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Reported speech

  Reported speech (also called indirect speech ) is when you tell someone what another person said , without quoting their exact words. Direct speech : "I’m tired," she said. Reported speech : She said that she was tired .  How Does It Work? When changing from direct to reported speech, you usually: Change the pronouns Change the verb tense (backshift) Sometimes change time/place words   Pronoun Change Direct: "I love you," she said. Reported: She said she loved me . 3. Time Words Change Example: Direct: "I’ll call you tomorrow ." Reported: He said he would call me the next day . Common reporting verbs: said (that) told (someone) that asked (for questions) explained, mentioned, added, etc. Examples: She said (that) she was tired. He told me (that) he was busy. They asked if I could help. She explained that it was too late.  Reporting Questions Use if or whether for yes/no que...

Modals probability

  Modals of probability are modal verbs that express how certain or uncertain we are about something. They show the degree of certainty about a situation — whether it's definitely true, probably true, possibly true , or impossible . These modals suggest that something is very likely or almost sure. must can’t / cannot (used for negative certainty) Examples: She must be tired. She’s been working all day. → (I'm almost sure she’s tired.) He can’t be at home. I saw him leave an hour ago. → (I'm almost sure he's not at home.) These modals suggest something is probable, but not 100% sure. should ought to Examples: They should arrive soon. The train left on time. → (It’s likely they’ll be here soon.) This book ought to be interesting. It has good reviews. → (I believe it’s probably interesting.) These express something that’s just a possibility . may might could Examples: She might come to the party, but she’s not s...

Nouns

  1. Noun Phrases  What is a Noun Phrase? A noun phrase is a group of words that work together as a noun . The main word is always a noun , but it can include modifiers like articles , adjectives , or prepositional phrases .  Structure: (Article/Determiner) + (Adjective) + Noun + (Prepositional Phrase)  Examples: The big dog barked. A red apple fell from the tree. My brother’s old guitar is broken. Some interesting books on history are on the shelf. In each example, the bold part is a noun phrase . It acts as the subject or object in the sentence.  2. Articles Articles are words that define a noun as specific or general . There are 3 articles in English:  Definite Article: "the" Refers to a specific noun. Example: The dog in the yard is mine. (a specific dog)  Indefinite Articles: "a" / "an" Refer to any one thing (not specific). Use "a" before consonant sounds: a car , a book Use ...

Conditionals

  Conditionals are sentences that describe a situation and its possible result. They often use the word "if" . The basic structure is: If + condition, result. There are 4 main types of conditionals in English: 1. Zero Conditional 🔹 Use: To talk about general truths or scientific facts. 🔹 Structure: If + present simple, present simple Examples: If you heat water to 100°C, it boils. If it rains, the ground gets wet. 2. First Conditional 🔹 Use: To talk about a real possibility in the future. 🔹 Structure: If + present simple, will + base verb Examples: If I study, I will pass the exam. If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside. 3. Second Conditional 🔹 Use: To talk about an unreal or unlikely situation in the present or future. 🔹 Structure: If + past simple, would + base verb Examples: If I won the lottery, I would travel the world. If she had more time, she would learn guitar. 4. Third Conditional 🔹 Use: To talk about a past...

Verb Patterns

What Are Verb Patterns? Verb patterns describe how one verb is followed by another verb or structure in a sentence. In English, certain verbs are followed by specific forms, like the infinitive (to + verb) , gerund (verb + ing) , or just the base verb . Common Types of Verb Patterns 1. Verb + infinitive (to + base verb) Rule: Some verbs are followed by an infinitive with “to.” Common verbs: want, hope, need, decide, plan, learn, agree, promise Examples: I want to eat pizza. She decided to travel to Spain. They hope to win the match. 2. Verb + -ing (gerund) Rule: Some verbs must be followed by a gerund (verb + ing). Common verbs: enjoy, finish, avoid, suggest, keep, mind, recommend Examples: I enjoy reading books. He avoids eating junk food. They suggest going to the beach. 3. Verb + object + infinitive Rule: Some verbs require an object before the infinitive. Common verbs: tell, ask, want, advise, remind, encourage, order Examples: She t...

Present perfect

 The present perfect is a tense in English that connects past actions or events to the present. It’s often used to describe experiences, actions that have occurred at an unspecified time before now, or actions that started in the past and are still relevant. Structure: Positive : Subject + have/has + past participle To talk about experiences : Example : I have traveled to Japan.  To talk about actions that started in the past and continue in the present (often with since or for ): Example : She has worked here for five years.