# data[].attributes.headline
PRACTISE YOUR ENGLISH WITH THESE WEBSITES!

# data[].attributes.subject
PRACTISE YOUR ENGLISH WITH THESE WEBSITES!

# data[].attributes.headline
BBC LEARNING ENGLISH: PRESENT CONTINUOUS AND GOING TO + INFINITIVE FOR FUTURE

# data[].attributes.subject
BBC LEARNING ENGLISH: PRESENT CONTINUOUS AND GOING TO + INFINITIVE FOR FUTURE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Finn
Hello again. Welcome to 6 Minute Grammar with me, Finn.

Emma
And me, Emma. Hello.

Finn
In today's programme we're looking at two ways to talk about the future.

Emma
Let's start with some sample sentences. Rob, can we have an example of a future arrangement?

Rob
Sure. Farid is meeting his cousin at the airport on Saturday.

Yes, and we can use present continuous, that's subject plus am, is or are plus verb i-n-g to talk about this type of future arrangement. Now, let's look at going to. We use going to with an infinitive verb to talk about future plans - things we intend to do. An example please Rob?

Rob
When I finish university, I'm going to spend a year travelling.

Finn
I'm going to spend a year travelling. That sounds like an exciting plan. And another please:

Rob
Simon and Ibrahim are going to spend the whole weekend playing football.

Finn
So Simon and Ibrahim have some interesting plans too. But, do they seem very similar to arrangements, would you say, Emma?

Emma
Well yes, they do. We can often use either the present continuous or going to for future plans.

Finn
But sometimes we can only use going to. Here's an example.

Rob
It's really cold. I think it's going to snow.

Emma
But the speaker can say what's going to happen, based on the present situation - whatever is happening now.

IDENT
You're listening to BBC learning English.

Finn
And we're looking at present continuous for future arrangements, and going to plus a verb to talk about future plans and arrangements - and things we know are going to happen based on the present situation.

Emma
That's right. So, Finn, are you doing anything interesting tonight?

Finn
Well, I'm taking my girlfriend to the theatre and the play is starting at 7 o'clock.

Finn
Aha! Emma I do believe you're asking me questions about my future arrangements and plans! You asked me a yes/no present continuous question:

What are you gonna see? You're quite right Finn, and I used a special short form of going to that we usually only find in informal spoken English: I said gonna. Gonna. It's very common in spoken English. What are you gonna see?

Finn
That's right. The long form is: What are you going to see?

Finn
Well, I'll tell you later - but first, it's time for a quiz. So, question 1: Imagine you're at a football match. Your team is playing really well. Do you say a) I'm sure they're going to score a goal! Or do you say b) I'm sure they are scoring a goal!

Finn
Right, question 2 - which is correct? a) We're gonna going by train. b) We're going go by train. Or c) We're gonna go by train.

Finn
Now, number 3. Which is a correct future sentence: a) Hurry up - the train is leaving. Or b) Hurry up - the train is going to leave in ten minutes?

Finn
Yes indeed. Well, I'm going to leave in a minute, because I'm going to see a Shakespeare play with my girlfriend. See you next time, Emma!

Emma
Don't forget - there's lots more about this on our website at bbclearningenglish.com.

Both
Bye!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BBC Learning English - Course: lower intermediate / Unit 9 / Session 2 / Activity 3

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Finn Hello again. Welcome to 6 Minute Grammar with me, Finn. Emma And me, Emma. Hello. Finn In today's programme we're looking at two ways to talk about the future. Emma Let's start with some sample sentences. Rob, can we have an example of a future arrangement? Rob Sure.

# data[].attributes.headline
THE GRAMMAR GAMESHOW:PRESENT PERFECT AND PAST SIMPLE (DIFFICULT!!!)

# data[].attributes.subject
THE GRAMMAR GAMESHOW:PRESENT PERFECT AND PAST SIMPLE (DIFFICULT!!!)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Present Perfect and Past Simple: The Grammar Gameshow Episode 29

# data[].attributes.headline
6 MINUTE ENGLISH: PRESENT PERFECT + FOR/SINCE

# data[].attributes.subject
6 MINUTE ENGLISH: PRESENT PERFECT + FOR/SINCE

# data[].attributes.headline
BBC LEARNING ENGLISH: PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

# data[].attributes.subject
BBC LEARNING ENGLISH: PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Did you get them all right? Now, let's have a look at the form.

Form

The present perfect continuous is made with:
Subject + have/has/haven't/hasn't + been + present participle of main verb
Positive

Jack's working very hard for his exams. He's been revising all day.

I've been working at the café for two weeks.

You've been watching far too much telly for too long. Why don't you take up a new sport?

Negative

I haven't been drinking coffee these last few days and my head is much clearer.

Doctor, I've not been feeling good all the morning.

Question

Present perfect continuous questions are made with:
Have/has not + subject + been + present participle

Have you been eating all the biscuits? There are none left!

What have you been doing? You look exhausted!

Next

Well done. You've practised the form, but what's harder than that is knowing exactly when to use this tense. In the next activity, you'll look at situations and decide whether or not the present perfect continuous is appropriate.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BBC Learning English - Course: intermediate / Unit 2 / Session 2 / Activity 1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Did you get them all right? Now, let's have a look at the form. The present perfect continuous is made with: Subject + have/has/haven't/hasn't + been + present participle of main verb Jack's working very hard for his exams. He's been revising all day. I've been working at the café for two weeks.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Extreme adjectives are especially strong adjectives. Let’s learn lots of these words and some special rules for using them in English.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Finn

Hello, I'm Finn and I'm here at Oxford Circus station. As you can hear, it's quite busy because it's the middle of the rush hour and thousands of tired commuters are on their way home after a long day at work. I'm going to speak to a few of them to find out more about what it's really like to be a commuter in London. Listen very carefully because there's a quiz coming up soon.

OK, we're standing here At Oxford Circus in the rain. I'm joined now by...
Maria
Maria.
Finn
Nice to meet you. Do you live in London?
Maria
I do yes.
Finn
How do you normally commute?
Maria
So, at the moment my commute isn't too long. I get the tube to work and it only takes about twenty minutes. I do that most days but sometimes I walk which takes about forty-five minutes. I normally leave for work at about twenty past eight to get to work for nine o'clock.
Finn
What's your name?
Caroline
Caroline.
Finn
Caroline hello. Do you live in London?
Caroline
Yes I do, I live in East London. I have to commute to work to Southwark.
Finn
How do you normally travel to Southwark?
Caroline
I always get the bus to Southwark, yes, that's the easiest way for me and I'm not near any tube stations. It takes about fifty minutes. I'm on the bus for forty minutes and then I walk for ten minutes.
Finn
And so what's your average day like in the office? How long are you there usually?
Caroline
Usually I'm in the office from nine to five on an average day but sometimes I can be there until 6 o'clock or 7 o'clock or sometimes even 8!
Finn
OK, I'm standing here with...
Simon
Simon.
Finn
Hello Simon, nice to meet you.
Simon
You too.
Finn
You live in London?
Simon
Yes, south west London, Putney.
Finn
Great. And tell me do you have to commute from Putney?
Simon
I do. My office is based just off Oxford Circus, so usually I hop on the tube but the time I have to get in is a nightmare so I've started cycling over the last six or seven months. It's a pretty nice journey and I always feel I sleep better after a cycle, 'cos I'm knackered so that's good.
Finn
I'm joined now by...
Rosie
Rosie.
Finn
Hello Rosie. How are you?
Rosie
Good thank you.
Finn
What do you think about the weather?
Rosie
It's very miserable but pretty normal for the UK.
Finn
Sorry for making you stand in the rain. At least you have an umbrella. Can you tell me about your commute?
Rosie
I can. I live in Wandsworth, in south London and I usually get the train to Waterloo and then I get the train across to London Bridge. Sometimes if the train isn't running I get the tube.
Finn
And do you work in London Bridge?
Rosie
I do, yes.
Finn
How long does your commute take?
Rosie
About forty to forty-five minutes. When I lived in west London I occasionally would cycle through the parks but it's a very busy route in and I'm not a very good cyclist.
Finn
Well a range of experiences there but how much can you remember? Do our quiz and test yourself. Good luck and I'll see you soon.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BBC Learning English - Course: lower intermediate / Unit 4 / Session 3 / Activity 1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Finn Hello, I'm Finn and I'm here at Oxford Circus station. As you can hear, it's quite busy because it's the middle of the rush hour and thousands of tired commuters are on their way home after a long day at work.

# data[].attributes.headline
6 MINUTE ENGLISH: COMPARATIVES AND SUPERLATIVES

# data[].attributes.subject
6 MINUTE ENGLISH: COMPARATIVES AND SUPERLATIVES

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to use comparatives and superlatives - 6 Minute Grammar

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Look at these examples to see how just, yet, still and already are used.

I've just seen Sai. He's really enjoying his new job.
We haven't decided what to do yet.
I still haven't called Yumi to see how she is.
I've already had lunch but I'll join you for coffee.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

We often use just, yet, still and already with the present perfect because they are related to the present moment. This page focuses on the meaning and use of these words when they are used with the present perfect.

Just used with the present perfect means 'a short time before'.

I've just seen Susan coming out of the cinema.
Mike's just called. Can you ring him back, please?
Have you just taken my pen?!

Just comes between the auxiliary verb ( have/has) and the past participle.

Yet used with the present perfect means 'at any time up to now'. We use it to emphasise that we expect something to happen soon. Yet (in this context) is only used in negative sentences and questions.

Have you finished your homework yet?
I haven't finished it yet. I'll do it after dinner.
A. Where's Sam? B: He hasn't arrived yet.

Yet comes at the end of the sentence or question.

Still used with the present perfect means that something hasn't happened. We use it to emphasise that we expected the thing to happen earlier. Still (in this context) is only used in negative sentences.

I've been waiting for an hour and the bus still hasn't come.
They promised me that report yesterday but they still haven't finished it.
She still hasn't replied to my email. Maybe she's on holiday.

Still comes between the subject ( the bus, they, etc.) and auxiliary verb ( haven't/hasn't).

Already used with the present perfect means 'before now'. We use it to emphasise that something happened before something else or earlier than expected.

I've already spent my salary and it's two weeks before payday.
He wanted to seeSudden Risk but I've already seen it.
The train's left already!

Already can come between the auxiliary and the main verb or at the end of the clause.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Look at these examples to see how just, yet, still and already are used. I've just seen Sai. He's really enjoying his new job. We haven't decided what to do yet. I still haven't called Yumi to see how she is. I've already had lunch but I'll join you for coffee.

# data[].attributes.headline
THE GRAMMAR GAMESHOW: COMPARATIVES  (DIFFICULT, AS USUAL, BUT FUNNY!

# data[].attributes.subject
THE GRAMMAR GAMESHOW: COMPARATIVES  (DIFFICULT, AS USUAL, BUT FUNNY!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Comparatives: The Grammar Gameshow Episode 15

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs - Test-English

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs. English grammar exercises. Intermediate grammar exercises. more than, the most, not as as, etc.

# data[].attributes.headline
SONGS ABOUT TRANSPORT: MAGIC BUS (THE WHO)

# data[].attributes.subject
SONGS ABOUT TRANSPORT: MAGIC BUS (THE WHO)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
English grammar: How to use the zero article with nouns

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Article - the, a - Grammar Exercises - Learning English

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ELLLO - English Listening Lesson Library Online

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ELLLO stands for English Listening Lesson Library Online and features natural English lessons that come with quizzes, vocabulary training, and free printable worksheets. ESL students and teachers can access over 2,000 free lessons that feature World English with speakers from over 100 countries.

# data[].attributes.headline
REPORTED SPEECH, EXPLAINED WITH EXAMPLES

# data[].attributes.subject
REPORTED SPEECH, EXPLAINED WITH EXAMPLES

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Reported Speech Exercises - Learning English

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Reported Speech - Grammar Exercises - Learning English Online

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Reported Speech - Online Exercises - English Grammar

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Reported Speech - English Grammar Exercises

# data[].attributes.headline
LISTENING PRACTICE: MORE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

# data[].attributes.subject
LISTENING PRACTICE: MORE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ashlie and Stephen are getting ready for Christmas. They need to buy presents and decorate the tree, but there's still time for a bit of ice-skating...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lots of reported speech exercises - practise using free interactive quizzes.

# data[].attributes.headline
FUNCTIONS IN ENGLISH: PREPARING YOUR SPEAKING TEST (DIALOGUE)

# data[].attributes.subject
FUNCTIONS IN ENGLISH: PREPARING YOUR SPEAKING TEST (DIALOGUE)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
English Grammar Rules

We use these words as quantifiers that come at the start of noun phrases and they tell us something about quantity.

A lot of vs. Lots of

A lot of and lots of are used to express that there is a large quantity of something.

We use a lot of in positive sentences, negative sentences and questions. This expression can be used with countable or uncountable nouns.

I have a lot of timeto answer your questions. (Uncountable noun)

We use lots of in positive and negative sentences, however it is more informal. It can be used with countable or uncountable nouns, and occasionally in questions.

She has a lot of money = She has lots of money

Much vs. Many

Much and Many are used to express that there is a large quantity of something.

Much and Many are used in negative sentences and questions.
Many is used with countable nouns
Much is used with uncountable nouns.

Note: we almost never use Much and Many in positive sentences, we almost always use a lot of or lots of.

I have much money. (Incorrect because the sentence is positive / affirmative)
I have a lot of money. (Correct)

With the word " times" we use many times more than a lot of times / lots of times. It sometimes means frequently or often.

That is my favourite book. I've read it many times.

Don't worry, I've done this many times.

We have stayed at this hotel many times over the years.

Few vs. Little

We use a few and a little to suggest a small quantity or not much of something.
A few is used with countable nouns (= some; not many)
A little is used with uncountable nouns (= some; not much)

There are only a few days left until Christmas. (Countable noun)

I have a few crazy friends. (Countable noun)

I would like a little milk for my coffee. (Uncountable noun)

While Few and Little usually have negative meanings, especially when used with very.

There are few honest politicians.(Countable noun)

Next activity

Would you like to practice the difference between these quantifiers? Try our Much, Many, A lot, Few Game or our Few vs. Little Game

If you found this grammar guide about Much, Many, A lot and Few in English useful, let others know about it:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use these words as quantifiers that come at the start of noun phrases and they tell us something about quantity. A lot of and lots of are used to express that there is a large quantity of something. We use a lot of in positive sentences, negative sentences and questions.

# data[].attributes.headline
SPEAKING: NIVEL BÁSICO EXAM. INTERACTION WITH CLASSMATES. EXAMPLE

# data[].attributes.subject
SPEAKING: NIVEL BÁSICO EXAM. INTERACTION WITH CLASSMATES. EXAMPLE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jingle bells, jingle bells ... Have you done your Christmas shopping yet? Watch this video to see how a shop is getting ready for Christmas.

# data[].attributes.headline
REPORTED SPEECH: THE PRINCESS WHO NEVER SMILED

# data[].attributes.subject
REPORTED SPEECH: THE PRINCESS WHO NEVER SMILED

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Princess Who Never Smiled (Reported Speech Practice) - English ESL video lesson

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ESL video lesson with an interactive quiz: Grammar practice .

# data[].attributes.headline
NARRATIVE TENSES: INTERACTIVE VIDEO WITH PRACTICE... FUNNY!

# data[].attributes.subject
NARRATIVE TENSES: INTERACTIVE VIDEO WITH PRACTICE... FUNNY!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
'play', 'do' or 'go'? English In A Minute

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Quantifiers - much, many, some, any, few, litte - Grammar Exercises - Learning English

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Quantifiers - much, many, some, any, few, little - Exercises - Learning English

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 Minute Grammar: How to use narrative tenses

# data[].attributes.headline
NARRATIVE TENSES: PAST PERFECT EXERCISES

# data[].attributes.subject
NARRATIVE TENSES: PAST PERFECT EXERCISES

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Past Perfect, Sentences, Questions, Exercise, Learning English

# data[].attributes.headline
NARRATIVE TENSES: PAST CONTINUOUS EXERCISES

# data[].attributes.subject
NARRATIVE TENSES: PAST CONTINUOUS EXERCISES

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sentences in the Past Progressive, Online Exercise

# data[].attributes.headline
SIX MINUTE ENGLISH: LISTENING PRACTICE (YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE PODCASTS). UPDATED WEBSITE.

# data[].attributes.subject
SIX MINUTE ENGLISH: LISTENING PRACTICE (YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE PODCASTS). UPDATED WEBSITE.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
From goods in shops to political conversations - it seems that unicorns are back on trend. Rob and Neil discuss the reason for it an teach you related vocabulary.

This week's question

What do we call the study of legendary creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, Big Foot and unicorns? Is it:

a) Cryptozoology,

b) Protozoology,

c) Paleozoology?

Listen to the programme to find out the answer.

Vocabulary

enchanted
with a magical atmosphere

a feat
a difficult task, something that is hard to achieve

a panacea
a cure

to use something for a particular purpose
e.g. the army were deployed to help protect the refugees

a pressing matter or issue is an important one that needs to be sorted urgently
e.g. finding a solution to climate change is a pressing matter

Transcript
Note: This is not a word for word transcript
Rob
And hello, I'm Rob.

Rob
Ah, well, the unicorn is a fantasy creature from history. In our tradition it looks like a white horse with a single spiral horn coming out of its head. Why do you ask?

Well, funnily enough, unicorns are the topic of this programme. Before we learn more though, a question. What do we call the study of legendary creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, Big Foot and unicorns? Is it:
a) Cryptozoology,
b) Protozoology, or
c) Paleozoology?
Have you got any idea about that, Rob?

Rob Ah, well, I know this because it was the topic of a 6 Minute English programme a while back, in 2008, to be exact. So I think I'll keep the answer to myself.

Neil
OK, well for everyone else, we'll have the answer later in the programme. Over the last few years unicorns have been popping up all over the place - on T-shirts, in movies, as toys and even in political conversations. Why is this? Natalie Lawrence is a natural historian. She appeared on the BBC's Woman's Hour programme to discuss the topic. Listen out for the answer to this question: Why does she say people used to drink out of unicorn horns?

Natalie Lawrence
Those original stories were developed in a time when magic actually existed in the world. The world was still very enchanted ... the idea that the unicorn is a very strong animal and also that could achieve magical feats, so unicorn horn used to be seen as a panacea for all sorts of ills and a guard against poison. So people used to drink out of unicorn horn cups to prevent themselves getting poisoned, and I think that idea of it being magical and having magical powers has still come through today.

Neil Why did they drink from unicorn horn cups?

Rob
Well, they were supposed to have magical powers so people drank from them so they wouldn't get poisoned.

Yes, she said they could perform magical feats. A feat is something that is difficult to do or achieve - like recording this programme without making a mistake, that's a real feat!

Rob
Well, we usually do it. It must just be unicorn magic.

Well, seeing as how unicorns don't and never have existed, it's unlikely to be true. She says these stories come from a time when the world was enchanted. This means it was a time when people believed in magic and the possibility of mysterious creatures from mysterious parts of the world. It seems as if these days people are looking for a bit of magic, a bit of enchantment in their lives. The unicorn has also come to be a term commonly used in politics to refer to unrealistic ideas and plans. Why is this? Here's Natalie Lawrence again.

Natalie Lawrence
Because it's such a potent cultural symbol at the moment it's being deployed in one of the most pressing issues of our time, as well, so... and the idea of the UK trying to be its own special unicorn potentially...

Neil
So Rob, what is she talking about here?

Well, we are in a very complicated time politically in the UK at the moment. She says they are pressing times. A term which means something important but difficult has to be done in a very short time. A pressing matter is an important one that has to be dealt with urgently.

And this symbol is being used, or as she said being deployed. This is the same word that would be used when you send a military force somewhere. You deploy the army in a military conflict, and in the current political conflict they are deploying the word 'unicorn'! Here's Natalie Lawrence again.

Natalie Lawrence
Because it's such a potent cultural symbol at the moment it's being deployed in one of the most pressing issues of our time, as well, so... and the idea of the UK trying to be its own special unicorn potentially...

NeilRight, our pressing matter now is the vocabulary review. Before that though, the answer to this week's question: What do we call the study of legendary creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, Big Foot and unicorns. Is it:
a) Cryptozoology,
b) Protozoology, or
c) Paleozoology?
Rob, you knew the answer to this, didn't you?

Rob
I did, yes. If you look back at our archive to September 2008 you will find an episode all about a) Cryptozoology.

A feat is something that is very difficult to achieve and a panacea is a cure.

Something that's potent is strong and powerful and if you deploy something, you use it, you put it into operation.

Rob Bye bye!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BBC Learning English - 6 Minute English / Unicorns

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From goods in shops to political conversations - it seems that unicorns are back on trend. Rob and Neil discuss the reason for it an teach you related vocabulary. What do we call the study of legendary creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, Big Foot and unicorns?

# data[].attributes.headline
6 MINUTE GRAMMAR: USED TO / BE USED TO / GET USED TO

# data[].attributes.subject
6 MINUTE GRAMMAR: USED TO / BE USED TO / GET USED TO

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
GRAMMAR: Understanding ‘used to’, ‘be used to’ and ‘get used to’

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Passive Voice - English Grammar Exercises

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Passive Voice - Learning English with our free Online Exercises

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
An active sentence like I drank two cups of coffee has the subject first (the person or thing that does the verb), followed by the verb, and finally the object (the person or thing that the action happens to).

So, in this example, the subject is 'I', the verb is 'drank' and the object is 'two cups of coffee'.

But, we don't always need to make sentences this way. We might want to put the object first, or perhaps we don't want to say who did something. This can happen for lots of reasons (see the explanation further down the page). In this case, we can use a passive, which puts the object first:

Two cups of coffee were drunk (we can add 'by me' if we want, but it isn't necessary).

How to make the Passive in English

We make the passive by putting the verb 'to be' into whatever tense we need and then adding the past participle. For regular verbs, we make the past participle by adding 'ed' to the infinitive. So play becomes played. Click here to learn about irregular verbs.

Practise with these exercises
Verbs with two objects

Some verbs that have two objects can make two different active sentences, and so two different passive sentences too:

Give

Active: He gave me the book / He gave the book to me.

You can choose either of the two objects to be the subject of the passive sentence.

Passive: I was given the book (by him)/ The book was given to me (by him).

Other verbs like this are: ask, offer, teach, tell, lend, promise, sell, throw.

Try an exercise about this here
The passive in subordinate clauses
You can make the passive in a subordinate clause that has a subject and a normal conjugated verb. This is really the same as a normal passive.

Active: I thought that Mary had kissed John.

Passive: I thought that John had been kissed by Mary.

Active: He knew that people had built the church in 1915.

Passive: He knew that the church had been built in 1915.

You can also make the passive using a passive gerund or a passive infinitive in the same place as a normal gerund or infinitive.

The child loves being cuddled.

She would like to be promoted.

Try an exercise about this here
When should we use the Passive?

1: When we want to change the focus of the sentence

The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci. (We are more interested in the painting than the artist in this sentence)
2: When who or what causes the action is unknown or unimportant or obvious or 'people in general'

He was arrested (obvious agent, the police).

My bike has been stolen (unknown agent).

The road is being repaired (unimportant agent).

The form can be obtained from the post office (people in general).

3: In factual or scientific writing
The chemical is placed in a test tube and the data entered into the computer.
4: In formal writing instead of using someone/ people/ they (these can be used in speaking or informal writing)
The brochure will be finished next month.
5: In order to put the new information at the end of the sentence to improve style
Three books are used regularly in the class. The books were written by Dr. Bell. ('Dr. Bell wrote the books' sound clumsy)
6: When the subject is very long
I was surprised by how well the students did in the test. (More natural than: 'how well the students did in the test surprised me')

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Practise making and using the passive in English - lots of clear explanations and free exercises.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to use the active and passive voice - 6 Minute Grammar

# data[].attributes.headline
SIX MINUTE ENGLISH: LISTENING PRACTICE (YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE PODCASTS)

# data[].attributes.subject
SIX MINUTE ENGLISH: LISTENING PRACTICE (YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE PODCASTS)

# data[].attributes.headline
PARTS OF THE BODY. SONG: I GOT LIFE - NINA SIMONE

# data[].attributes.subject
PARTS OF THE BODY. SONG: I GOT LIFE - NINA SIMONE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Test: Can You Recognize Everyday Objects Close Up?

# data[].attributes.headline
YOUR FAVOURITE FILM: LIFE OF BRIAN (END SCENE)

# data[].attributes.subject
YOUR FAVOURITE FILM: LIFE OF BRIAN (END SCENE)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Always Look on the bright side of life (spanish sub)

# data[].attributes.headline
YOUR FAVOURITE FILM: LIFE OF BRIAN (END SCENE ENGLISH SUBTITLES)

# data[].attributes.subject
YOUR FAVOURITE FILM: LIFE OF BRIAN (END SCENE ENGLISH SUBTITLES)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Always look on the bright side of life with subs

# data[].attributes.headline
BRITISH COUNCIL: MODALS OF OBLIGATION AND ADVICE

# data[].attributes.subject
BRITISH COUNCIL: MODALS OF OBLIGATION AND ADVICE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Have to, must and should for obligation and advice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Oliver and Alfie visit the local pet shop, where they are surprised to see Amy. Meanwhile, something is on Sophie's mind ...

# data[].attributes.headline
KEY FACTORS FOR SUCCESSFUL "MEDIACIÓN LINGUISTICA"

# data[].attributes.subject
KEY FACTORS FOR SUCCESSFUL "MEDIACIÓN LINGUISTICA"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Supremes: You Can't Hurry Love - Original (Take 1)

# data[].attributes.headline
6 MINUTE ENGLISH PODCAST: IS THE INTERNET A GOOD OR A BAD THING

# data[].attributes.subject
6 MINUTE ENGLISH PODCAST: IS THE INTERNET A GOOD OR A BAD THING

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 Minute English - Internet - good or bad? - BBC Sounds

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Catch up on your favourite BBC radio show from your favourite DJ right here, whenever you like. Listen without limits with BBC Sounds.

# data[].attributes.headline
PODCASTS IN ENGLISH: GREEN IS THE FASHION

# data[].attributes.subject
PODCASTS IN ENGLISH: GREEN IS THE FASHION

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There are more vocabulary activities related to these podcasts on the 'extras' page. Podcasts 1-99 members only.

Barbados becomes a republic:

Ways to prevent getting sick:

148 The 2018 quiz. Which stories made the headlines last year? And can Richard remember them?!
► Download (2.5MB, 3min 51sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers

130 Buster the boxer. A fun end to the year: watch the most popular Christmas advert in the UK.
► Download (0.5MB, 1min 09sec)
► Worksheet & Answers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Listen to English and learn English with podcasts in English for intermediate English learners

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
podcast website for people learning and teaching English

# data[].attributes.headline
SECOND CONDITIONAL: SONG: IF I COULD BUILD MY WHOLE WORLD AROUND YOU

# data[].attributes.subject
SECOND CONDITIONAL: SONG: IF I COULD BUILD MY WHOLE WORLD AROUND YOU

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - If I Could Build My Whole World Around You

# data[].attributes.headline
HOW TO PRONOUNCE THE -ED SUFFIX FOR  REGULAR VERBS IN PAST SIMPLE

# data[].attributes.subject
HOW TO PRONOUNCE THE -ED SUFFIX FOR  REGULAR VERBS IN PAST SIMPLE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
3 Simple Pronunciation Tips 😎 Past Tense English Verbs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Linking devices are used to link one idea or argument to another. A common situation is when we are talking about something that happens and its result, or a cause and its effect.

[CAUSE] The population has increased. [EFFECT] The government is going to build more houses.

Group 1: Therefore, consequently, as a result, thus

Form

These are also called conjunctive adverbs, and they all behave in the same way. This is how we use consequently to join two ideas together. Notice the comma after consequently:

The population has increased. Consequently, the government is going to build more houses.

Or we could join the two sentences together using a semi-colon + consequently + comma:

The population has increased; consequently, the government is going to build more houses.

But you can't just add consequently without a semi-colon or comma. This is wrong:

The population has increased consequently the government is going to build more houses.

We can also replace consequently with any of the Group 1 words or phrases:

The population has increased. As a result, the government is going to build more houses.

The population has increased; therefore, the government is going to build more houses.

Note

Therefore and consequently are used mainly in writing or formal speech. Thus is a little old-fashioned but is sometimes used in academic writing. That's why is very common in informal speech. In writing, we usually use it at the beginning of a sentence.

Group 2: because of, as a result of, due to, owing to
Noun phrases and participle clauses
With Group 2 linking devices, the cause part is not a whole sentence or clause, it's a noun phrase (a phrase that behaves like a noun) or participle clause (a short phrase that begins with a verb, usually in the -ing form):

interest rate rises (noun phrase)

rising interest rates (participle clause)

Form

Let's imagine a cause and effect situation: interest rate rises are the cause of price increases. This is one way we could connect them using owing to:

The problem has increased owing to interest rate rises.

The problem has increased owing to rising interest rates.

In Group 1, the linking device usually comes between the cause and effect parts. Cause is always first, and effect is second.

With Group 2, the the cause can come first or second, and the linking device moves with it. Notice that you need a comma after the linking device if it's in the first part of the sentence.

As a result of interest rate rises, the problem has increased.

The problem has increased as a result of interest rate rises.

Take note: The fact that

We can use a group 2 phrase + the fact that + a verb phrase:

The problem has increased owing to the fact that interest rates are rising.

Take note: as a result and as a result of

As a result is in Group 1, and as a result of is in Group 2! They look very similar but behave differently.

Pronunciation

When you start a sentence with one of these linking devices, your voice starts high and then falls. After therefore, consequently, as a result, for that reason, thus, you often pause slightly before continuing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BBC Learning English - Course: intermediate / Unit 10 / Grammar Reference

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Linking devices are used to link one idea or argument to another. A common situation is when we are talking about something that happens and its result, or a cause and its effect. [CAUSE] The population has increased. [EFFECT] The government is going to build more houses.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Even though / though / although

Even though

This conjunction forms part of a sentence that doesn't make sense just by itself, it needs something more to give it meaning. This is called a subordinate or dependent clause. For example:

This sentence doesn't really have any meaning by itself. The use of even though lets us know that there is a contrast with something else. Let's look at the other part of this sentence:

This does make sense by itself. The conjunction goes before the dependent clause.

Even though I know it was incredibly risky I went out in the thunderstorm...

This can also be written as:

I went out in the thunderstorm even though I know it was incredibly risky.

Although and though

Although and though are also used in the same way.

(Al)though there was lots of lightning I wasn't struck.

I wasn't struck (al)though there was lots of lightning.

Although orThese two words are really the same. T hough is a shortened form of although. Although is perhaps more formal.

Even though or (al)though?
Both these expressions have the same basic meaning. Even though adds more emphasis to the contrast. Note that we don't say even although.

Despite / in spite of

Despite not being hurt my mates were really worried.

In spite of the danger I think I'd do it again.

These are both prepositional phrases that also highlight a contrast. They have the same meaning as even though and(al)though but as they are prepositions they must be followed by nouns.

Compare these sentences with the same meaning.

It is possible to use despite or in spite of before a pronoun by adding the fact.

Despite the fact I wasn't hurt my mates were really worried.

In spite of the fact I wasn't hurt my mates were really worried.

To do

Even though we're sure you understand this topic, why not try our quiz to check?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BBC Learning English - Course: intermediate / Unit 25 / Session 2 / Activity 1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This conjunction forms part of a sentence that doesn't make sense just by itself, it needs something more to give it meaning. This is called a subordinate or dependent clause. For example: This sentence doesn't really have any meaning by itself. The use of even though lets us know that there is a contrast with something else.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Describing People's Appearance in English - Visual Vocabulary Lesson