My students are teaching me new things all the time and this week is no different. Here are some of the important things I've learned this week:
If you want to speak better, listen more!
If you want to write better, read more!
Google 'hangout' is a great way to have a conference call. I'm looking at this method to provide 'online' classes for some groups. Does anyone have experience with Google hangout? Do you find it works better than Skype? I'm curious about this technology.
Successful companies often don't compare themselves to their competition. In fact, many times, their competition is irrelevant. What then, do successful companies focus on? They focus on uncontested market space, they focus on areas in the market where there is no competition, and they make strategic moves in order to get out of the race against competition and into an area in the market where they are able to measure their success not by comparing themselves to their competitors, but by adding value for their customers!
.....More to come on this subject soon! I find it fascinating..how about you?
It hasn't been this cold in Curitiba for years!!
What have you learned this week?
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Will and Would
Will is used for speaking in present about what we intend to do.
Example: I'll go out for dinner tonight.
Won't is the opposite of will.
Example:
I won't go out for dinner tonight.
Would is used when speculating about what we might do in certain situations.
Example:
I would go out for dinner tonight but I already ate.
Wouldn't is the opposite of Would.
Example:
I told him I wouldn't go out for dinner because I already ate.
Practice:
Complete these sentences using personal information:
I would love to live in ______________________.
I would love to have _______________________.
I would love to work at ____________________.
I wouldn't like to _________________________.
A subject I would love to study is _____________.
Complete these sentences using will or would:
1.) I _____ stay at a hotel near the beach next week.
2.) I ________ stay at a hotel near the beach but there aren't any available rooms.
3.) I ___________ like to spend some time with them next week.
4.) I ________ spend some time with them next week.
5.) I'm really tired, I think I ______________ go to bed.
6.) I ___________ go to bed if I didn't have so much work to do.
7.) I _________ go to the party on Saturday because my friend Jane is coming with me.
8.) I ___________ go to the party on Saturday but my friend Jane can't come with me.
Answers: 1.) will 2.) would 3.) would 4.) will 5.) will 6.) would 7.) will 8.) would
Fill in personal information:
What's something you'll do this week?
What's something you'd like to do this week?
Where's somewhere you'll go this week?
Where's somewhere you'd like to go this week?
Example: I'll go out for dinner tonight.
Won't is the opposite of will.
Example:
I won't go out for dinner tonight.
Would is used when speculating about what we might do in certain situations.
Example:
I would go out for dinner tonight but I already ate.
Wouldn't is the opposite of Would.
Example:
I told him I wouldn't go out for dinner because I already ate.
Practice:
Complete these sentences using personal information:
I would love to live in ______________________.
I would love to have _______________________.
I would love to work at ____________________.
I wouldn't like to _________________________.
A subject I would love to study is _____________.
Complete these sentences using will or would:
1.) I _____ stay at a hotel near the beach next week.
2.) I ________ stay at a hotel near the beach but there aren't any available rooms.
3.) I ___________ like to spend some time with them next week.
4.) I ________ spend some time with them next week.
5.) I'm really tired, I think I ______________ go to bed.
6.) I ___________ go to bed if I didn't have so much work to do.
7.) I _________ go to the party on Saturday because my friend Jane is coming with me.
8.) I ___________ go to the party on Saturday but my friend Jane can't come with me.
Answers: 1.) will 2.) would 3.) would 4.) will 5.) will 6.) would 7.) will 8.) would
Fill in personal information:
What's something you'll do this week?
What's something you'd like to do this week?
Where's somewhere you'll go this week?
Where's somewhere you'd like to go this week?
Simplier is better
In speaking and writing, the more simple words you use, the better. You will be easier to understand and get better results from your listener. Don't complicate your message by trying to use complicated vocabulary. As you read the words below, notice how using more complicated vocabulary doesn't necessarily acheive the desired message.
Examples:
Examples:
Instead of Use
In the event that if
at this point in time now
in the order of magnitude of about
had the opportunity to be was
come into possession of get
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Some of you have requested my chocolate chip cookie recipe...it really is quite simple!! Give it a try!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 Cup of Butter (melted or softened...don't use margarine!!)
3/4 cup Sugar
1 cup brown Sugar
2 eggs
2 Tsp. Vanilla
3 Cups of Flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Chocolate Chips (as many as you like...make sure you buy good quality chocolate chips...this makes all the difference!)
optional:
1-2 cups oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
Mix butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl. Add flower, baking soda, and salt. Greese 2 baking sheets with butter and line with tin foil if desired. Shape cookies into balls, flat circles, or just spoon the dough onto the sheets. Bake at 175 degrees Celcius (350 degrees F) for 7-10 min. The less you bake the more chewy they will be and the more you bake, the crispier they'll be.
ENJOY!!
Friday, July 19, 2013
PORTLAND, OREGON-USA
In the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd US President)
"If
civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human
relationships - the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live
together, in the same world at peace."
"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort."
"Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off."
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd US president -
4 March 1933 to 12 April 1944
"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort."
"Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off."
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd US president -
4 March 1933 to 12 April 1944
Stay Motivated!!!
To
those that take the time to do your homework: Your hard work and
attention to detail will pay off!! I'm a fan of detail oriented work
and getting it right. I'm proud of those of you that make the effort to
consistantly do this. (Good job Emerson!!)
Quotes I like....
Some nice quotes:
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
― Dr. Seuss
“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
“Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.”
― Oscar Wilde
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
― Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
― Dr. Seuss
“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
“Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.”
― Oscar Wilde
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
― Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
Phrasal Verbs
Practice with phrasal Verbs:
bring over
blow up
call back
believe in
break down
break out
clean out
break off
ask for
break in
1.) I’d like to ___________ _______ some time off but I’m not sure I’ll get it!
2.) I ____________ __________ God. Do you?
3.) He really ____________ ___________ at me and it was difficutl! Has he ever done that with you?
4.) My car ___________ _________ on the way to the concert. That’s why I didn’t make it.
5.) The prisoners _________ ___________ of Alcatraz by creating a series of tunnels under the prison with nothing more than a kitchen spoon.
6.) What should I ___________ _________ for dinner?
7.) I need to _________ _________ my closet! I can’t find anything to wear!
8.) Tell her I’ll _________ her _________ when I have time.
bring over
blow up
call back
believe in
break down
break out
clean out
break off
ask for
break in
1.) I’d like to ___________ _______ some time off but I’m not sure I’ll get it!
2.) I ____________ __________ God. Do you?
3.) He really ____________ ___________ at me and it was difficutl! Has he ever done that with you?
4.) My car ___________ _________ on the way to the concert. That’s why I didn’t make it.
5.) The prisoners _________ ___________ of Alcatraz by creating a series of tunnels under the prison with nothing more than a kitchen spoon.
6.) What should I ___________ _________ for dinner?
7.) I need to _________ _________ my closet! I can’t find anything to wear!
8.) Tell her I’ll _________ her _________ when I have time.
Until.......by
The difference between by and until...I often hear these words used incorrectly....here's how to use them properly:
I have to turn the report in BY Friday.
I have UNTIL Friday to turn the report in.
To summarize, notice we state what we have to do BY what day, and on the other hand, we have UNTIL what day to complete what we have to do...make sense?? Good!!
(Phrasal Verb: Turn in means deliver)
I have to turn the report in BY Friday.
I have UNTIL Friday to turn the report in.
To summarize, notice we state what we have to do BY what day, and on the other hand, we have UNTIL what day to complete what we have to do...make sense?? Good!!
(Phrasal Verb: Turn in means deliver)
Pode Ser
A common mistake I hear students making is the use of the words 'CAN BE' to express 'pode ser' (Português).
For example, someone asks you....'Can we meet on Friday?'
To which you respond...'Can Be...'...
OK, everyone...time to FORGET 'can be' this isn't common in English.
Rather than use 'Can be' try saying the following:
Sure! (or for sure!)
Of course!
That sounds great/fine!
That will work for me! (or that will work!)
Sure, Confirmed...
Forget 'CAN BE' right now ok? It doesn't work in English.
Make it a great week everybody! I hope you're all doing great!!
For example, someone asks you....'Can we meet on Friday?'
To which you respond...'Can Be...'...
OK, everyone...time to FORGET 'can be' this isn't common in English.
Rather than use 'Can be' try saying the following:
Sure! (or for sure!)
Of course!
That sounds great/fine!
That will work for me! (or that will work!)
Sure, Confirmed...
Forget 'CAN BE' right now ok? It doesn't work in English.
Make it a great week everybody! I hope you're all doing great!!
Study/Work Abroad
If
you've been thinking about studying abroad and you're not sure how to do
it, or you have questions, talk to me! I was recently able to help a
student set up a study abroad experience in Florida for one month.
From what he said, the experience was life changing. He studied English every day in the morning and in the afternoon, he was on his own to explore the city and visit tourist attractions. His English classes were really good and he was in a group with 10 other ESL students from all over the world from including France, Japan, Switzerland and countries all over Latin America. He enjoyed a homestay experience where he had a family to speak with in English every day and he said his favorite attraction was the Universal Studios theme park! He told me that the experience really helped with his listening skills and that now he can understand just about everything he hears in English. When I spoke to him the other day for the first time since he got back, I noticed his speaking skills really improved.
Contact me if you're interested in having a similar experience! There are programs occuring all over the world with excellent professional opportunities for you to work, travel, and study abroad! I'll put you in touch with the right people to take care of everything and offer you a great program at the right price.
From what he said, the experience was life changing. He studied English every day in the morning and in the afternoon, he was on his own to explore the city and visit tourist attractions. His English classes were really good and he was in a group with 10 other ESL students from all over the world from including France, Japan, Switzerland and countries all over Latin America. He enjoyed a homestay experience where he had a family to speak with in English every day and he said his favorite attraction was the Universal Studios theme park! He told me that the experience really helped with his listening skills and that now he can understand just about everything he hears in English. When I spoke to him the other day for the first time since he got back, I noticed his speaking skills really improved.
Contact me if you're interested in having a similar experience! There are programs occuring all over the world with excellent professional opportunities for you to work, travel, and study abroad! I'll put you in touch with the right people to take care of everything and offer you a great program at the right price.
Uncountable Nouns
UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
Remember not to quantify uncountable nouns by using a/an. These kinds of nouns refer to an entity or abstract concept see below for a list of common uncountable nouns:
Food/Drink
bacon, beef, bread, broccoli, butter, cabbage, candy, cauliflower, celery, cereal, cheese, chicken, chocolate, coffee, corn, cream, fish, flour, fruit, ice cream, lettuce, meat, milk, oil, pasta, rice, salt, spinach, sugar, tea, water, wine, yogurt
(Example: Would you like cream in your coffee? NOT Would you like a cream in your coffee)
Nonfood substances
air, cement, coal, dirt, gasoline, gold, paper, petroleum, plastic, rain, silver, snow, soap, steel, wood, wool
(Example: I need to stop and get some gasoline. NOT I need to stop and get a gasoline.)
Abstract Nouns
advice, anger, beauty, confidence, courage, employment, fun, happiness, health, honesty, information, intelligent, knowledge, love, poverty, satisfaction, truth, wealth
(Example: She has alot of knowledge about computers. NOT She has a knowledge about computers.)
Other
biology(and other areas of study), clothing, equipment, furniture, homework, jewelry, luggage, lumber, machinery, mail, money, news, poetry, pollution, research, scenery, traffic, transportation, violence, weather, work
(Example: She's watching the news. NOT She's watching a news.)
NOTE: A few uncountable nouns may also be used as countable nouns for example, William loves chocolate. William offered me a chocolate. I'll have coffee. I'll have a coffee.
(Hacker, Diana "A Writers Reference." 2003. 212 pp.)
Remember not to quantify uncountable nouns by using a/an. These kinds of nouns refer to an entity or abstract concept see below for a list of common uncountable nouns:
Food/Drink
bacon, beef, bread, broccoli, butter, cabbage, candy, cauliflower, celery, cereal, cheese, chicken, chocolate, coffee, corn, cream, fish, flour, fruit, ice cream, lettuce, meat, milk, oil, pasta, rice, salt, spinach, sugar, tea, water, wine, yogurt
(Example: Would you like cream in your coffee? NOT Would you like a cream in your coffee)
Nonfood substances
air, cement, coal, dirt, gasoline, gold, paper, petroleum, plastic, rain, silver, snow, soap, steel, wood, wool
(Example: I need to stop and get some gasoline. NOT I need to stop and get a gasoline.)
Abstract Nouns
advice, anger, beauty, confidence, courage, employment, fun, happiness, health, honesty, information, intelligent, knowledge, love, poverty, satisfaction, truth, wealth
(Example: She has alot of knowledge about computers. NOT She has a knowledge about computers.)
Other
biology(and other areas of study), clothing, equipment, furniture, homework, jewelry, luggage, lumber, machinery, mail, money, news, poetry, pollution, research, scenery, traffic, transportation, violence, weather, work
(Example: She's watching the news. NOT She's watching a news.)
NOTE: A few uncountable nouns may also be used as countable nouns for example, William loves chocolate. William offered me a chocolate. I'll have coffee. I'll have a coffee.
(Hacker, Diana "A Writers Reference." 2003. 212 pp.)
Passive Voice
It’s
important to understand how to report in the passive voice. Why? Many
times what we report is more important than WHO completed what we’re
reporting...
Take a look at this sentence:
We’ll migrate two projects tomorrow morning.
Let’s transform the sentence into the passive voice....Remember, we don't care about "we" (or whomever completed the task) anymore...we care about the task itself...so our NEW subject becomes:
Two projects will be migrated tomorrow morning.
Notice, "We will" is removed from the sentence and now, task becomes the new subject...
Now, Practice...
EXERCISES
Complete the sentences with the correct passive form of the verbs in brackets. Use the Present Simple.
1.) English ____________________ (speak) in many countries.
2.) The mail ______________________ (deliver) at about 7 o’clock every morning.
3.) How often ______________________________
4.)How _______________________ (your name/spell)?
5.) My salary _____________________ (pay) every month.
6.) These cars _________________________ (not make) in Japan.
7.) The name of the person who committed the crime _____________________ (not know).
8.) His travel expenses ________________________ (not pay) by his company.
Answers: 1.) is spoken, 2.) is delivered, 3.) are the Olympic Games held? 4.) is your name spelled 5.) is paid 6.) aren’t made 7.) isn’t known, 8.) aren’t paid
Complete the sentences with the correct passive form of the verbs in brackets. Use the Past Simple.
1.) My car ______________________ (repair) last week.
2.) This song ________________________ (not write) by John Lennon.
3.) ______________________________
4.) The film ________________________ (make) ten years ago.
5.) When ______________________________
6.) The car ________________________ (not damaged) in the accident.
7.) The original building _________________________ (taken) down in 1965.
8.) Where ______________________________
9.) When ______________________________
Answers:
1.) was repaired, 2.) wasn’t written, 3.) Was the phone answered, 4.) was made, 5.) was tennis invented?, 6.) wasn’t damaged, 7.) was taken down 8.) was this pot made, 9.) was this bridge built
Choose the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
Fiat 0_was started__(started/was started) by a group of Italian businessmen in 1899. In 1903, Fiat,1_________________ (produced/was produced) 132 cars. Some of these cars
2_____________________ (exported/were exported) by the company to the United States and Britain. In 1920, Fiat
3_________________ (started/was started) making cars at a new factory at Lingotto, near Turin. There was a track on the roof where the cars 4____________________ (tested/were tested) by
technicians. In 1936, Fiat launched the Fiat 500. This car
5 ___________________ (called/was called) the Topolino
. The company grew, and in 1963 Fiat 6_____________________ (exported/was exported) more than 300,000 vehicles. Today, Fiat is based in Turin, and its cars 7________________ (sold/are sold) all over the world.
Answers: 1.) produced 2.) were exported 3.) started 4.) were tested 5.) was called 6.) exported 7.) are sold
Change the following sentences into passive sentences using the words in brackets.
1.) We sell tickets for all shows at the Box Office.
(Tickets for all shows/sell/at the Box Office)
__________________________
2.) Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb. (The electric light bulb/invent/by Thomas Edison) ______________________________
3.) Someone painted the office last week. (The office/paint/
4.) Several people saw the accident. (The accident/see/
5.)Where do they make these video recorders? (Where/these video recorders/
Answers: 1.) Tickets for all shows are sold at the box office. 2.) The electric light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison. 3.) The office was painted last week. 4.) The accident was seen by several people. 5.) Where are these video recorders made?
Taken from:
http://
Take a look at this sentence:
We’ll migrate two projects tomorrow morning.
Let’s transform the sentence into the passive voice....Remember, we don't care about "we" (or whomever completed the task) anymore...we care about the task itself...so our NEW subject becomes:
Two projects will be migrated tomorrow morning.
Notice, "We will" is removed from the sentence and now, task becomes the new subject...
Now, Practice...
EXERCISES
Complete the sentences with the correct passive form of the verbs in brackets. Use the Present Simple.
1.) English ____________________ (speak) in many countries.
2.) The mail ______________________ (deliver) at about 7 o’clock every morning.
3.) How often ______________________________
4.)How _______________________ (your name/spell)?
5.) My salary _____________________ (pay) every month.
6.) These cars _________________________ (not make) in Japan.
7.) The name of the person who committed the crime _____________________ (not know).
8.) His travel expenses ________________________ (not pay) by his company.
Answers: 1.) is spoken, 2.) is delivered, 3.) are the Olympic Games held? 4.) is your name spelled 5.) is paid 6.) aren’t made 7.) isn’t known, 8.) aren’t paid
Complete the sentences with the correct passive form of the verbs in brackets. Use the Past Simple.
1.) My car ______________________ (repair) last week.
2.) This song ________________________ (not write) by John Lennon.
3.) ______________________________
4.) The film ________________________ (make) ten years ago.
5.) When ______________________________
6.) The car ________________________ (not damaged) in the accident.
7.) The original building _________________________ (taken) down in 1965.
8.) Where ______________________________
9.) When ______________________________
Answers:
1.) was repaired, 2.) wasn’t written, 3.) Was the phone answered, 4.) was made, 5.) was tennis invented?, 6.) wasn’t damaged, 7.) was taken down 8.) was this pot made, 9.) was this bridge built
Choose the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
Fiat 0_was started__(started/was started) by a group of Italian businessmen in 1899. In 1903, Fiat,1_________________ (produced/was produced) 132 cars. Some of these cars
2_____________________ (exported/were exported) by the company to the United States and Britain. In 1920, Fiat
3_________________ (started/was started) making cars at a new factory at Lingotto, near Turin. There was a track on the roof where the cars 4____________________ (tested/were tested) by
technicians. In 1936, Fiat launched the Fiat 500. This car
5 ___________________ (called/was called) the Topolino
. The company grew, and in 1963 Fiat 6_____________________ (exported/was exported) more than 300,000 vehicles. Today, Fiat is based in Turin, and its cars 7________________ (sold/are sold) all over the world.
Answers: 1.) produced 2.) were exported 3.) started 4.) were tested 5.) was called 6.) exported 7.) are sold
Change the following sentences into passive sentences using the words in brackets.
1.) We sell tickets for all shows at the Box Office.
(Tickets for all shows/sell/at the Box Office)
__________________________
2.) Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb. (The electric light bulb/invent/by Thomas Edison) ______________________________
3.) Someone painted the office last week. (The office/paint/
4.) Several people saw the accident. (The accident/see/
5.)Where do they make these video recorders? (Where/these video recorders/
Answers: 1.) Tickets for all shows are sold at the box office. 2.) The electric light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison. 3.) The office was painted last week. 4.) The accident was seen by several people. 5.) Where are these video recorders made?
Taken from:
http://
Can/Could/Be Able to
Let’s look at these modal verbs: Can/Could/be Able to
1.) Can means that something is possible or allowed. In this form, we use can plus the infinitive form of the verb. Can see, can do, etc.
Infinitive Verb
↓
Example: You can see every part of the city from her office, You can do anything you put your mind to.
Don’t forget the negative form
Infinitive Verb
↓
She can’t see the doctor this week. (He’s not available).
Able to can be substituted at times for can.
I’m able to see every part of the city from her office.
Now compare can with be able to:
I can’t visit her. / I haven’t been able to visit her recently.
Mary can meet her tomorrow. / Mary might be able to meet her tomorrow.
John can use the Microsoft office suite. / Office employees must be able to use the Microsoft office suite.
2.) Could is the past form of can.
We often see could with the following verbs: see, hear, smell, taste, feel, remember, understand
Infinitive Verb
↓
We could hear the neighbors fighting all night.
Infinitive Verb
↓
We could smell her cooking from miles away.
3.) Could versus was able to
We typically use could for past general ability and was able to for more specific situations.
Example:
He was an excellent swimmer. He could swim faster than anyone.
(general ability)
The surfer was lucky he was able to escape the shark attack by swimming quickly towards the shore. (specific situation)
Complete the sentences using can or the correct form of be able to:
1.) David has practiced alot of tennis. He __________ play against just about anyone.
2.) I haven’t ____________________ visit her recently.
3.) Judy _______ study if she leaves work early.
4.) I hope we _________________ spend time with you when we’re in town!
5.) I know I _______ learn what I need to know for this test.
6.) I know I haven’t ____________________ learn everything I need to know for this test!
7.) He _______ speak 5 languages!
8.) Anyone interested in applying for the job must _______________ speak 5 languages!
9.) She ___________ stop by tomorrow. I’ll be home.
10.) I wish she _______________ stop by tomorrow because I’ll be at home.
Answers: 1.) can 2.) been able to, 3.) can or could, 4.) are able to, 5.) can, 6.) been able to,
7.) can, 8.) be able to, 9.) can, 10.) could
Complete the following using can/can’t or could/couldn’t
1.) I wrote you last year so you ____________ learn about my experience at school.
2.) I write to him every week so he __________ learn about my experience at school.
3.) I _________ understand how to do this!
4.) He ______________ understand anything I told him to do.
5.) I know I __________ do it if I try!
6.) He knew he ___________ do it if he tried!
Answers: 1.) could, 2.) can, 3.) can’t, 4.) couldn’t, 5.) can, 6.) could
Complete the following with was/wasn’t/were/weren’t able to:
1.) Everybody _________________ get something to eat.
2.) You _________________________ to visit all the tourist attractions on your visit to Rome.
3.) I ___________ to finish my homework! I’ve been busy all week!
4.) We ___________________ to sleep at all last night!
5.) You _________________ to accomplish all your tasks today! Good Job!
’
Answers: 1.) was able to (remember everybody is singular!), 2.) were able to, 3.) wasn’t able,
4.) weren’t able, 5.) were able to
Make sentences 1-5 into question Form (Sometimes changing the subject in order for the sentence to make sense is necessary):
1.) Was ______________________________________?
2.) Were ______________________________________?
3.) Weren’t you ________________________________?
4.) Weren’t you ________________________________?
5.) Were you __________________________________?
Answers: 1.) Was everybody able to get something to eat?, 2.) Were you able to visit all of the tourist attractions on your visit to Rome?, 3.) Weren’t you able to finish your homework?,
4.) Weren’t you able to sleep at all last night?, 5.) Were you able to accomplish all your tasks today?
Now.....About you!
1.) (Something you used to be able to do)
__________________________________________________________________________
2.) (Something you would like to be able to do)
___________________________________________________________________________
3.) (Something you’ve never been able to do)
____________________________________________________________________________
Possible Answers: 1.) I used to be able to swim 1 mile without stopping. 2.) I’d really like to be able to speak Portuguese fluently. 3.) I’ve never been able to speak French.
Could-More Uses
Could-More uses
Could is used as the past of can
Example:
She has an amazing office. She can see the whole city from her window. (present)
She had an amazing office. She could see the whole city from her window.(past)
The modal verb Could is also used in present to discuss possible actions in the present or future.
Example:
I could take a trip to the beach on Saturday.
I could sit here all day looking into the sea.
I could clean my house on my day off.
These statements all speculate about present or future possibilities.
Study the difference between could and can:
I can take next week off (reality).
I could take next week off (suggestion).
Compare: Could + infinitive (present) or Could + have + participle verb (verb column 3):
I could talk to her forever. (Present)
I could have talked to her forever. (past possibility).
I’m so tired I could sleep for hours. (present)
I was so tired, I could have slept for hours. (past)
Don’t forget couldn’t-
Couldn’t + infinitive (present) or Couldn’t + have + participle verb (verb column 3):
I couldn’t live without my cat. (present)
When I was young, I couldn’t have lived without my cat. (past)
I couldn’t go to the concert. (present)
Practice:
Answer these questions:
1.) Where should I visit in Brazil?
2.) Where should I go for dinner tonight?
3.) When shoud I get up in the morning?
Possible answers: 1. ) You could visit Natal. 2.) You could go to Batel. 3.) You could get up at 7 AM.
Decide whether to use can or could:
1.) I have so much work to do. I _________ work all day and it still wouldn’t all be done.
2.) He _________ use Microsoft office as well as Photoshop.
3.) She’s one of my best friends. I _______ tell her just about anything.
4.) This meeting _______ take all day so make sure you don’t schedule anything else to do.
5.) School is pretty easy right now but it _________ get harder later in the semester.
Answers: 1.) could 2.) can 3.) can 4.) could 5.) could
Complete these sentences:
1.) Something you could do tonight___________________________________
2.) Something you could have done last night__________________________
3.) A place you could go tomorrow ___________________________________
4.) A place you could have gone last night _____________________________
5.) A subject you could study _______________________________________
6.) A subject you could have studied when you were in school ___________________________
7.) A language you could speak _______________________________________________
8.) A language you could have spoken __________________________________________
Complete these sentences:
9.) I couldn’t live in _____________________________________________
10.) I couldn’t have done better on ____________________________________.
Possible Answers: 1.) I could go to bed early. 2.) I could have gone to bed early. 3.) I could go to the park. 4.) I could have gone to the park. 5.) I could study Mythology. 6.) I could have studied Mythology. 7.) I could speak French. 8.) I could have spoken French.
Printable Version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vzEXy0rxBWI2fc8E2ic8T-HJrUHmZYIiHGO2Nyuxaxg/edit
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