second conditional if clause for all subjects.
If he were the boss, we'd all have more to do.
I would change my position if I were you.


when using a verb of purpose - I do something to do another thing. - use "to + verb".
She bought the computer to get more work done at home.
Hans visited the branch to speak with the manager.


The passive voice simple past is formed: Passive Subject + to be (was/were) + participle
One thousand units were produced last month.
The application form was completed and submitted to the administration.


Say and Tell
We use "say" without an indirect object. "Tell" on the other hand takes an indirect object - i.e. He told me.
I told her to hurry up.
I said I was coming soon.


Shall - Use "shall" with "we" when asking for suggestions for a group.
Where shall we go tonight?
When shall we meet?