Communication English: Customer Service Keywords

Classroom - English, Learn English / By Vaikundamoni

Customer Service Keywords for Better Communication Customer service keywords:

I definitely will make sure that it gets sorted…
I absolutely agree…
I can certainly help you…
I understand the inconvenience you have faced….
I will ensure that…
What I will do for you right away is…
I know how frustrating it can be – let’s see how I can help you….
I would suggest ….
All you need to do is to….

Customer service, it can be a difficult thing to navigate! There are so many problem areas within this topic. What if the person on the other end of the phone is difficult to understand? What if they just want to argue? What if the phone cuts off when you’re talking? The important thing here is that it is difficult both for employees and customers so we are going to include vocabulary for both parties here. Let’s take a look at what we’ve got for you: Employee

I’d be glad to help you today.
Hold, please.
Thank you for your patience.
As much as I’d love to help
Rest assured.
I completely understand.
I’m sorry for the inconvenience.

Customer

Can I speak to someone else please?
I’m getting tired of this.
I realise this is not your fault but…
Please don’t put me on hold.
This is a waste of time.
I appreciate that, but…
Thanks very much for your help!

Employee

I’d be glad to help you today.

Okay, so maybe this looks like a bit of a lie but, when you think about it, this should be your primary goal as a customer service representative! This means that it will make you happy if you can resolve the problem for the customer. This will put the customer at ease and just makes the atmosphere a bit more bearable. Hopefully they believe you and it means that they won’t be shouting and swearing at you. Let’s look at an example dialogue involving this phrase:

Representative: Hello Mr Smith, I’m Becky. How can I help you today? Customer: My computer is completely broken, I don’t know what’s happened to it and I really need it to work. I have lots of things to do. Representative: Okay, well I’d be glad to help you today and try to solve that problem! Customer: Great, I really hope you can help me!

If you just look at how that dialogue could have gone without the representative saying something nice to start the conversation, it wouldn’t have been productive to either party. It’s a useful phrase for sure.

Could you hold, please?

Ah, this classic phrase. This is the one that we all dread. Customers don’t want to hear it because they don’t want to be waiting and listening to rubbish music! Customers want answers and they want them now! I would imagine that representatives don’t want to have to say this phrase because of the impact it has on the customer, making them angry. But sometimes it’s necessary! Maybe the representative has to go and speak to someone else or attend to another task. It’s so important to remember that neither party knows what is happening on the other side of the phone. Although this is a question, it is often a statement in it’s nature saying I’m going to put you on hold now. Have a look:

Customer: I really would appreciate it if you could help me, I’ve been waiting for a long time. Representative: Okay, sir I appreciate your patience and I would really like to help you today. Could you hold, please? Customer: I suppose so, yes, but please I’ve been waiting a long time already!

In the past, particularly in America, representatives would say hold, please. and just put you on hold. Whilst that does still happen in places but it is considered rather direct and rude for our modern times. You may hear it if you watch a lot of old films, when the character calls the operator to ask for a connection to someone else, the operator will say hold, please. or please hold. Thank you for your patience. It’s important to thank the customer as well as for the customer to thank you! The customer has spent time and probably money on using the product that you are representing. They need to feel appreciated and wanted by the company or they may never use them again. A great way to retain customers is to treat them as if they are the most important person in the world. Imagine that they have a million things to do and that their time is really valuable to them. This might even be true! Thanking someone for their patience is great because it shows you understand what they are doing in order to try to solve this problem.

Customer: Look, I don’t have time for this, I just want you to solve my problem so I can go about my business! Representative: I understand ma’am, and thank you for your patience. I know your time is very valuable and I will do my best to solve the problem. Customer: Okay, thank you.

In all of life’s situations, showing empathy with somebody is important. If they think that you care about them and understand their issue, they are more likely to respond politely and calmly.

As much as I’d love to help…

Uh oh, The time has come where you can’t solve the problem. The customer will not be happy at this news and it will be up to you, the representative, to deal with whatever they say next. I bet if you measured it by the numbers, this would be the phrase that invited the most abuse! With this phrase, as soon as you say it you have to provide a reason as to why you cannot help the customer. It had better be a good one.

Customer: It’s not my fault that my kid spilled water on the computer, it should still work! Representative: Well, as much as I’d love to help there’s nothing more I can do. You will have to take it to one of our stores and they will take a look at it. Customer: You haven’t helped me at all. Thanks for nothing!

The main piece of advice I have for this one is to be prepared! That’s all you can do. Hey, you tried your best, right?

Rest assured

This is a phrase that can be used in all service positions. It is designed to make a promise to the customer that will make them feel more confident you are going to do what you say you will. Rest assured literally means that the customer can rest, without stressing or worrying, and be assured (confident). When you say this, make sure you can deliver on the promise you are making! Don’t make promises you can’t keep because the customer will know if you don’t deliver! Take a look below:

Customer: I just don’t believe that you can solve my problem. I have been on the phone for 2 hours and I still don’t have a solution. Representative: I appreciate your concern sir and please rest assured that I am doing my absolute best to try and solve your problem today. That is my commitment to you. Customer: I’ll believe it when I see solutions!

Just be careful with this one, it makes things just a little bit more serious.

I completely understand.

Again, showing empathy with the customer is vital. Whenever I am on the phone with a customer service representative, I can say that this is the phrase I hear more often than any other. This one shows empathy as well, or at least it’s supposed to do so. I have to say when a representative says this to me, I usually don’t believe them. How could they possibly understand without being in the same room and seeing how angry I am?! As a representative, if you can make this at least sound convincing then it will settle the customer down. Just make sure you’re ready for people like me that might not believe it!

Customer: This is a really serious problem for me and I just need it fixed please. Representative: I completely understand and I will do my utmost to solve the problem. Customer: You don’t understand! I just need this fixed! Representative: Sir, please bear with me, I was actually in a similar situation about two weeks ago and I know just how stressful and awful it can be.

Telling the story at the end of the dialogue might make the customer believe that the representative actually does understand the problem. The story might not be true but it will help get the customer on your side!

I apologise / I’m sorry for the inconvenience.

This is a very important one to remember, if all else fails, just apologise! A lot of customers phone up because they are angry and simply want to have an argument. Some people do not even expect a solution! But of course as a customer service representative, your hands are tied, you cannot respond angrily to an angry customer or you will most probably be fired and the customer will not be happy. Here’s an example:

Customer: Look, I missed my plane because it didn’t wait for me. Yes I was late but you people owe me my money back! Representative: I’m sorry sir, but our policy is quite clear here, if you are not at the gate half an hour before takeoff, then we cannot be held responsible. I apologise for the inconvenience. Customer: That’s not good enough. I am owed money and I’m not going to stop asking for it. Representative: As I say, I’m sorry for the inconvenience sir, but there is nothing we can do.

It’s your free pass out of a difficult situation! Use it wisely! Okay, so that’s the representative’s phrases, now let’s move onto the customer.

Customer

Can I speak to someone else please?

This is a phrase to use if you are not getting anywhere or perhaps if you have been connected to somebody that doesn’t know what they are doing. Sometimes if you get put through to a different person, you will get what you have been looking for. It’s worth a try! It’s quite a clear one to use but we will show a dialogue just to illustrate the point:

Customer: Look, you aren’t helping me at all, can I speak to someone else please? Representative: Sir, I can put you through to someone else if you want but I doubt it will be different. Customer: Yes, I would like you to put me through please.

This could be useful if you want to speak to a manager or someone more senior in the company. Get what you want from your phone call!

I’m getting tired of this.

Okay, so you are at the end of your tether, you want your problem solved but the representative will not help you at all. They say it’s your fault and your problem that you are in the situation that you are in! This is a good phrase to use if you want to put pressure on someone to help you. You’re getting tired of this and you want an answer soon or it will turn into a complaint.

Customer: Look, I just want answers and all you are doing is apologising. I’m getting tired of this. Representative: I’m sorry to hear that sir, rest assured that I’m doing all that I can.
I realise this is not your fault but…
Sometimes we have to remember that this is not anybody’s fault and you should not be arguing at each other. One really interesting thing about this phrase is that it can actually put the representative at ease and make them help you with inside information. Maybe they will give you a tip that they are not really supposed to, maybe they will give you advice to fix issues that you hadn’t heard of before.
Customer: Look, I realise this isn’t your fault, but I really want to know if there is anything I can do to fix my computer. I’m desperate for an answer. Representative: Well, I’ll let you in on a secret. We have to say that we can’t do anything about that because this type of damage is not included in our policy, but if you go to the shop and tell them that support have given you a code 3245. They will fix it for you. Customer: Thank you so much!
It’s simple! Be kind to people and they will be kind back!
Please don’t put me on hold.
To counter what we have already told those representatives in this article we have the request to not be put on hold. You could say that it is pointless to say this (the chances are you will be put on hold anyway) but it’s worth a try!
Customer: So, that’s my problem. Can you help me? Representative: I believe I can sir, could you hold please? Customer: Oh no, please don’t put me on hold. I’m sick of being on hold. Representative: I appreciate that sir, but it will only take a second.
Worth a try!
This is a waste of time.
A more aggressive tactic but it can really get you what you want if expressed in a dignified way. There’s no hidden meaning here, if you want to say that you don’t feel your time is being used well by someone who is supposed to be trying to help you, then use this one.
Customer: Please, can you put me through to someone who can help me? Representative: Sorry sir, but all of our representatives are busy right now. Customer: This is a waste of time.
Remember this can be slightly inflammatory so reserve it for special situations.
I appreciate that, but…
This is very diplomatic language. You are acknowledging that somebody is clearly trying to help you but you still think they are wrong. This a polite phrase to use during an argument to keep things civil with your opponent.
Representative: Sorry sir, but all of our representatives are busy right now. Customer: Well is there nothing you can do to solve my problem? Representative: I’m really sorry but I am doing my best sir. Customer: I appreciate that, but I am busy and I have other things to do rather than be on the phone complaining.

Thanks very much for your help!
The most important one! Thank people that help you otherwise the world may stop spinning. There is a phrase in English that says manners cost nothing. It’s true you know, and they go a long way. Always say thank you regardless of the service you have received, but in this case if you want to be extremely polite and make the other person happy about what they have done, use this phrase.
Representative: I think I have found a solution. Reset the device for 5 seconds and your problem should be solved. Customer: That’s fixed it! Thank you. Representative: You’re welcome! I’m glad to help. Is there anything else I can help with today? Customer: No, that’s everything. Thank you very much for your help! Representative: You’re welcome, have a good day! Customer: You too!
Remember that customer service people take a lot of abuse. You don’t get people phoning customer service so that they can talk about how happy they are with a product. The phone numbers exist so that people can complain about issues. It’s a hard job but someone’s got to do it! So, rest assured I have done all I can to explain these phrases to you today and I completely understand that it can be difficult to digest a lot of vocabulary. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this article and feel free to add all comments and questions below! Giving your opinion in English There are so many ways to express an opinion in English and it’s important that you use them. The way you choose to express an opinion can alter the way people think of you and look at you every day! This is especially true in British English, where we are obsessed with politeness and not being too assuming. So here we have a great list of phrases to give your opinion!

In my opinion/In my humble opinion

I reckon/suppose

I know

May I?

If you ask me

If I were you

To be honest

I could be wrong, but

I’m no expert, but

Personally

In my opinion/in my humble opinion

Probably the most basic way we have here of expressing your opinion. Using in my opinion is a great way of telling people what you think and also making sure they know that it is just your opinion. You could use this during a debate or if you are with a group of people deciding what they should do.
Alan: Hey Steph, what did you think of the new Terminator film? Steph: Well, in my opinion, it wasn’t as good as the older ones. I didn’t find the story line believable. Alan: Yeah true, it was strange.
To add something to this phrase you can add the word humble that changes the meaning just slightly. Saying in my humble opinion adds a bit of politeness to expressing your opinion. To be humble means that you act in a very reserved and careful manner so that you don’t offend people. Servants were always expected to be humble when they were working for kings and queens. It is slightly degrading and lowers your own worth, but today it is also used to be polite.
Alan: So you really didn’t like the movie then? That’s a shame. Steph: No, I just thought it was nowhere near the old films. But that’s just my humble opinion!
Use these with new English acquaintances to impress your friends with how polite you are!

I reckon/ I suppose

These are ways to express opinion with a slight sense of uncertainty as well. Using I reckon in a sentence is primarily reserved for British English and southern US English. It’s a very personal thing to say and because of that it implies that the opinion is not an expert one. It is simply that person’s view.

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50 Popular English Idioms for Fluency

Classroom - English, Classroom - IELTS, Learn English, Learn IELTS & TOEFL / By Vaikundamoni

50 Popular English Idioms for Fluency

To understand English as it is spoken in real life, you have to be familiar with idioms. They are used so much in everyday English that it is important to be aware of them. You need to learn what they mean, and how to use them to become an ‘insider’. This blog post will show you some of the most popular English idioms currently in use. Remember, knowledge is power.

50 Popular English Idioms

1. CRUNCH TIME: the period of time just before a project has to be completed and everyone has to work hard

I’m not getting enough sleep these days. It’s crunch time at work.

2. LET YOUR FREAK FLAG FLY: to let others see your uniqueness

My colleagues were surprised at the Christmas party- I let my freak flag fly and showed them a break dance routine.

3. GET OUT OF HAND: when you lose control of things, they get out of hand

The party got out of hand and the guests started to throw bottles at each other.

4. GET YOUR HEAD AROUND IT: to understand something

I just can’t get my head around the fact that Joe is leaving us.

5. DIG IN YOUR HEELS / STICK TO YOUR GUNS: to refuse to compromise or change your mind

My parents wanted me to give up writing, but I dug in my heels and went on to become a famous writer.
My parents wanted me to give up writing, but I stuck to my guns and went on to become a famous writer.

6. POUND THE PAVEMENT: to walk the streets looking for a job

I’d been pounding the pavement for months before I found a job in a fast food restaurant.

7. PULL A RABBIT OUT OF A HAT: to do something unexpected that may have seemed impossible

I thought we were going bankrupt, but my partner pulled a rabbit out of his hat and we landed a major contract.

8. LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED: to do everything you can to achieve your goal

I’ll leave no stone unturned until I find out who did this.

9. GET IT OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM: to do something you’ve wanted to do for a long time and don’t want to postpone any longer

I wasn’t sure how she was going to react, but I had to get it out of my system, so I told her I had found another woman.

10. STEP UP YOUR GAME: to start performing better

If you want to win this competition, you’ll have to step up your game.

11. PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER: to calm down and behave normally

I understand you’ve had a bad day, but pull yourself together and get on with your job, will you?

12. SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT: either start performing better or leave

This is the last time I’m telling you to arrive on time. Shape up or ship out.

13. CUT SOMEBODY SOME SLACK: to give somebody a break/ not to judge somebody severely

I was extremely busy last week. Cut me some slack and I’ll finish the report by tomorrow morning.

14. BY THE SKIN OF YOUR TEETH: when you do something by the skin of your teeth, you only just succeed/ nearly fail

I hadn’t studied much, but passed the test by the skin of my teeth.

15. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON: when something rarely ever happens

We used to see him all the time, but now he just visits us once in a blue moon.

16. GO DOWN IN FLAMES: to end or fail suddenly and spectacularly

She’d wanted to become Managing Director, but her career went down in flames when they found out she’d been leaking information to our competitors.

17. TAR SOMEONE WITH THE SAME BRUSH: to believe that someone has the same bad qualities as others in a group

I don’t think much of that band, but the singer shouldn’t be tarred with the same brush. She’s got a fantastic voice.

18. COME OUT SWINGING: to be confrontational and strongly defend yourself at the beginning of a debate

Our local MP came out swinging against the current leadership and demanded that the government resign.

19. HANG IN THERE: wait and be patient

I know you’d really like to call him, but I don’t think that’s the right thing to do now. Just hang in there and he will call you.

20. SHOOT FROM THE HIP: to speak directly

If you want to get on well with your boss, try not to shoot from the hip next time. You don’t want to offend him, do you?

21. GO THE EXTRA MILE: to make a special effort/try very hard to achieve your goal

If you want to become proficient in English, you’ll have to go the extra mile and start learning idioms.
My English class was great, we learnt so much because our teacher was the best, she always went the extra mile for us.

22. RUNNING ON FUMES: to continue to stay awake when feeling exhausted

I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go home now. I haven’t slept for twenty hours and I’m running on fumes.

23. SOLD ME OUT: to snitch on someone, or let their secret out

I asked you to keep it to yourself! I can’t believe you sold me out, I trusted you!

24. YOU SOLD ME (ON SOMETHING): you convinced me of something, because you were persuasive

OK, you’ve sold me. I’ll go to the match with you.

25. BLEW ME AWAY: when something blows you away, you’re extremely impressed by it

The exhibition just blew me away. I’d never seen so many beautiful paintings before.

26. BLOW SMOKE: to exaggerate or say things that aren’t true to make you seem better/ more knowledgeable than in reality

I’m not blowing smoke. I have honestly read War and Peace by Tolstoy.

27. CRY WOLF: to call for help when you don’t need it

Do you think Peter is in trouble or is he just crying wolf?

28. COULDN’T CARE LESS: used to express total lack of interest in something

That man stole a bottle of wine from the shop.
Oh, really? I couldn’t care less.

29. BE CHUFFED TO BITS: to be pleased and happy

Hey, thanks for the present! I’m chuffed to bits.30. FEELING UNDER THE WEATHER: to be ill or unable to do regular activities

I think I’m going to have to take the day off work. I feel quite under the weather today.

31. BE TICKLED PINK: to be excited and happy

She was tickled pink by all the compliments she’d received.

32. A BAKER’S DOZEN: thirteen

Check out our baker’s dozen language learning tips.

33. COMFORT FOOD: food that makes you feel better, because it reminds you of your childhood

After a tiring day, it’s so nice to make some comfort food and settle down with a good book.

34. SKELETON CREW: the minimum number of people needed to keep a service/office operating

Can you come back after the holidays? We’re operating with a skeleton crew at the moment.

35. LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY: to let something happen, no matter what happens next

I must tell John how I feel about him, let the chips fall where they may.

36. NO-BRAINER: an easy decision

Do you think I should propose to Judy?
Come on, it’s a no-brainer. She’s such a fantastic woman!

37. A STONE’S THROW: very near

The hotel was a stone’s throw from the beach. I loved it.

38. HEAR ON THE GRAPEVINE: to hear a rumour or unconfirmed story

I heard on the grapevine that Charlie and Sarah are dating at the moment.

39. SIT ON THE FENCE: to stay neutral and not take sides

Well don’t you think I’m right, he’s been acting differently hasn’t he?
I’m sitting on the fence with this one, you’re both my good friends.0. TAKE WHAT SOMEONE SAYS WITH A PINCH OF SALT: regard something as exaggerated, or only believe a part of something

Did you hear what Tina said happened in the office yesterday?
Oh, I would take anything she says with a pinch of salt.

41. FREAK OUT: to become very angry, scared or excited

Mum, don’t freak out! I married a guy in Las Vegas.

2. BE A CATCH: be someone worth marrying/having

John is taking me out tonight. He’s such a catch, I hope he’ll propose.

43. PIECE OF CAKE: when something is extremely easy to do

Do you think you could beat him in a race?
Yeah, piece of cake. I’m definitely a lot faster than him.

44. HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD: used if something someone says, is precisely correct

My doctor hit the nail on the head. He knew exactly what was wrong with me!

45. COSTS AN ARM AND A LEG: when something is very expensive

My son wants that mountain bike for his birthday, but it’ll cost an arm and a leg!

46. HIT THE BOOKS: to study very hard

Do you want to go for lunch somewhere nice?
No thanks, I’m going to hit the books. I have an exam coming up soon.

47. BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW: to take on something that is too much for you to handle

He recently got promoted and took on some new responsibilities, but he’s just too busy. He bit off more than he could chew, and I don’t think he can handle it anymore. 48. WHEN PIGS FLY: this means that something will never happen

Aren’t you going to buy that dream house you told me about?
Ugh, I will when pigs fly. It’s just so expensive, I don’t think it’ll happen.

49. DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER: this means don’t make a decision based on a brief impression or outward appearance

I don’t like our new neighbours very much, they’re quite strange.
Hey, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Give them a chance, I think they’re just a bit quirky but really nice!

50. YOU ROCK: you are great

Thanks for the tickets, Rob. You rock!

51. MISS THE BOAT: when someone has missed their opportunity to do something

Have you applied for that job yet?
No, I think I may have missed the boat. I should’ve done it last week.

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IELTS Speaking Test Vocabulary

Classroom - IELTS, Learn English, Learn IELTS & TOEFL / By Vaikundamoni

IELTS Speaking Test Vocabulary and Conversation Fillers

I for Imaginative E for Excellent L for Laid-back T for Tuned-in S for Smart. Look at each word above and see how many SYNONYMS (words with the same meaning) can you think of? Not many? It’s time to learn some new words and to revise the old ones. By the way, ’revise’ has a synonym I love: BRUSH UP. When I hear this word, I always visualize a large brush scrubbing my brain cells. OK, let me give you a few examples:

imaginative, creative, inventive, original

excellent, great, outstanding, first-rate

laid-back, relaxed, lax, easy-going

tuned-in, learned, informed, knowledgeable

smart, bright, intelligent, sharp

Why are we talking about synonyms? Because they are extremely important for you to express yourself fluently. When your MIND GOES BLANK (you suddenly forget something you knew) and you can’t remember a word, it is HANDY (useful) to know a list of other words that you can choose from. Also, you can use synonyms to avoid repetition. A nice job, a nice lunch, a nice car, a nice woman etc.- it just sounds unimaginative and perhaps even uneducated if you speak like this. To get a higher score in the exam, you’ll have to learn to PARAPHRASE (to express the same idea with different words). Another way to maximize your learning is to make your own selection of the words YOU would like to memorize. Have you ever learnt a long list of words for a school test, only to forget all of them once the test was over? That was because you had no choice in which words you wanted to learn. Real learning only happens when you yourself are the motivation behind it. So, choose the words you would like to use in the future and focus on them. No need to waste time and energy with long, meaningless lists- make the list shorter if needed, but more interesting to you. It’s also a good idea to group the words and expressions you want to learn into topics. It will help you create a CONTEXT (a setting) where vocabulary becomes more meaningful and memorable to you. And this is what we are going to do now. Below you can find groups of words that will COME IN HANDY (prove to be useful) when preparing for the IELTS exam and IELTS Speaking Test. If you can, try to memorize whole sentences- they will just pop into your mind when you need them. The words you’ll find are not the typical, boring ones you would usually see in a similar compilation. I have chosen them to give you the chance to SPICE UP (make more interesting) your active vocabulary and impress the examiners. CONVERSATION FILLERS Use filters to give yourself time to think before you speak. This will make you sound much more fluent. Er… let me think…

What do you think are the most common causes of road accidents?
Er… let me think… I would say there are two main causes…

Hmm… that’s a good question…

Is listening to the radio more beneficial for children than watching TV?
Hmm… that’s a good question. I guess it is, because…

Actually… I’ve never really thought about it…

Why do teenagers love texting their friends?
Actually… I’ve never really thought about it… It might be, because they…

Umm… (repeat the question)

Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
Umm… Where do I see myself in ten years’ time?… Maybe, I will…

Well, you know …

Would you give up your car and cycle to work?
Well, you know… I work quite far from home…

It’s also important to ask for CLARIFICATION when you don’t understand what the examiner has said.

Excuse me, can you repeat the question, please? / I beg your pardon?
Sorry, what do you mean by…?
Could you say that again, please?
I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean by….
I’m not sure I can follow you. Could you be more specific, please?
Sorry, I didn’t get your point. Could you put it differently, please?

And to GIVE CLARIFICATION when asked.

What I mean is… (paraphrase what you’ve said)
I just want to say that… (paraphrase what you’ve said)
Sorry, let me explain.
Sorry, let me put it differently.

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Learn English through Tamil 02

Classroom - English, Learn English / By Vaikundamoni

ஆங்கில பாடப் பயிற்சி – 2 (Grammar Patterns 2)

முழுமையான தமிழ் விளக்கத்துடன் ஆங்கில இலக்கண பாடப் பயிற்சி. இன்றையப் பாடம் நாம் முதல் பாடத்தில் கற்ற “ஆங்கில பாடப் பயிற்சி-1” – றைப் போன்றே இருந்தாலும், இதில் சில இலக்கங்களின் போது சில மாற்றங்கள் உள்ளன.I உடன் am இணைந்து வந்திருந்தது.He, She, It போன்ற “Third Person Singular” உடன் “is ” இப்பாடத்தில் இணைந்து வருகின்றது. அதனைத் தொடர்ந்து 1, 7, 8, 13, 16, 18, 27, 37, 38, 39, 56, 60, 61, 64, 71 போன்ற இலக்கங்களின் போதும் சில இலக்கண மாற்றங்கள் ஏற்பட்டுள்ளன. இவற்றை அவதானித்து பயிற்சிச் செய்யுங்கள்.

இன்று நாம் “speak in English” எனும் ஒரு வார்த்தையை உதாரணமாக எடுத்துக்கொள்வோம். முதல் பாடத்தில் “நான்” (I) என்பதற்கு பதிலாக, இப்பாடத்தில் “அவன்” (He) இட்டுக்கொள்வோம். இவ்வார்த்தையின் முறையே “He speaks in English – அவன் பேசுகின்றான் ஆங்கிலத்தில், He spoke in English – அவன் பேசினான் ஆங்கிலத்தில், He wiil speak in English – அவன் பேசுவான் ஆங்கிலத்தில்” என ஒரே வாக்கியத்தை 73 மூன்று வாக்கியங்களாக மாற்றி பயிற்சி செய்யப் போகின்றோம். speak in English 1. He speaks in English. அவன் பேசுகின்றான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 2. He is speaking in English. அவன் பேசிக்கொண்டிருக்கின்றான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 3. He spoke in English. அவன் பேசினான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 4. He didn’t speak in English. அவன் பேசவில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். 5. He will speak in English. அவன் பேசுவான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 6. He won’t speak in English. அவன் பேசமாட்டான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 7. Usually he doesn’t speak in English. சாதாரணமாக அவன் பேசுகின்றானில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். 8. He is not speaking in English. அவன் பேசிக்கொண்டிருக்கின்றானில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். 9. He was speaking in English. அவன் பேசிக்கொண்டிருந்தான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 10. He wasn’t speaking in English. அவன் பேசிக்கொண்டிருக்கவில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். 11. He will be speaking in English. அவன் பேசிக்கொண்டிருப்பான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 12. He won’t be speaking in English. அவன் பேசிக் கொண்டிருக்கமாட்டான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 13. He is going to speak in English. அவன் பேசப்போகின்றான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 14. He was going to speak in English. அவன் பேசப்போனான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 15. He can speak in English. 16. He is able to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச முடியும் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 17. He can’t speak in English. 18. He is unable to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச முடியாது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 19. He could speak in English. 20. He was able to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச முடிந்தது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 21. He couldn’t speak in English. 22. He was unable to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச முடியவில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். 23. He will be able to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச முடியுமாக இருக்கும் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 24. He will be unable to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச முடியாமலிருக்கும் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 25. He may be able to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச முடியுமாக இருக்கலாம் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 26. He should be able to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச முடியுமாகவே இருக்கும் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 27. He has been able to speak in English. சற்று முன்பிருந்து /கிட்டடியிலிருந்து அவனுக்கு பேச முடியுமாக இருக்கின்றது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 28. He had been able to speak in English. அன்றிலிருந்து /அக்காலத்திலிருந்து அவனுக்கு பேச முடியுமாக இருந்தது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 29. He may speak in English. 30. He might speak in English.

31. He may be speaking in English. அவன் பேசலாம் ஆங்கிலத்தில்.32. He must speak in English.

அவன் பேச வேண்டும் ஆங்கிலத்தில். (கட்டாயம்/அழுத்தம்) 33. He must not speak in English. அவன் பேச வேண்டியதில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில் (அழுத்தம்) அவன் பேசக் கூடாது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 34. He should speak in English. அவன் பேசவே வேண்டும் ஆங்கிலத்தில். (மிக அழுத்தம்) 35. He shouldn’t speak in English. அவன் பேசவே வேண்டியதில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். (மிக அழுத்தம்) அவன் பேசவே கூடாது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 36. He ought to speak in English. அவன் எப்படியும் பேசவே வேண்டும் ஆங்கிலத்தில். (மிக மிக அழுத்தம்) 37. He doesn’t mind speaking in English. அவனுக்கு ஆட்சேபனை இல்லை பேசுவதற்கு ஆங்கிலத்தில். 38. He has to speak in English. அவன்/அவனுக்கு பேச வேண்டும் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 39. He doesn’t have to speak in English. அவன்/அவனுக்கு பேச வேண்டியதில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். 40. He had to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச வேண்டி ஏற்பட்டது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 41. He didn’t have to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச வேண்டி ஏற்படவில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். 42. He will have to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச வேண்டி ஏற்படும் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 43. He won’t have to speak in English. அவனுக்கு பேச வேண்டி ஏற்படாது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 44. He needs to speak in English. அவனுக்கு அவசியம் பேச வேண்டும் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 45. He needn’t to speak in English. 45. He doesn’t need to speak in English. அவனுக்கு அவசியமில்லை பேசுவதற்கு ஆங்கிலத்தில். 46. He seems to be speaking in English. அவன் பேசுகின்றான் போல் தெரிகின்றது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 47. He doesn’t seem to be speaking in English. அவன் பேசுகின்றான் போல் தெரிகின்றதில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். 48. He seemed to be speaking in English. அவன் பேசுகின்றான் போல் தெரிந்தது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 49. He didn’t seem to be speaking in English. அவன் பேசுகின்றான் போல் தெரியவில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். 50. Speaking in English is useful. பேசுவது(தல்) ஆங்கிலத்தில் பிரயோசனமானது. 51. Useless speaking in English. பிரயோசனமில்லை பேசுவது(தல்) ஆங்கிலத்தில். 52. It is better to speak in English. மிக நல்லது பேசுவது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 53. He had better speak in English. அவனுக்கு மிக நல்லது பேசுவது ஆங்கிலத்தில். 54. He made her speak in English. அவன் அவளை வைத்து பேசுவித்தான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 55. He didn’t make her speak in English. அவன் அவளை வைத்து பேசுவிக்கவில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். 56. To speak in English.He is practicing. பேசுவதற்கு ஆங்கிலத்தில் அவன் பயிற்சி செய்துக்கொண்டிருக்கின்றான். 57. He used to speak in English. அவன் பழக்கப்பட்டிருந்தான் பேசுவதற்கு ஆங்கிலத்தில். 58. Shall I speak in English? நான் பேசவா ஆங்கிலத்தில்? 59. Let’s speak in English. பேசுவோம் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 60. He feels like speaking in English. அவனுக்கு நினைக்கின்றது பேசுவதற்கு ஆங்கிலத்தில். 61. He doesn’t feel like speaking in English. அவனுக்கு நினைக்கின்றதில்லை பேசுவதற்கு ஆங்கிலத்தில். 62. He felt like speaking in English. அவனுக்கு நினைத்தது பேசுவதற்கு ஆங்கிலத்தில். 63. He didn’t feel like speaking in English. அவனுக்கு நினைக்கவில்லை பேசுவதற்கு ஆங்கிலத்தில். 64. He has been speaking in English. சில காலமாக/கிட்டடியிலிருந்து அவன் பேசிக்கொண்டிருக்கின்றான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 65. He had been speaking in English. அன்றிலிருந்து/அக்காலத்திலிருந்து அவன் பேசிக்கொண்டிருந்தான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 66. I see him speak in English. எனக்கு தெரிகின்றது அவன் பேசுகிறான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 67. I don’t see him speak in English. எனக்கு தெரிகின்றதில்லை அவன் பேசுகிறான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 68. I saw him speak in English. எனக்கு தெரிந்தது அவன் பேசுகிறான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 69. I didn’t see him speak in English. எனக்கு தெரியவில்லை அவன் பேசுகிறான் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 70. If he speaks in English, he will get a good job. அவன் பேசினால் ஆங்கிலத்தில் அவனுக்கு கிடைக்கும் ஒரு நல்ல வேலை. 71. If he doesn’t speak in English, he won’t get a good job. அவன் பேசாவிட்டால் ஆங்கிலத்தில் அவனுக்கு கிடைக்காது ஒரு நல்ல வேலை. 72. If he had spoken in English, he would have got a good job. அவன் பேசியிருந்தால் ஆங்கிலத்தில், அவனுக்கு கிடைத்திருக்கும் ஒரு நல்ல வேலை. (பேசவும் இல்லை கிடைக்கவும் இல்லை) 73. It is time he spoke in English. இது தான் நேரம் அவன் பேசுவதற்கு ஆங்கிலத்தில். கவனத்திற்கு:

1. உதாரணமாக மேலே இன்று நாம் கற்றப் பாடத்தில் முதலாவது வாக்கியத்தைக் கவனியுங்கள். அதில் “He speaks in English” “என்றுள்ளது. அதில் “speak” எனும் சொல்லுடன் “s” எழுத்தும் இணைந்து வந்துள்ளதை அவதானித்திருப்பீர்கள். அதாவது “Third Person Singular” சாதாரண நிகழ் காலத்தில் He, She, It உடன் வரும் பிரதான வினைச்சொற்களோடு s, es எனும் எழுத்துக்களும் இணைந்தே வரும் என்பதை மறவாதீர்கள். Third Person Singular “He, She, It: Infinitive + e, es” அட்டவணை பார்க்கவும். 2. மற்றது “speak in English” எனும் வார்த்தை சில இலக்கங்களின் போது “speaking in English” என்று வந்துள்ளதை அவதானிக்கவும். Verb with + ing: 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 31, 37, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69. இவ்விலக்கங்களின் போது எப்பொழுதும் பிரதான வினைச்சொல்லுடன் “ing” யும் இணைந்தே பயன்படும் என்பதை மனதில் வைத்துக்கொள்ளுங்கள். உதாரணம்: speak in English speaking in English. என்று “ing” யும் இணைந்து வரும். Homework:

He drives a car. அவன் ஓட்டுகின்றான் மகிழூந்து. She goes to school. அவள் போகின்றாள் பாடசாலைக்கு. Sarmilan gets up early morning. சர்மிலன் எழுத்திருக்கின்றான் அதிகாலையில். Nithya comes to the office. நித்யா வருகின்றாள் அலுவலகத்திற்கு. He apologizes with her. அவன் மன்னிப்பு கோருகின்றான் அவளிடம்.

My mother opens a current account. எனது தாயார் திறக்கின்றார் ஒரு நடைமுறைக் கணக்கு.இவற்றை மேலே நாம் கற்றதைப் போன்று ஒவ்வொரு வாக்கியங்களையும் 73 வாக்கியங்களாக மாற்றி எழுதி பயிற்சி செய்யுங்கள்.இப்பாடத் திட்டம் பாடசாலை ஆங்கிலப் பாடத்திட்டம் போன்றோ, ஆங்கில பேச்சுப் பயிற்சி புத்தகங்களில் (Spoken English) போன்றோ அல்லாமல் மிக மிக இலகுவான ஒரு பாடப் பயிற்சி முறையாகும். மற்றும் மேலே குறிக்கப்பட்டிருக்கும் ஒவ்வொரு இலக்கங்களும், ஒவ்வொரு பாடங்களாக எதிர்வரும் பாடங்களில் விரிவடையும். அப்போது அதனதன் பயன்பாடுப் பற்றியும், இலக்கண விதிமுறைகள் பற்றியும் மேலும் விரிவாக கற்கலாம். சரி பயிற்சிகளை தொடருங்கள். மீண்டும் அடுத்த பாடத்தில் சந்திப்போம்.

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Learn English through Tamil 01

Classroom - English, Learn English / By Vaikundamoni

ஆங்கிபாடப் பயிற்சி – 1 (Grammar Patterns 1)

முழுமையான தமிழ் விளக்கத்துடன் ஆங்கில இலக்கண பாடப் பயிற்சி. இது பாடசாலை பாடத்திட்டத்தைப் போன்றோ, ஆங்கில பேச்சுப் பயிற்சி (Spoken English) போன்றோ அல்லாமல், முழுமையான தமிழ் விளக்கத்துடன் ஆங்கில இலக்கண பாடத் திட்டத்தைக்கொண்டது. இதில் சகல “Grammar Patterns” களும் உள்ளடக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.இப்பாடத்திட்டத்தில் இலக்கணப் பிழையின்றி ஆங்கிலம் பேசவும், எழுதவும், வாசிக்கவும் கற்றுக்கொள்ளலாம். தமிழ் மொழிப்பெயர்ப்பு பற்றிய விளக்கம் உதாரணமாக “I do a job” எனும் வாக்கியத்தை தமிழில் மொழி பெயர்ப்போமானால், “நான் ஒரு வேலை செய்கின்றேன்.” என்று தான் கூறுவோம். ஆனால் நாம் இந்த ஆங்கில பாடப் பயிற்சியில் “நான் செய்கின்றேன் ஒரு வேலை.” என்றே தமிழாக்கம் செய்துள்ளோம். இதற்கான காரணம் இவ்வாறுதான் ஆங்கிலத்தை தமிழில் மொழிப்பெயர்க்க வேண்டும் என்று நாம் கூறவில்லை. ஆனால் முடிந்தவரையில் ஆங்கில நடைக்கு ஏற்றாற் போல் தமிழ் விளக்கம் கொடுத்து பயிற்சி செய்தால்; ஆங்கில வார்த்தைகளுக்கு மட்டுமல்லாமல், ஒவ்வொரு ஆங்கில சொற்களுக்குமான தமிழ் அர்த்தத்தையும் விளங்கிக் கற்க இலகுவாய் இருக்கும் என்பது எமது கருத்தாகும். இங்கே “do a job” எனும் ஒரு வார்த்தையை இன்றையப் பாடமாக எடுத்துக்கொள்வோம். இவ்வார்த்தையின் தமிழ் அர்த்தம் “செய் ஒரு வேலை” என்பதாகும். இதை “நான் செய்கின்றேன் ஒரு வேலை, நான் செய்தேன் ஒரு வேலை, நான் செய்வேன் ஒரு வேலை” என ஒரே வார்த்தையை 73 விதமாக மாற்றி பயிற்சி செய்வதே இப்பாடத்திட்டத்தின் நோக்கமாகும். இது மிகவும் இலகுவாகவும் அதிவிரைவாகவும் ஆங்கிலம் கற்றுக்கொள்ளக் கூடிய ஓர் பயிற்சி முறையாகும். do a job 1. I do a Job. நான் செய்கின்றேன் ஒரு வேலை. 2. I am doing a job. நான் செய்துக்கொண்டிருக்கின்றேன் ஒரு வேலை. 3. I did a job. நான் செய்தேன் ஒரு வேலை. 4. I didn’t do a job. நான் செய்யவில்லை ஒரு வேலை. 5. I will do a job. நான் செய்வேன் ஒரு வேலை. நான் செய்கிறேன் (சற்றுப் பிறகு) ஒரு வேலை. 6. I won’t do a job. நான் செய்யமாட்டேன் ஒரு வேலை. 7. Usually I don’t do a job. சாதாரணமாக நான் செய்கிறேனில்லை ஒரு வேலை. 8. I am not doing a job. நான் செய்துக் கொண்டிருக்கின்றேனில்லை ஒரு வேலை. 9. I was doing a job. நான் செய்துக் கொண்டிருந்தேன் ஒரு வேலை. 10. I wasn’t doing a job. நான் செய்துக் கொண்டிருக்கவில்லை ஒரு வேலை. 11. I will be doing a job. நான் செய்துக் கொண்டிருப்பேன் ஒரு வேலை. 12. I won’t be doing a job. நான் செய்துக் கொண்டிருக்கமாட்டேன் ஒரு வேலை. 13. I am going to do a job. நான் செய்யப் போகின்றேன் ஒரு வேலை. 14. I was going to do a job. நான் செய்யப் போனேன் ஒரு வேலை. 15. I can do a job. 16. I am able to do a job. எனக்கு செய்ய முடியும் ஒரு வேலை 17. I can’t do a job. 18. I am unable to do a job. எனக்கு செய்ய முடியாது ஒரு வேலை. 19. I could do a job. 20. I was able to do a job. எனக்கு செய்ய முடிந்தது ஒரு வேலை. 21. I couldn’t do a job. 22. I was unable to do a job. எனக்கு செய்ய முடியவில்லை ஒரு வேலை. 23. I will be able to do a job. எனக்கு செய்ய முடியுமாக இருக்கும் ஒரு வேலை. 24. I will be unable to do a job. எனக்கு செய்ய முடியாமலிருக்கும் ஒரு வேலை. 25. I may be able to do a job. எனக்கு செய்ய முடியுமாக இருக்கலாம் ஒரு வேலை. 26. I should be able to do a job. எனக்கு செய்ய முடியுமாகவே இருக்கும் ஒரு வேலை 27. I have been able to do a job. (Perfect Tense பார்க்கவும்) சற்றுமுன்பிருந்து/கிட்டடியிலிருந்து எனக்கு செய்யமுடியுமாக இருக்கின்றது ஒரு வேலை. 28. I had been able to do a job. அக்காலத்திலிருந்து/அன்றிலிருந்து எனக்கு செய்யமுடியுமாக இருந்தது ஒரு வேலை. 29. I may do a job. 30. I might do a job. 31. I may be doing a job. நான் செய்யலாம் ஒரு வேலை. 32. I must do a job. நான் (கட்டாயம்) செய்ய வேண்டும் ஒரு வேலை.(அழுத்தம்) 33. I must not do a job. நான் செய்ய வேண்டியதில்லை ஒரு வேலை. நான் செய்யக் கூடாது ஒரு வேலை. 34. I should do a job. நான் செய்யவே வேண்டும் ஒரு வேலை. (மிக அழுத்தம்) 35. I shouldn’t do a job. நான் செய்யவே வேண்டியதில்லை ஒரு வேலை. நான் செய்யவே கூடாது ஒரு வேலை. 36. I ought to do a job. நான் எப்படியும் செய்யவே வேண்டும் ஒரு வேலை. (மிக மிக அழுத்தம்) 37. I don’t mind doing a job. எனக்கு ஆட்சேபனையில்லை செய்ய ஒரு வேலை. 38. I have to do a job. நான்/எனக்கு செய்ய வேண்டும் ஒரு வேலை. 39. I don’t have to do a job. நான்/எனக்கு செய்ய வேண்டியதில்லை ஒரு வேலை. 40. I had to do a job. நான்/எனக்கு செய்ய வேண்டி ஏற்பட்டது ஒரு வேலை. 41. I didn’t have to do a job. நான்/எனக்கு செய்ய வேண்டி ஏற்படவில்லை ஒரு வேலை. 42. I will have to do a job. எனக்கு செய்ய வேண்டி ஏற்படும் ஒரு வேலை. 43. I won’t have to do a job. எனக்கு செய்ய வேண்டி ஏற்படாது ஒரு வேலை. 44. I need to do a job. எனக்கு அவசியம் செய்ய (வேண்டும்) ஒரு வேலை. 45. I needn’t to do a job. 45. I don’t need to do a job. எனக்கு அவசியமில்லை செய்ய ஒரு வேலை. 46. He seems to be doing a job. அவன் செய்கின்றான் போல் தெரிகின்றது ஒரு வேலை. 47. He doesn’t seem to be doing a job. அவன் செய்கின்றான் போல் தெரிகின்றதில்லை ஒரு வேலை. 48. He seemed to be doing a job. அவன் செய்கிறான் போல் தெரிந்தது ஒரு வேலை. 49. He didn’t seem to be doing a job. அவன் செய்கிறான் போல் தெரியவில்லை ஒரு வேலை 50. Doing a job is useful. செய்வது(தல்) ஒரு வேலை பிரயோசனமானது. 51. Useless doing a job. பிரயோசனமில்லை செய்வது ஒரு வேலை. 52. It is better to do a job. மிக நல்லது செய்வது ஒரு வேலை. 53. I had better do a job. எனக்கு மிக நல்லது செய்வது ஒரு வேலை. 54. I made him do a job. நான் அவனை வைத்து செய்வித்தேன் ஒரு வேலை. 55. I didn’t make him do a job. நான் அவனை வைத்து செய்விக்கவில்லை ஒரு வேலை 56. To do a job I am going to America. செய்வதற்கு ஒரு வேலை நான் போகின்றேன் அமெரிக்காவுக்கு 57. I used to do a job. நான் பழக்கப்பட்டிருந்தேன் செய்ய ஒரு வேலை. 58. Shall I do a Job? நான் செய்யவா ஒரு வேலை? 59. Let’s do a job. செய்வோம் ஒரு வேலை. 60. I feel like doing a job. எனக்கு நினைக்கின்றது செய்ய ஒரு வேலை. 61. I don’t feel like doing a job. எனக்கு நினைக்கின்றதில்லை செய்ய ஒரு வேலை. 62. I felt like doing a job. எனக்கு நினைத்தது செய்ய ஒரு வேலை. 63. I didn’t feel like doing a job. எனக்கு நினைக்கவில்லை செய்ய ஒரு வேலை. 64. I have been doing a job. நான் கிட்டடியிலிருந்து/சிலகாலமாக செய்துக் கொண்டிருக்கின்றேன் ஒரு வேலை. 65. I had been doing a job. நான் அன்றிலிருந்து/அக்காலத்திலிருந்து செய்துக்கொண்டிருந்தேன் ஒரு வேலை. 66. I see him doing a job. எனக்கு தெரிகின்றது அவன் செய்கின்றான் ஒரு வேலை. 67. I don’t see him doing a job. எனக்கு தெரிகின்றதில்லை அவன் செய்கின்றான் ஒரு வேலை. 68. I saw him doing a job. எனக்கு தெரிந்தது அவன் செய்கிறான் ஒரு வேலை. 69. I didn’t see him doing a job. எனக்கு தெரியவில்லை அவன் செய்கிறான் ஒரு வேலை. 70. If I do a job, I will get experience. நான் செய்தால் ஒரு வேலை எனக்கு கிடைக்கும் அனுபவம். 71. If I don’t do a job, I won’t get experience. நான் செய்யாவிட்டால் ஒரு வேலை எனக்கு கிடைக்காது அனுபவம். 72. If I had done a job, I would have got experience. என்னால் செய்யப்பட்டிருந்தால் ஒரு வேலை எனக்கு கிடைத்திருக்கும் அனுபவம். (செய்யவும் இல்லை கிடைக்கவும் இல்லை) 73. It is time I did a job. இது தான் நேரம் நான் செய்வதற்கு ஒரு வேலை. கவனத்திற்கு:

உதாரணமாக மேலே கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ள பாடத்தில் “do a job” எனும் வார்த்தை சில இலக்கங்களின் போது “doing a job” என வந்துள்ளதை அவதானித்திருப்பீர்கள். அதாவது பிரதான வினைச்சொல்லுடன் ‘ing‘ யும் இணைத்து பயன்பட்டுள்ளது. அவ்வாறு பயன்படுத்தப்பட வேண்டிய இலக்கங்களை கீழே கொடுத்துள்ளோம். அவ்விலக்கங்களின் போது எப்போதும் பிரதான வினைச் சொல்லுடன் “ing” யையும் இணைத்தே பயன்படுத்த வேண்டும் என்பதை மனதில் வைத்துக் கொள்ளுங்கள். Verb with + ing: 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 31, 37, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69. உதாரணம்: speak in English speaking in English. என்று வந்துள்ளதை அவதானிக்கவும். Homework:

கீழே 10 வாக்கியங்கள் கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன. அவற்றை மேலே நாம் கற்றதைப் போன்று ஒவ்வொரு வாக்கியங்களையும் 73 விதமாக மாற்றி எழுதி பயிற்சி செய்யவும். எழுதும் பொழுது சத்தமாக வாசித்து வாசித்து எழுதிப் பயிற்சி செய்யுங்கள். அதுவே எளிதாக உங்கள் மனதில் பதியக் கூடியதாக இருக்கும். 1. I speak in English. நான் பேசுகின்றேன் ஆங்கிலத்தில். 2. I write a letter. நான் எழுதுகின்றேன் ஒரு கடிதம். 3. I play cricket. நான் விளையாடுகின்றேன் கிரிக்கெட். 4. I fill up the form. நான் நிரப்புகின்றேன் விண்ணப்பம். 5. I go to school. நான் போகின்றேன் பாடசாலைக்கு. 6. I do my homework. நான் செய்கின்றேன் வீட்டுப்பாடம். 7. I read a book. நான் வாசிக்கின்றேன் ஒரு பொத்தகம். 8. I travel by bus. நான் பிரயாணம் செய்கின்றேன் பேரூந்தில். 9. I look for a job. நான் தேடுகின்றேன் ஒரு வேலை. 10. I ride a bike. நான் ஓட்டுகின்றேன் உந்துருளி. கவனிக்கவும்

உதாரணமாக “speak in English” எனும் ஒரு வாக்கியத்தை எடுத்துக் கொண்டோமானால் அதை: I speak in English. நான் பேசுகின்றேன் ஆங்கிலத்தில். I am speaking in English. நான் பேசிக்கொண்டிருக்கின்றேன் ஆங்கிலத்தில். I spoke in English. நான் பேசினேன் ஆங்கிலத்தில். I didn’t speak in English. நான் பேசவில்லை ஆங்கிலத்தில். I will speak in English. நான் பேசுவேன் ஆங்கிலத்தில். என (மேலே எடுத்துக்காட்டியுள்ளதைப் போன்று) அதே இலக்க வரிசைக் கிரமத்தில் 73 வாக்கியங்களாக மாற்றி எழுதி பயிற்சி செய்யவும். இது மிகவும் இலகுவான ஓர் பயிற்சி முறையாகும். Long Forms = Sort Forms Do + not = Don’t Does + not = Doesn’t Did + not = Didn’t Will + not = Won’t Was + not = Wasn’t Were + not = Weren’t Can + not = Can’t Could + not = Couldn’t Have + not = Haven’t Has + not = Hasn’t Had + not = Hadn’t Need + not = Needn’t Must + not = Mustn’t Should + not = Shouldn’t Would + not Wouldn’t இப்பாடத்துடன் தொடர்புடை இரண்டு கிரமர் பெட்டன்களின் இணைப்பு கீழே கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன. அவற்றையும் பயிற்சி செய்துக்கொள்ளுங்கள்.

Grammar Patterns 2
Grammar Patterns 3

மற்றும் இன்றையப் பாடத்தில் நாம் கற்ற 73 வாக்கியங்களும் (அதே இலக்க வரிசைக் கிரமத்தில்) ஒவ்வொரு பாடங்களாக விரிவடையும். அப்பொழுது அதனதன் பயன்பாடுப் பற்றியும், இலக்கண விதிமுறைகள் பற்றியும் விரிவாக கற்கலாம். விரிவாக எழுதப்பட்ட பாடங்களுக்கு குறிப்பிட்ட வாக்கியத்துடன் இணைப்பு வழங்கப்படும். அவ்விணைப்பை சொடுக்கி குறிப்பிட்டப் பாடத்திற்கு சென்று அதன் முழுமையான பயன்பாட்டை கற்றுக்கொள்ளலாம். பிழையற்ற உச்சரிப்பு பயிற்சிக்கு பாடங்களுடன் இணைக்கப்பட்டிருக்கும் ஒலிதக்கோப்புகளை சொடுக்கி பயிற்சி பெறுங்கள். இந்த கிரமர் பெட்டன்களைத் தவிர மேலும் பல கிரமர் பெட்டன்கள் உள்ளன. அவை உரிய பாடங்களின் போது வழங்கப்படும்.

ஆங்கிலம் துணுக்குகள்
ஆங்கிலம் மொழி வரலாறு
அமெரிக்க ஆங்கிலம்

போன்றவற்றையும் பார்க்கலாம். நினைவில் வைத்துக்கொள்ளுங்கள்

“பேசும் மொழியைத்தான் இலக்கண விதிகளாக வகுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளதே தவிர, உலகில் எந்த ஓர் மொழியும் இலக்கணக் கூறுகளை வகுத்துவிட்டு மக்களின் பேச்சுப் புழக்கத்திற்கு வரவில்லை.” இக்கூற்று உலகில் உள்ள எல்லா மொழிகளுக்கும் பொருந்தும். எனவே “ஆங்கில இலக்கணம்” என்றவுடன் அதனை கடினமானதாக கருதாமல், மேலே கூறப்பட்டுள்ள விதிமுறைகளின் படி தொடர்ந்து பயிற்சி செய்யுங்கள். அவை உங்கள் மனதில் பதியும் வண்ணம் தொடர்ந்து பயிற்சி செய்யுங்கள். ஆங்கிலத்தில் “Well Begun is Half Done ” என்பர், அதன் பொருள் “எதனையும் முறையாக ஆரம்பித்து விட்டீர்கள் என்றாலே பாதி வெற்றி” என்பதுதான். எனவே இந்த முதல் பாடமே உங்களுக்கான சிறந்த ஆரம்பமாக இருக்கட்டும்! தொடர்ந்து பயிற்சி செய்யுங்கள். முடிந்தவரை அச்சமின்றி சத்தமாகப் பேசி பயிற்சி செய்யுங்கள். அதுவே கூடிய விரைவில் இயல்பாக ஆங்கிலம் பேசும் ஆற்றலை பெற்றுக்கொள்ள வழிவகுக்கும். மீண்டும் கூறிக்கொள்கின்றோம். இது மிகவும் எளிதாக ஆங்கிலம் கற்பதற்கான ஓர் பயிற்சி முறையாகும். சரி பயிற்சிகளைத் தொடருங்கள்! மீண்டும் அடுத்தப் பாடத்தில் சந்திப்போம்!

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Classroom English-Grammar-Simple Future

Classroom - English, Learn English / By Vaikundamoni

English Simple Future

FUNCTIONS OF THE SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE

The simple future refers to a time later than now, and expresses facts or certainty. In this case there is no ‘attitude’. The simple future is used:

To predict a future event: It will rain tomorrow.
With I or We, to express a spontaneous decision: I’ll pay for the tickets by credit card.
To express willingness: I’ll do the washing-up. He’ll carry your bag for you.
In the negative form, to express unwillingness: The baby won’t eat his soup. I won’t leave until I’ve seen the manager!

With I in the interrogative form using “shall”, to make an offer: Shall I open the window?
With we in the interrogative form using “shall”, to make a suggestion: Shall we go to the cinema tonight?
With I in the interrogative form using “shall”, to ask for advice or instructions: What shall I tell the boss about this money?
With you, to give orders: You will do exactly as I say.
With you in the interrogative form, to give an invitation: Will you come to the dance with me? Will you marry me?

Note:In modern English will is preferred to shall. Shall is mainly used with I and we to make an offer or suggestion, or to ask for advice (see examples above). With the other persons (you, he, she, they) shall is only used in literary or poetic situations, e.g. “With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, She shall have music wherever she goes.”

FORMING THE SIMPLE FUTURE

The simple future tense is composed of two parts: will / shall + the infinitive without to

Subject	will	infinitive without to
Affirmative
I	will	go
I	shall	go
Negative
They	will not	see
They	won’t	see
Interrogative
Will	she	ask?
Interrogative negative
Won’t	they	try?

CONTRACTIONS

I will = I’ll We will = we’ll You will = you’ll He will = he’ll She will = she’ll They will = they’ll Will not = won’t The form “it will” is not normally shortened.

TO SEE: SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE

Affirmative	Negative	Interrogative	Interrogative Negative
I will see	I won’t see	Will I see?	Won’t I see?
*I shall see		*Shall I see?
You will see	You won’t see	Will you see?	Won’t you see?
He will see	He won’t see	Will he see?	Won’t he see?
We will see	We won’t see	Will we see?	Won’t we see?
*We shall see		*Shall we see?
They will see	They won’t see	Will they see?	Won’t they see?

*Shall is dated, but it is still commonly used instead of “will” with the affirmative or interrogative forms of I and we in certain cases (see above). Simple Future has two different forms in English: “will” and “be going to.” Although the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express two very different meanings. These different meanings might seem too abstract at first, but with time and practice, the differences will become clear. Both “will” and “be going to” refer to a specific time in the future.

FORM Will

[will + verb]

Examples:

You will help him later.
Will you help him later?
You will not help him later.

FORM Be Going To

[am/is/are + going to + verb]

Examples:

You are going to meet Jane tonight.
Are you going to meet Jane tonight?
You are not going to meet Jane tonight.

USE 1 “Will” to Express a Voluntary Action

“Will” often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often, we use “will” to respond to someone else’s complaint or request for help. We also use “will” when we request that someone help us or volunteer to do something for us. Similarly, we use “will not” or “won’t” when we refuse to voluntarily do something.

Examples:

I will send you the information when I get it.
I will translate the email, so Mr. Smith can read it.
Will you help me move this heavy table?
Will you make dinner?
I will not do your homework for you.
I won’t do all the housework myself!
A: I’m really hungry. B: I‘ll make some sandwiches.
A: I’m so tired. I’m about to fall asleep. B: I‘ll get you some coffee.
A: The phone is ringing. B: I‘ll get it.

USE 2 “Will” to Express a Promise

“Will” is usually used in promises.

Examples:

I will call you when I arrive.
If I am elected President of the United States, I will make sure everyone has access to inexpensive health insurance.
I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.
Don’t worry, I‘ll be careful.
I won’t tell anyone your secret.

USE 3 “Be going to” to Express a Plan

“Be going to” expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the future. It does not matter whether the plan is realistic or not.

Examples:

He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii.
She is not going to spend her vacation in Hawaii.
A: When are we going to meet each other tonight? B: We are going to meet at 6 PM.
I‘m going to be an actor when I grow up.
Michelle is going to begin medical school next year.
They are going to drive all the way to Alaska.
Who are you going to invite to the party?
A: Who is going to make John’s birthday cake? B: Sue is going to make John’s birthday cake.

USE 4 “Will” or “Be Going to” to Express a Prediction

Both “will” and “be going to” can express the idea of a general prediction about the future. Predictions are guesses about what might happen in the future. In “prediction” sentences, the subject usually has little control over the future and therefore USES 1-3 do not apply. In the following examples, there is no difference in meaning.

Examples:

The year 2222 will be a very interesting year.
The year 2222 is going to be a very interesting year.

John Smith will be the next President.
John Smith is going to be the next President.

The movie “Zenith” will win several Academy Awards.
The movie “Zenith” is going to win several Academy Awards.

IMPORTANT

In the Simple Future, it is not always clear which USE the speaker has in mind. Often, there is more than one way to interpret a sentence’s meaning.

No Future in Time Clauses

Like all future forms, the Simple Future cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of Simple Future, Simple Present is used.

Examples:

When you will arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Not Correct
When you arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Correct

ADVERB PLACEMENT

The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.

Examples:

You will never help him.
Will you ever help him?

You are never going to meet Jane.
Are you ever going to meet Jane?

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Classroom English-Grammar-Past Perfect Continuous

Classroom - English, Learn English / By Vaikundamoni

Past Perfect Continuous

FORM

[had been + present participle]

Examples:

You had been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived.
Had you been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived?
You had not been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally arrived.

USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Past

We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and continued up until another time in the past. “For five minutes” and “for two weeks” are both durations which can be used with the Past Perfect Continuous. Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect Continuous; however, the duration does not continue until now, it stops before something else in the past.

Examples:

They had been talking for over an hour before Tony arrived.
She had been working at that company for three years when it went out of business.
How long had you been waiting to get on the bus?
Mike wanted to sit down because he had been standing all day at work.
James had been teaching at the university for more than a year before he left for Asia.
A: How long had you been studying Turkish before you moved to Ankara? B: I had not been studying Turkish very long.

USE 2 Cause of Something in the Past

Using the Past Perfect Continuous before another action in the past is a good way to show cause and effect.

Examples:

Jason was tired because he had been jogging.
Sam gained weight because he had been overeating.
Betty failed the final test because she had not been attending class.

Past Continuous vs. Past Perfect Continuous

If you do not include a duration such as “for five minutes,” “for two weeks” or “since Friday,” many English speakers choose to use the Past Continuous rather than the Past Perfect Continuous. Be careful because this can change the meaning of the sentence. Past Continuous emphasizes interrupted actions, whereas Past Perfect Continuous emphasizes a duration of time before something in the past. Study the examples below to understand the difference.

Examples:

He was tired because he was exercising so hard. This sentence emphasizes that he was tired because he was exercising at that exact moment.
He was tired because he had been exercising so hard. This sentence emphasizes that he was tired because he had been exercising over a period of time. It is possible that he was still exercising at that moment OR that he had just finished.

REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings forMixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Past Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use Past Perfect.

Examples:

The motorcycle had been belonging to George for years before Tina bought it. Not Correct
The motorcycle had belonged to George for years before Tina bought it. Correct

ADVERB PLACEMENT

The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.

Examples:

You had only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived.
Had you only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived?

Past Perfect Continuous

The Past Perfect Continuous is another tense that expresses the “past in the past”. In this lesson we look at the structure and use of the Past Perfect Continuous tense, followed by a quiz to check your understanding.

Note that continuous tenses are also called progressive tenses. So the Past Perfect Continuous tense is sometimes called the Past Perfect Progressive tense.

How do we make the Past Perfect Continuous tense?

The structure of the Past Perfect Continuous tense is:

subject	+	auxiliary have	+	auxiliary be	+	main verb
conjugated in Past Simple	past participle
had	been	present participle

The first auxiliary verb (have) is conjugated in the Past Simple, invariable: had The second auxiliary verb (be) is invariable in past participle form: been The main verb is invariable in present participle form: -ing For negative sentences we insert not after the first auxiliary verb. For question sentences, we exchange the subject and the first auxiliary verb. Look at these example sentences with the Past Perfect Continuous tense:

	subject	auxiliary verb		auxiliary verb	main verb
+	I	had		been	working.
+	You	had		been	playing	tennis.
–	It	had	not	been	working	well.
–	We	had	not	been	expecting	her.
?	Had	you		been	drinking?
?	Had	they		been	waiting	long?

Contraction with Past Perfect Continuous

When we use the Past Perfect Continuous in speaking, we often contract the subject and the first auxiliary verb. We also sometimes do this in informal writing.

I had been	I’d been
you had been	you’d been
he had been she had been it had been	he’d been she’d been it’d been
we had been	we’d been
they had been	they’d been

He’d been drinking all day.
It’d been pouring with rain.

In negative sentences, we may contract the first auxiliary verb and “not”:

We hadn’t been living there long.
They hadn’t been studying very hard.

How do we use the Past Perfect Continuous tense?

The Past Perfect Continuous tense is like the Past Perfect tense, but it expresses longer actions in the past before another action in the past. For example:

Ram started waiting at 9am. I arrived at 11am. When I arrived, Ram had been waiting for two hours.

past

present

future

Ram starts waiting in past at 9am.


9		11

I arrive in past at 11am.

Ram had been waiting for two hours when I arrived.

Here are some more examples:

John was very tired. He had been running.
I could smell cigarettes. Somebody had been smoking.
Suddenly, my car broke down. I was not surprised. It had not been running well for a long time.
Had the pilot been drinking before the crash?

You can sometimes think of the Past Perfect Continuous tense like the Present Perfect Continuous tense, but instead of the time being now the time is before.

	have been doing →
had been doing →
	past	present	future

For example, imagine that you meet Ram at 11am. Ram says to you:

“I am angry. I have been waiting for two hours.”

Later, you tell your friends:

“Ram was angry. He had been waiting for two hours.”

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Classroom English-Grammar-Past Perfect

Classroom - English, Learn English / By Vaikundamoni

Past Perfect Tense

FORM

[had + past participle]

Examples:

You had studied English before you moved to New York.
Had you studied English before you moved to New York?
You had not studied English before you moved to New York.

The Past Perfect expresses the idea that something occurred before another action in the past. It can also show that something happened before a specific time in the past.

Examples:

I had never seen such a beautiful beach before I went to Kauai.
I did not have any money because I had lost my wallet.
Tony knew Istanbul so well because he had visited the city several times.
Had Susan ever studied Thai before she moved to Thailand?
She only understood the movie because she had read the book.
Kristine had never been to an opera before last night.
We were not able to get a hotel room because we had not booked in advance.
A: Had you ever visited the U.S. before your trip in 2006? B: Yes, I had been to the U.S. once before.

USE 2 Duration Before Something in the Past (Non-Continuous Verbs)

With Non-Continuous Verbs and some non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Past Perfect to show that something started in the past and continued up until another action in the past.

Examples:

We had had that car for ten years before it broke down.
By the time Alex finished his studies, he had been in London for over eight years.
They felt bad about selling the house because they had owned it for more than forty years.

Although the above use of Past Perfect is normally limited to Non-Continuous Verbs and non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, the words “live,” “work,” “teach,” and “study” are sometimes used in this way even though they are NOT Non-Continuous Verbs.

IMPORTANT Specific Times with the Past Perfect

Unlike with the Present Perfect, it is possible to use specific time words or phrases with the Past Perfect. Although this is possible, it is usually not necessary.

Example:

She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.

MOREOVER

If the Past Perfect action did occur at a specific time, the Simple Past can be used instead of the Past Perfect when “before” or “after” is used in the sentence. The words “before” and “after” actually tell you what happens first, so the Past Perfect is optional. For this reason, both sentences below are correct.

Examples:

She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.
She visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with them in 1996.

HOWEVER

If the Past Perfect is not referring to an action at a specific time, Past Perfect is not optional. Compare the examples below. Here Past Perfect is referring to a lack of experience rather than an action at a specific time. For this reason, Simple Past cannot be used.

Examples:

She never saw a bear before she moved to Alaska. Not Correct
She had never seen a bear before she moved to Alaska. Correct

ADVERB PLACEMENT

The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever, still, just, etc.

Examples:

You had previously studied English before you moved to New York.
Had you previously studied English before you moved to New York?

For actions that happened before a past event

When we want to talk about an action that happened before a past event, we often use the past perfect. Look at these examples:

When I got home yesterday, my father had already cooked dinner.
I didn’t want to go to the movies with my friends because I had seen the film already.
My friend offered me an apple in class yesterday, but I wasn’t hungry because I had just eaten lunch.
I arrived very late at the party. All my friends had already gone home.
As soon as she had done her homework, she went to bed.
I was very tired as I hadn’t slept well for several days.
Had you seen the film before?

Notice how often words like already, just, never etc. are used with the past perfect.

In reported speech

The past perfect is common when we report people’s words or thoughts .., as in the following examples:

John said that he had never eaten sushi before.
She told me that she had finished, but I knew she had not.
She wondered why he had been so unkind to her.
He told me he hadn’t done his homework, but he was hoping to finish it on the bus.
I thought I had sent her a birthday card, but I was wrong.

In if (conditional) sentences

The past perfect tense is used in unreal or hypothetical stituations, as in the following sentences:

If I had known you were in Frankfurt, I would have called you. (but I didn’t know you were here so I didn’t call you!)
If I had had enough money, I would have bought you a better present. (but I didn’t have enough money.)
I would have been very angy if you had laughed when I got the answer wrong. (but you didn’t laugh, so I wasn’t angry.)
She wouldn’t have been able to finish, if you hadn’t helped her. (but you did help her and she did finish.)
I wish I had studied for my exams. (but I didn’t study – and I got bad grades!)
I would have been in big trouble if you hadn’t helped me. (but you did help me so I stayed out of trouble.)

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Classroom English-Grammar-Past Continuous

Classroom - English, Learn English / By Vaikundamoni

Past Continuous

FORM

[was/were + present participle]

Examples:

You were studying when she called.
Were you studying when she called?
You were not studying when she called.

USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Past

Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was interrupted. The interruption is usually a shorter action in the Simple Past. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.

Examples:

I was watching TV when she called.
When the phone rang, she was writing a letter.
While we were having the picnic, it started to rain.
What were you doing when the earthquake started?
I was listening to my iPod, so I didn’t hear the fire alarm.
You were not listening to me when I told you to turn the oven off.
While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car.
Sammy was waiting for us when we got off the plane.
While I was writing the email, the computer suddenly went off.
A: What were you doing when you broke your leg? B: I was snowboarding.

USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption

In USE 1, described above, the Past Continuous is interrupted by a shorter action in the Simple Past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.

Examples:

Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner.
At midnight, we were still driving through the desert.
Yesterday at this time, I was sitting at my desk at work.

IMPORTANT

In the Simple Past, a specific time is used to show when an action began or finished. In the Past Continuous, a specific time only interrupts the action.

Examples:

Last night at 6 PM, I ate dinner. I started eating at 6 PM.
Last night at 6 PM, I was eating dinner. I started earlier; and at 6 PM, I was in the process of eating dinner.

USE 3 Parallel Actions

When you use the Past Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions were happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.

Examples:

I was studying while he was making dinner.
While Ellen was reading, Tim was watching television.
Were you listening while he was talking?
I wasn’t paying attention while I was writing the letter, so I made several mistakes.
What were you doing while you were waiting?
Thomas wasn’t working, and I wasn’t working either.
They were eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.

USE 4 Atmosphere

In English, we often use a series of parallel actions to describe the atmosphere at a particular time in the past.

Example:

When I walked into the office, several people were busily typing, some were talking on the phones, the boss was yelling directions, and customers were waiting to be helped. One customer was yelling at a secretary and waving his hands. Others were complaining to each other about the bad service.

USE 5 Repetition and Irritation with “Always”

The Past Continuous with words such as “always” or “constantly” expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The concept is very similar to the expression “used to” but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words “always” or “constantly” between “be” and “verb+ing.”

Examples:

She was always coming to class late.
He was constantly talking. He annoyed everyone.
I didn’t like them because they were always complaining.

While vs. When

Clauses are groups of words which have meaning, but are often not complete sentences. Some clauses begin with the word “when” such as “when she called” or “when it bit me.” Other clauses begin with “while” such as “while she was sleeping” and “while he was surfing.” When you talk about things in the past, “when” is most often followed by the verb tense Simple Past, whereas “while” is usually followed by Past Continuous. “While” expresses the idea of “during that time.” Study the examples below. They have similar meanings, but they emphasize different parts of the sentence.

Examples:

I was studying when she called.
While I was studying, she called.

REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings forMixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Past Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Past.

Examples:

Jane was being at my house when you arrived. Not Correct
Jane was at my house when you arrived. Correct

FUNCTIONS OF THE PAST CONTINUOUS

The past continuous describes actions or events in a time before now, which began in the past and is still going on at the time of speaking. In other words, it expresses an unfinished or incomplete action in the past. It is used:

Often, to describe the background in a story written in the past tense, e.g. “The sun was shining and the birds were singing as the elephant came out of the jungle. The other animals were relaxing in the shade of the trees, but the elephant moved very quickly. She was looking for her baby, and she didn’t notice the hunter who was watching her through his binoculars. When the shot rang out, she was running towards the river…”
to describe an unfinished action that was interrupted by another event or action, e.g. “I was having a beautiful dream when the alarm clock rang.”
to express a change of mind: e.g. “I was going to spend the day at the beach but I’ve decided to get my homework done instead.”
with ‘wonder’, to make a very polite request: e.g. “I was wondering if you could baby-sit for me tonight.”

EXAMPLES

They were waiting for the bus when the accident happened.
Caroline was skiing when she broke her leg.
When we arrived he was having a bath.
When the fire started I was watching television.

Note: with verbs not normally used in the continuous form, the simple past is used.

FORMING THE PAST CONTINUOUS

The past continuous of any verb is composed of two parts : the past tense of the verb “to be” (was/were), and the base of the main verb +ing.

Subject	was/were	base + ing
They	were	watching
Affirmative
She	was	reading
Negative
She	wasn’t	reading
Interrogative
Was	she	reading?
Interrogative negative
Wasn’t	she	reading?

TO PLAY, PAST CONTINUOUS

Affirmative	Negative	Interrogative
I was playing	I was not playing	Was I playing?
You were playing	You were not playing	Were you playing?
He was playing	He wasn’t playing	Was he playing?
We were playing	We weren’t playing	Were we playing?
They were playing	They weren’t playing	Were they playing?

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Classroom-English-Grammar: Use of "used to" and " would always"

Classroom - English, Learn English / By Vaikundamoni

Use of “used to” and ” would always” in English

[used to + VERB]

Example:

I used to go to the beach every day.

It is better not to use “used to” in questions or negative forms; however, this is sometimes done in informal spoken English. It is better to ask questions and create negative sentences using Simple Past.

USE 1 Habit in the Past

“Used to” expresses the idea that something was an old habit that stopped in the past. It indicates that something was often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done now.

Examples:

Jerry used to study English.
Sam and Mary used to go to Mexico in the summer.
I used to start work at 9 o’clock.
Christine used to eat meat, but now she is a vegetarian.

USE 2 Past Facts and Generalizations

“Used to” can also be used to talk about past facts or generalizations which are no longer true.

Examples:

I used to live in Paris.
Sarah used to be fat, but now she is thin.
George used to be the best student in class, but now Lena is the best.
Oranges used to cost very little in Florida, but now they are quite expensive.

Use of "used to" and " would always" in English

“Used to” vs. Simple Past

Both Simple Past and “Used to” can be used to describe past habits, past facts and past generalizations; however, “used to” is preferred when emphasizing these forms of past repetition in positive sentences. On the other hand, when asking questions or making negative sentences, Simple Past is preferred.

Examples:

You used to play the piano.
Did you play the piano when you were young?
You did not play the piano when you were young.

FORM

[would always + VERB]

Examples:

You would always take your surfboard with you when you went to the beach.
Would you always take your surfboard with you when you went to the beach?
You would not always take your surfboard with you when you went to the beach.

USE 1 Habit in the Past

Like “used to” and Simple Past, “would always” expresses the idea that something was an old habit which stopped in the past. It says that an action was often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done now. Unlike “used to” and Simple Past, “would always” suggests that someone willingly acted that way and sometimes expresses annoyance or amusement at the habit. It also often suggests the habit was extreme. To express the opposite idea, we can say “would never” to indicate that someone never did something in the past, but now they do.

Examples:

She would always send me strange birthday gifts.
Sam and Mary would always choose the most exotic vacation destinations.
Sally would not always arrive early to class. She came late once or twice.
Ned would always show up at our house without calling first.
Mindy would not always walk to school. Sometimes, she took the bus.
Christine would always come late to the meetings.
Jeff would never pay for drinks when we went out together with our friends. Refusing to do something or normally not doing something is also a form of habit.

REMEMBER “Would Always” is Different

“Would always” is not exactly the same as “used to” or the Simple Past. “Would always” cannot be used to talk about past facts or generalizations. It can only be used for repeated actions.

Examples:

Sarah was shy, but now she is very outgoing. Correct
Sarah used to be shy, but now she is very outgoing. Correct
Sarah would always be shy, but now she is very outgoing. Not Correct

Forms Related to “Would Always”

In addition to “would always,” English speakers often use “would constantly,” “would often,” “would forever” or simply “would.” Although the last form “would” is correct, it is not suggested because it can easily be confused with other verb forms such as the Conditional or Future in the Past. Similarly, speakers can use “would rarely,” “would occasionally” and “would seldom” to express the idea that an action was not often repeated.

Examples:

Jerry would come to the parties every weekend.
Jerry would constantly bring his girlfriend to the parties.
Jerry would often bring his best friend to the parties.
Jerry would occasionally bring his older brother to the parties.
Jerry would seldom bring his sister to the parties.
Jerry would never bring his younger brother to the parties.

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