# data[].attributes.body
www.macmillaneducationeverywhere.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use essential cookies to make sure the site can function. We also use optional cookies for advertising, personalisation of content, usage analysis, and social media.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

# data[].attributes.headline
Extra practice: Pronouns and determiners

# data[].attributes.subject
Extra practice: Pronouns and determiners

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Look at these examples to see how to use countable and uncountable nouns in a sentence.

I'm making a cup of tea.
There's some money on the table.
Have we got any bread?
How many chairs do we need?
How much milk have we got?

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Grammar test 1

Countable and uncountable nouns 1: Grammar test 1

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

Nouns can be countable or uncountable. Countable nouns can be counted, e.g. an apple, two apples, three apples, etc. Uncountable nouns cannot be counted, e.g. air, rice, water, etc. When you learn a new noun, you should check if it is countable or uncountable and note how it is used in a sentence.

Countable nouns

For positive sentences we can use a/ anfor singular nouns or some for plurals.

For negatives we can use a/ anfor singular nouns or any for plurals.

Uncountable nouns

Here are some examples of uncountable nouns:

We use some with uncountable nouns in positive sentences and any with negatives.

Questions

In questions we use a/ an, any or how many with countable nouns.

And we use any or how much with uncountable nouns.

But when we are offering something or asking for something, we normally use some.

We also use some in a question when we think the answer will be 'yes'.

Other expressions of quantity

A lot of (or lots of) can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.

Notice that we don't usually use many or much in positive sentences. We use a lot of instead.

However, in negative sentences we use not many with countable nouns and not much with uncountable nouns.

Go to Countable and uncountable nouns 2 to learn more.

Try this exercise to test your grammar again.

Grammar test 2

Countable and uncountable nouns 1: Grammar test 2

Language level

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Do you know how to use a, some, any, much and many? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Some nouns in English are countable - we can use them in singular and plural forms. Some are uncountable - they only have one form.
We often use a/an with singular countable nouns and some with plurals. We can also use some with uncountable nouns.
I've got a steak, some red chilli peppers, some potatoes...
OK, well, I've gota lemon, an apple ... and some chicken breasts.
I'd likea blue pen, please.
What are examples of countable nouns?

Here are a few:

OK, so for things you can count, like one pen, two pens ... Why did you say a pen, not one pen?

We often use a/an before singular countable nouns. Before words that start with a vowel sound, we use an, and before words that start with a consonant sound, we use a.

So is one wrong? As in Would you like one drink?

It sounds as if you're saying one (not two). If you're offering someone a drink, you'd say Would you like a drink?

But someone who works in a café might say, So that's one coffee and two lemonades.

So it's usually a or an for singular countable nouns and a number or some for plurals. How many is some?

It can be any number more than one.

I got some new jeans at the weekend. (a pair of new jeans)
Some teachers left at the end of the year. (we don't know how many)

Is some or a number always used with plurals?

No, have a look at these examples

I'm frightened of dogs. (dogs in general)
Strawberries have a lot of vitamin C. (strawberries in general)
I've got some garlic and some butter.
I'm looking for information about early rock and roll.
I haven't got enoughpaper.
You have to getpermission from the head teacher.
Do you want somecake?
What about uncountable nouns?

These are nouns that don't have a plural form.

So, I can use some with uncountables too?

Yes, we use some with both countables and uncountables.

How do I know whether a noun is countable or uncountable?

A dictionary will tell you. Usually dictionaries use symbols [C] for countable and [U] for uncountable.

Just a minute. You said cake was uncountable. What about I made a cake this morning?

Yes that's correct, but there's a difference in meaning.

I made a cake this morning. (a whole cake - countable)
Do you want some cake? (a piece of cake - uncountable)
A box of chocolates. (individual chocolates - countable)
I'd like some chocolate too. (a piece or pieces of chocolate from a bar of chocolate - uncountable)

I thought coffee and lemonade were uncountable too.

Yes, they are usually.

I love coffee with hot milk. (uncountable)
(uncountable)
I'll have a coffee, please. (a cup of coffee, countable)

Wow, so it's more complicated than I thought.

No, they're not really very difficult.

OK, they're easy. It's a piece of cake!

Yes, simple! A piece of cake!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's the day of Oliver and Alfie's cooking competition. Daisy is filming the chefs in action, and Mum is on her way home.

# data[].attributes.headline
Drive de libros y material complementario

# data[].attributes.subject
Drive de libros y material complementario

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There are so many situations in our everyday life when you may need to tell someone the time. It's common for us to get the question, "What time is it?" However, many ESL speakers sometimes struggle to respond appropriately to this question. Therefore, in this post, I'll share how native English speakers tell the time when they are asked to.
"It's six thirty" is the typical format used in informal settings, while "It is half past six" is used in formal situations in response to the question, "What time is it?" However, to spell the time correctly in English, you must first learn how English time is determined.
Are you looking for a book or a guide to help you learn and improve your English? You may try English Made Easy Volume One: A New ESL Approach: Learning English Through Pictures (Amazon Link).

Here, I'll share the basic concept of time, the different ways of telling the time, and some common English expressions to tell the time to someone.

Table of Contents

English Expressions of Telling the Time

There are so many ways you can tell someone the time. However, in this part of the post, I'll share some common and smart ways that you can use to tell the time. To tell the time in English, as an ESL speaker, you should follow these ways.

Start by stating the hour: "It's [hour] o'clock."
For example, "It's 3 o'clock."

If it is a time between the hours, use the word "past" to indicate the number of minutes past the hour: "It's [minutes] past [hour]."
For example, "It's 10 past 3" means it is 3:10.

It's five-thirty.

It's five thirty, according to my watch.

The time is five-thirty.

Let me check. It's five-thirty.

I think it's around five-thirty.

It's about five-thirty.

I'm not exactly sure, but I think it's five-thirty.

It's almost five-thirty.

It's just past five.

It's a quarter past five.

It's half past five.

It's a quarter to six.

It's six o'clock.

It's just before six.

It's still six for a few more minutes.

It's five thirty in the morning/afternoon/evening.

It's 2:15 p.m. - It's two fifteen in the afternoon.

It's 7:30 a.m. - It's half past seven in the morning.

It's 6:50 p.m. - It's ten to seven in the evening.

It's five on the dot.

It's five sharp.

It's five exactly.

It's eighteen hundred hours in military time.

It's five in Pacific/Eastern/Central/Mountain Time.

I'm sorry, I don't know the time right now.

If it is a time approaching the next hour, use the word "to" and subtract the number of minutes from 60: "It's [minutes] to [hour+1]."
For example, "It's 25 to 4" means it is 3:35.

Use "a.m." for times from midnight to noon and "p.m." for times from noon to midnight.
For example, "It's 11 a.m." means it is 11:00 in the morning, while "It's 9 p.m." means it is 9:00 in the evening.

Here are some more examples:

7 Tips on How to Learn Telling the Time

To express anything in English, first, you should understand that thing. For example, if you are asked to talk about your profession, you must first know what a profession is and what you should mention while talking about your profession.

Clock face or dial: The clock's surface displays the numbers or other markings used to indicate the hours and minutes.

Hour hand: The shorter hand on the clock face that points to the current hour.

Minute hand: The longer hand on the clock face that points to the current minute.

Second hand (optional): A thin hand that moves quickly around the clock face and indicates the seconds.

Similarly, if you want to tell the time to someone, you should first understand the basic concept of time in English. We know that time is measured in three units: hours, minutes, and seconds. For example, an hour consists of 60 minutes, and a minute consists of 60 seconds.

However, there are some other units, like milliseconds, that we don't consider in our everyday life. So, I would like to ask you to follow the tips mentioned below to learn how to tell the time.

#1 Learn the Different Parts of a Clock

A clock typically consists of several parts working together to measure and display the time. These parts include:

#2 Learn the Difference between Analog and Digital Clocks

Analog clocks are the traditional type of clock with hands that rotate around a circular dial to indicate the time. They usually have a clock face with hour and minute markings and sometimes a second hand. The hands of the clock move continuously and can show the exact time between minutes. Analog clocks are often found in homes, offices, and public places such as schools and train stations.

Digital clocks, on the other hand, display the time using digits or numbers on an electronic display. The time is typically shown in hours and minutes; some digital clocks display the seconds. Digital clocks may be powered by batteries or electricity, often including additional features such as an alarm or a stopwatch. They are commonly found on smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices.

While analog clocks have a classic look and feel, digital clocks offer a more precise and convenient way of telling time, especially in situations where accuracy is important.

#3 Read the Hour

Look at the short hand to determine the hour. The short hand will point to the number that represents the current hour. For example, if the short hand points to 3, it is 3 o'clock.

#4 Read the Minutes

Look at the long hand to determine the minutes. The long hand will point to the number of minutes past the hour. For example, if the long hand points to 6, it is 6 minutes past the hour.

#5 Practice Counting by Fives

The minute hand moves in increments of five, so practice counting by fives to read the minutes. For example, if the minute hand points to 3, it is 15 minutes past the hour (3 x 5 = 15).

#6 Use Digital Clocks

To practice reading digital clocks, look at the numbers displayed on the clock. The first two numbers represent the hour, and the last two numbers represent the minutes. For example, if the digital clock displays 9:45, it is 9:45 am or pm.

#7 Practice, Practice, & Practice

The best way to get better at telling time is to practice. Use clocks and watches around you, and make a habit of checking the time regularly. Start with simple times and work your way up to more complex times.

Remember that telling time is an important skill; you can become proficient in reading analog and digital clocks with practice.

Different Ways of Telling the Time

As there are different types of clocks and time formats, many people get confused about determining the correct ways of telling the time. Therefore, here I'll share all the forms of telling the time. You may use any of them depending on the context and clock.

#1 The 12-hour Clock

The most common way of telling time in English is by using the 12-hour clock. This clock uses numbers 1-12 to represent the hours, followed by am (morning) or pm (afternoon/evening) to indicate whether it is before or after noon. For example, 4:30 pm would be told as "four thirty in the afternoon."

#2 The 24-hour Clock

The 24-hour clock is used in many countries around the world, and is also known as military time. It uses numbers 0-23 to represent the hours, and does not use am or pm to indicate whether it is morning or afternoon/evening. For example, 16:30 would be told as "sixteen thirty."

#3 Digital Clock Format

Digital clocks display time in numbers and are often used in digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Depending on the settings, they can display time in either the 12-hour or 24-hour format. For example, 9:15 am or 09:15 would be told as "nine fifteen."

#4 Saying "o'clock"

When the time is exactly on the hour, it is common to say "o'clock." For example, 9:00 would be told as "nine o'clock."

#5 Using Specific Phrases for Specific Parts of the Day

There are some common phrases used to describe specific times of day, such as "morning," "afternoon," and "evening." For example, 10:00 am would be told as "ten in the morning."

Sample Conversation: Telling the Time in English

Situation: Two colleagues, Sarah and Mark, are planning their day at the office.

Sarah: Good morning, Mark. Do you know what time our team meeting is scheduled for?

Mark: Hi, Sarah. Yes, it's at half-past ten.

Sarah: Great, thanks. And our client call?

Mark: That's set for a quarter to two in the afternoon.

Sarah: Perfect. I'll need to leave at five o'clock on the dot for an appointment. Do we have anything planned after 4:30?

Mark: No, you should be good. The last item on our agenda wraps up at four fifteen.

In Conclusion
1. What's the difference between "a.m." and "p.m."?
I hope these expressions will help you communicate clearly and slowly when telling the time, especially if someone is not a native English speaker. Remember that the way you tell the time may vary depending on the context and the person you are speaking to.
2. How can I express 30 minutes past the hour?
It's important to practice telling time in different formats to become comfortable with it. Using these different ways of telling time, you can certainly communicate effectively with others and avoid misunderstandings.
3. What does "quarter past" mean?
Thanks for reading.
4. And what about "quarter to"?
Happy learning!
5. How can I ask for the current time?
"A.m." stands for "ante meridiem" and refers to the morning hours, while "p.m." stands for "post meridiem" and refers to the afternoon and evening hours.
6. Is "o'clock" necessary when telling the time?
You can use "half-past" (e.g., half-past five) or simply mention the time (e.g., 5:30).
7. How can I express time in the 24-hour format?
"Quarter past" means 15 minutes after the hour.
8. How can I specify time zones in English?
"Quarter to" means 15 minutes before the next hour.
9. What does "midnight" and "noon" refer to?
You can ask, "What time is it?" or "Do you have the time?"
10. What's the phrase "in the nick of time" mean?
"O'clock" is used for exact hours, like "three o'clock." However, it's not used with minutes past the hour.

Instead of using a.m. and p.m., use the full hour and minute, like "14:30" for 2:30 p.m.

You can mention the abbreviation or the full name, like "EST" for "Eastern Standard Time."

"Midnight" is 12:00 a.m., and "noon" is 12:00 p.m.

It means just in time or at the last possible moment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Telling the Time in English: A Complete Guide - ESL Advice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are so many situations in our everyday life when you may need to tell someone the time. It's common for us to get the question, "What time is it?" However, many ESL speakers sometimes struggle to respond appropriately to ... continue reading

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
English Vocabulary

There are two common ways of telling the time.
1) Say the hour first and then the minutes. (Hour + Minutes)

6:25 - It's six twenty-five

8:05 - It's eight O-five (the O is said like the letter O)

9:11 - It's nine eleven

2:34 - It's two thirty-four

2) Say the minutes first and then the hour. (Minutes + PAST / TO + Hour)
For minutes 1-30 we use PAST after the minutes.

For minutes 31-59 we use TO after the minutes.

2:35 - It's twenty-five to three

11:20 - It's twenty past eleven

4:18 - It's eighteen past four

8:51 - It's nine to nine

2:59 - It's one to three

When it is 15 minutes past the hour we normally say: ( a) quarter past

7:15 - It's (a) quarter past seven

When it is 15 minutes before the hour we normally say: a quarter to

12:45 - It's (a) quarter to one

When it is 30 minutes past the hour we normally say: half past

3:30 - It's half past three (but we can also say three-thirty)

O'clock

We use o'clock when there are NO minutes.

10:00 - It's ten o'clock

5:00 - It's five o'clock

1:00 - It's one o'clock

Sometimes it is written as 9 o'clock (the number + o'clock)

12:00

For 12:00 there are four expressions in English.

Telling the time video

Asking for the Time

The common question forms we use to ask for the time right now are:

What time is it?

What is the time?

A more polite way to ask for the time, especially from a stranger is:

Could you tell me the time please?

The common question forms we use to ask at what time a specific event will happen are:

What time...?

When...?

What time does the flight to New York leave?

When does the bus arrive from London?

When does the concert begin?

Giving the Time

We use It is or It's to respond to the questions that ask for the time right now.

We use the structure AT + time when giving the time of a specific event.

The bus arrives at midday (12:00).

The flight leaves at a quarter to two (1:45).

The concert begins at ten o'clock. (10:00)

We can also use subject pronouns in these responses.

It arrives at midday (12:00).

It leaves at a quarter to two (1:45).

It begins at ten o'clock. (10:00)

AM vs. PM

We don't normally use the 24-hour clock in English.

We use a.m. (am) for the morning and p.m. (pm) for the afternoon and night.

3am = Three o'clock in the morning.

3pm = Three o'clock in the afternoon.

Telling the Time - Practice Exercise

Next Activity

Try our interactive games to practice telling the time at: Telling the Time 1 and Telling the Time 2.

Check out our grammar notes about using prepositions of time.

Cómo decir la hora en inglés (for Spanish Speakers)

If you found this English Vocabulary about Telling the Time interesting or useful, let others know about it:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
English Vocabulary about how to tell the time for English Learners - Vocabulario en inglés - como decir la hora

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
With most verbs, the past tense is formed by adding -ed:

But there are a lot of irregular past tense forms in English. Here are the most common irregular verbs in English, with their past tense forms:

We use the past tense to talk about:

something that happened once in the past:

something that happened several times in the past:

something that was true for some time in the past:

we often use expressions with ago with the past simple:

Past simple questions and negatives

We use to make questions with the past simple:

But questions with who often don't use did:
Who discovered penicillin?
Who wrote Don Quixote?

Past simple questions 1

ReorderingHorizontal_MTYzMjQ=

Past simple questions 2

GapFillTyping_MTYzMjU=

We use didn't ( did not) to make with the past simple:

Past simple negatives 1

GapFillDragAndDrop_MTYzMjY=

Past simple negatives 2

GapFillTyping_MTYzMjc=
Level: intermediate
Past simple and hypotheses

We can also use the past simple to refer to the present or future in hypotheses (when we imagine something). See these pages:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn how to use the past simple to talk about the past, and do the exercises to practise using it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Past simple - Meaning and use

We use the past simple when an action or situation happens and finishes in the past. We usually say or know when it happened.

She called me at the office yesterday.

I worked in London in 2010.

Steve went to the US three times last year.

We often use the past simple in stories, when one thing happens after another in the past.

I stopped working in London and I looked for another job.

Past simple positive

For regular verbs, the past simple ends in -ed. Irregular verbs have a different past form. The past simple form is the same for all persons ( I, you, he, she, etc.)

I finished university in 2010 and I started a job in a bank.

Then he left that job and went to live in Japan.

We lived there for a year.

Past simple negative

We make the negative form with didn't (did not) + infinitive without 'to'.

I didn't like working in a bank.

He didn't go to the US. He went to Japan.

Past simple questions

Past simple wh-word questions are made from question word + did + subject + infinitive.

Where did you go last night?

The question word how is usually combined with other words when asking for information, such as size, time, or the price of something.

How long did it take to cook dinner?

Past simple yes/no questions are made from did + subject + infinitive without 'to'.

Did you like living in Japan?

What did your children do there?

We can use short answers:

Did you go to Anjali's party last night? Yes, I did. / No, I didn't.

Take note: spelling changes

Some regular verbs end in -ed, but have some spelling changes in the past simple.

Take note: time expressions

We often use the past simple with time expressions like yesterday, last month, six years ago, when I was a child.

Did you travel a lot when you were young?

He married Sonya three years ago.

Irregular verbs
Infinitive - Past simple - Past participle
fall - fell - fallen

feel - felt - felt

get - got - got

go - went - gone/been

have - had - had

hurt - hurt - hurt

keep - kept - kept

put - put - put

run - ran - run

take - took - taken

tell - told - told

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BBC Learning English - Course: lower intermediate / Unit 6 / Grammar Reference

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use the past simple when an action or situation happens and finishes in the past. We usually say or know when it happened. She called me at the office yesterday. I worked in London in 2010. Steve went to the US three times last year.

# data[].attributes.headline
Difference between "pharmacy", "chemist's" and "drugstore"

# data[].attributes.subject
Difference between "pharmacy", "chemist's" and "drugstore"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We often use there + to be and It ... as a subject but they do not refer to any object. There is / are is used to introduce a topic, or say that something exists. It ... is often used for the weather, time and distance.
Can I have some examples of there is / there are, please?
There's so much happening.
Is there anything much going on at the moment?
There are two new students in our class.
There aren't any good football matches on TV this week.
What about other tenses? Is there is / there are only used in the present?

No, you can change the tense.
There were fire-breathing dragons in the streets.
Were there any accidents?
I thinkthere'll be loads of people at the festival.
There haven't been many entries for the competition.
I'm a bit confused about when to use there is / there are and when to use it or they.

Have a look at these sentences. The topic is introduced with there is / are, then it and they refer back to something already mentioned.
There's a good film on channel 2. It starts at 10 o'clock. (It = the film)
There are two new students in our class. They're from Brazil. (They = the students)
So you can't use it or they as subjects in the first sentences?

OK, but you can start some sentences with it, can't you? Like, ' It's very hot today.'

Yes. We use it for talking about the weather, time, distance and days and dates.
It's warm and sunny
What timeis it? > It's only 6 o'clock
How faris it to the shopping centre? > It's three km to my house from here. It's a long way to walk.
It's Saturday tomorrow, great!
What's the date?It's November 18th.
Phew! That's quite a lot of uses!

Yes, and there's more. We also use it + to be + adjective + infinitive clauses. In these sentences it refers forwards to the infinitive clause.
It's nice to meet you.
It's hard to hear anything with this noise.
Wasit easy to understand him?
It'll be difficult to find the venue without a map.
OK, that's enough for one grammar snack. It's time to go.

That's a good it expression!

It's very good of you to say so!

Yes, it really is time to stop now! Bye!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sophie is working in Spain this week to write about the local fiestas. She phones Oliver to tell him all about it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It’s a few weeks before Christmas and Sophie is working in India. She’s doing her Christmas shopping in a local market.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use many different prepositions for talking about time. Here we are looking at: in, on, at, during and for.
We use in, on and at for lots of different times. Here's a table comparing the uses:

Months: in January / in April
Seasons: in spring / in winter
Years: in 1984 / in 2015
Centuries: in the 20th century
Times of day: in the morning / in the evening
Longer periods of time: in the past / in the 1990s / in the holidays

Days of the week: on Monday
Days + parts of days: on Tuesday afternoon / on Saturday mornings
Dates: on November 22nd
Special days: on my birthday / on New Year's Eve

Clock times: at 7.30 a.m. / at 5 o'clock
Festivals: at Christmas / at Easter
Exceptions: at night / at the weekend

Wow! That's a lot of uses! So I have to learn all those?

Yes, but you probably know most of them, don't you?

Yes, maybe ... Is that all of them? I mean, are there any exceptions?

Well, sometimes we don't use a preposition of time, for example after next/ this/ last/ every.
We go skateboarding every Saturday afternoon.
I'll see you next Friday.
Mm, but I could also say: " I'll see you on Friday."

Oh yes, that's fine too. But we often leave out on with days of the week when we're speaking.
I'll see you Friday.
OK. Now, about dates ... You write " on 8th July " but how do you say that?

Good question! We say " on the eighth of July ".

OK, so I have to remember to say " on THE eighth OF July ".

Exactly.

One last question about in. Can I use it for the future, as in " I'll do it in a minute"?

Yes, that's very common. We use in for talking about something in the future a certain length of time from now.
She'll be back in a moment.
We're going awayin two weeks.
And can I say, " We're going away for two weeks"?

Yes, but the meaning is completely different.
We're going away in two weeks. (= we leave two weeks from now)
We're going awayfor two weeks. (= our holiday will be two weeks long)
Ah, and what about "We're going away during two weeks"?

No, you can't say that. We use for + a length of time, to say how long something goes on for, and during + a noun / noun phrase, to say when something happens.
It snowed for three hours.
It snowedduring the night.
OK, that's a useful rule. But, hang on, I can also say " It snowed in the night".

And: " I did a lot of work in the holidays" or " I did a lot of work during the holidays"?

Yes, you've got the hang of this.

Good, so now I'm going to study for a few hours. I'll see you on Tuesday, in the morning, at about 10 o'clock.

See you at some time during the morning!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Daisy is at home. She has a note for Sophie from the headmaster ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Give me some examples, please.

Certainly, here you are:

I've got a new computer.
They haven't got any red chilli peppers.
She's got long, brown hair.
Hehasn't got many friends.

So the negative is have/ has + not + got?

Yes, but don't forget the contraction.

Is has got only used for things?

No, it's also used for timetabled events or illnesses.
I've got swimming practice at seven.
Fred's got a terrible cold.
You can use have got for abstract things too.
I've got an idea for the weekend.
I've got all the inspiration I need ... up here!
Can I use have got in the past? For example: I had got a racing bicycle when I was younger.

No, it's only used in the present tense. For the past you use had without got.

What about the question form?

You use have/has + subject + got.

Hang on a minute, I've heard Do you have ... ? a lot too.

Yes, have got is more used in British English and have is more American. The question and negative form is different with have - you need to use the auxiliary do/does.

I have two sisters. (American English)
Do you have change for ten dollars? (American English)
He doesn't have a clue about soccer. (American English)

You will hear British people use have as well as have got.

Anything else I should know?

In British English we use have got more in speaking and have more in writing - it's a little more formal.

OK, I' ve got it now!

Very clever! Yes, you can also use have got to mean 'understand'.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Oliver and Alfie both love watching cooking programmes on TV. Just for fun, they are preparing to have their own 'Master Chef' competition at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use adverbs of frequency - like sometimes or usually - to say how often we do things, or how often things happen.
I never have any problems with adverbs of frequency.

OK, let's see what you know. We use adverbs of frequency in this order, according to their meaning.

Are there any missing?

I think that's most of them. You could include frequently, with usually. We use not very often too.

Very good, you're right. These are the most common adverbs, although there are more.
They always hang out together.
The Northern Lights areusually green.
Younormally see them best in September or March.
It'soften cloudy.
What do you notice about the position of the adverbs?

They are usually before the main verb, or between the auxiliary and the main verb. But they come after the verb to be.

Excellent! Can they also be at the beginning or the end of the sentence?

Yes, I think so. ' Sometimes I'm alone.' That sounds OK.

Yes, we can use some adverbs of frequency at the beginning or end of a sentence for emphasis.
Occasionally I meet her for a coffee.
We can use usually, often, sometimes and occasionally at the beginning of a sentence, and sometimes and often at the end. We use adverb expressions like a lot or not + (very) much after the main verb too.

Be careful with never. It is already negative, so we can't use it with not.
I never go to the supermarket with my mother.
I've just remembered some more expressions! What about once a week, twice a year, etc.?

Oh yes, I'd forgotten about those.
Take the medicine three times a day.
Weusually go swimming twice a month.
You see themonce in a lifetime, if you travel.
You see, I'm not always annoying.

OK, sorry. I'm not always right either. Usually, but not always!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Oliver and Alfie are at home when Daisy and Amy arrive. Sophie is in Hammerfest in northern Norway.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Look at these examples to see how we use possessive 's.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

We can use possessive 's to talk about the relationship between people or to say who owns something. Possessive 's always comes after a noun or a name.

We often use possessive 's or s' when we talk about family and friends.

We can also use it to say that something belongs to someone.

When it is one person who owns something, we usually use 's.

It is possible to use more than one possessive in a phrase.

If a name or noun ends in s, we can add either ' or 's. The pronunciation can be /zɪz/ or /sɪz/.

If the thing belongs to more than one person, we usually add ' after the s of the plural noun.

If the plural noun is irregular and doesn't end in s, we add 's.

If something belongs to more than one person, and we give a list of names, the 's comes after the last name in the list.

Remember that s at the end of a word without an apostrophe (') can make it plural, but this doesn't show possession.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Language level

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Do you know how to use possessive 's? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use and can't to talk about the ability to do something at a specific time in the present or future:
Level: intermediate
We use could have to say that someone had the ability or opportunity to do something, but did not do it:

She could have learned Swahili, but she didn't want to.
I could have danced all night. [but I didn't]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn how to use can, could and could have to talk about ability, and do the exercises to practise using them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Look at these examples to see how gradable and non-gradable adjectives are used.

It's really cold.
It's absolutely freezing.
This exercise is really difficult.
This exercise is completely impossible.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Grammar test 1

Adjectives: gradable and non-gradable: Grammar test 1

Grammar explanation

Gradable adjectives

Most adjectives are gradable. This means we can have different levels of that quality. For example, you can be a bit cold, very cold or extremely cold. We can make them weaker or stronger with modifiers:

She was quite angry when she found out.
The film we saw last night was really funny!
It can be extremely cold in Russia in the winter.

Here is a list of some common gradable adjectives and some modifiers that we can use with them.

Non-gradable: absolute adjectives

Some adjectives are non-gradable. For example, something can't be a bit finished or very finished. You can't be a bit dead or very dead. These adjectives describe absolute qualities. To make them stronger we have to use modifiers like absolutely, totally or completely:

Thank you, I love it! It's absolutely perfect!
Their farm was totally destroyed by a tornado.
My work is completely finished. Now I can relax.

Here is a list of some common absolute adjectives and some modifiers that we can use with them.

Non-gradable: extreme adjectives

Adjectives like amazing, awful and boiling are also non-gradable. They already contain the idea of 'very' in their definitions. If we want to make extreme adjectives stronger, we have to use absolutely or really:

Did you see the final match? It was absolutely amazing!
After 32 hours of travelling, they were absolutely exhausted.
My trip home was really awful. First, traffic was really bad, then the car broke down and we had to walk home in the rain.

Here is a list of some common extreme adjectives and some modifiers that we can use with them.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Grammar test 2

Adjectives: gradable and non-gradable: Grammar test 2

Language level

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Do you know how to use adjectives in phrases like a bit cold, really cold and absolutely freezing? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use some and any for talking about indefinite numbers or amounts of things. We use them with nouns or on their own, as pronouns.
I know about some and any. You use some in positive sentences and any in questions and negatives, right?

Well, yes, often.
We've got some amazing chocolate cake, and some carrot cake.
Have you gotany chocolate cake?
I haven't hadany carrot cake for ages.
But we also use any in positive sentences.
Any cake will do. Surprise me.
She can tell you everything about ... well, aboutanything!
Oh, so what's the rule?

We use some for talking about a limited number or amount; and we use any for an unlimited number or amount. For example, imagine you are talking about different kinds of cake. All these sentences are possible:
A I like any kind of cake. (= all kinds of cake, unlimited)
B Idon't like any kind of cake. (= 0 kinds of cake, unlimited)
C I likesome kinds of cake. (= a limited number of kinds of cake)
D Idon't like some kinds of cake. (= a limited number of kinds of cake)
OK, I think that's clear. I like any kind of music. I don't like some dogs.

Yes, if you like all music and if you also like some dogs.

Yes, I like most dogs, but not dogs that bite, or dogs that are ill.

And what about questions? Can we use both some and any in questions?

Yes, we use both.
Would you like some more coffee?
Would you likeany more to eat?
Here the difference is very small. The speaker is thinking of a limited amount in the first question, and an unlimited amount in the second question. In both questions we could use some or any.

Sometimes we use some when we expect the answer to be "yes". We use any when we don't know what the answer will be; we are asking whether something exists.
Can I have some sugar? (I know there's some sugar)
Is thereany cake left? (I don't know whether there's any cake)
Are you waiting forsomebody? (I think you are)
Isanybody coming to meet you? (I don't know)
Did you say we can use some and any on their own, as pronouns?

Yes, we don't need to repeat the noun.
Is there any cake?
Yes, do you wantsome? / Sorry, there isn't any. / Sorry, there's none left.
Ah, none. That's new to me.

Yes, we can use noneor no + noun instead of not any.
Have we got any onions?
No, there aren'tany. / There are none left.
We haven't gotany money. = We have no money.
What about somebody, anybody, everybody and nobody? Can you tell me more about how you use those words?

Of course. Somebody/ anybody/ nobody/ everybody are used as singular nouns, even though everybody refers to more than one person and anybody can mean more than one person.
I saw somebody outside the window. (= 1 person)
There'snobody there. (= 0 person)
Everybody knows that The Beatles were from Liverpool. (= all people)
Hasanybody seen my keys? (= 1+ people)
Is somebody the same as someone?

Yes, it's the same. We also use:

People: someone - anyone - no one - everyone
Things: something - anything - nothing - everything
Places: somewhere - anywhere - nowhere - everywhere

OK, I think that's everything for today. I've got to go somewhere to meet somebody.

You don't want to ask anything else?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Daisy and her new friend are at the shopping centre and they meet Oliver by chance.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
One es un pronombre que se utiliza para sustituir a un nombre contable en singular evitando así la repetición innecesaria del mismo.

- I like both but the purple one is gorgeous.

- Me gustan los dos, pero el morado es precioso.

En cambio, utilizaremos ones cuando este sustituya nombres contables en plural.

Estas partículas se utilizan siguiendo unas estructuras concretas:

THIS / THAT ONE ( este / ese)

THESE / THOSE ONES ( estos / esos)

¡Recuerda!

El pronombre one se utiliza para sustituir un nombre contable en singular. En cambio, empleamos el pronombre ones cuando sutituimos nombres contables en plural.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One es un pronombre que se utiliza para sustituir a un nombre contable en singular evitando así la repetición innecesaria del mismo. - I like both but the purple one is gorgeous. - Me gustan los dos, pero el morado es precioso. En cambio, utilizaremos ones cuando este sustituya nombres contables en plural.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about the pronouns one and ones and do the exercises to practise using them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An exercise about making subject and object questions.