Adding Emphasis in English

Use these forms to emphasize your statements when you are expressing your opinions, disagreeing, making strong suggestions, expressing annoyance, etc.


Use of the Passive

The passive voice is used when focusing on the person or thing affected by an action. Generally, more emphasis is given to the beginning of a sentence. By using a passive sentence, we emphasize by showing what happens to something rather than who or what does something.

Example:
Reports are expected by the end of the week.
In this example, attention is called to what is expected of students (reports).

Inversion

Invert the word order by placing a prepositional phrase or other expression (at no time, suddenly into, little, seldom, never, etc.) at the beginning of the sentence followed by inverted word order.

Examples:
At no time did I say you couldn't come.
Hardly had I arrived when he started complaining.
Little did I understand what was happening.
Seldom have I felt so alone.

Note that the auxiliary verb is placed before the subject which is followed by the main verb.

Expressing Annoyance

Use the continuous form modified by 'always', 'forever', etc. to express annoyance at another person's action. This form is considered an exception as it used to express a routine rather than an action occurring at a particular moment in time.

Examples:
Martha is always getting into trouble.
Peter is forever asking tricky questions.
George was always being reprimanded by his teachers.

Note that this form is generally used with the present or past continuous (he is always doing, they were always doing).

Cleft Sentences: It

Sentences introduced by 'It is' or 'It was' are often used to emphasize a specific subject or object. The introductory clause is then followed by a relative pronoun.

Examples:
It was I who received the promotion.
It is the awful weather that drives him crazy.

Cleft Sentences: What

Sentences introduced by a clause beginning with 'What' are also used to emphasize a specific subject or object. The clause introduced by 'What' is employed as the subject of the sentence as is followed by the verb 'to be'.

Examples:
What we need is a good long shower.
What he thinks isn't necessarily true.

Exceptional Use of 'Do' or 'Did'

You have probably learned that the auxiliary verbs 'do' and 'did' are not used in positive sentences - for example: He went to the store. NOT He did go to the store. However, in order to emphasize something we feel strongly these auxiliary verbs can be used as an exception to the rule.

Examples:
No that's not true. John did speak to Mary.
I do believe that you should think twice about this situation.

Note this form is often used to express something contrary to what another person believes.

Such' and 'So'

 'such' and 'so' are similar in meaning, but different in construction. The main difference between the two structures is that 'such' takes a noun phrase, whereas 'so' takes an adjective.

'Such … that' - takes a noun or modified noun in a noun phrase. 'That' can be used following the noun phrase but is not required.

such + adjective + noun + (that)

The recording was such a disappointment that I didn't buy any more from that artist.

It was such an expensive car that the didn't buy it.

'So … that' - takes an adjective. 'That' can be used following the noun phrase but is not required.

So + adjective + (that)

The game was so fascinating (that) he played for hours.

Our vacation apartment was so luxurious (that) we didn't want to leave.

'So' for Results

'So' can also be used to express a result. In this case 'so' is followed by a full clause:

I had a lot of time so I visited the museum.

She wasn't happy in her current position so she looked for a new job.

If Sentences

http://esl.about.com/od/grammarintermediate/p/g_conditional.htm

into / in

Use 'into' when indicating change. Use 'in' when indicating state or place.

He drove into the garage.

He studies in that classroom.

Basic English Punctuation Rules

This guide provides instruction on the basic rules of using a period, comma, colon, semicolon, question mark and exclamation point. Each type of punctuation is followed by an explanation and example sentences for reference purposes.

Period - Use a period to end a complete sentence. A sentence is a group of words containing a subject and predicate. In British English a period is called a 'full stop'.

He went to Detroit last week.

Commas are used to:

• Separate a list of items. This is one of the most common uses of a comma. Notice that a comma is included before the conjunction 'and' which comes before the final element of a list.

I like reading, listening to music, taking long walks, and visiting with my friends.

They would like books, magazines, DVDs, video cassettes, and other learning materials for their library.

• Separate phrases (clauses). This is especially true after a beginning dependent clause or a long prepositional phrase.

In order to qualify for your certificate, you will need to take the TOEFL exam.

Although he wanted to come, he wasn't able to attend the course.

• Separate two independent clauses that are connected by a conjunction such as 'but'.

They wanted to purchase a new car, but their financial situation would not allow it.

I'd really enjoy seeing a film this evening, and I'd like to go out for a drink.

• Introduce a direct quote (as opposed to indirect speech i.e. He said he wanted to come ...).

The boy said, "My father is often away during the week on business trips."

His doctor replied, "If you don't stop smoking, you run the risk of a heart attack."

• Separate appositives (a noun, or noun phrase) or non-defining relative clauses.

Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, comes from Seattle.

My only sister, who is a fantastic tennis player, is in great shape.

Question Mark -  is used at the end of a question.

Where do you live?

How long have they been studying?

Exclamation Point -  is used at the end of a sentence to indicate great surprise. It is also used for emphasis when making a point. Be careful not to use an exclamation point too often.

That ride was fantastic!

I can't believe he is going to marry her!

Semicolon
There are two uses for a semicolon:

• To separate two independent clauses. One or both of the clauses are short and the ideas expressed are usually very similar.

He loves studying; He can't get enough of school.

What an incredible situation; it must make you nervous.

• To separate groups of words that are themselves separated by commas.

I took a holiday and played golf, which I love; read a lot, which I needed to do; and slept late, which I hadn't done for quite a while.

They plan to study German, for their travels; chemistry, for their work; and literature, for their own enjoyment.

Colon
A colon can be used for two purposes:

• To provide additional details and explanation.

He had many reasons for joining the club: to get in shape, to make new friends, to lose some weight, and to get out of the house.

She gave notice for the following reasons: bad pay, horrible hours, poor relations with colleagues, and her boss.

• To introduce a direct quote (a comma can also be used in this situation).

He announced to his friends: "I'm getting married!"

She cried out: "I never want to see you again!"

Prepositional Phrases

2nd batch of lessons on Prepositions this time in phrases

Intensive Grammar Workshop: Prepositions II

Since vs. For with Present Perfect

Since is used with the present perfect to express that something has happened since a point in time.
I've lived here since 1999.
She's been working hard since two this afternoon.

For is used with the present perfect to express that something has happened for a period of time.
I've worked at this job for 10 years.
Peter's been playing tennis for two hours.

Sentence Type Basics

Sentence Type Basics for English Learners

This - That - These - Those - Here - There - Determiners for Beginning Level English Learners

This - That - These - Those - Here - There - Determiners for Beginning Level English Learners

English Plurals

• Rule: In general, the plural is formed by adding an -s t 

Example: a tree - trees, a girl - girls

• Rule: Nouns that end with an -s, -sh, -ch and -x have a

Example: dish - dishes, bus - buses, peach - peaches

Be Careful!

• Some of the most common exceptions are: man - men, child - children, woman - women, person - people
• Many animals do not have a plural form: Example: fish - fish, deer - deer

Subject and Object Questions

• Most questions are object questions. In other words, they ask about an object. Example: Where do you live?. 
• However, there are also subject questions. Questions we ask to find out about the subject. These questions are asked using 'who', 'what' and 'which'. Example: Who plays football in this class?. take a look at the following chart of question forms:

Form	Examples
Object Questions ?word auxiliary subject main Verb	Where do you live? What will you do? When is she coming?
Subject Questions ?word subject (auxiliary) main verb Notice that this structure is like positive sentence structure without the question word.	Who loves you? Which car will arrive first? What type of food costs less?

click link for the exercises:
http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/blgrquiz_questionforms_subob.htm

Present Tenses Review of Auxiliary Verbs

Learn English Tenses - English Grammar - Present Tenses Review of Auxiliary Verbs

Present Continuous

Present Continuous

There Is / There Are

There is/There are is a common phrase in English, used to indicate that something "exists"or is in a certain location. The main subject follows the verb when there is/are is used.
There is an apple on the table.
There are some apples on the table.

Other forms of "be" can also be used with there is/there are.
There will be a party at Bill's house on Saturday.
There were four witnesses at the crime scene.
There have been two robberies in the last five months.

Contractions are possible, but they are mostly used informally in speech.
There's a fly in my soup.
There're plenty of oranges left.
There'll be a lot of people in attendance.

There's is by far the most common contraction, and it is sometimes used inadvertently with plural subjects by native speakers.
There's ten people outside!

Common mistakes

Since the expression there is/are usually has no equivalent in other languages, students sometimes use have instead.
Have a lot of food on the table.                                (Incorrect)
It has a lot of food on the table.                               (Incorrect)
There have a lot of food on the table.                         (INcorrect)
There is a lot of food on the table.                Correct

Types, Placement and Formation of ADVERBS

The Five Types of Adverbs and their Placement in Sentences

Adverbs of Manner: Adverbs of manner provide information on how someone does something.

                         and are placed after the verb or entire expression (at the end of the sentence).

 Jack drives very carefully. 

Adverbs of Time: Adverbs of time provide information on when something happens.

are placed after the verb or entire expression (at the end of the sentence).
We'll let you know our decision next week.

Adverbs of Frequency: Adverbs of frequency provide information on how often something happens.

 are placed before the main verb (not the auxiliary verb).
They usually get to work at eight o'clock.

Adverbs of Degree: Adverbs of degree provide information concerning how much of something is done. 

are placed after the verb or entire expression (at the end of the sentence).
They like playing golf a lot.
She'll attend the meeting as well.

Adverbs of Comment: Adverbs of comment provide a comment, or opinion about a situation.

are placed at the beginning of a sentence.
Fortunately, there were enough seats left for the concert.

Contractions

Contractions or what we can call "shortcuts" are most often used in spoken English and with informal written works. Here is a list with example sentences:


Positive Contractions

I'm --- I am --- Example: I'm waiting for my friend.
I'll --- I will --- Example: I'll see you tomorrow.
I'd --- I had / I would --- Example: I'd better leave now. OR I'd already eaten by the time he arrived.
I've --- I have --- Example: I've worked here for many years.
You're --- You are --- Example: You're joking!
You'll --- You will --- Example: You'll be sorry!
You'd --- You had / would --- Example: You'd left before he arrived, hadn't you? OR You'd better hurry up.
You've --- You have --- Example: You've been to London many times.
He's --- He is / has --- Example: He's on the phone now. OR He's been playing tennis since 10 this morning.

Parts of Speech Table

part of speech	function or "job"	example words	example sentences
Verb	action or state	(to) be, have, do, like, work, sing, can, must	EnglishClub.com is a web site. I like EnglishClub.com.
Noun	thing or person	pen, dog, work, music, town, London, teacher, John	This is my dog. He lives in my house. We live in London.
Adjective	describes a noun	a/an, the, 2, some, good, big, red, well, interesting	I have two dogs. My dogs are big. I like big dogs.
Adverb	describes a verb, adjective or adverb	quickly, silently, well, badly, very, really	My dog eats quickly. When he is very hungry, he eats really quickly.
Pronoun	replaces a noun	I, you, he, she, some	Tara is Indian. She is beautiful.
Preposition	links a noun to another word	to, at, after, on, but	We went to school on Monday.
Conjunction	joins clauses or sentences or words	and, but, when	I like dogs and I like cats. I like cats and dogs. I like dogs but I don't like cats.
Interjection	short exclamation, sometimes inserted into a sentence	oh!, ouch!, hi!, well	Ouch! That hurts! Hi! How are you? Well, I don't know.

Prepositions I

Guide Links to lessons and activities on prepositions

http://esl.about.com/gi/ec/esl_20_2.htm

Intensifying Adjectives

http://esl.about.com/od/grammarstructures/a/g_intadj.htm

at your English Tips 2

Using a Verb as a Noun
     We use the gerund form of the verb (verb+ing) when we use the verb as a noun.

Playing golf is my favorite pastime.

She said that driving was very difficult for her.

Future Time Clauses

In a future time clause use the present simple - the construction is the same as for the first conditional.

We'll begin the meeting as soon as she arrives.

She'll finish after she receives the notes.

At the Moment Decisions

     We use the future with "will" for spontaneous reactions. In other words, decisions that we make at that moment.

I'm hungry. - I'll make you a sandwich.

It's raining. - I'll get an umbrella.

Few and A Few

We use "few" in a negative sense. Use "a few" in a positive sense.

I have few friends in Los Angeles.

I have a few friends in New York.

The Use of Well

"Well" is the adverb form of the adjective "good"

He plays golf very well.

She speaks German well.