You are an ambitious learner of the English language. You have reached the intermediate level and you want to go even further, but where do you start? Should you just keep reading and practicing everything out of a book? If that sounds like your plan, I urge you to take a look at our article on what can be accomplished at the A2 level. We have broken down this learning into three major parts communication, grammar, and vocabulary each define thoroughly to strengthen your base and give you a sense of confidence while you speak English.
English Learning Communication-A2 level
- Describing habits and daily routines– A2 LEVEL
I get up at 7 am every day. I usually have toast/cereal/fruit for breakfast. I have a bath/a shower.I leave my house around 8.30. I drive/cycle/walk/catch the bus to work/school. I’m usually at work/school until 3 pm. I pick the kids up from school. My husband/wife/flatmate and I take turns cooking the evening meal. I sometimes phone my Mum after dinner. I put the kids to bed around 7.30. I play tennis twice a week. I normally do the housework on Saturday morning. I always watch my favorite TV program on Saturday evenings. I often go shopping on Sundays. |
- Expressing ability and inability– A2 LEVEL
1. We can use can (or to be able to) to describe natural or learned ability. She can run 1500 meters in 5 minutes. |
2. We can use could, couldn’t, and was/were able to when we describe ‘general ability in the past. I could run very fast when I was a girl. |
3. We use was/were able to or managed to (not could) to describe the successful completion of a specific action: We were able to get plane tickets last week. |
4. We can use couldn’t describe a specific action not successfully completed. We could not get tickets for the concert last month. |
Verbs of perception with can and could. 1. When we are describing something that is happening now, we do not use the progressive with these verbs. I see a bird in that tree. |
2. We use the can + verb in place of the present simple with verbs of perception. I can see a bird in that tree. We use the could + verb in place of the simple past with verbs of perception. I looked up, but couldn’t see anything. |
- Describing past experiences – A2 LEVEL
The film started at seven-thirty. We arrived home before dark. Most evenings, we stayed at home and watched DVDs. Sometimes they went out for a meal. Most evenings, we used to stay at home and watch DVDs. We used to go for a swim every morning. Most evenings, he would take the dog for a walk. They would often visit friends in Europe. |
- Asking for and giving directions– A2 LEVEL
Where can I find the nearest car park? How do I get to the library? Is there a pet shop near here? Where is the nearest post office? Do you know where the shopping center is? Is there a sports shop around here? Can you tell me how to get to train station from here? How can I get to the pub? What’s the best way to get to the amusement park from here? What’s the quickest way to get to the airport from here? What’s the easiest way to get to the nearest drugstore from here? Could you tell me where the nearest grocery store is? Where are you exactly? How do you get to the supermarket from here? I am looking for this address, am I in the right place / how can I get there? Can you tell me the way to the Nature Hotel? Is this the right way for the campground? Do you have a map? I am trying to find an exchange office. Could you tell me how to get there? I am trying to get to the police station, Can you show me the map? Could you help me, please? I’m looking for the bank. Does this bus go to the center? Do you know the cafe? Go straight. Go along the road. Go down there. Go down or walk down the street. Go up or walk up the street. Go straight along this road. Go past the bus stop. Go toward the church. Turn right from the first alley. Turn left on to Daniel Street. Turn left at the end of the corridor. Turn right / left at the traffic lights/roundabout, etc. Turn right on after you pass the market on the right also. Turn left after you pass the bakery. Turn left past the phone shop. |
- Describing personality and feelings– A2 LEVEL
polite (Please be polite to our guests.) friendly (Everyone was very friendly towards me.) honest (He was a hard-working honest man.) generous (She’s always very generous to the kids.) rude (She was very rude about my driving.) lazy (He is the laziest boy in the class.) angry (I was very angry with myself for making such a stupid mistake.) beautiful (My younger sister is very beautiful.) handsome (He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever met.) cute (That’s a cute little baby.) thin (She was looking pale and thin.) tall (She’s tall and thin.) chubby (She was eleven years old and pretty in a chubby sort of way.) muscular (He was tall, lean and muscular.) attractive (The actress is an attractive woman.) terrified (She looked at him with wide, terrified eyes.) exhausted (You look absolutely exhausted.) scared (People are scared to use the buses late at night.) nervous (She was so nervous about her exams that she couldn’t sleep.) embarrassed (She’s embarrassed about her height.) |
- Making comparisons– A2 LEVEL
You can vary the strength of the comparison by using “qualifying” expressions.
| 1. Comparing two things You can use “a lot”, “much”, “a little”, “slightly” and “far” before “more / less than”: “She’s a lot more intelligent than him.” “This car is much faster than the other one.” “They are much less wealthy than they used to be.” “He’s a little taller than his sister.” “She’s slightly less interested in football than him.” “We are far more involved in charity than they are.” When you use these qualifying expressions in English, remember the rules about using -er. If the adjective is one syllable or ends in -y, add -er: “He’s far taller than her.” (NOT “He’s far taller…”) “I’m much lazier than you!” When the adjective is two syllables and more, you need either “more” or “less”: “He’s a little more prepared for the exam than she is.” (NOT “He’s a little prepareder…”) |
| 2. Saying how two things are similar You can use “almost as … as”, “not quite as … as”, “(not) nearly as … as”, “nowhere near as … as”, “twice as … as” and “half as … as” to change the extent of the similarity. “She’s almost as good as you!” “He’s not quite as confident as Susie.” “I’m not nearly as intelligent as her!” “This painting is nowhere near as famous as the first.” “She’s twice as old as him!“ “He’s half as interesting as you!” |
- Describing jobs– A2 LEVEL
Accountant – a person that keeps financial records Actor /Actress – a person that acts in a play or a movie Architect – a person that designs buildings and houses. Astronomer – a person who studies the stars and the universe Author – A person who writes books Baker – A person who makes bread Bus driver – a person that drives buses. Butcher – a person that cut the meat and sells it Carpenter – a person that makes things from wood including houses and furniture. Chef/Cook – a person that prepared food for others, often in a restaurant or café. Cleaner – a person that cleans an area or place Dentist – a person that can fix problems you have with your teeth. Designer – a person who has the job of designing things. Doctor – a person who cures health problems Dustman/Refuse collector – a person that collects trash from bins in the street. Electrician – a person that works with electric circuits. Factory worker – a person that works in a factory. Farmer – a person that works on a farm, usually with animals. Fireman/Firefighter – a person that puts out fires. Fisherman – a person that catches fish Gardener – a person that keeps gardens clean and takes care of the plants Hairdresser – they cut your hair or give it a new style. Journalist – a person that makes new reports in writing or through television. Judge – a qualified person that decides cases in a law court. Lifeguard – a person that saves lives when people swim Mechanic – a person that repairs machines, especially car motors. Model – a person that works in fashion, modeling clothes and accessories. Nurse – a person who helps doctors look after sick people. Optician – a person that checks your eyes and tries and correct any problems with them Painter – a person that paints the interior and exterior of buildings. Pharmacist – a qualified person that dispenses medicines Photographer – a person that takes photos. Pilot – a person who flies a plane. Plumber – a person that repairs your water systems or pipes. Politician – a person who works in politics. Policeman/Policewoman – a person who tries to prevent crime Postman – a person that delivers mail to your house. Real estate agent – a person that sells properties Receptionist – a person that welcomes visitors and gives information Scientist – a person who does experiments Tailor – a person that makes clothes for others. Taxi driver – a person who drives a taxi. Teacher – a person that teaches classes at school Translator – a person that translates from one language to another. Travel agent – a person that organizes and sells holidays and flights for others. Veterinary doctor (Vet) – a qualified person that looks after sick animals. Waiter/Waitress – a person that works in a food outlet, looking after customers and serving food. |
- Describing places– A2 LEVEL
Alive – Full of life Attractive – Pleasing; charming Beautiful – Having qualities that are pleasing or appealing Bustling – Full of life, energy Calm – Peaceful; free from stress Charming – Fascinating; likable Cosmopolitan – Appealing to people from all across the globe Enchanting – Delightful; fascinating Fascinating – Alluring; captivating Fresh – Something newly made and full of vigor Homey – Cozy; inviting Inspiring – Enlivening; motivating Lively – Full of life and spirit Peaceful – Calm; friendly Picturesque – Scenic; beautiful Unspoiled – Untouched by man; pure Vibrant – Full of life; energy |
- Making requests (e.g. at a restaurant)– A2 LEVEL
Can you give me the book? Could you please take off your raincoat? Could you please take me to the dentist? Would you mind opening the window for me, please? Would you be kind enough to repair my computer? Do you think you could take me to the supermarket? Could I ask you to take me home? Can you tell me what happened? Would you come to my birthday party? Would it be possible for you to come here at 8 A.M? |
- Expressing future plans– A2 LEVEL
We have a lesson next Monday. The train arrives at 6.30 in the morning. The holidays start next week. It‘s my birthday tomorrow. I‘m playing football tomorrow. They are coming to see us tomorrow. We‘re having a party at Christmas. It will be a nice day tomorrow. I think Brazil will win the World Cup. I’m sure you will enjoy the film. I hope you will come to my party.George says he will help us. I‘m going to drive to work today. They are going to move to Manchester. |
English Learning Vocabulary-A2 level
- Personality and feelings– A2 LEVEL
Here is a comprehensive list of adjectives:
| POSITIVE | NEGATIVE | |
| FEELINGS | Calm Amazed Surprised Entertained Relaxed Excited Proud Cheerful/jolly/glad Upbeat | Moody Upset Annoyed Shocked Fed-up Depressed Stressed Shy Grumpy |
| PERSONALITY | Brave Chatty/sociable/outgoing Clever Generous Friendly Kind Funny/amusing Hard-working Easy-going | Cowardly Shy Thick/dumb/dense Stingy/tight/selfish Unfriendly Unkind Boring/dull Lazy Uptight |
- Food and drinks– A2 LEVEL
Meat, poultry, and seafood Beef Lamb Pork Kangaroo Eggs Chicken Lobster Fish Turkey Duck Fast food Burger Pizza Onion fries French fries Fried chicken Taco Noodles Muffin Hot dog Nuggets Sausage Burrito Ice cream | Fruits Apple Orange Banana Guava Grapes Mango Cherries Kiwi Jackfruit Avocado Papaya Pomegranate Coconut |
Vegetables Potato Sweet potato Asparagus Peas Cabbage Corn Tomato Eggplant Onion Pumpkin Broccoli Chilli Beans Zucchini Mushroom Carrot Cucumber | Herbs and spices Thyme Fennel Spring onion Chives Garlic Ginger Clove Turmeric Spinach Cinamon Olive |
Bread Hotdog Roll Breadstick Donut White bread Wheat bread Bagel Breakfast food Oats Omelet Sandwich Waffle Porridge Pancake Toast Dosa Berries Sausage Juice | Lunch food Rice Tortilla Smoked salmon Pastry Gravy Spaghetti Yogurt Pudding |
Dinner food Pizza Ham Burger Burrito Kebab Pasta Salad | Drinks Wine Coffee Tea Orange juice Mango juice Beer Milkshake Smoothie Lemonade Milk Juice Water |
- Education– A2 LEVEL
Education: The process of teaching or learning in a school or college, or the knowledge that you get from this. Educational system: Educational systems are established to provide education and training, often for children and the young.”The educational system in most underdeveloped countries needs to be reformed.” Educational goals: Each country identifies the educational goals to be achieved by its educational system. Educational background: Past experience in education. To become an engineer in Electronics you need to have a scientific educational background. School subject: A course or area of study: mathematics, English, French, physics…are school subjects.”Math is her best subject.” School year: The school year starts in September and ends in June. School uniform: It is obligatory that students wear school uniforms in some schools. Private lessons: Some students need private lessons to keep up with their mates in learning some school subjects. Private schools: Students who go to private schools pay fees. University graduate: A person who holds a university or college degree. University graduates find difficulties getting jobs these days. University degree: An academic title given by a college or university to a student who has completed a course of study:”You go to university to get a university degree.””Bachelor of Arts degree.” Learning needs: Learners should identify their learning needs in order to get the appropriate learning. Learning strategies: Learning strategies (or study skills)are techniques used to proceed in your own learning. Learning goals: Learning goals are the target behavior a learner attains through his learning experience. Adult illiteracy: Its is a major concern for any development. Adult education: Adult education is the practice of teaching and educating adults. It has become common in many countries. It takes on many forms, ranging from formal class-based learning to self-directed learning. There are more than 800 million adults that cannot read or write.Adult education usually takes place in the evening. Formal education: Formal education results from a program of instruction in an educational institution leading to a qualification/certification. Informal education: Informal education occurs in daily work, leisure or family. Non-formal education: Non-formal education results from a program but it is not usually evaluated and doesn’t lead to certification. Basic Education: Basic education refers to the whole range of educational activities taking place in various settings (formal, non-formal, and informal), that aim to meet basic learning needs. According to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED), basic education comprises primary education (first stage of basic education) and lower secondary education (second stage). In countries (developing countries in particular), Basic Education often includes also pre-primary education and/or adult literacy programs. Universal basic education is regarded as a priority for developing countries” Every citizen should acquire at least a basic education to be able to read and write.” Primary Education: Primary (or elementary) education consists of the first years of formal, structured education. In general, primary education consists of six or seven years of schooling starting at the age of 5 or 6, although this varies between, and sometimes within, countries. Secondary Education: Secondary education is the stage of education following primary education. Except in countries where only primary or basic education is compulsory, secondary education includes the final stage of compulsory education and in many countries, it is entirely compulsory. The next stage of education is usually college or university. Higher education: Higher education, also called tertiary, third stage, or post-secondary education, is the non-compulsory educational level that follows the completion of a school providing secondary education, such as a high school, or secondary school. Tertiary education is normally taken to include undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as vocational education and training. Colleges and universities are the main institutions that provide tertiary education. Collectively, these are sometimes known as tertiary institutions. Tertiary education generally results in the receipt of certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees. |
- Weather– A2 LEVEL
Clear or CloudyBright: (adjective) full of light; when the sun is shining strongly. Sunny: (adjective) the sun is shining and there are no clouds. Clear: (adjective) without cloudsFine: (adjective) not raining, clear sky. Partially cloudy: (adjective) when there is a mixture of both blue sky and clouds. Cloudy: (adjective) with many clouds in the sky. Overcast: (adjective) covered with cloud; dull. Gloomy: (adjective) with dark clouds and dull light; some people consider this weather depressing.Sometimes the cloud lowers to ground level and it becomes harder to see… Fog (noun)/ foggy (adjective): thick cloud close to land. Mist (noun) / misty (adjective): light fog, often on the sea or caused by drizzle. Haze (noun) / hazy (adjective): light mist, usually caused by heat. |
Types of Rain Damp: (adjective) slightly wet (often after the rain has stopped) Drizzle: (verb/noun) to rain lightly with very fine drops. Shower: (noun) a short period of rain. Rain: (verb/noun) water that falls from the clouds in drops. Downpour: (noun) heavy rain. Pour: (verb) to have heavy rain. It’s raining cats and dogs: (Idiom) To rain heavily. Torrential rain: (noun) very heavy rain. Flood: (verb/noun) to become covered in water usually due to excessive rain |
| Cold stuff Blizzard: (noun) severe snowstorm with strong winds. Frost: (noun) a layer of small ice crystals that forms on the ground or other surfaces when the temperate is cold. Hail: (verb) when frozen rain falls as small balls of ice (hailstones). Hailstones: (noun) the small hard balls of ice that fall from the sky. Snow: (noun/verb) frozen rain that falls from the sky as soft snowflakes. Snowflake: (noun) an individual piece of snow. Sleet: (noun/verb) snow or hail mixed with rain (often with some wind). |
| Types of Wind Breeze: a gentle wind (often nice or refreshing). Blustery: blowing (strong) gusts of wind. Windy: continual wind. Gale: a very strong wind. Hurricane/cyclone/typhoon: a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce winds and heavy rain. What’s the difference between a hurricane, a typhoon and a cyclone? They are the same thing just with different names because of the region they are in.Atlantic/Northeast Pacific = a hurricane Northwest Pacific = a typhoon Southern Hemisphere = a cyclone Tornado: (noun) strong violent circular winds in a small area; a rapidly revolving column of air In the United States the word twister is often used instead of a tornado. |
- Free-time activities– A2 LEVEL
Go to the cinema – to see Hollywood blockbuster movies, Bollywood movies (from India), art films, and animated films. You can also say go to the movies.Some film categories are Comedy, Drama, Horror, Thriller, Action, Science Fiction (Sci-Fi), Fantasy, Documentary, and Musical. Watch TV – Different types of television programs are: The News, Soap Operas, Criminal Investigation Dramas, Medical Dramas, Reality TV, Situation Comedies (Sit-Coms), Talk Shows, Documentaries, Cartoons, Game Shows, Sports programs, Movies, Political programs, Religious programs. Spend time with family – You can do many things with your family. Usually, the fact that you are together is more important than the activity. Go out with friends – You can also do many things with your friends, like go out to a bar, go dancing at a club, have dinner at a restaurant, play a sport, sit down and talk, go out for a coffee, have a barbecue, or any other activity that you all enjoy. Or sometimes when you don’t do anything specific, you can say hang out with friends. Surf the internet – On the internet, you can research a topic you are interested in using a search engine, visit your favourite websites, watch music videos, create your own video and upload it for other people to see, maintain contact with your friends using a social networking site, write your thoughts in a blog, learn what is happening in the world by reading news websites, etc. Play video games – You can play games on your computer or on a game consoles, like PlayStation, X-Box, Wii, PSP, Gameboy, etc. You can play on your own or with your friends or family. Play a musical instrument – Learn to play the piano, guitar, violin, cello, flute, piano accordion, mouth organ, panpipes, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, etc. You can play on your own or with a group, such as a band or an orchestra. Listen to music – Turn up the volume and listen to your favorite type of music, such as pop, rock, hip hop, rhythm & blues, blues, jazz, classical, soul, and heavy metal. Read – Many people love to read both fiction and non-fiction books and magazines. If you like fiction, you can read novels, short stories, crime fiction, romance, etc. If you like non-fiction, you can read biographies, autobiographies, or books on history, science, philosophy, religion, or any other topic you are interested in. Write – Many people like to write in their diaries. Another name for a diary is a journal. You can also write many other things, such as poetry, novels, letters, short stories, etc. Go to the park – You can go to the park alone, with family, or with friends. You can take a picnic rug and a picnic basket and have a picnic. You can read, sleep, kick a football around, climb trees or play on the children’s playground. Go to cultural locations and events – There are many types of cultural locations and events. You can go to the museum, to an art gallery or to the zoo to see animals from around the world. You can go to concerts, plays, musicals, dance recitals, and opera performances. Go shopping – Many people like to go to shopping malls and areas of the city that are known for shopping to buy clothes or items for their houses and gardens. Cook – Many people like to cook different types of food. You can make meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can bake cakes, cookies, slices and pastries in the oven. Some people boast that they have a special recipe – ask them to cook it for you! Study something – There are many things that you can study just because you find it interesting! You can study a language; you can learn a skill, such as cooking or making furniture; or you can even study the hieroglyphs of the ancient Egyptians, if you want to! Art and crafts – There are many, many arts and crafts that you can learn and practice. You can paint, draw, sew, crochet, knit, sculpt, engrave, make furniture, make jewelry, or you can even create your own new art form! Gardening – You can plant flowers, vegetables or herbs and maintain your garden by watering it, pulling the weeds, and feeding it with fertilizer. Exercise and play a sport – To stay fit and healthy, you can do exercise alone, such as swimming or working out at a gym, or you can play a team sport, such as football or basketball. For more information on sports and exercise, go to our Sports Page. |
- Places in towns– A2 LEVEL
City center (UK)/ City center (US) Car park (UK)/ Parking lot (US) Telephone box (UK)/ Telephone booth (US) Pavement (UK)/ Sidewalk (US) Cycle path (UK)/ Bicycle path (US) Traffic jam Street lights Crossroads Flyover (UK)/ Overpass (US) Underpass Roundabout Pedestrian crossing (UK)/ Crosswalk (US) Road sign Traffic lights School Library Bookstore Post office Pharmacy Hospital | Police station Bank Bus stop Airport Train station Petrol station Hotel Church Factory Garage Market Supermarket Bakery Cafe Restaurant Clothing store Shoe shop Theater Cinema Amusement park Sports centre Playground Bridge Museum Swimming pool Farm Park Zoo |
- Transport and travel– A2 LEVEL
Airline – Company which commercializes air travel. Airport – Large area where aircraft land and take off. Air traffic controller – A person who directs the planes and ensures that there are no accidents. Aisle – Corridor between the rows of seats on a plane. Aisle seat – A seat next to the long corridor in the center of the plane. Arrival area – Area for passengers getting off a plane. Baggage – Bags, suitcases, etc. Baggage claim – Place where passengers go to get their luggage at the end of a flight. Board – Get on or enter a plane. Boarding pass – Card needed by passengers in order to board a plane. Bus stop – Area where passengers get on and off a bus. Cab – Taxi Cabin crew – The personnel on a plane who look after the passengers during a flight. Cabin pressure – The air pressure inside the aircraft when it is flying. Car – Motor vehicle for carrying passengers. Chartered flight – Flight on a chartered or hired plane. Check-in – Register as a guest at a hotel or as a passenger at an airport. Check-out – Pay one’s bill and leave a hotel. Cockpit – The front of the aircraft where the pilot sits and flies the plane. Connnecting flight – Train or plane leaving a station or airport soon after the arrival of another, enabling passengers to change from one to another. Control tower – The place from where air traffic controllers direct the planes. Customs – Government department that collects taxes on goods imported from other countries. Customs official – Government official who controls goods brought into a country and collects taxes or duty. Departure board – Large display showing times and destinations of departing flights. Departure lounge – Place where passengers wait before boarding a plane. Direct – Without any connecting flights or trains. Domestic flights – Flights within the country, not international. Duty-free – Without any payment of taxes called ‘custom duties’. Excess baggage – Baggage that weighs more than the amount allowed. Fare – Cost of a journey by bus, boat or taxi. Flight – Journey on an aircraft. Galley – Part of a plane where food and duty-free goods are kept. Gate – The place in an airport where a particular flight arrives and departs. Hand luggage – Light luggage (bags, briefcases, etc.) that you are allowed to carry on board. Immigration officer – Person who checks passports and visas. Jet lag – Tiredness after a long flight due to differences in time zones. Label – Card showing your name and address which is used to identify luggage. Luggage – Bags, suitcases, etc. Motorway – Wide road for fast-moving traffic. Off-peak – A time period that is less busy (and tickets are usually cheaper). Overhead locker – Storage space above the seats on a plane for hand luggage. |
English Learning Grammar-A2 level
- Questions words– A2 LEVEL
The main question words are: What (for a thing, when there are many things) Which (for a thing, when there aren’t many things) Who (for a person) Where (for a place) Why (for a reason) When (for a time) How (for a method) Whose (to ask about possession) Examples What is your name? Which gym do you go to? Who is your boss? Where do you hang out at the weekends? Why do you hate your job? When is your birthday? How do you learn English words? Whose book is this? |
- Adverbs of frequency– A2 LEVEL
We use some adverbs to describe how frequently we do an activity.
These are called adverbs of frequency and include:
| Frequency | Adverb of Frequency | Example Sentence |
| 100% | always | I always go to bed before 11 p.m. |
| 90% | usually | I usually have cereal for breakfast. |
| 80% | normally / generally | I normally go to the gym. |
| 70% | often* / frequently | I often surf the internet. |
| 50% | sometimes | I sometimes forget my wife’s birthday. |
| 30% | occasionally | I occasionally eat junk food. |
| 10% | seldom | I seldom read the newspaper. |
| 5% | hardly ever / rarely | I hardly ever drink alcohol. |
| 0% | never | I never swim in the sea. |
- Past simple
The simple past tense, sometimes called the preterite, is used to talk about a completed action in a time before now. The simple past is the basic form of past tense in English. The time of the action can be in the recent past or the distant past and action duration is not important.
We use the past tense to talk about: something that happened once in the past: I met my wife in 1983. We went to Spain for our holidays. They got home very late last night. something that happened several times in the past: When I was a boy, I walked a mile to school every day. We swam a lot while we were on holiday. They always enjoyed visiting their friends. something that was true for some time in the past: I lived abroad for ten years. He enjoyed being a student. She played a lot of tennis when she was younger. we often use expressions with ago with the past simple: I met my wife a long time ago. |
- Present continuous– A2 LEVEL
The present continuous is used:
to describe an action that is going on at this moment: You are using the Internet. You are studying English grammar. to describe an action that is going on during this period of time or a trend: Are you still working for the same company?
| Are you listening? Are they coming to your party? When is she going home? What am I doing here? I‘m not doing that. You aren’t listening. (or You‘re not listening.) They aren’t coming to the party. (or They‘re not coming to the party.) She isn’t going home until Monday. (or She‘s not going home until Monday.) Michael is at university. He‘s studying history. I‘m working in London for the next two weeks. These days most people are using email instead of writing letters. What sort of clothes are teenagers wearing nowadays? What sort of music are they listening to? |
- Present perfect simple– A2 LEVEL
The present perfect of any verb is composed of two elements: the appropriate form of the auxiliary verb to have (present tense), plus the past participle of the main verb. The past participle of a regular verb is base+ed, e.g. played, arrived, looked.
Use of Present Perfect puts emphasis on the result Example: She has written five letters. action that is still going on Example: School has not started yet. action that stopped recently Example: She has cooked dinner. finished action that has an influence on the present Example: I have lost my key. action that has taken place once, never or several times before the moment of speaking Example: I have never been to Australia |
- Prepositions of time and place
There are three prepositions in English that are used with time in, at, on. Generally, in shows the “largest” time or place, on shows dates and time, and at usually shows the “smallest” time or place.
Look at these examples: I have a meeting at 9am. The shop closes at midnight. Jane went home at lunchtime. In England, it often snows in December. Do you think we will go to Jupiter in the future? There should be a lot of progress in the next century. Do you work on Mondays? Her birthday is on 20 November. Where will you be on New Year’s Day? |
- Comparatives and superlatives– A2 LEVEL
Adjectives with two syllables can form the comparative either by adding -er or by preceeding the adjective with more. These adjectives form the superlative either by adding -est or by preceeding the adjective with most. In many cases, both forms are used, although one usage will be more common than the other.
Examples My house is the largest one in our neighborhood.This is the smallest box I’ve ever seen.Your dog ran the fastest of any dog in the race.We all threw our rocks at the same time. My rock flew the highest. (“of all the rocks” is understood) Examples Today is the worst day I’ve had in a long time.You play tennis better than I do.This is the least expensive sweater in the store.This sweater is less expensive than that one.I ran pretty far yesterday, but I ran even farther today. Examples My house is larger than hers.This box is smaller than the one I lost.Your dog runs faster than Jim’s dog.The rock flew higher than the roof.Jim and Jack are both my friends, but I like Jack better. (“than Jim” is understood) |
- Like + ing
This is an example of the verb like + verb ending in ING. This rule of LIKE + Verb-ING also applies to other similar “liking” verbs such as: Love, enjoy, don’t like, and hate. Note: don’t like is just the negative form of like. I love reading in bed at night. I enjoy playing video games. I don’t like getting up early. I hate washing the dishes. Using a verb-ing after these verbs sound more natural. More examples of questions with like + verb-ing: Do you like blowing bubbles? Do they like taking selfies? Does John like listening to music? Does your grandmother like going to the gym? |
- Future simple: will– A2 LEVEL
Use of will Future
example: He will probably come back tomorrow. example: I will not watch TV tonight. example: It will rain tomorrow. example: If I arrive late, I will call you.
Use of will Future a spontaneous decision example: Wait, I will help you. an opinion, hope, uncertainty or assumption regarding the future example: He will probably come back tomorrow. a promise example: I will not watch TV tonight. an action in the future that cannot be influenced example: It will rain tomorrow. conditional clauses type I example: If I arrive late, I will call you. |
- Future: going to
We use be going to talk about future plans and intentions. Usually, the decision about their future plans has already been made: She’s going to be a professional dancer when she grows up. I’m going to look for a new place to live next month.
How do we use going to? going to for intention We use going to when we have the intention to do something before we speak. We have already made a decision before speaking. Look at these examples: Jo has won the lottery. He says he‘s going to buy a Porsche. We‘re not going to paint our bedroom tomorrow. When are you going to go on holiday? In these examples, we had an intention or plan before speaking. The decision was made before speaking. going to for prediction We often use going to to make a prediction about the future. Our prediction is based on the present evidence. We are saying what we think will happen. Here are some examples: The sky is very black. It‘s going to snow.It’s 8.30! You‘re going to miss your train!I crashed the company car. My boss isn’t going to be very happy! In these examples, the present situation (black sky, the time, damaged car) gives us a good idea of what is going to happen. |
- Past continuous– A2 LEVEL
The past continuous tense, also known as the past progressive tense, refers to a continuing action or state that was happening at some point in the past. The past continuous tense is formed by combining the past tense of to be (i.e., was/were) with the verb’s present participle
When we use the Past Continuous tense, our listener usually knows or understands what time we are talking about. Look at these examples: I was working at 10pm last night. They were not playing football at 9am this morning. What were you doing at 10pm last night? What were you doing when he arrived? She was cooking when I telephoned her. We were having dinner when it started to rain. Ram went home early because it was snowing. We can join these two actions with when: I was watching TV when you telephoned.Notice that “when you telephoned” is also a way of defining the time (8pm). We use: when + short action (Past Simple) while + long action (Past Continuous) |
