An infinitive is a verb combined with the word to. Most often, an infinitive acts as a noun in the sentence. Less frequently, it acts as an adjective or an adverb.
The continuous tense shows an action that is, was, or will be in progress at a certain time. The continuous tense is formed with the verb ‘be’ + -ing form of the verb.
The Present continuous can be used to show an action which is happening at the time of speaking.
I am having dinner at the moment.
The main function of a verb is to indicate when the action happens. There are three main verb tenses; past, present and future. Each tense is divided into; simple, continuous, perfect and perfect continuous.
In this lesson we are looking at the simple tenses in the past, present and future.
The present tense of a verb is the 'original' form. The past tense can have different patterns. The future simple is formed with 'will'.
Here are some verbs used in the past, present and future tenses:
Verbs that show actions or 'action verbs' are the most used verbs.
Action verbs take 's' in the third person when they are singular verbs:
He lives in Athens.
She works in the city.
It rains a lot in February.
Negative sentences need 'do not', 'does not', or 'did not'.
He does not live in Athens.
She does not work in the city.
It does not rain in August.
It did not rain in June.
Adjectives give more meaning to nouns.
Adjectives are normally placed in front of the noun.
An exciting film.
An interesting book.
Fast cars.
Red roses.
Look at this example:
Sarah is a university student. Sarah was born in London but now Sarah lives in Paris where Sarah is studying French. Sarah’s boyfriend is Louis. Louis is French and Louis met Sarah in Paris. Sarah and Louis want to get married. Sarah’s and Louis’ parents are very happy.
Now here is the same example using pronouns:
Possessive nouns show who owns something or who something belongs to.
Possessive nouns are formed with ('s)
Sarah's car.
Peter's lap top.
The school’s headmaster.
When the noun is plural and ends with 's', just add (')
The babies' toys.
My parents' house.
Count nouns are nouns that can have one or more than one.
A pen – three pens, a bottle – six bottles, a television – three televisions, a car – five cars.
Count nouns can be used with;
A few, few, many, some, every, each, these etc.
A few pens, many bottles, a few cars, each television etc.
Count nouns can be used with a/an or the
There is a pen on my desk.
I bought a bottle of Italian wine.
Each television in the flat was a new model.
My family has five cars.
The verb 'be' shows a state not an action
I live in Spain. (action)
I like my job. (action)
My brother is a doctor. (state)
You are tired. (state)
Remember that verbs must match subjects
I am Spanish.
You are very tall.
He is a doctor.
We are students.
Being able to identify between countable and uncountable nouns is necessary to use English grammar correctly.
Most nouns in English are countable:
He has two homes, one in London and one in Spain.
The beer cost six pounds.
I’ve never seen Sarah travel with less than two suitcases.
