# data[].attributes.headline
Watch the video! Simple Past - Irregular Verbs

# data[].attributes.subject
Watch the video! Simple Past - Irregular Verbs

# data[].attributes.body
Read the text below the video and do the "check your grammar" exercises there.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
So how do I know which verbs are regular and which are irregular?

You have to learn them!

Learn them from the list? Oh no!

It's not so bad. There aren't really so many verbs to learn and remember that English is much easier than many languages. The past forms don't change.

I took a taxi to the airport. (take → took)
That was when we spoke. (speak → spoke)
One person gave me his last bar of chocolate. (give → gave)

I see what you mean. I made, you made, he made, she made, it made, we made, they made!

Exactly! They're all the same. And the negatives are all formed with did + not + the infinitive without to. The question forms are very similar: did + subject pronoun + the infinitive without to.
What did you do all day in the airport?
Did you have enough food?
We didn't think you would get home in time for your birthday.
OK, you're right, that's not too bad. Are there any exceptions?

Yes the verb to be. The past form is was for I, he, she and it, but were for you, we and they.

So what about this verb list?

Right, here it is!

Wow! OK, so how do I learn these verbs?

There are lots of things you can try:

Make cards to test yourself - put the infinitive on one side and the past on the other.

Write sentences with different verbs in them. Include some negatives.

Make up stories and record yourself. The story could just be about what you did last weekend.

Do practice activities online. You can start by doing the ones below on this page!

OK, I'm going to start learning them now!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sophie has just arrived home after a work trip to the United States which turned into a nightmare.

# data[].attributes.headline
Watch the “Grammar-Snacks” - video on the past simple – regular verbs. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Watch the “Grammar-Snacks” - video on the past simple – regular verbs. 

# data[].attributes.body
Read the text below the video and do the "check your grammar" exercises there.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Alfie took his driving test for the second time this morning. Did he pass?

# data[].attributes.headline
Watch the “Grammar-Snacks” video on the past simple – irregular verbs.

# data[].attributes.subject
Watch the “Grammar-Snacks” video on the past simple – irregular verbs.

# data[].attributes.body
Again read the text below the video and do the “check your grammar” – exercises
Have fun!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
So how do I know which verbs are regular and which are irregular?

You have to learn them!

Learn them from the list? Oh no!

It's not so bad. There aren't really so many verbs to learn and remember that English is much easier than many languages. The past forms don't change.

I took a taxi to the airport. (take → took)
That was when we spoke. (speak → spoke)
One person gave me his last bar of chocolate. (give → gave)

I see what you mean. I made, you made, he made, she made, it made, we made, they made!

Exactly! They're all the same. And the negatives are all formed with did + not + the infinitive without to. The question forms are very similar: did + subject pronoun + the infinitive without to.
What did you do all day in the airport?
Did you have enough food?
We didn't think you would get home in time for your birthday.
OK, you're right, that's not too bad. Are there any exceptions?

Yes the verb to be. The past form is was for I, he, she and it, but were for you, we and they.

So what about this verb list?

Right, here it is!

Wow! OK, so how do I learn these verbs?

There are lots of things you can try:

Make cards to test yourself - put the infinitive on one side and the past on the other.

Write sentences with different verbs in them. Include some negatives.

Make up stories and record yourself. The story could just be about what you did last weekend.

Do practice activities online. You can start by doing the ones below on this page!

OK, I'm going to start learning them now!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sophie has just arrived home after a work trip to the United States which turned into a nightmare.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Created with Hot Potatoes by Half-Baked Software, registered to Klaus Rosmanitz.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Irregular Verbs - English Grammar Exercises

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
irregular verb . When you have entered all the answers, click on the "CHECK" button.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Created with Hot Potatoes by Half-Baked Software, registered to Klaus Rosmanitz.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Question and Negation - Ask for the underline word - English Grammar Practice

# data[].attributes.headline
Watch this video: Comparative of adjectives

# data[].attributes.subject
Watch this video: Comparative of adjectives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Compare Things in English. Comparative Adjectives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
AD032 - Adjectives : Positive, Comparative and Superlative Forms

Gap-fill exercise

Fill in all the gaps, then press "Check" to check your answers. Use the "Hint" button to get a free letter if an answer is giving you trouble. You can also click on the "[?]" button to get a clue. Note that you will lose points if you ask for hints or clues!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Created with Hot Potatoes by Half-Baked Software, registered to Klaus Rosmanitz.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
AD032 - Adjectives : Positive, Comparative and Superlative Forms

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fill in all the gaps, then press "Check" to check your answers. Use the "Hint" button to get a free letter if an answer is giving you trouble. You can also click on the "[?]" button to get a clue. Note that you will lose points if you ask for hints or clues!

# data[].attributes.headline
Watch this video: Adjectives and superlatives

# data[].attributes.subject
Watch this video: Adjectives and superlatives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Compare Things in English. Superlative Adjectives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
AD041 - Adjectives and Superlatives

Gap-fill exercise

Fill in all the gaps, then press "Check" to check your answers. Use the "Hint" button to get a free letter if an answer is giving you trouble. You can also click on the "[?]" button to get a clue. Note that you will lose points if you ask for hints or clues!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Created with Hot Potatoes by Half-Baked Software, registered to Klaus Rosmanitz.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fill in all the gaps, then press "Check" to check your answers. Use the "Hint" button to get a free letter if an answer is giving you trouble. You can also click on the "[?]" button to get a clue. Note that you will lose points if you ask for hints or clues!

# data[].attributes.headline
Watch this videos - Adverbs - How are they formed?

# data[].attributes.subject
Watch this videos - Adverbs - How are they formed?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
adverbs - einfach erklärt | Einfach Englisch

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
adjectives and adverbs - der Unterschied einfach erklärt | Einfach Englisch

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Villa of the Vampires

careful - dangerous - difficult - easy - gentle - good - kind - late - nervous - safe - soft

It was raining as Brad and Jane drove up to the house. Jane rang the doorbell and waited. After a few minutes they heard the sound of footsteps. Eventually the door opened. The man who stood before them was tall, pale, with black hair and dark eyes.

"Yes?" he said . "What do you want ?"

It was very to hear him because he spoke in a very voice.

"Um, thank you for your invitation, " said Brad , .

"Invitation" ?

"Yes," said Jane . "You rang on Thursday evening - to ask us for dinner. "We've just moved into The Grange".

"Oh, of course. Come in ".

"Thank you ".

"Well you've arrived , " their host said, as they took off their coats. "That's . The road is , especially in wet weather. It's so to have an accident in those conditions. But I'm sure you drive ."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Created with Hot Potatoes by Half-Baked Software, registered to Klaus Rosmanitz.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
careful - dangerous - difficult - easy - gentle - good - kind - late - nervous - safe - soft It was raining as Brad and Jane drove up to the house. Jane rang the doorbell and waited. After a few minutes they heard the sound of footsteps.

# data[].attributes.headline
Whatch the video Conjunctions: but, because, although

# data[].attributes.subject
Whatch the video Conjunctions: but, because, although

# data[].attributes.body
Do the exercises below the video! Have fun!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use words called conjunctions, like and, or, but, because and although, to join two parts of sentences. Conjunctions can be used to give more information, give alternatives, give reasons, give results or give unexpected information.
We use and, or and but to connect two parts of sentences which are similar in grammatical status.

Do you want chocolate, strawberry or vanilla? (joining words)
Amy's dad is taking us on Saturday morning, and he's offered to bring us home again on Sunday. (joining clauses)

We use and for adding information, or for giving alternatives and but for unexpected or different information.
I'm OK for food, dance and music, and I'm having a wonderful time.
There's a reggae band from Jamaicaor a Russian electro-pop group on the other stage.
She'd like to gobut she can't.
Can we use these words at the beginning of a sentence?

We don't usually use conjunctions to start sentences when we're writing, but people do when they're speaking.

Or when they're chatting on the internet?

Yes. There are a lot more conjunctions which we use to connect one clause with another clause. For example: because, for giving reasons, so, for talking about results or purposes, and although, for unexpected or different information.

I'd like to see that Irish band, because Celtic music is pretty cool.
(the second clause explains the reason Alfie wants to see the Irish band)

Although he doesn't like camping, he goes to lots of music festivals.
(the speaker thinks it's unusual to go to music festivals if you don't like camping)

... we'll be there by 12. Although we have to put up our tents too.
(the information in the second sentence is different to, and contrasts, the information in the first sentence)

It's one of those cars for seven people, so there's plenty of room.
(the second clause shows the result of the first clause)

We need to arrive early so (that) we can get a good place.
(the second clause shows the purpose of the first clause; that is optional)

With that although sentence, can you put the clauses in a different order?

Yes, both orders are possible.
He goes to lots of music festivals, although he doesn't like camping.
Can you also say " even though he doesn't like camping"?

Yes, that means the same thing. There are a lot more conjunctions, but that's enough for today.

No "buts". It's better to look at a small amount at a time ...

So that I can remember it?

Exactly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Conjunctions: and, or, but, so, because and although

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use words called conjunctions, like and, or, but, because and although, to join two parts of sentences. Conjunctions can be used to give more information, give alternatives, give reasons, give results or give unexpected information. We use and, or and but to connect two parts of sentences which are similar in grammatical status.

# data[].attributes.body
Do the exercises below the video!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use personal pronouns (I, me, he, him, etc.) to replace names or nouns when it is clear what they refer to. We use possessives (my, your, her) when it is not necessary to name the person the thing belongs to.

You used she because it's the subject and her because it's the object.

Very good. Here's the list of all the personal pronouns and possessive adjectives:

Subject pronoun

Object pronoun

Possessive adjective

Possessive pronoun

We use pronouns to avoid repetition when it is obvious what we are talking about.
Is this your bike? > No, that one's mine. (= my bike)
Those red gloves areyours; the blue ones are hers. (= her gloves)
Can I use two pronouns together?

Yes, for example:
The man in the shop gave me them free.
So, what do I need to be careful about?

Well, sometimes we use me when it might seem logical to use. We also use it sometimes to refer to people.

When you meet your new teacher, they will give you the books.
If anyone asks where I am, tell them I'm in Istanbul this week.
Someone lefttheir gloves in the classroom.

I thought someone was singular.

Yes, you're right, but nowadays we avoid using he for people in general, and he or she is very long, so we use they instead, especially when we're speaking.

Can you also say:
"The English cricket team lost again. They were rubbish."?
Yes. We sometimes use they for single nouns which refer to groups of people.

We usually use it/they for animals, but when people are talking about their own pets, they use he or she.
The dog must be thirsty. Give him some water.
Yes, one thinks that animals are just like people, doesn't one?

Ah, we don't use one to mean everyone very much. It sounds very old-fashioned and too formal. We use you to mean people in general.
You can see the sea from the top of that mountain. (you = people in general)
But the Queen uses one?

That's true. But, I haven't met the Queen and you should use you!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Alfie's got a new bike and invites Oliver and Daisy to go out for a ride. Sophie is working in Istanbul.

# data[].attributes.headline
Watch the video - Present progressive / continuous

# data[].attributes.subject
Watch the video - Present progressive / continuous

# data[].attributes.body
Do the exercises below the video!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use the present continuous (am/is/are + -ing) to talk about temporary things which have begun but haven't finished. They are often happening now, at this moment.
Here are some examples of things happening now.
I'm just uploading some photos to Facebook and I'm sending a message to Billie.
We're all riding camels and the sun's shining.
They're waiting for me to get off the phone!
I'm not sure what ' temporary' means. Can I say ' I'm learning to drive', even if I'm not having a driving lesson right now?

Yes, absolutely! You might not be having a driving lesson right at this moment, but it is temporary, so that's correct. We use the present continuous for longer situations like this too.

OK, I see what you mean. So that's for things happening now, or round about now. What about the future? Can I use the present continuous for the future?

Yes, I'm glad you asked me that. We use the present continuous for future arrangements with other people.
At eight I'm meeting Lucas, just for a quick coffee.
What about questions and negatives?

For questions you just change round the subject and the verb to be. So, You are > Are you, then add the -ing form. Sometimes you need a question word first.

For negatives you add not after the verb to be. Don't forget to use a contraction if you're speaking.
You're not really studying at all, are you? (or You aren't really studying...)
Theyaren't using the computer room at the moment.
This programisn't working.
That's fine, but I suppose there are some spelling rules for -ing forms?

Yes, you're right. If a verb ends in e, you take off the e and add -ing

If a verb ends in a vowel + a consonant, the consonant is usually doubled before you add -ing.

But be careful with verbs with more than two syllables where the stress isn't on the last syllable. With those you don't double the consonant.

OK, but what about two-syllable verbs where the stress is on the last syllable, like begin?

If the stress is on the last syllable, you do double the final consonant.

Right, the present continuous seems quite easy to me. I'm understanding it perfectly!

Whoops! Sorry, you can't say ' I'm understanding it'.

Why not? I'm talking about something happening right now.

Yes, but there is a group of verbs which are called state verbs which we use for states (not actions) and we don't usually use these in the continuous form.

want - need - like - love - hate - prefer - believe - think - know - realise - understand - recognise - suppose - be - exist - appear - look - seem - belong - have (for possession) - own - feel - smell - taste

So these are verbs for talking about emotions, thinking, existing, appearing, possession and the senses.

But wait a minute. What about, 'I'm thinking of coming with you tomorrow.' Or, 'I'm thinking about my girlfriend.'

Yes, they are correct. But the meaning of think there is 'having thoughts in your mind' or 'considering'. It's not the same as 'having an opinion' about something.
I think that song's brilliant. (opinion)
She's thinking about studying archaeology. (considering / wondering about)
OK, so there are some exceptions. Like, 'I'm loving it.'

No, sorry, that's not an exception, that's wrong!

Well, OK, maybe it's a new usage. English does change. But don't use it in exams!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sophie is working in Cairo this week. Oliver, Alfie and Daisy are working hard for their end-of-year exams.

# data[].attributes.body
Do the exercises below the video!

# 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.body
Do the exercises below the video!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use the question words who (for people), what/which (for things), when (for time), where (for places), why (for reasons) and how (for more details).
What do I need to know about question words?

I know you know the basics, but questions are quite tricky. Let's just go over the main rules.

We usually form questions by putting an auxiliary verb, or a modal verb, before the subject.

When the verb 'to be' is the main verb, we don't use auxiliary verbs.

We can add question words to get more or different information.
Where did you go swimming? > In the swimming pool in town.
Why did you go there? > Because it's a nice, big pool.
Who did you go swimming with? > With Amy.
What time did you meet Amy? > At 10 o'clock.
Which pool did you go in? > The serious one, without the slides!
How did you get there? > On the bus.
I see that questions sometimes finish with prepositions.

Yes, that's very common.
Who were you out with?
What have you got that bagfor?
What's all thatabout?
Where are you callingfrom?
OK, that all seems straightforward.

Yes, but do you know about subject and object questions?

Sorry?

If who, what or which is the subject of the question, it comes before the verb and we don't use do as an auxiliary.
Who went out for curry? (subject - who)
What happened? (subject - what)
Which looks better, this or that one? (subject - which)
Object questions follow the structure we looked at before.
Who did you go out for curry with? (subject - you; object - who)
Which restaurant does Oliver like most? (subject - Oliver; object - which)
What did they do after the restaurant? (subject - they; object - what)
Here's a little test for you, then. A cat killed a mouse and a dog killed the cat.

1 What killed the mouse?
2 What did the cat kill?
3 What killed the cat?
4 What did the dog kill?

OK, 1 the cat, 2 the mouse, 3 the dog, 4 the cat. Right?

Exactly! You've got it.

Any more tricky things about question words?

Well in reported speech or indirect questions, question words come in the middle of sentences. In these types of sentence, the word order does not change. We don't put the verb to be before the subject or use an auxiliary to form a question, as in a normal question:
I asked her what she was doing at the weekend.
Do you knowwhere the post office is?
Can you tell mehow much it costs? What are you doing at the weekend?
Where is the post office?
How much does it cost?
Hmm, why do you use indirect questions if they are more complicated?

Well, they are more polite, especially if you are talking to a stranger.

OK, I'll remember to say: ' Do you know where the post office is?'

Good. Can you make that even more polite?

How about: ' Excuse me, could you tell me where the post office is, please?'

Fine! That'll do. Do you really need a post office?!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's mid morning on a Sunday. Oliver has just got up and is in the kitchen when Daisy comes home. Sophie is in Tanzania for work.

# 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.authors[].name
Created with Hot Potatoes by Half-Baked Software, registered to Klaus Rosmanitz.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
T123 - Past Tense of Irregular Verbs - English Grammar Exercises

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Vocabulary exercises to help learn words for things you can see in a room.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Vocabulary exercises to help learn words for accessories.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Vocabulary exercises to help learn words for parts of the body.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Vocabulary exercises to help learn words for clothes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Vocabulary exercises to help learn football words. If you're a football fan you can find more football activities on our Premier Skills English website. Check it out!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Vocabulary exercises to help learn words to talk about meals and ways of cooking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Vocabulary exercises to learn words to talk about things connected to the beach.