2. DEFINITION
Phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions,
combining verbs and prepositions to make new
verbs whose meaning is often not obvious from
the dictionary definitions of the individual words.
They are widely used in both written and spoken
English, and new ones are formed all the time as
they are a flexible way of creating new terms.
3. EXAMPLES
Sorry I'm late. The car broke
down.
Look out! There's car
coming.
It was my first flight. I was
very nervous as the plane took
off.
It was so tired this morning
that I couldn't get up.
How did you get on in your
examination yesterday?
5. The modals
are used to
do things like
talking about
ability, asking
permission
making
requests, and
so on.
ADVICE OBLIGATION
Should: We use should to make suggestions
and give advice:
Subject + modal + basic verb +
• You should send an email.
• We should go by train.
Must: It is for simple present. It usually shows
general obligations.
• Passengers must fasten their seat-belts.
• You must go for a walk with the dog at least
once a day.
Ought to: Should and ought to have the same
meaning.
They are used to give advice, or say what is the
right thing to do.
• I ought to phone my parents.
• It ought to be easy now.
Need to: Need expresses necessity. When 'need'
is used in the meaning of 'to be in want of' it is
not a modal verb.
• He needs to come with us.
• They do not need to hurry.
Had better: It is a bit stronger. It includes the
idea of a warning: something bad will happen if
you do not follow my advice.
• You had better not forget to pay your tuition.
If you forget, the university will kick you out
• You had better do your homework. If you do
not do your homework, the teacher will give
you a low mark.
Have to: It is not an actual modal verb, but it is
used like a modal. You must conjugate the verb
“have” depending on the time and subject.
• I have to work on Saturday.
• They have to wear their uniforms at school.
7. EXPLANATION AND EXAMPLES
Will: It expresses a spontaneous decision, an assumption with regard to the future or an action in the
future that cannot be influenced.
Going to: It expresses a conclusion regarding the immediate future or an action in the near future that
has already been planned or prepared.
Present progressive: It expresses an action already arranged for the near future
EXAMPLES:
It will rain tomorrow.
I’ll give you the money back next week.
I’m going to take a few days off.
We’re going to visit my parents at the weekend.
Next holiday we’re staying in a five-star hotel.
9. EXPLANATION AND EXAMPLES
positive statement negative tag
Snow is white, isn't it?
negative statement positive tag
You don't like me, do you?
A tag question is a special construction in English. It is a statement followed by a mini-question.
We use tag questions to ask for confirmation. They mean something like: "Is that right?" or "Do you
agree?" They are very common in English.
The basic structure of a tag question is:
Examples:
• The weather's bad, isn't it?
• You’re from Madrid, aren’t you?
• You aren’t Brazilian, are you?
• Your sister is in Buenos Aires, isn’t she?
• They are policemen, aren’t they?
