Grammar for Everyone

'K I noticed that grammar has been an issue to all of us. My grammar is not that good but maybe we can learn together ok? ^^

Anyways, the first one I'd like to discuss is about
present tense.

How do we make the Simple Present Tense?


subject + auxiliary verb + main verb


note:
1. For positive sentences, we do not normally use the auxiliary.
2. For the 3rd person singular (he, she, it), we add s to the main verb or es to the auxiliary.
3. For the verb to be, we do not use an auxiliary, even for questions and negatives.

examples:
(+) I/you/we/they like sausage.
He/she/it likes sausage.
(-) I/you/we/they do not like sausage.
He/she/it does not like sausage.
(?) Do I/you/we/they like sausage?
Does he/she/it like sausage?

what does simple present tense for?
* to express general truth/fact -> The sun rises in the east.
* to express something that happens all the time/habbitually -> she plays the piano every morning.
* to say something that is not only happening now -> The Simpson lives in Springfield.

there are 3 kinds of verb to be:

* Am -> used for I

* Is -> used for He/She/It

* Are -> used for You/We/They

example:

* positive sentence:

I am a student.

He is from Indonesia.

She is my sister.

It is a book.

We are at home

You are pilots.

They are French.

* negative sentence:

I am not a student.

He/She is not from Ukraine.

They/You/We are not European.

* Interrogative sentence:

Am I right?

Is he/she a famous singer?

Are you/we/they crazy?

Imeth wrote:shiin..

please teach me when we use "was and has"

well for one thing... was is the past form of verb to be (is and am). And since it is a past form, you must use it to tell something that happens in the past.

For example:

* I am tired (present/now)

* I was tired yesterday (past)

NOTE: was is only used for is and am. were is used for are.

err how bout that? is that clear enuff? and please don't pick your nose... euw!!! ^^

ps: for "has" will be discussed later in present perfect tense, 'k?

thanks shiin for lesson

ups sorry.. it's my hobby


ok i'll still wait for next lesson

Form: am/is/are + V-ing (present participle)

Examples:


+ She is sleeping
- She is not sleeping
? Is she sleeping?
USE 1 Now


Use the Present Continuous with Normal Verbs to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now.
Examples:

• You are learning English now.
  
• You are not swimming now.
  
• Are you sleeping?
  
• I am sitting.
  
• I am not standing.
  
• Is he sitting or standing?
  
• They are reading their books.
  
• They are not watching television.
  
• What are you doing?
  
• Why aren't you doing your homework?
  

USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now


In English, "now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on. Sometimes, we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.
Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)

+ I am studying to become a doctor
- I am not studying to become a lawyer
? Are you studying to become a doctor?

USE 3 Near Future


Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not happen in the near future.
Examples:

+ I am having a tea with my friends this afternoon
- I am not going to the disco tonight
? Aren't you coming to my house this weekend?

USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"


The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like Simple Present, but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
Examples:

* My dad is always smoking like a chimney.
* Clio is constantly complaining about her thesis. I wish she'd stop.
* I don't like them because they are always gossiping.

REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Present Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Present.
Examples:


* She is loving this chocolate ice cream. (wrong)
* She loves this chocolate ice cream. (correct)
ADVERB PLACEMENT

The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.
Examples:


* Are you still surfing the net?
* You are still surfing the net.
* I am just kidding you know!
ACTIVE / PASSIVE

Examples:


Right now, I am writing a poetry -> active
Right now, a poetry is being written (by me) -> passive