Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Learn 100 of the most common English sentences. If you can say them perfectly, you will be able to use thousands
of similar sentences when you speak English. Make these sentences a habit and your English conversations will be
easier and more interesting. Good luck!
Edited by Raharjo
Grammar Pattern 1: Yes/No Questions
[Note: Use the first question word in your answer!]
Model Sentence:
What languages can you speak?
Model Sentence
Would you like to have some coffee?
Model Sentence
Would you like to go out for a drink after work?
Model Sentence
Would you like to travel to the moon some day?
Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each question out loud!
Model Sentence
Have you ever been to China?
Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each question out loud!
Model Sentence
Which do you like better, fish or meat?
Grammar Pattern 11
Simple Sentences with "Be" (am / is / are)
Model Sentence
We are not from this city.
This pattern is a very easy but important pattern. Be sure to say these perfectly! Especially be
careful of the different forms - "I am", "We are", "They are", "He is" or "She is". You have to say
these correctly every time or people will be confused.
Grammar Pattern 12
Past Sentences with "Be" (was / were)
Model Sentence
We were hungry last night.
Use the past of "Be" to describe places, people, or things that happened before now. Pay close
attention to the different times we us "was" (He was... / She was... / I was...) and "were" (We
were... / They were...). These are easy sentences, but you must do them perfectly! Good luck.
This is a very easy pattern, but very common, so be sure to say each sentence perfectly! Be
careful - although we say "I have" or "We have", it is different with "he" or "she". We must say
"He has" or "She has".
Grammar Pattern 14
Past Sentences with "Had"
Model Sentence
I had a yellow bicycle.
The past of "have" is very easy - it is always "had". (I had, you had, we had, she had, he had,
they had) Just remember to use it when you are talking about a time in the past.
Grammar Pattern 15
Simple Sentences with "be" + "ing"
Model Sentence
We are studying English now.
This pattern describes actions that are happening now (so we use "be", not "was") and continue
(so we use "ing").
1. I am eating dinner.
2. She is riding a bicycle.
3. He is playing the guitar.
4. We are playing tennis.
5. They are singing.
6. You are reading English!
Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!
1. What's your mother doing now? (She's reading a book. / She's getting ready for bed.)
2. What are your parents doing now? (They're eating dinner. / They're sleeping. / They're
watching TV.)
3. Where are you going? (I'm going to work. / I'm going to my friend's home.)
4. Who are they talking to? (They're talking to ...)
5. Are you studying English now? (Yes I'm studying very hard! / No I'm hardly studying!)
Grammar Pattern 16
Past Sentences with "be" + "ing"
Model Sentence
We were eating dinner last night at this time.
This pattern describes actions that happened now, so we use "was" or "were", not "is", "am" or
"are". We use "ing" to show the action continued. It was not an action that was quickly finished!
Because the action continues, it is possible that another action happened at the same time.
1. What were you doing yesterday at this time? (I was working. / I was eating lunch. / I wasn't
doing anything special.)
2. What was your father doing this morning at 8? (He was ...)
3. What were your parents doing last week? (They were ...)
4. Were you studying English last night? (Yes I was studying. / No I wasn't studying.)
5. Were you working or studying five years ago?
Grammar Pattern 17
Noun + Verb + Noun
Model Sentence
My sister enjoys tennis.
This is another very basic pattern. You should try to say it as easily as your own name! Be
careful to add an "s" after most verbs if the first noun is "he" or "she". We say "I enjoy" but "She
enjoys". Got it?
1. I want coffee.
2. He enjoys steak.
3. She loves money.
4. They finished work.
5. My sister went to New York.
Conversation Practice - Practice these questions with your friends. Be sure to answer with the
Noun + Verb + Noun pattern!
Grammar Pattern 18
Longer Noun + Verb + Noun
Model Sentence
My younger brother Sam drinks beer.
This pattern is similar to Pattern 17, however the first noun (the subject of the sentence) can
sometimes be a very long "noun phrase". For example, look at the model sentence above. Instead
of "Sam drinks beer" which only has one word (Sam) as the subject, the model has four words
("My younger brother Sam") as the subject. This adds useful information and helps us to
communicate more effectively. Or look at Pronunciation Practice sentence 5 below - the first
noun phrase has nine words! Using noun phrases easily takes practice but when you can say
them well, your speaking will be much more fluent.
1. What does your older sister (or younger sister) like to drink?
2. Do you have a friend from another city? Does he enjoy tea?
3. Who do you know that enjoys steak?
4. What kind of people love money?
5. Do you know anyone who has travelled to another city?
Grammar Pattern 19
Noun + Verb + Longer Noun
Model Sentence
This is my favorite book.
Pattern 18 has a longer verb at the beginning of the sentence. In Pattern 19, however, the longer
verb comes at the end. The model sentence shows a "noun phrase" with three words ("my
favorite book"). Pronunciation Practice sentence 9 has a noun phrase with six words ("their work
on the business deal"). Of course, there is no limit to the possible length of a noun phrase. (Let's
try a looooooooooong example! "These lessons are the most useful lessons on English
grammar and sentence patterns in any country on Earth or on any website now, in the past,
and in the future"!)
Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!
1. That is my house.
2. The women are famous lawyers.
3. He loves to play the guitar.
4. He enjoys steak with potatos.
5. I hate to drive during rush hour!
6. She's crazy about playing tennis.
7. I love to drive down country roads!
8. I want hot coffee with no milk or sugar.
9. They finished their work on the business deal.
Grammar Pattern 20
Noun + Verb + Verb + Noun
Model Sentence
She can speak Japanese.
Patterns 20, 21 and 22 have two verbs together in the middle of each sentence. Pattern 20 has
two simple verbs together without "to" or "ing". In the Model Sentence, the two verbs are "can"
and "speak". Although this pattern (Pattern 20) is quite simple, it is important to know the
difference between this pattern and the next two (Pattern 21 and Pattern 22).
Grammar Pattern 21
Noun + Verb + "to" + Verb + Noun
Model Sentence
He likes to sleep late.
Pattern 21 has two verbs together in the middle of each sentence, linked by "to". In the Model
Sentence above, the verb "likes" is followed by "to sleep". When you read English and see two
verbs linked with "to", try to remember the first verb. That verb should always be followed by a
verb in the "infinitive" form - that is a verb with "to". The most common verbs followed by "to"
(followed by the "infinitive") are "want", "hope", "try", "ask", "expect" and "care". Notice that
these verbs are all involved, in some way, with the future. (The verb "like" can be used with "to"
or with "ing", as you will see with Pattern 22!)
Grammar Pattern 22
Noun + Verb + "ing" + Verb + Noun
Model Sentence
She remembers dancing under the stars!
Pattern 22 has two verbs together in the middle of each sentence, with the second verb using
"ing". In the Model Sentence above, the verb "remembers" is followed by "dancing". Besides
"remember", other common verbs that are followed by "ing" are "enjoy", "prefer" "consider" and
sometimes "like". Verb phrases, such as "think about" or "believe in" can also be followed by a
verb with "ing". In some ways, the second verb with "ing" functions as a noun - we "enjoy
something" or "prefer something" or "remember something".
Pattern 23 is basically quite easy. However, the adjective at the end can sometimes be a phrase
that is quite long. The adjective in the Model Sentence above is "busy", but it could also be "very
busy" or "really very busy" or even "so busy that we cannot get all of our work done today"!
Grammar Pattern 24
Noun + Verb + Time or Place
Model Sentence
Next month is summer.
Pattern 24 is similar to Sentence Pattern 23, except that the adjective at the end can be replaced
by words showing a time or a place. The Model Sentence is quite simple - the time is just
"summer". In the Pronunciation Practice section, you can see longer possible phrases such as "in
the restaurant" or "later in the week". Even very long phrases can be used. For example, "We ate
during the exciting football match between Germany and Brazil that was won by Germany by
a score of two to one". Most of the time, it is much simpler, though, so you can practicing the
sentences below is enough!
1. Tomorrow is Wednesday.
2. She is coming to our house.
3. She is coming today.
4. We will eat later.
5. We will eat later today.
6. We will eat Chinese food later in the week.
7. We will eat in the restaurant.
8. You can visit next week.
9. She is there.
10. Birds are in the sky.
Grammar Pattern 25
Noun + Verb + Manner
Model Sentence
My students are learning quickly.
Sentence Pattern 25 is similar to Patterns 23 and 24. The only difference is that the last part
shows the "manner", or "how" the action is done. This is a very common pattern used in
conversations, so discussion questions are included at the end. In this pattern, it is often possible
to move the "manner" (the final adverb or adverbial phrase) in front of the verb. Those
possibilities are shown below after each practice sentence.
Grammar Pattern 26
Noun + Verb + Long Phrase
Model Sentence
She asked me when the movie would begin.
Sentence Pattern 26 uses "connectors" such as "when", "where", "who", "why" and "that" to
build on Patterns 23, 24 and 25. This pattern allows you to add much more information when
you are communicating in English.
Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!
Grammar Pattern 27
Long Noun + Long Verb
Model Sentence
The 25-year-old man in the park is trying to fly a kite.
This sentence pattern uses two "phrases", first a "long noun" and then a "long verb", to
communicate a simple idea with several details. In the Model Sentence above, the first part (the
long noun) shows us that it is a rather young man and where he is. The second part (the long
verb) shows us what he is doing and that he is "trying" but maybe not succeeding!
Grammar Pattern 28
Long Noun + Long Verb + Adjective or Adverb
Model Sentence
A yellow bird was flying quickly across the sky.
Now that we have mastered Sentence Pattern 27, we can add an adverb or adjective at the end to
make even more interesting sentences. The examples below are enough to show you how...
Grammar Pattern 29
Noun + Verb + Noun + Movement
Model Sentence
The boss gave some advice to his workers.
The end of Sentence Pattern 29 is usually called an "indirect object". What does that really
mean? It means there is some kind of movement - something is moving to another place. For
example, in the Model Sentence above, what happened to the advice? It "moved" from the boss
to the workers. Most grammar books make this pattern seem very difficult, but it's not. Just learn
the sentences below!
Grammar Pattern 30
Noun + Place + Verb + Noun or Adjective
Model Sentence
A hungry dog in the street is looking for food.
This pattern is a little more difficult than previous sentence patterns but it is based on a
combination of those patterns. The Model Sentence, for example, starts with a long noun (A
hungry dog) as subject, then mentions the place (in the street) followed by a verb (is looking)
then a final phrase (for food). Your English will become more fluent if you can say the sentences
below easily. Remember, "practice makes perfect"!
Pronunciation Practice - Repeat each sentence out loud!
Grammar Pattern 31
Noun + Verb + Long Noun + Place
Model Sentence
I saw a very interesting show in the theater.
Look at the Model Sentence to understand this very common grammar pattern. The first noun
("I" - the subject) and the verb ("saw") are very simple. Then we have a long noun ("a very
interesting show") followed by the place ("in a theater"). Say the Pronunciation Practice
sentences until you can say them perfectly.
Grammar Pattern 32
There is / There are
Model Sentence
There is a big dog in front of the house.
Use this simple grammar pattern to start lots of conversations. Start with "There is" when talking
about one thing or start your conversation with "There are" if you are talking about two or more
things. Then explain what (in the Model Sentence the "what" is "a big dog") and explain where
("in front of the house") and you have a good sentence! There are three discussion questions at
the end to get you started using this sentence pattern in real conversations. Have fun!
Grammar Pattern 33
There was / There were
Model Sentence
There was a big storm last night.
This grammar pattern is similar to sentence pattern 32, except that it is in the past. Use this in
conversations about things that happened before now. It's quite easy, so be sure to learn these
sentences until you can say them perfectly.
Grammar Pattern 34
English Articles
Model Sentence
A man jumped into the river. Who was the man?.
Articles are one of the most difficult points of English grammar for ESL students. Learn the
sentences in this lesson will make it easier for you. In English, we often start with "a" and "an"
which are called "indefinite articles". These are used with something we don't know well. We can
then continue with "the", which is a "definite article". We use "the" with something we know.
The practice sentences in this grammar lesson are in pairs - the first sentence uses an indefinite
article but then we know the topic, so the second sentence uses a definite article.
1a. There is a man next to the table. (We don't know who he is yet.)
1b. The man is from Sydney. (Now we know him, at least a little!)
2a. A man came to our office this morning. (Who? We don't know.)
2b. The man wanted to meet our boss. (Now we know him a little.)
3. The Nile is a river in Egypt. (Everybody knows it.)
4. There is a river in my hometown called the Genesee River.
5. Put this fruit in the kitchen. (We know that every house has a kitchen.)
Grammar Pattern 35
English Determiners
Model Sentence
Those two cars belong to this company.
The most common English determiners are some, a few, many, these, those, and that. We use
determiners in English to show how much or how many things you are talking about. In other
words, we add important information to our conversations which helps us communicate more
effectively. Learn the sentence patterns below to practice the most useful determiners in English.
Grammar Pattern 36
English Sentences with "it"
Model Sentence
It is very cloudy today.
Some English sentences don't have a grammatical subject, so we can use "it" as a kind of "empty
subject". We often use "it" in English to talk about time and weather. Practice the sentences
below and your English conversation will be much more colloquial!
Grammar Pattern 37
Either / Neither / Too / So
Model Sentence
They don't agree and neither do I!
In English grammar, we use words such as "Either", "Neither", "Too" or "So" to show agreement
during a conversation. Use one of these expressions to give answers.
1. How does your sister (or brother) feel now? How about you?
2. Do you have a million dollars? How about your friends?
3. Have your friends been to South Africa? How about you?
4. Can your parents fly an airplane? What about you?
5. Which country were you born in? What about your brother? (or sister?)
Grammar Pattern 38
Comparing Actions in English
Model Sentence
They must work harder. OR He can read more quickly than me.
We have two ways to compare things in English grammer. With short words, we add "-er" at the
end of a word (such as "work harder" in the Model Sentence) or we use "more" before a word (as
in "more quickly"). Practice the grammar points by using the sentences below.
Grammar Pattern 39
Comparing Things in English
Model Sentence
Their car is more powerful than my car is.
Similar to English Sentence Pattern 38, this pattern makes a comparison. However, English
Sentence Pattern 39 compares two things, not two actions. Generally, shorter words will use "er"
(be + adjective + -er + than) but longer words use "more" (be + more (or less!) + adjective +
than) to make this comparison.
Model Sentence
That book is the most interesting book in our house
When we describe three or more things using English grammar, we not use "er" or "more".
Instead, we use "the" with "-est" or "the most". It's a small change from English Sentence Pattern
38 and English Sentence Pattern 39 so you should master this pattern easily!
Model Sentence
The bread was warm, soft and tasty.
Learners of English often use single adjective to describe an object. In this grammar pattern,
students should try to use two or more adjectives together at the end of each sentence. For many
students, this is a question of pronunciation more than grammar. In any case, practice always
makes perfect.
This grammar pattern is similar to English Sentence Pattern 41 with the only difference being
that you tell us "where" (a place) you saw the thing being described by the adjectives. It's a little
bit longer than the previous pattern, so practice saying it until you can say it easily.
Model Sentence
"Whoever smiles first is the loser!" OR "The loser is whoever smiles first!"
Although this grammar pattern is similar to English Sentence Pattern 18 it is much more
challenging. We make the longer noun in this pattern using "question words" for example, the
Model Sentences above use "whoever smiles first" either at the beginning or the end of the
sentence. When you get used to this sentence pattern, it will seem quite easy, so keep trying!
1. Whoever finishes first is the winner. (The winner is whoever finishes first.)
2. Whenever we arrive we'll have a party. (We'll have a party whenever we arrive.)
3. Whichever bus comes first, we'll take. (We'll take whichever bus comes first.)
4. Wherever we go, it will be fun. (It will be fun wherever we go.)
5. Whatever you do, we will support you. (We will support you whatever you do.)
1. Who will win a basketball match? (Whoever scores the most points...)
2. Where can we find good Chinese food in Beijing? (Wherever you go...)
3. When do you like eating pizza? (Whenever I'm hungry!)
4. What kind of movies do you watch? (Whatever is playing at the cinema...)
5. Which kind of computer do you want to buy? (Whichever is cheaper...)
Model Sentence
"What's the reason for doing it this way?
This grammar pattern begins with a full question, not just a question word. In the Model
Sentence, "What's the reason" is a question. Then "doing it this way" is a noun. Between the
question and the noun, we have a preposition "for" to link the two. This is not a very easy
pattern, but it's quite useful!
1. What's the problem with the car? (The problem with the car is...)
2. What's the matter with this tea?
3. What's the solution to this problem?
4. Who's the author of this book?
5. Where's the manager of this store?
Model Sentence
A bicycle with blue handlebars and a red seat almost hit me!
Sentence Pattern 45 includes some very long noun phrases. The subject in the Model Sentence
(underlined) has 9 words. The fifth sentence in the Pronunication Practice section has 16 words!
You will have to practice hard to be able say these kinds of sentences, but you will be truly fluent
if you can.
1. The boy who bought the fresh oranges on Wednesday returned today.
2. My coworker with the incredibly beautiful girlfriend is getting married soon.
3. A day in the sun without any work to do is a wonderful day!
4. Three days of working hard without any breaks will make you very tired!
5. A teacher with some very good ideas for helping students improve their English quickly and
efficiently is a great teacher!
Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!
1. How many days of working hard without a break have you done before?
2. What kind of day is a wonderful day for you?
3. Have you ever met a woman with an incredibly handsome boyfriend?
4. Do you know any teachers with good ideas for helping students improve their English more
quickly and easily than usual?
Model Sentence
That's a truly wonderful story.
Adjectives "modify" or change nouns by adding more information about the nouns. In other
words, nouns can be described in more detail using adjectives. Not only nouns, but also
adjectives can be described, or "modified". In the Model Sentence, "wonderful" is an adjective
which is modified or described by the word "truly". Recite the practice sentences below to learn
how to modify adjectives yourself.
Model Sentence
We like to wake up when the sun rises.
Adverbs modify verbs. In other words, adverbs give more information about verbs. In the Model
Sentence, the verb is "wake up". We can show the time of waking up by using an expression with
"when" - "when the sun rises". This is a very common pattern in English, but students often
struggle with it. Just practice this grammar pattern a few times, however, and you'll master it
very soon.
Model Sentence
A good friend is a person who will help you in difficult times.
Who is "a person" in the Model Sentence above? We can use many adjectives to describe this
person. In English, ordinary adjectives come before the noun - "he is a good person" or "she is a
happy person". In this grammar pattern, however, we have a longer adjective that describes this
person using a phrase introduced by "who". So we know this person will help others when they
have trouble. This is a good way to add important meaning to your communication in English.
Learn it well and use it often!
Model Sentence
Do you think they can win the game?
Sentence Pattern 49 is a basic Yes / No question but with a longer noun phrase at the end. This is
one of the most common conversation starters in English, so learn it perfectly!
Model Sentence
What do you think is the best type of music?
Sentence Pattern 50 is another one of the most common conversation starters in English. You can
use this pattern in almost any situation, so use it often.
Model Sentence
We stopped by your home last night but you may have already gone to bed.
Sentence Pattern 51 is a very long pattern but it is simply made by combining two sentences
together. In the Model Sentence above, the first sentence is "We stopped by your home last
night". At the end, a reason or explanation is given by using another sentence - "you may have
already gone to bed".
1. I called you yesterday at two o'clock but maybe you were working then. (so I couldn't talk to
you)
2. He saw her before the meeting in a coffee shop studying English. (so she didn't come to the
meeting)
3. They saw us sitting in the classroom because our class was having a test. (so they couldn't talk
to us outside of class)
Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends!
Model Sentence
I'm afraid that I can't help you this time.
This is a very common sentence pattern that is used to make an excuse, to refuse a request, or to
say you're sorry. In the Conversation Practice exercise below, be sure that all answers use this
pattern!
Conversation Practice - Ask these questions to your friends. Be sure the answers use "I'm afraid
that...".
Model Sentence
Our company will be closed during the holiday.
In this grammar pattern, the verb is most often used in the '-ing' form, which means we are
talking about a continuing action in the future. We can also use the past participle, as in the
Model Sentence above.
Model Sentence
Are you going to take a vacation next month?
This is very similar to Sentence Pattern 53. The big difference is that we use "be going to"
instead of "will". In sentence pattern 54, we are already using "-ing" in "going to" so most verbs
that follow will NOT be in the "-ing" form.
Model Sentence
My dog plays enthusiastically in the morning.
There are four parts to Sentence Pattern 55 so it can be long. However, the first three parts (Noun
+ Verb + Adverb) simply make an ordinary sentence. We can then add more information by
adding a time, such as "in the morning" in the Model Sentence above.
Model Sentence
How far did you walk yesterday?
Although Sentence Pattern 56 seems easy, many students have trouble with it. Many students
learn the word "How" very early in their English studies when they learn to say "How are you?".
From that point on, they rarely use "How" to make past questions. Practice the sentences and
conversations below and it will become very easy for you.
Model Sentence
What will you be doing when you are 65 years old?
This grammar pattern is especially useful for talking about future possibilities. It can also be used for any action that
continues or lasts a long time. Use your imagination to answer the Conversation Questions below!
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!
Model Sentence
We want to find a teacher near our home next year.
Model Sentence
We have decided to move to another city.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.)
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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".
5. What might you have said if your boss had told you last week that you were the new company
president?
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!)
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.
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 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!
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.
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?
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!
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?
Model Sentence
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.
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.
Model Sentence
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.
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".
Model Sentence
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.
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!)
Learn English Grammar
in 3 easy steps!
Step 3:
Conversation using Since
Learn Sample A: How long have you lived here, Mary?
Conversations B: I've lived here since June 1st.
a) Maybe I will go home early today or maybe I'll work late. I don't
Step 1:
really know yet!
Learn Key
b) I will probably finish at 6:30.
Sentences
c) We will certainly succeed. I'm sure of it!
Learn How b) I will probably do something means the same as I am pretty sure I
to Use will do it. It is less than 100% but more than maybe.
c) Certainly and surely are the same, they both mean 100%.
· boy
· a boy
· a tall boy
· a girl
· a girl who likes basketball
· a girl who is good at basketball
· a girl who is quite good at basketball
· a girl who is quite good at shooting a basketball
Learn Noun Phrases in Context
There are many kinds of noun phrases. By reading and listening to English as often as you can,
you will learn to use these kinds of phrases naturally and easily. Good luck!
Four Ways to Use Could
Step 3:
Conversation using Could
Learn Sample
Conversations A: I really enjoy the way you play the piano!
B: Thanks. I've been practicing for many years. Can you play a
musical instrument?
A: No. When I was a child, I could (a) play a little, but not now.
Could (b) you teach me?
A: If I had the time, I could (d) teach you, but now I'm too busy at
work. Maybe in the future I'll have more time.
B: I have an idea! I could (c) help you with your math homework,
and you could (c) teach me the piano.
Sample Sentences:
1) Simple Tenses describe actions that are only one moment in time.
2) Continuous Tenses describe actions that continue, then another action happens
more quickly.
He is walking to school now, but you can find him if you hurry.
I will be walking to school this time next week, so you will be able to find me
easily.
3) Perfect Tenses describe TWO moments in time, with emphasis on the second
one.
I had walked halfway to school before I remembered that I didn't have my books.
By the time the year is over, I will have walked a total of 300 kilometers!
I had already been walking halfway to school when I remembered that I left my
book at home.
When I finish high school, I will have been walking to school for 12 years!
Learn Key c) I wish I could speak German, Russian and Japanese. [This is not
Sentences possible, at least for me!]
d) She wishes she had a better job. [But she does not, at least not
now.]
Step 2:
Use hope when you want something and you think it is really
possible. Hope goes together with helping verbs such as will or can
or to be.
Learn How
to Use Use wish when you want something but you do not think it is
possible. Wish goes with helping verbs such as would, could or past
tense forms of other verbs.
How often?
Using Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often and Always
Learn How c) Sometimes might mean 20% of the time, or 80% of the time - it is
to Use not so clear!
http://www.teacherjoe.us/Learn_English_Grammar04.html