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.

into / in

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

He drove into the garage.

He studies in that classroom.

Verbs + About

Each verb + about combination includes an example sentence.

be about something - That book is about his experiences in Africa.
argue about (doing) something - The boys argued about which bus to take.
be concerned about (doing) something - I'm concerned about your grades.
be worried about (doing) something - She is worried about her exams.
boast about (doing) something - Thomas boasted about his golfing ability.
decide about (doing) something - Anna decided about her goals.
dream about (doing) something - Mark dreams about becoming a ballet dancer.
protest about (doing) something - The students protested about the invasion.

Prepositional Phrases

2nd batch of lessons on Prepositions this time in phrases

Intensive Grammar Workshop: Prepositions II

"at your English Tips 6"

Preposition + Verb
Always use the gerund when the verb is the object of a preposition
What shall we do? - How about visiting Tom!
I looked into purchasing a new computer.

Interested In
The correct usage of showing interest is a passive infinitive "to be interested in".
They are interested in geography.
Was he interested in coming to the presentation?

Good and Bad
The comparative form for "good" is "better". The superlative form is "the best". The comparative form for "bad" is "worse". THe superlative form is "the worst".
She is the worst tennis player on the team.
He's better at math than Jack, but worse at geography.

The Basics of "At"
Use "at" with times of the day and places in a city.
I'll meet you at three o'clock.
Let's meet at the bank.

Ask
The verb "ask" plus an object is constructed "S + ask + person being asked + infinitive with to".
She asked him to repeat the question.
My friend asked me to come early to the meeting.


On
Use "on" with days of the week. However, in British English use "at the weekend".
I'll see you on Tuesday.
Let's meet on Sunday.



Since
Use the present perfect (continuous) with the time expression "since" when using a specific date or time.
He's lived in that house since 1998.
They've been playing golf since ten this morning.

Prepositions I

Guide Links to lessons and activities on prepositions

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

Time and Place - at, in, on and to

Read the story below:

     I was born in Seattle, Washington on the 19th of April in 1961. Seattle is in the State of Washington in the United States. That was many years ago... Now, I live in Leghorn in Italy. I work at the British School. I sometimes go to a movie on the weekend. I meet my friends at the movie theater at 8 o'clock or later. In the summer, usually in August, I go home to visit my family in America. My family and I go to the beach and relax in the sun in the morning and in the afternoon! In the evening, we often eat at a restaurant with our friends. Sometimes, we go to a bar at night. 

Look at the chart below:

IN
We use in with months - in May
seasons - in winter
country - in Greece
city or town names - in New York
times of the day - in the morning, afternoon or evening
BUT at night!

ON
We use "on" with specific days - on Friday, on New Year's Day, on April the 19th
American English - "on the weekend OR on weekends"

AT
We use "at" with specific times - at 7 o'clock, at 6.15
at night, at noon
specific places in a city - at school
British English - "at the weekend OR at weekends"

TO
We use "to" with verbs which show movement such as go and come. 

He goes to school.
She returned to the store.
They are coming to the party tonight.

While, As and During

Use 'while' and 'as' to express actions that happen at the same time.

                                 while/as + verb

          He was cleaning the garage while/as I was cooking lunch.

Use 'during' to express the same idea, but with a noun. 

                                   during + noun

          He did his homework during class.