English Grammar Pattern 92 (1) "Now that" + (2) Finished Action + (3) Result

Model Sentence

(1) Now that (2) we're finished, (3) we can relax.

In grammar Pattern 92, we begin with the phrase "Now that", then add an action that is finished, followed at last by the result, which is usually in the form of a sentence. It is possible to invert the sentence, using "now that" in the middle and stating the result first.

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. Now that I'm an adult, I can eat and drink whatever I want!
2. I can get more sleep now that I'm not so busy.
3. Now that we're ready to start, why don't we start!
4. She's ready to start cooking, now that she's prepared all the food.
5. Now that you've gotten a promotion, what are you going to do first?

 

 Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. What will you do next, now that today's lesson is almost finished?
2. Now that the weekend is almost here, what are your plans?
3. Now that you've learned many new sentences, what do you want to talk about?
4. What are your plans, now that a new year has come? (If it has just come!)
5. How will your life be different, now that you're married? (If you have just gotten married!)

English Grammar Pattern 91 (1) Sentence + (2) Unless + (3) Condition

Model Sentences

(1) We will not change (2) unless (3) you have a good idea.

OR

(2) Unless (3) you have a good idea, (1) we will not change.

Grammar Pattern 91, shows how to use "Unless", whose basic meaning is similar to "only if". The word "unless" can serve as a connector, as in Model Sentence 1, or it can come at the beginning, as in Model Sentence 2. "Unless" must go directly with the condition. If the condition and "unless" are separated, it sounds quite strange. For example, we could not change the example to "Unless we will not change, you do not have a good idea".

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. We can't do it unless you pay us more.
2. Unless it rains tomorrow, we will go for sure.
3. I will be there unless you decide to do it yourself.
4. Unless I get sick, I will be there next Friday.
5. They said they will finish unless you want to add something.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Unless there's an emergency, when will you get up tomorrow morning?
2. Where will you go tomorrow, unless something unexpected happens?
3. What could happen to a young student, unless he or she studies well?
4. How can a company succeed unless they work well and work efficiently.
5. Unless you finish these lessons, can you be sure to speak English correctly?

English Grammar Pattern 90 (1) Although + (2) Sentence A + (3) Sentence B

Model Sentence

(1) Although (2) I don't understand English perfectly, (3) I can still have many conversations!

Grammar Pattern 90 can be used to connect two very different ideas. Both "though" and "although" are the same as "but", except they are a bit more formal and can be used at the beginning of a sentence. ("But" should only be used in the middle of a sentence.) "Even though" is simply a stronger version of "though" and "although". In every case, the meaning is still the same as "but", only the positioning within the sentence is different.

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. We continued to walk in the park even though it was raining.
2. I'll continue to study languages although I don't need to.
3. Though I have already reached a high level, I will continue to work hard.
4. Although I am not rich, I am happy with my life.
5. Even though I have had trouble, I have never given up.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Even though a man is poor, can he still enjoy life?
2. Although someone is busy, can she still find time for fun?
3. Will you always be so energetic, though you are getting older?
4. Can you move up in your job even though there is a lot of competition?
5. Should we try to succeed even though we may fail completely?

English Grammar Pattern 89 (1) Long Sentence + (2) "as if" or "as though" + (3) Verb Phrase

Model Sentence

(1) We continued playing tennis (2) as if (3) it weren't raining.

Grammar Pattern 89 is a simple but useful "very long sentence". Simply start with a normal sentence pattern, then compare that using "as if" or "as though". Using "as if" or "as though" suggests doing something in a certain way, even if it's not real. Practice with the questions below and you'll get the concept. Have fun! 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. My boss listened as if here were interested. (But he wasn't!)
2. They were running as if they were trying to catch a train.
3. I worked as if my life depended on it.
4. We laughed as if it was the funniest joke we had ever heard!
5. I am living my life as if I will die tomorrow.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Do you usually live your life as if you will live forever?
2. Have you ever tried to live as if you only had one week to live?
3. Have you ever talked to a boring person as if he or she were really interesting?
4. Would you ever want to act as if you were the leader of the world. (When?)
5. What would you do if you acted as if you were the leader of the world?

English Grammar Pattern 88 (1) Before / After / During / While + (2) Two Verbs

Model Sentences

(1) After I (2) visited Paris, I (2) decided to learn to speak French well.

OR

I (2) decided to learn to speak French well (1) after I (2) visited Paris.

Grammar Pattern 88 is the first "very long sentence" we will look at. The adverb, such as "before", "after", "during" or "while", can be at the beginning or at the end, as you can see in the model sentences.

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. Before I came here, I was not sure wanted to come.
2. After I decided, I started to worry about my decision!
3. She burned herself while she was cooking dinner.
4. I fell in my face while I was ice skating!
5. We learned so much during our time practicing these sentences.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Do you like to listen to music while you are studying?
2. What activities do you enjoy doing during the spring?
3. Before you go to work in the morning, how do you prepare?
4. After you watch a good movie, what do you like to do?
5. While you are reading an interesting book, can you have a conversation?

English Grammar Pattern 87 Passive Sentences

Model Sentence

These lessons were put together by a teacher named Joe.

Grammar Pattern 87 is the "passive" structure in English, which uses the past form of the verb "b" plus a past participle. Don't use passive sentences too often. Only use them in formal situations or when the action is more important than the person who did it.

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. This book was written by a famous writer.
2. The movie was produced by an unknown director.
3. Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
4. The telephone was invented by Alexander Bell.
5. This amazing story was written in the middle of winter.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Who was "My Heart Will Go On" sung by?
2. Who was the telephone invented by?
3. Who was the airplane invented by?
4. Was the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo?
5. Do you like movies that were directed by famous directors?

English Grammar Pattern 86 (1) Past Perfect + (2) Connector + (3) Past

Model Sentence

We (1) had already finished eating (2) when our boss (3) offered to take us out to dinner! 

Grammar Pattern 86 has two past events, one which happened before the other. Usually, the first past event has an important connection to the second one. In the Model Sentence above, "we had finished eating" so we were not hungry when "our boss offered to take us out to dinner". The meaning of the sentence is that we missed a good opportunity - if only the boss had offered earlier! 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. He had been waiting for two hours when the telephone suddenly rang.
2. I had already been planning my holiday when the boss told me I had to work overtime.
3. She had been studying for the exam for two months before learning that it was cancelled.
4. When we arrived at the football match, they had already been playing for 15 minutes.
5. I had just started using my computer when the electricity suddenly went out.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. How long had you been working in your job before you started to do well?
2. Had you already been studying sentence patterns before you started these lessons?
3. Where had you been living when you decided to start your career?
4. Can you remember when you first went to university or started your first job? How long had you been studying to prepare for that day?
5. What kind of job had you been dreaming of before you found your current job?

English Grammar Pattern 85 Past Conditions using "Would"

Model Sentences

A. They (1) would have (2) come here (3) if they (4) had had enough time.

B. (1) If they (2) had had enough time, they (3) would have (4) come here.

Grammar Pattern 85 is similar to Grammar Pattern 83. Grammar Pattern 83 uses "could have" which is similar to "can" and shows possibility in the past. Grammar Pattern 85 uses "would have" which expresses the idea of a possible decision in the past. 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. My hometown would have grown fast if the leaders had been more active.
2. If I had known it was going to get colder in the afternoon, I would have taken a sweater with me.
3. We wouldn't have tried to do it if you had told us how dangerous it was!
4. If you had told me you were going to the supermarket, I would have asked you to buy me some fruit.
5. The old teacher would have cancelled the test if he had known how much the students were worried!

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Would you have studied English so hard if you had known how long it would take?
2. If you had studied English even harder, would you have already succeeded by now?
3. What would you have done differently if you had known how challenging English was?
4. How would you have studied differently if you had understood how to study effectively?
5. Where would you have travelled ten years ago if you had had more time?

English Grammar Pattern 84 Conditions using "Would"

Model Sentences

A. (1) If I (2) were taller, I (3) would try to play professional basketball.

B. I (1) would try to play professional basketball (2) if I (3) were taller.

Grammar Pattern 84 is another pattern that is similar to Grammar Pattern 82. The difference is that Grammar Pattern 82 uses "could" which is similar to "can" and shows possibility. Grammar Pattern 84 uses "would" which expresses the idea of a decision, although in a conditional phrase, this is not a real decision!

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. If I were rich, I would buy a house in Hawaii.
2. If it weren't raining, we would be able to go to the park.
3. If they didn't have a big house with five dogs and seven cats, they would travel more often.
4. If you stopped staying up until four in the morning, you would have more energy at work.
5. If she didn't enjoy studying so much, she wouldn't come to the library so often.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Would you start your own company if you had the chance?
2. If you had knew the future, how would you use that information?
3. What would you do if you didn't have to work?
4. Where would you live if you could choose any place in the world?
5. When would you like to live if you had a "time machine"?
6. Who would you like to meet if you had the chance to meet any famous person?

English Grammar Pattern 83 Past Conditions using "Could"

Model Sentences

A. She (1) could (2) have come here (3) if her car (4) hadn't broken down.

B. (1) If her car (2) hadn't broken down, she (3) could (4) have come here.

Grammar Pattern 83 is similar to Grammar Pattern 82 which uses "could" to express something that is not possible. Pattern 83, however, describes an imaginary possibility in the past which did NOT, in fact,happen. 

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I could have made a lot of money if I had started a business 20 years ago.
2. We could have seen a movie if we had left home earlier.
3. She could have told us the news if her phone hadn't been stolen.
4. If the bank hadn't closed early, we could have withdrawn some money.
5. If I hadn't been lazy as a student, I could have had a much better job today!

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. If you had been born in New York, what could you have experienced differently?
2. What could you have done in high school if you had had better teachers?
3. If you had studied many languages before, could you have learned English more effectively?
4. What could have helped you to be a more successful student?
5. Where could you have studied if you had wanted to learn French?

English Grammar Pattern 82 Conditions using "Could"

Model Sentences

A. (1) If I (2) were rich, I (3) could buy lots of wonderful things.

B. I (1) could buy lots of wonderful things (2) if I (3) were rich. 

Grammar Pattern 82 uses "could" to express something that is not possible. It can be used when we are dreaming of something or imagining something that probably will not be true, at least for now. (Maybe someday, though!) 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. If I had more money, I could start my own business.
2. If she weren't sick, she could come with us.
3. We could be very successful if customers like our idea.
4. We could move to California if we lose our jobs.
5. If I weren't so tired, I could continue working.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. What could you do if you had a million dollars?
2. Where could you move to if you didn't have your current job?
3. How long could you work if you never had to sleep?
4. What could you say to your girlfriend (or boyfriend) if you had a fight?
5. Who could you talk to if you had a very serious problem?

English Grammar Pattern 81 Simple Past using "Could"

Model Sentence
My family could get together often before I went to university.

Grammar Pattern 81 uses "could" to express something that was possible in the past but is probably NOT possible now. It shows a contrast between the past and the present.

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I could run faster 10 years ago.
2. She could remember everything when she was young.
3. They could easily see their children before they moved to Florida.
4. We could eat spicy food when we were younger, but not now.
5. My sister could work 20 hours per day when she was just out of university.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. What could you do well when you were a child?
2. How long could you study when you were in university?
3. Could you visit anywhere special when you were younger? 5. Who could you meet in the past that you can't meet now?

English Grammar Pattern 80 "Should have" (past)

Model Sentence
I had an accident today – I should have been more careful!

Grammar Pattern 80 is used to talk about something we did not do, but it was a good idea to do it! Now, when we are talking about the past, we realize our mistake!

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud! 

1. It's raining today – we should have brought an umbrella!
2. Thanks for helping me - I should have talked to you last week!
3. You will start working next year – should learn more about accounting now.
4. The salesman didn't make a good impression - He should have spoken more confidently.
5. The movie we watched wasn't very good - We shouldn't have wasted our money on it!

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. What should you have done before you finished university?
2. What should you have learned before starting your first job?
3. If you find yourself in the rain without an umbrella, what should you have done?
4. If you eat in a restaurant with very bad food, what should you have done?
5. Where should you have visited during your last vacation?

English Grammar Pattern 79 (1) "Tell" + (2) "Should" + (3) Verb

Model Sentence
(1) Tell your brother he (2) should (3) arrive early if he wants to get a seat. 

Grammar Pattern 79 uses English Grammar Pattern 78 but adds another verb at the beginning. In the model, we use "Tell" but we could use any similar verb such as "Ask", "Announce to" (more formal), or "Remind". Instead of telling your suggestion to somebody directly, you can tell someone else to make your suggestion instead! 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. Tell your friend he should come here with you.
2. Tell her she should come to visit more often.
3. Tell them to check the weather forecast before going out today.
4. Tell the teacher she should give homework earlier so you can finish it on time.
5. Tell Joe he should make more lessons so we can improve our English more!

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. What should you tell your coworker if you want finish your project quickly?
2. What should we tell the salesman if we want to buy the best computer?
3. What should we say to the doctor if we have a very bad sore throat?
4. What should we tell our neighbor if we want his dog to stop eating our flowers?
5. What should you tell the teacher to help you understand better?

English Grammar Pattern 78 "Should" + Verb

Model Sentence
We (1) should (2) stop here to buy something to eat.

We can use English Grammar Pattern 78 to express a good idea that we have. All we have to do is (1) use "should" and then (2) use a verb or verb phrase to make the suggestion. Pretty easy, isn't it? Still, you have to practice! You can practice by saying the sentences below.

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. You should call her to see if she's okay.
2. He should arrive early if he wants to get a seat.
3. They should come tomorrow at 7 so they can meet the boss.
4. We should check the meat to see if it's done cooking.
5. You should check the weather forecast before going out today.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. What should you do before going to bed? Why?
2. What should you do every morning after you wake up? Why?
3. Do you think we should give money to poor people? Why?
4. Do you believe all people should stop buying cars? Why or why not?
5. What should people do to become healthier?

English Grammar Pattern 77 (1) Basic Sentence + (2) "Might have been"

Model Sentence
(1) I'm still waiting for the bus – (2) it might have had an accident.

English Grammar Pattern 77 is used to express a possible reason or the cause of some situation. In this pattern, be sure to use a past participle after "might have".

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. My neighbor didn't come today - he might have been too busy.
2. My telephone stopped working – the battery might have died.
3. If your stomach is hurting, it might have been because of the spicy food you had for lunch.
4. I wonder why your friend is not here - she might have had other things to do.
5. They didn't want to come to the museum with us - they might have been there before.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. you came home to find your TV gone, what might have happened to it?
2. What if you suddenly saw a spaceship – where might it have come from?
3. If somebody had a car accident, what might have caused it?
4. What if your boss suddenly left the company this morning – what might have been the reason?
5. What might you have said if your boss had told you last week that you were the new company president?

English Grammar Pattern 76 (1) "Might" + (2) Verb A + (3) "Might" + (4) Verb B

Model Sentence
I (1) might (2) buy a car next month or
I (3) might (4) save my money for a trip.

English Grammar Pattern 76 is very useful when you want to talk about a possible decision in English. Choice "A" is one possibility and choice "B" is another. By practicing the sentence patterns below, you will be able to say the same type of thing when you must use English to express two choices in the future.

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I might go shopping today or I might stay home and watch TV.
2. We might start a business or we might keep our present jobs.
3. She might marry him or she might marry someone else!
4. I might look for a new job in sales or I might stick with my current job.
5. They might have a party next week or they might have a party the week after.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Which two foods might you eat for dinner tonight?
2. What are two jobs you might do in the future?
3. Can you think of two places you might visit next year?
4. Might you finish work early tomorrow or might you stay late?
5. What might you do next weekend?

English Grammar Pattern 75 If + Sentence + Might be + Long Noun

Model Sentence
(1) If (2) you feel sick, it (3) might be (4) a good idea to see a doctor.

English Grammar Pattern 75 is similar to Grammar Pattern 74 and is also useful for expressing possibilities. The difference is that Grammar Pattern 74 expresses possible results while this one suggests possible actions that you can (and maybe should) take. Study the sample sentences below to fully understand the way Pattern 75 is used.

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. If tomorrow is sunny, it might be a good time to wash the car.
2. If they are in a hurry, it might be a good idea to take a taxi.
3. If she wants to lose weight, it might be worth it to start exercising more.
4. If your parents come, it might be a great chance to take them out to dinner.
5. If you are hungry, it might be a good time to cook something.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. If you want to play tennis well, might it be a good idea to take lessons?
2. If you have a good job, might it be a good time to save money?
3. If you have a pain in your stomache, what might it be worth doing?
4. If you get a phone call from a customer, what might you do?
5. If your friend has trouble, what might it be a good idea for him to do?

English Grammar Pattern 74 "If" + Verb + "Might" + Noun

Model Sentence
(1) If you (2) eat too much, you (3) might get a (4) stomachache.

English Grammar Pattern 74 is useful for expression the possible results that will come if you do something. It is often used and is the base of Grammar Pattern 75, so learn the sentences below perfectly!

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. If you work too hard, you might get a headache.
2. If he eats too quickly, he might get sick.
3. If you drive too fast, you might have an accident.
4. If they wait patiently, they might have a good chance.
5. If we study well, we might learn more than we expect!

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. What might you get if you don't do your work well?
2. Where might you have to go if you eat too much and get sick?
3. Who might you talk to if your car has trouble?
4. When might you wake up if you have a lot of extra work to do?
5. If you want to hear some good music, where might you go?

English Grammar Pattern 73 Negative Past Event + Positive Past Event (1) "Had not" + (2) Past Participle + (3) Past

Model Sentence
She (1) hadn't (2) studied English since she (3) started her new job last month. 

English Grammar Pattern 73 is similar to English Grammar Pattern 72 but starts with a negative verb. (Pattern 73 is also called the "past perfect" tense.) This shows that the first verb DID NOT happen at all until the time of the second verb. The examples below are better than any explanation, so learn them well! 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. She hadn't slept since she heard the news
2. I hadn't called her since she said good-bye.
3. I hadn't visited New York in several years until I went there last weekend.
4. We hadn't eaten roast duck in a long time before having it last night.
5. We hadn't seen her in a month until she visited us yesterday afteroon.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Is there something you hadn't done before the age of 16?
2. What hadn't you done before you became 21?
3. What hadn't you seen before starting your first job?
4. Is there anything you hadn't thought about before you saw it on TV?
5. Is there something you hadn't tried before you started these lessons?

English Grammar Pattern 72 Describing Two Past Events - (1) "Had" + (2) Past Participle + (3) Past

Model Sentence
I (1) had already (2) eaten a big meal before they (3) invited me to dinner. 

English Grammar Pattern 72 is not used very often, but it causes many troubles for learners of English. This is called the "past perfect" tense in English grammar. One event (usually the second one) was in the past, so we use the past tense of the verb. That event was influenced by a previous past event, which should should be in the past perfect, using "had" with a past participle. The examples below are better than any explanation, so learn them well! 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I had already read the book before I saw the film.
2. We had already read the news when John told us.
3. My mother had left before the letter was delivered.
4. The game had already finished when we arrived at the stadium.
5. I had finished washing the floor just as the dog ran in.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Had you already studied English before starting these lessons?
2. Had you already studied another language before starting English?
3. Had you visited another country before you finished high school?
4. What work had you done before starting your current job?
5. What experience did you have when you started your first job?

English Grammar Pattern 71 (1) "Have been" + (2) Adjective + (3) Time

Model Sentence
(1) I've been (2) worried about you (3) for a long time. 

English Grammar Pattern 71 is similar to Grammar Pattern 70 except that we use an adjective instead of "ing". This pattern expresses how long a feeling or situation has been going on. Do NOT use this for feelings or situations that may change suddenly. 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I've been sick for the past week.
2. We've been awake since 8 o'clock.
3. He's been busy all month.
4. They've been crazy about tennis for the past year.
5. She's been interested in science since she was six years old.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Have you been tired or sick recently?
2. Have you been busy with anything special recently?
3. What have you been interested in since you were a child?
4. Have you been awake a long time today?
5. Have you ever been crazy about some activity?

English Grammar Pattern 70 (1) "Have been" + (2) "ing" + (3) Time

Model Sentence
(1) We've been (2) waiting (3) for over three hours! 

English Grammar Pattern 70 expresses an action or situation that has continued for a long time. Do NOT use this for actions that are quick or sudden! (For such actions, you should use verbs in the simple past tense.)

 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I've been studying English most of my life.
2. I've been living in New York since I was 10 years old.
3. I've been worrying about tests for too long!
4. She's been studying science since her first day in school.
5. We've been eating in that restaurant since we came to this city.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. How long have you been studying English?
2. How long have you been living in the same home?
3. Have you been working at the same job a long time?
4. What have you been doing since you finished high school?
5. What kind of transportation have you been using for the past five years?

English Grammar Pattern 69 (1) "Have you ever" + (2) Long Verb

Model Sentence
(1) Have you ever 

(2) dreamed you were flying in a space ship? 

English Grammar Pattern 69 is good for learning more about your conversation partner's experiences and memories. Reminder: You can use "ever" in a question, because anything is possible. However, in answers, do NOT use "ever". Simply answer "I have..." or "I haven't...". In a negative situation, you can emphasize your answer by saying "I've never..." plus the long verb. 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. Have you ever been in a serious accident?
2. Has she ever worked for a bank before?
3. Have they ever given a speech to 500 people?
4. Has your boss ever owned his own company?
5. Have they ever travelled around Europe?

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Have you ever travelled around the world?
2. Have you ever given a speech in English?
3. Have you ever bought a new house?
4. Have your parents ever given you a special gift?
5. Have your teachers ever told you you are a great student?

English Grammar Pattern 68 (1) "Have" + (2) Past Participle + (3) Noun + (4) Result

Model Sentence
(1) I've already

(2) visited 

(3) that museum.

(4) Let's not go there now. 

English Grammar Pattern 67 used "been" to describe situations that continue from the past until now. In English Grammar Pattern 68, we will learn how to use various English past participles that show a past event's effect on a decision in the present. You can use this sentence pattern to give reasons, explanations and excuses. 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I've already been to Italy. Let's go to Spain.
2. We've already talked about that. Can we change the topic?
3. I've already seen that movie. Let's see another one.
4. I've already finished my homework. Now I can have some fun!
5. I've already received ten phone calls this morning and it's still early!

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Have you already finished Lesson 67?
2. Have you already seen the latest movie?
3. Have you already been to New York?
4. Have you already eaten your dinner?
5. Have we already finished Lesson 68?

English Grammar Pattern 67 "Have you always" + Verb + Adjective or Verb or Noun

Model Sentence
(1) Have you always (2) been (3) such a good student? 

Starting with English Grammar Pattern 67, we will learn how to use various English verb tenses. This pattern uses "been", the past participle of "be", to talk about how past actions or experiences affect the present (now). You can answer English questions starting with "Have you ever" by using either "Yes, I have" or "No, I haven't", then you can give more information. 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. Have you always had blond hair?
2. Have you always been so thin?
3. Have you always taught English?
4. Have you always worked for that company?
5. Have you and your sister always been such good students?

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Have you always lived in the same home?
2. Have you always worked at the same job?
3. Have you always been the same weight you are now?
4. Have you always used the Internet for learning?
5. Have you always been interested in the same kind of movies?

English Grammar Pattern 66 Using "Wish" with unreal possibilities

Model Sentence
I wish I could play the piano well enough to perform on stage! 

This sentence pattern uses "Wish" with UNreal possibilities. Use this pattern when you are just dreaming! It is different from Grammar Pattern 65 which uses "Hope" with realistic possibilities. Use this pattern with "Wish" when you do not believe something will really happen or if it cannot realistically happen. 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I wish I could find a million dollars in the street! (But I won't!)
2. He wishes he could be promoted to company president tomorrow. (But he won't!)
3. They wish their boss would take a vacation and never come back! (But he won't!)
4. They wish they could go to the movies more often. (But they can't.)
5. She wishes she could speak English well enough to get a better job. (But she can't. Not yet!)

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. What do you wish you could have on the job? (But you can't have now.)
2. What do you wish you could do for fun? (But you can't do yet.)
3. How much money do you wish you could have? (But you can't have now.)
4. How many husbands (or wives) do you wish you could have? (But you can't!)
5. Where do you wish you could travel to this weekend? (But you can't.)

English Grammar Pattern 65 Using "Hope" with real possibilities

Model Sentence
We hope we can come here again next week. 

This sentence pattern uses "Hope" with real possibilities and is different from Grammar Pattern 66 which uses "Wish" with unrealistic possibilities. Use this pattern with "Hope" when you believe something will really happen or can realistically happen. 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I hope I will get the job!
2. My sister hopes she can go to England.
3. I hope the weather will be nicer tomorrow.
4. Our company hopes it can make a lot of money this year!
5. I hope we don't have a test in English class tomorrow.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. What do you hope to do tomorrow?
2. Do you hope to go anywhere on the weekend?
3. When do you hope to move to a different home?
4. Do you hope to do anything special this year?
5. What do you hope to change in your life?

English Grammar Pattern 64 Do you know + if (or whether) + Noun + Verb + Long Noun

Model Sentence Do you know if we can connect to the Internet from here? 

This is quite a long sentence pattern. The final clause is, in fact, just a long sentence. See English Grammar Pattern 19 for examples. So, if you can simply say "Do you know if..." (or "Do you know whether...") and then add a sentence, you will do well. With practice, long sentences such as these become easy, so keep on practicing! 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. Do you know if we can connect to the Internet from here?
2. Do you know whether Maggie works here or not?
3. Do you know if we can find a good place to park our car?
4. Do you know whether it will be warm tomorrow?
5. Does your father know if we can visit his company next week?

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Do you know if the sun is bigger than the moon?
2. Do you know whether we can live on the moon?
3. Do you know if you will live in this city five years from now?
4. Do you know whether you will live to be 100?
5. Do you know if it will rain tomorrow?

English Grammar Pattern 63 "Have you heard of..." + Long Noun

Model Sentence Have you heard of a story about people lost on an island? 

This is a variation on English Grammar Pattern 62 and is also a good conversation starter. The final noun phrases can be long, so practice many sentences carefully until you can say them fluently. 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. Have you heard of a man named Obama?
2. Have you heard of a car that can fly?
3. Have you heard of a movie called "Back to the Future"?
4. Have you heard of a book called "The Tipping Point"?
5. Have you heard of a funny teacher named Joe?

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Have you heard of a TV program called "Lie to Me"?
2. Have you heard of a talking car?
3. Have you heard of a book called "War and Peace"?
4. Have you heard of a place called "Shangrila"?
5. Have you heard of a woman named Hillary?

English Grammar Pattern 62 "I heard (that)..." + Sentence

Model Sentence I heard that the Earth will come to an end in 2020. 

We have a choice of form here. We can say "I heard that..." or just "I heard...". Sometimes, we can add have, as in "I've heard that..." or "I've heard..." Each of these sentences have the same meaning. It's easiest to just practice the model sentence above and the Pronunciation Practice sentences below, and use that form most of the time. Good luck! 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I heard (that) there's going to be a big sale this weekend.
2. I heard (that) the zoo will get a new baby panda next week.
3. My sister heard (that) her company will go out of business soon.
4. The newspaper reporter heard (that) the president will resign tomorrow.
5. We heard (that) tomorrow's weather will be sunny and warm.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Have you heard what tomorrow's weather will be like?
2. Have you heard about any good movies recently?
3. Have you heard any interesting news at work?
4. Have you heard any news about famous singers or actors?
5. Have you heard any interesting stories lately?

English Grammar Pattern 61 "Have you ever..." + Desire or Hope or Experience

Model Sentence Have you ever travelled on a ship? 

This English sentence pattern is one of the best conversation starters. Start with "Have you ever..." and then continue with the past participle (often the "ed" form) of the main verb. You can learn a lot about your conversation partner with this pattern, then use follow-up questions to practice speaking even more. 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. Have you ever been in an accident?
2. Have you ever tried jumping from an airplane?
3. Have you ever tried to stop eating meat?
4. Have you ever seen a UFO? (Unidentified Flying Object)
5. Have you ever wanted to stop doing some bad habit?

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Have you ever experienced an earthquake?
2. Have you ever met a famous person?
3. Have you ever travelled by motorcycle?
4. Have you ever tried to stop watching TV?
5. Have you ever thought about becoming a professional singer?

English Grammar Pattern 60 Have + "decided to"

Model Sentence
We have decided to move to another city. 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I've decided to get married!
2. She's decided to have a baby!
3. They've decided to move to India!
4. We've decided to stop eating so much meat.
5. My wife and I have decided to travel all around the world.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. Have you decided to make any changes in your career?
2. Have you decided to make any changes at home?
3. Would you ever decide to stop eating meat?
4. When will you decide to change jobs (or not)?
5. Have you decided to continue studying English?

English Grammar Pattern 59 Basic Sentence + Place or Time or Both

Model Sentence
We want to find a teacher near our home next year. 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. I want to travel to Canada in the fall.
2. She's going to take her mother to Mexico for a holiday.
3. They plan to sell their old magazines to the local bookstore.
4. We have to bring our children to school after breakfast.
5. The five children were asked to carry their books to school in the morning.

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. What things will you carry to work tomorrow morning?
2. Have you put any flowers on your desk at work?
3. Do you plan to throw away any old stuff in your house?
4. Are you going to buy anything for your house in the near future?
5. What do you have to do at home in the next week?

English Grammar Pattern 58 Longer Past Questions

Model Sentence
Why did you start to learn English so seriously? 

 

Sentence Pattern 58 is excellent practice in asking more interesting questions about past events and actions. This pattern can help you use English to get to know people better, so use it often! 

Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!

1. How did you learn to pronounce English so clearly?
2. Where did you learn to speak French so fluently?
3. When did you learn to play the piano so beautifully?
4. What did she do to improve her singing so much?
5. Who did he find to help him with his homework?

 

Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!

1. When did you improve your English speaking the most?
2. Who helped you learn to remember vocabulary most effectively?
3. Where did you have the chance to gain the most job experience?
4. How did you start to move up in your career?
5. What did you do to learn English grammar so well?