Here are 14 questions based on the answers in the text: 1. Where was Frank born? 2. Where did Frank go to school before moving to Denver? 3. Does Frank miss Buenos Aires? 4. Does Frank enjoy studying and living in Denver? 5. How long has Frank lived in Denver for? 6. Where is Frank currently studying? 7. What degree is Frank going to receive next June? 8. Where is Frank going to return to after receiving his degree? 9. What is Frank going to do after returning to Buenos Aires? 10. Where does Alice study? 11. What degree is Alice also going to receive next May? 12. Where did Frank and

1. Ecole Supérieure du Commerce Extérieur
Basic Written
Communication
(AN1S1M3)
Course Pack
2012-2013
Department of
Communication in
English
First Year
First Semester
Module 3

2. Table of Contents
Page
Syllabus, Course description and objectives, Weekly schedule 3
Webography 5
Correct the mistakes 7
The present and past simple and continuous tenses:
explanations and exercises
10
The infinitive versus the gerund:
explanations and exercises
15
The present perfect: explanations and exercises 20
Countable and uncountable nouns 26
Indefinite/definite/zero article:
explanations and exercises
29
Future tenses: explanations and exercises 34
Model CV and cover letter for internship 37
Indirect questions 40
Reported speech: explanations and exercises 41
Conditional tenses: explanations and exercises 45
The past perfect: explanations and exercises 52
Prepositions and Prepositional verbs 54
Phrasal verbs 58
Linking/connecting words 60
Modals: explanations and exercises
Crosswords
63
l’ESCE dispose, à des fins pédagogiques, de
l’autorisation du CFC pour la reproduction d’extraits
d’ouvrage, de journaux et de périodiques
2

3. Course Syllabus
Basic Written Communication (AN1S1M3)
2012-2013 First Year English, First Semester
Professors: Roly AKNIN Alan BOSWELL Maria CRAWFORD
roly.aknin@esce.fr alan.boswell@devinci.fr Mbcraw4d@gmail.com
Olivier SERAFINOWICZ Sylvie TALABARDON
olivier.serafinowicz@esce.fr sylvie.talabardon@wanadoo.fr
Course Description
Basic Written Communication (AN1S1M3) is a 90-minute per week English class during
13 weeks designed for first-year students with an expected level of B1 on CEFR scale
(Common European Framework Reference). The content of the class focuses on improving
basic written language skills through systematic grammar reviews and corrections and
allows students to measure their language awareness. Also included is an introduction to
written business communication and the production of a CV and application letter.
Course objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Recognize and identify the usual grammatical French-speaker errors,
• Analyse why the mistakes were made.
• Apply grammatical awareness to written business communication.
• Compose an appropriate C.V. and application letter for an internship centred on
individual goals for the year.
Student Activities and Assignments
1. Students will be required to produce formal, commercial, grammatically correct
written documents
2. Students will regularly produce homework, to be corrected in class.
3. Students will work in groups. Peer assessment and self-assessment will be
encouraged.
4. Students will be required to produce a CV and application letter for an internship.
Evaluation
Continuous assessment: 50% of final grade
Students will be required to
1.Demonstrate a grasp of grammar in a one hour test half-way through the semester.
2.Students will be tested on their use of grammar and vocabulary in an oral assessment.
3.The acquisition of business vocabulary will be tested once in a written assignment
towards the end of the semester.
Final examination 50% of final grade
The final examination for this course will test grammatical correctness and writing skills.
3

4. Schedule
Week Content
1
• Course Overview and Assignments
• Introductions/Grammar games
2 • The present tenses
• The past tenses
3
• Infinitive v. gerund
• The present perfect
4
• Countable/uncountable nouns
• Indefinite/definite/zero article
5
• Future tenses
• Model C.V.
• Model application letter for internship
6
• Individual meetings to correct CVs and application letters
• Reported speech
7
• Conditionals
• Past perfect
8
• Prepositions
• Phrasal verbs
9
• Linkers
• Modal verbs
10 • Grammar test
11 • Grammar test correction/ Vocabulary test
12 • Oral activity: case study
13 • Revision
4

5. 5

6. 6

7. Tips for writing - The 12 Commandments:
(1)Write a plan in English (this will help you structure your work)
(2)Do not translate literally (word for word)
(3)Avoid internet translators (looks English but often does not make sense)
(4)Use a dictionary (check context) also see www.wordreference.com
(5)Write short sentences (don’t waffle or beat around the bush)
(6)Use a rich vocabulary with linkers
(7)Be explicit – no jargon
(8)Be professional- would you say that in a professional context?
(9)Read over at least 3 times
(10) Do a grammar check (articles, 3rd
person, gerund, prepositions)
(11) Peer correction – get you colleagues to read over it- synergy!
(12) Use Word spell check (tools-language)
Good luck and start writing!
7

8. 8

9. All these sentences have a mistake! Correct them.
I’ll go on holiday next month. I’ve booked my ticket
I’ve been to Japan last month
I work in Paris since August
We were often going to visit my grandmother when I was a child
This is the first time I come to London
I’ll phone you when she will arrive
I’m tired of to tell her the same thing every day
A so charming woman
I like the Baroque music
I had dinner with John and her sister last night
The news are good
You don’t have to smoke in here, it’s forbidden
The essential is to get the timing right
The book who made the biggest impression on me
My brother isn’t at all as I am. I am shy whereas he’s really outgoing.
She wants that you come right now
He’s married with my sister
I’m agree with you!
I am the responsible for the department
It depends of lots of things
He told me that he thinks he’ll come
The sun is always rising in the East
I met him during I was on holiday
If I knew what he was like, I would not have invited him
You really must stop to smoke, it’s so bad for you
9

10. 10

11. QUESTION FORMS
We make questions by:
1: moving an auxiliary to the front of the clause:
Everybody is watching >> Is everybody watching?
They had worked hard >> Had they worked hard?
He's finished work >> Has he finished work?
Everybody had been working hard >> Had everybody been working hard?
He has been singing >> Has he been singing?
English is spoken all over the world >> Is English spoken all over the world?
The windows have been cleaned >> Have the windows been cleaned?
2: … or by moving a modal to the front of the clause:
They will come >> Will they come?
He might come >> Might he come?
They will have arrived by now >> Will they have arrived by now?
She would have been listening >> Would she have been listening?
The work will be finished soon >> Will the work be finished soon?
They might have been invited to the
party
>>
Might they have been invited to the
party?
3: The present simple and the past simple have no auxiliary. We make
questions by adding the auxiliary do/does for the present simple or did for the
past simple:
They live here >> Do they live here?
John lives here >> Does John live here?
Everybody laughed >> Did everybody laugh?
Questions - common mistakes
Common mistakes Correct version Why?
What meant you by
saying that?
What did you mean by
saying that?
You like this film? Do you like this film?
If there is no auxiliary
(helping) verb, we put
do, does or did before
the subject.
11

12. Where you are going
this afternoon?
Where are you going
this afternoon? We put an auxiliary verb
before the subject.
You did read the letter? Did you read the letter?
Who did give you the
information?
Who gave you the
information?
We don't use do, does or
did when we use what,
which, who or whose as
the subject.
Does he knows your
sister?
Does he know your
sister?
When there is an
auxiliary verb, the main
verb is in the infinitive
form.Where will she studies? Where will she study?
Can you tell me where
can I buy a good
camera?
Can you tell me where I
can buy a good camera?
Word order in indirect
question is the same as
in a normal sentence:
SUBJECT + VERB + ...
1) When begins the race? - ?
2) Sell you fish? - ?
3) Who does the trumpet play? - ?
4) Where flew the plane? - ?
5) Do you have got a brother? - ?
6) Plays Mike volleyball? - ?
7) Can the man the car drive? - ?
8) Why wrote you this letter? - ?
9) Do you can remember her name? - ?
10) Think you not that it's time to go? - ?
12

13. Write fourteen questions based on the answers in this short text.
Frank was born in Buenos Aires in 1977. He went to school in Buenos Aires for
before moving to Denver. He misses Buenos Aires, but he enjoys studying and
living in Denver. In fact, he has lived in Denver for over four years. Currently,
he is studying at the University of Colorado where he is going to receive his
Bachelor of Science next June. After he receives his degree, he is going to return
to Buenos Aires to marry Alice and begin a career in research. Alice studies Art
history at the University in Buenos Aires and is also going to receive a degree in
Art History next May. They met in Peru in 1995 while they were hiking together
in the Andes. They have been engaged for three years.
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________
6. ___________________________________________________________
7. ___________________________________________________________
8. ___________________________________________________________
9. ___________________________________________________________
10.__________________________________________________________
11.___________________________________________________________
12. _________________________________________________________
13._________________________________________________________
14._________________________________________________________
13

14. PRESENT SIMPLE OR PRESENT CONTINUOUS/PROGRESSIVE
Form
Simple Present Present Progressive
infinitive
(3rd person singular: infinitive + 's')
I speak
you speak
he / she / it speaks
we speak
they speak
form of 'be' and verb + ing
I am speaking
you are speaking
he / she / it is speaking
we are speaking
they are speaking
In general or right now? Do you want to express that something happens in
general or that something is happening right now?
Simple Present Present Progressive
in general (regularly, often, never)
Colin plays football every Tuesday.
present actions happening one after
another
First Colin plays football, then he watches
TV.
right now
Look! Colin is playing football now.
also for several actions happening at the
same time
Colin is playing football and Anne is watching.
Signal words
• always
• every ...
• often
• normally
• usually
• sometimes
• seldom
• never
• first
• then
• at the moment
• at this moment
• today
• now
• right now
• Listen!
• Look!
Note: The following verbs are usually only used in Simple Present:
be, have, hear, know, like, love, see, smell, think, want
Timetable / Schedule or arrangement? Do you want to express that something
is arranged for the near future? Or are you referring to a time set by a
timetable or schedule?
Simple Present Present Progressive
action set by a timetable or schedule
The film starts at 8 pm.
arrangement for the near future
I am going to the cinema tonight.
14

15. Daily routine or just for a limited period of time? Do you want to talk about a
daily routine? Or do you want to emphasis that something is only going
on for a limited (rather short) period of time?
Simple Present Present Progressive
daily routine
Bob works in a restaurant.
only for a limited period of time (does not
have to happen directly at the moment of
speaking)
Jenny is working in a restaurant this week.
The following verbs are usually only used in Simple Present (not in the progressive
form).
• state: be, cost, fit, mean, suit
• possession: belong, have
• senses: feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touch
• feelings: hate, hope, like, love, prefer, regret, want, wish
• brain work: believe, know, think, understand
• Introductory clauses for direct speech: answer, ask, reply, say
Exercise
1. We (not/send) out any orders this week, because
we (wait) for the new lists.
2. I (deal) with Mr Matsumi’s clients this week, because he is
away.
3. Go down this road, turn right, and the road (lead) to the
industrial estate.
4. Because of the euro/dollar exchange rate, EU exports
(not/do) very well at the moment.
5. The stock market is risky because the price of shares
(vary) according to economic conditions.
6. At the moment, we (carry out) a survey to find out what
sort of after-sales service our customers (want).
7. We’ve got a competition on at work for a name for our new brand of
cosmetics. The marketing people (try) to find a brand name
that (sound) natural and sophisticated.
8. Do you know what Mrs Ericson (do)? She’s not in her office.
9. I (apply) for a transfer to our London office. It
(depend) on whether they have any vacancies.
10.Their new brand instant coffee (taste) very good, it isn’t
surprising that it (become) more and more popular.
15

16. Fill in the appropriate verb in the right tense.
analyze block depend
look pay prefer require
sound speak specialize
take try
1. We a 10% deposit for orders of this kind
2. He to be self-employed, rather than have a permanent
job.
3. The switchboard outside calls from this extension.
4. I the statistics, so I can’t give you a decision yet.
5. We to boost our sales in the Japanese market
6. He rudely whenever I call him on the intercom
7. We our agents a 12.5% commission on net sales
8. Our firm in acquiring real estate in Southern
California.
9. I know it like our original model, but we updated it with
new features.
10.I can’t give you a definite date, it on our suppliers.
Vocabulary
1. An order
2. Exchange rate
3. The stock market
4. A survey (to carry out)
5. After-sales service
6. A range
7. A brand
8. To apply for
9. A vacancy
10.An order
11.To require
12.A deposit
13.The switchboard
14.An extension
15.To boost
16.Net sales
17.Real estate
18.To update
19.A feature
20.A supplier
16

17. SIMPLE PAST AND PAST CONTINUOUS/PROGRESSIVE
Simple Past Past Progressive
I spoke
regular verbs: verb + ed
I worked
past form of 'be' + ing form of verb
I was speaking
you were speaking
he / she / it was speaking
we were speaking
they were speaking
After another or at the same time? Do you want to express that the actions in
the past happened one after another or at the same time?
Simple Past Past Progressive
after another
She came home, switched on the computer
and checked her e-mails.
at the same time
Simon was playing on the computer while his
brother was watching TV.
New action or already in progress? If you want to express that a new action
happened in the middle of another action, you need both tenses: Simple
Past for the new action and Past Progressive for the action already in
progress.
Simple past Past Progressive
new action
My mobile rang (when I was sitting in a
meeting.)
action already in progress
While I was sitting in a meeting, (my mobile
suddenly rang.)
Only mentioning or emphasising progress? Do you just want to mention that
an action took place in the past (also used for short actions)? Or do you
want to put emphasis on the progress, e.g. that an action was taking
place at a certain time?
Simple Past Past Progressive
just mentioning
Colin played football yesterday.
emphasising progress
Yesterday at six o'clock, Colin was playing
football.
The following verbs are usually only used in Simple Past
• state: be, cost, fit, mean, suit
• possession: belong, have
• senses: feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touch
• feelings: hate, hope, like, love, prefer, regret, want, wish
• brain work: believe, know, think, understand
• introductory clauses for direct speech: answer, ask, reply, say
17

18. Signal words
Simple Past Past Progressive
• first
• then
• after
• when
• while
• as long as
While we (negotiate) the contract, my boss
(phone) me to say that he wanted completely different conditions.
The last time something like this (happen), she
(call) a press conference immediately.
Anne (explain) her position when Pedro
(interrupt) her.
We never got the chance to interview him, while we (investigate) the
incident, he (resign).
When he (finish) reading the article, he (give)
it to me.
Everyone (wait) for the meeting to begin when he (call)
to say he was stuck in traffic.
When I (clean) the vase, I (drop) it.
I (find) the missing file while I (look) for
some other documents.
18

19. Grammar module (1) Gerund or infinitive?
Example:
I enjoy learning grammar and this semester I’ve managed to improve my vocabulary.
Put the following verbs into the appropriate column……………………
ING INFINITIVE
consider help decide put off give up
begin afford pretend carry on refuse
risk continue promise finish involve
intend deserve deny admit avoid
start succeed guarantee manage agree
Explain the differences between the following:
(1) I stopped to smoke. I stopped smoking
(2) I stopped to buy something for my assistant. We stopped buying from that supplier.
(3) I regret to inform you…. I regret saying no.
(4) I will help you to do the report. I can’t help thinking about …..
(5) I meant to email you, but I forgot. Globalisation means being competitive
(6) I remembered to post the letter. I remember posting the letter.
I must remember to call him. Remember to call him.
19

20. 20

21. 21

22. 22

23. 23

24. SIMPLE PRESENT AND PRESENT PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
We use Simple Present for general statements about the present and for actions
taking place regularly in the present. We use Present Perfect Progressive to express
how long an action has been going on.
Simple Present Present Perfect Progressive
infinitive
(3rd person singular: infinitive + 's')
Example:
I / you / we / they speak
he / she / it speaks
form of 'have' + been + ing-form
Example:
I / you / we / they have been speaking
he / she / it has been speaking
General statements (when/how often) or how long already?
Do you want to make a general statement about the present, e.g. say when or how
often an action usually takes place? Or do you want to express, how long an action
has already been going on?
Simple Present Present Perfect Progressive
general statement, when / how often
I write a letter every day.
how long already
I have been writing for an hour.
Present Perfect Simple
The present perfect simple expresses an action that is still going on or that stopped
recently, but has an influence on the present. It puts emphasis on the result.
Form of Present Perfect
Positive Negative Question
I / you / we / the
y
I have spoken. I have not spoken. Have I spoken?
he / she / it He has spoken.He has not spoken.Has he spoken?
For irregular verbs, use the participle form. For regular verbs, just add “ed”.
Use of Present Perfect
• puts emphasis on the result
Example: She has written five letters, she’s finished now.
• action that is still going on
Example: School has not started yet.
• action that stopped recently
Example: She has just cooked dinner, it’s ready
24

25. • finished action that has an influence on the present
Example: I have lost my key, I can’t get into the house.
• action that has taken place once, never or several times before the moment of
speaking
Example: I have never been to Australia.
Signal Words of Present Perfect
• already, ever, just, never, not yet, so far, till now, up to now
Present Perfect Progressive
The present perfect progressive expresses an action that recently stopped or is still
going on. It puts emphasis on the duration or course of the action.
Form of Present Perfect Progressive
Positive Negative Question
I / you / we /
they
I have been
speaking.
I have not been
speaking.
Have I been
speaking?
he / she / it
He has been
speaking.
He has not been
speaking.
Has he been
speaking?
• puts emphasis on the duration or course of an action (not the result)
Example: She has been writing for two hours!
• action that recently stopped or is still going on
Example: I have been living here since 2001.
• finished action that influenced the present
Example: I have been working all afternoon, I’ve got a headache.
Signal Words of Present Perfect Progressive
• all day, for 4 years, since 1993, how long?, the whole week
25

26. Present Perfect Simple – Present Perfect Progressive
Form
Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Progressive
irregular verbs: form of 'have' + 3rd column of
irregular verbs
Example:
I / you / we / they have spoken
he / she / it has spoken
regular verbs: form of 'have' + infinitive + ed
Example:
I / you / we / they have worked
he / she / it has worked
form of 'have' + been + verb + ing
Example:
I / you / we / they have been speaking
he / she / it has been speaking
Use
Both tenses are used to express that an action began in the past and is still going on
or has just finished. In many cases, both forms are correct, but there is often a
difference in meaning: We use the Present Perfect Simple mainly to express that an
action is completed or to emphasise the result. We use the Present Perfect
Progressive to emphasise the duration or continuous course of an action.
Result or duration?
Do you want to express what has happened so far or how long an action has been
going on yet?
Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Progressive
Result (what / how much / how often)
I have written 5 letters. / I have been to London
twice.
Duration (how long)
I have been writing for an hour.
Certain verbs The following verbs are usually only used in Present Perfect
Simple (not in the progressive form).
• state: be, have (for possession only)
Example: We have been on holiday for two weeks.
• senses: feel, hear, see, smell, taste, touch
Example: He has touched the painting.
• brain work: believe, know, think, understand
26

27. Emphasis on completion or duration?
Do you want to emphasise the completion of an action or its continuous course (how
has somebody spent his time)?
Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Progressive
Emphasis on completion
I have done my homework. (Meaning: My
homework is completed now.)
Emphasis on duration
I have been doing my homework. (Meaning:
That's how I have spent my time. It does not
matter whether the homework is completed
now.)
Result or side effect?
Do you want to express that a completed action led to a desired result or that the
action had an unwanted side effect?
Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Progressive
desired result
I have washed the car. (Result: The car is
clean now.)
unwanted side effect
Why are you so wet? - I have been washing
the car. (side effect: I became wet when I was
washing the car. It does not matter whether
the car is clean now.)
Time + negation: last time or beginning of an action?
In negative sentences: Do you want to express how much time has passed since the
last time the action took place or since the beginning of the action?
Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Progressive
since the last time
I haven't played that game for years.
(Meaning: It was years ago that I last played
that game.)
since the beginning
I haven't been playing that game for an hour,
only for 10 minutes. (Meaning: It's not even an
hour ago that I started to play that game.)
Permanent or temporary?
If an action is still going on and we want to express that it is a permanent situation,
we will usually use the Present Perfect Simple. For temporary situations, we would
prefer the Present Perfect Progressive. This is not a rule, however, only a tendency.
Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Progressive
permanent
James has lived in this town for 10 years.
(Meaning: He is a permanent resident of this
town.)
temporary
James has been living here for a year.
(Meaning: This situation is only temporary.
Maybe he is an exchange student and only
here for one or two years.)
27

28. 1. Yesterday I (phone) the bank about my overdraft.
2. I (work) here since the end of last year.
3. Your taxi (arrive).
4. We’re enjoying our trip. We (make) a lot of
useful contacts.
5. I (saw) Hugh a couple of days ago. He sends
his regards.
6. We (go) to an interesting seminar last week.
7. Today (be) really busy and it’s only lunchtime!
8. Today really busy. It’s 7 p.m. I’m going home!
9. I’m afraid Patricia (leave) the office an hour ago.
10.I’m afraid Patricia isn’t here, she (leave) the office.
Present simple/past simple/present perfect (simple or continuous)
The company is doing really well. Last year, sales (go up) by
15% and so far this year they (go up) another 12%
We (operate) all over Latin America. Recently, we (set up)
branches in Peru and Ecuador.
This (not look) like the right block. Are you sure we
(come) to the right address?
I (just/meet) Andrew from Sales.
(you/know) him?
I (never/speak) to him, but I (speak)
to his assistant yesterday.
I (work) for Worldcom since last year, but now I
(want) to change jobs. (You/hear)
of any vacancies?
Perfect Simple or Continuous?
What’s the matter? You look worried!
Yes, I am, I (look at) the contract in detail and I
(notice) a lot of potential problems. Also, I (phone)
Carol all day, but there’s no reply. I (think)
28

29. of a few questions for her, and (look forward to)
getting her input.
29

30. Haven’t I seen you somewhere before? Corrections
Correct the following mistakes:
(1)I am unemployed since I have graduated in 2010.
(2)I live in Paris since 2010 and I lived in Asia.
(3)I set up my company since 2016
(4)Weren’t you working in Toulouse?
(5)Did you study in Paris?
(6)What do you do currently?
(7)Have you been in London last month?
(8)I’ve not relationship with her for 3 years;
(9)“I’ve done an internship last year.” “So am I”
(10) Have you been graduated in 2016?
(11) I just went to Madrid.
(12) Where were you working the last few years?
(13) What have you been up to last year?
(14) I’ve made my studies in ESCE 10 years ago.
(15) We mustn’t have seen us at La Défense.
30

31. Grammar module: Are the following sentences correct (T) or wrong (X)?
Correct them if you think they are wrong and explain why.
(1)I’m waiting here for ages
(2)How long are you working here?
(3)Today was really busy – and it’s only lunchtime!
(4)Did you know that Shakespeare has written 39 plays?
(5)She is sending emails all week but hasn’t placed an order yet.
(6)I didn’t give a presentation before, so I’m a bit nervous.
(7)We can’t supply the goods because they didn’t pay the deposit.
(8)We couldn’t supply the goods because they haven’t paid the deposit.
(9)The markets experienced a fall this week.
(10) The markets have experienced a fall last week.
(11) I’ve seen the results a few days ago.
(12) They have been knowing the manager for 3 months.
(13) Recently we set up a subsidiary in Peru.
(14) I’ve been starting the report.
(15) I’ve been losing my laptop. Did you see it?
(16) I’ve been cutting my finger.
(17) She’s out of breath because she has run.
(18) He’s falling asleep because he’s worked all night.
(19) I’ve been writing 23 reports this week.
(20) The company has been investing 15 million euros in the project.
31

32. UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
Uncountable or mass nouns are the names of materials, liquids, abstract qualities,
collections and other things which we do not see as separate objects. Most
uncountable nouns are singular with no plurals. Examples are: wheat, sand, weather,
water, wool, milk
We cannot use numbers with uncountable nouns. They are also not normally used
with the article a/an.
• accommodation (a place to live)
advice (a piece of advice)
baggage (a piece of baggage; a bag, a case)
behaviour (a piece of behaviour)
• bread (a piece of bread; a loaf; a roll)
chess (a game of chess)
chewing gum (a piece of chewing gum)
equipment (a piece of equipment; a tool)
furniture (a piece/article of furniture)
grass (a blade of grass)
• homework (a piece of homework)
information (a piece of information)
knowledge (a fact)
lightning (a flash of lightning)
luck (a bit/stroke of luck)
luggage (a piece of luggage; a bag)
• machinery (a piece of machinery)
money (a note; a coin; a sum)
news (a piece of news)
• permission
poetry (a poem)
• rubbish (a piece of rubbish)
• scenery (a piece of scenery)
thunder (a clap of thunder)
• traffic
travel (a journey/trip)
• weather
work (a job; a piece of work)
32

33. Countable or uncountable
Sometimes it is not easy to see whether a noun is countable or uncountable. For
instance, travel is normally uncountable, while journey is countable. It is impossible
to give complete details. The following rules, however, should help.
Illnesses
The names of illnesses are usually uncountable in English. Examples are:
chickenpox, measles, cancer, diabetes, flu etc.
• If you have had chickenpox, you can’t get it again.
But note that the words for some minor ailments are countable. Examples are: a cold,
a headache
• I have a bad headache. I’ve been having headaches.
Mixed uses
Many nouns have both countable and uncountable uses, sometimes with a difference
in meaning.
Words for materials are usually uncountable. But note that the same word is often
used as countable noun to refer to something made of the material.
• Have you got some typing paper? (uncountable)
• I want a paper. (countable)
• Have you got any coffee?
• Could I have two coffees? (= two cups of coffee)
Many abstract nouns are uncountable when used in a general sense. The same
noun can be countable in a particular sense.
• She hasn’t got enough experience for the job. (uncountable)
• It was a strange experience. (countable)
• Take your own time. (uncountable)
• Have a good time. (countable)
Plural uncountable nouns
Some uncountable nouns are plural. They have no singular forms with the same
meaning, and cannot be used with numbers. Examples are: trousers, jeans, pyjamas,
pants, scissors, spectacles, glasses, arms, goods, customs, groceries, clothes and
thanks
• Have you bought the groceries?
• Many thanks for your help.
33

34. 34

35. ARTICLES
A/an is called the indefinite article, we use it to introduce new information, or to
mention one of a group of things.
The is called the definite article, we us it when the listener knows which person or
thing we are talking about.
‘No article’ is the noun by itself, without an article. We use no article when we want to
speak generally.
• I read an interesting report last week (the report is mentioned for the first time)
• Have you read the report I gave you? (the listener knows which report)
• Reports are sent out 3 times a year (speaking generally)
Grammar rule 1 When you have a single, countable English noun, you must always
have an article before it. We cannot say "please pass me pen", we must say "please
pass me the pen" or "please pass me a pen" or "please pass me your pen".
Nouns in English can also be uncountable. Uncountable nouns can be concepts,
such as 'life', 'happiness' and so on, or materials and substances, such as 'coffee', or
'wood'.
Grammar rule 2 Uncountable nouns don't use 'a' or 'an'. This is because you
can't count them. For example, advice is an uncountable noun. You
can't say "he gave me an advice", but you can say "he gave me some
advice", or "he gave me a piece of advice".
Some nouns can be both countable and uncountable. For example, we say "coffee"
meaning the product, but we say "a coffee" when asking for one cup of coffee.
Grammar rule 3 You can use 'the' to make general things specific. You can
use 'the' with any type of noun – plural or singular, countable or
uncountable.
"Please pass me a pen" – any pen.
"Please pass me the pen" – the one that we can both see.
"Children grow up quickly" – children in general.
"The children I know grow up quickly" – not all children, just the ones I know.
"Poetry can be beautiful"- poetry in general.
"The poetry of Hopkins is beautiful" – I'm only talking about the poetry Hopkins wrote.
(NO the) Information is (NO the) Power
(NO the) Unity is (NO the) Strength
(NO the) Time is (NO the) Money
35

36. You imagine 3 similar sayings without articles, work with the person sitting next to you.
36

37. 37

38. FUTURE TENSES
DON’T FORGET THERE IS NO FUTURE AFTER when, after, before, unless, in
case, as soon as, by the time, the next time,
Future “going to”
Future “will”
Simple “Present”
Present Progressive
Future continuous (will+be+ing)
Future perfect (will have + past participle)
• action in the future that we see as a fact and a spontaneous decision
• action set by a timetable or schedule
• action already arranged for the future
• a future prediction with some evidence in the present and a future intention
• activity in progress in the future or to compare what we are doing now with
what we’ll be doing in the future.
• to look back from a point in the future to an earlier event
Name the tense and say why it is used
1. By the time we prepare our proposal, they’ll have found another supplier
2. The train leaves at 9 a.m.
3. Next year, I’ll have been working here for five years
4. The company will be 50 years old next year
5. We’re having a meeting at 3 p.m.
6. It’s going to be difficult to persuade the sales team to change their operation
38

39. Future tenses : Explain the concepts in the following sentences :
(1)What time does your flight get in ? My flight arrives at 22:00
(2)I’m having an appraisal with my project manager tomorrow.
(3)She’s going to hand in her resignation next month.
(4)I have nothing planned for this afternoon. I know I’ll update my C.V.
(5)Shall we take a break?
(6)I’ll give you a 5% discount if you pay within 30 days.
(7)‘I’ve got a problem with my laptop!’ ‘ Don’t worry I’ll lend you mine.’
(8)If you do that again, I’ll report you to the manager.
(9)Have you seen the balance sheet! We’re going to have some financial problems.
(10) Look at the clouds! It’s going to rain.
(11) If he continues being late the management will fire him.
(12) By the time she arrives you’ll have left.
(13) This time next week I’ll be travelling to Lisbon.
(14) This week I’ll be prospecting customers and updating the database.
(15) By the end of the term I will have improved my grammar.
(16) I will have changed jobs by the end of the year.
39

40. 40

41. 41

42. Curriculum Vitae
Personal information
Sabine Marchand
Address 13 avenue de la République, 75012 (France)
Telephones (+33)1.40.70.74.18 Mobile (+33)6.12.36.23.87
E-mail sabine.marchand@esce.fr
Nationality French
Date of birth 26/5/1992
Objective Dynamic, open-minded and professional 1st
year student looking for a 2 month
internship in a marketing department
Education and training
2011-2012
Principal subjects covered
First year of a Masters in International Business. ESCE. (www.esce.fr)
Leading Paris based business school specialised in Foreign Trade
Marketing, Economics, Accounting, Foreign relations, Foreign Trade, Law
Baccalaureate in science with honours (Equivalent to High School Diploma).Jules Ferry High School,
Conflans Sainte Honorine (France) 2010
Work experience
July 2011
Main activities and responsibilities
Name and address of employer
Sales Assistant
Welcomed and advised customers, carried out stock controls, learnt in-house software, improved my
interpersonal skills
H&M, 1-3 rue Lafayette, 75009 Paris (France)
June 2011 Project Manager’s Assistant in the IT Department
Main activities and responsibilities
Name and address of employer
Developed my interpersonal and organizational skills, updated projects, familiarised myself with the Office pack,
helped to organize meetings and training sessions
Allianz Global Investors, 22 rue le Peletier, 75009 Paris (France)
July 2010 Waitress
Main activities and responsibilities
Name and address of employer
Personal skills and
competences
This experience enabled me to know how to work under pressure, to develop my interpersonal, language and
organizational skills
Domaine de Presle, 2425 Route de Cholet, 49400 Distré (France)
Mother tongue French
Other languages English – Advanced level (CEFRL- B2)
Spanish- Advanced level (B1)
Soft skills Developed communication skills when I worked as a sales assistant and waitress. Talent for organization proven
during my training period at Allianz (organized meetings, training, updated power point presentations)
Computer skills and Internet and Office pack (Excel, Powerpoint, Word). Proficient
42

43. competences
Community Service
Voluntary help in clearing traces of oil spill and polluting waste from the beaches in Brittanny every year
Additional information Interests: Salsa, swimming, at competition level, the International press, movies and travel
Full driving licence
Referees :
Danielle Roger- Personnel manager at Allianz. d.roger@allianz.fr
Simon Belzanne- General manager at Domaine de Presle. s.belzanne@ddp.fr
43

44. Curriculum Vitae
Jeremy Dupont
Address:17, rue Basse
75005 Paris (France)
home: (33) 1.46.33.92.48
mobile: (33) 6.03.17.34.75
email:jdupont@hotmail.com
Date of birth:
Nationality:
Objective: Adjective, adjective first year student in International Trade seeking to
obtain a 2 month training period in a leading company from date to date
Education
Presently a first year student at the Ecole Supérieure du Commerce Extérieur (ESCE) a leading
Paris-based, five-year school of international commerce. (Laureate Universities)
Graduation: (date)
High school diploma with honors (French Baccalauréat) Majors: Math, Physics.
Graduation: (date)
Professional Experience
In date order starting with most recent.
Date. Company name. Position. Activity/responsibilities.
Using action verbs such as Participated, produced, organized, promoted, implemented, handled,
dealt with, improved, set up, managed, prospected etc.
Languages
French: Mother tongue
English: Fluent in normal business and social situations. TOEIC (score)
One month visits each to New York and London.
German: Good working knowledge. Two months in Bonn.
I.T. skills: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Internet. Personal blog.
Additional information
YOU NEED SPORTS, VOLUNTARY WORK/COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SOMETHING
INTELLECTUAL AND OR CREATIVE
Sports: Tennis (regional competition level), rollerblading (local competition level).
Miscellaneous: Founder of the ESCE Investment Club: InvestíK. Strategy games (chess and
backgammon).
Proficient flute player (several public performances)
Enjoy reading the international and business press
Community service: Regular charity work for Cancer Research you must find something to say here
Soft skills: Talent for organization and developed communication skills proven during several terms
as a Scout leader
References available upon request
44

45. 45

46. Politely does it ! ………………….Indirect questions
Could you tell me…..
Do you know …..
Do you happen to know …..
I wonder ……..
I haven’t a clue ……………
Have you any idea …………
Put the following direct questions into the indirect form:
(1)Has the meeting been put off?
(2)How long will the meeting last?
(3)Has J.P. handed in the report on time?
(4)Did Audrey send the agenda to all staff members yesterday?
(5)When will the C.F.O. be free?
(6)Has the service provider been contacted?
(7)Did Peter remember to invoice the clients last month?
(8)What’s the due date for the monthly time sheet?
(9)Has the steering committee contacted their counterparts in India?
(10) Has the conference call been put forward?
If/how/whether/when
46

47. Reported Speech
Actual words Indirect speech
‘I work for IBM.’ She said she worked for IBM.
‘I’m working for IBM.’ She said she was working for IBM.
‘I’ve worked for IBM.’ She said she had worked for IBM.
‘I’ve been working for IBM.’ She said she had been working for IBM.
‘I worked for IBM.’ She said she had worked for IBM
Or She said she worked for IBM.
‘I had worked for IBM.’ She said she had worked for IBM.
‘I’m going to work for IBM.’ She said she was going to work for IBM.
‘I can/ will/ may work for IBM.’ She said she could/ would/ might work for IBM.
There is no change for might, could, should, would.
If the statement is still true we can keep the same tense as the original.
He said the campaign is/ was a great success.
‘The sales team are doing very well at the moment’
He says/ said (that) the sales team are doing very well.
References to people, places, times and things often change, because the point of view changes.
‘I’ll see you here tomorrow,’ said Sue. Sue said that she would see me there the next day.
Here ….there now ….then, at that time today……that day yesterday..…the day before
Tomorrow……the next day, the following day last week….…the previous week
Next week…….the week after a few days ago…….a few days earlier
This project…….the project
Reporting questions
‘Where is it ?’ He asked me where it was.
‘Do you speak French?’ She asked me if I spoke French.
‘Are you going to pay cash?’ He asked me if / whether I was going to pay cash.
‘When will the goods arrive?’ They asked me when the goods would arrive.
Reporting commands
Commands are with tell and the infinitive
‘Take us to the airport.’ She told the driver to take us to the airport.
‘Don’t worry, I’ll deal with it.’ She told me not to worry.
Requests
‘Would you mind waiting for a moment?’ He asked me to wait.
‘Please don’t wait for me. I’ll come later.’ He asked us not to wait.
47

48. 48

49. Exercise Put the following into reported speech
“I can’t live on my basic salary; I’ll have to work overtime!”
He said
“I must hurry. The boss is always furious if we are late”.
She said
“There’s been an accident and the road won’t be clear for a while.”
The policeman said
“”You must hurry if you don’t want to miss your train, because they always leave on
time”.
She told me
“He could read when he was three”
She said____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
“I was waiting for the bus when I saw her”
My brother said______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
“We had never been there before”
They said__________________________________________________________
49

50. __________________________________________________
50

51. THE CONDITIONALS
Conditional Sentences are also known as Conditional Clauses or If Clauses. They
are used to express that the action in the main clause (without if) can only take place
if a certain condition (in the clause with if) is fulfilled. There are three types of
Conditional Sentences.
Conditional Sentence Type 1
→ It is possible and also very likely that the condition will be fulfilled.
Form: if + Simple Present, will-Future
Example: If I find her address, I’ll send her an invitation.
Form
if + Simple Present, will-Future
Example: If I find her address, I will send her an invitation.
The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, don't use
a comma.
Example: I will send her an invitation if I find her address.
Example: If I don’t see him this afternoon, I will phone him in the evening.
Use
Conditional Sentences Type I refer to the future. An action in the future will only
happen if a certain condition is fulfilled by that time. We don't know for sure whether
the condition actually will be fulfilled or not, but the conditions seem rather realistic –
so we think it is likely to happen.
Example: If I find her address, I’ll send her an invitation.
I want to send an invitation to a friend. I just have to find her address. I am quite sure,
however, that I will find it.
Example: If John has the money, he will buy a Ferrari.
I know John very well and I know that he earns a lot of money and that he loves
Ferraris. So I think it is very likely that sooner or later he will have the money to buy a
Ferrari.
51

52. Conditional Sentence Type 2
→ It is possible, but very unlikely, that the condition will be fulfilled.
Form: if + Simple Past, Conditional I (= would + Infinitive)
Example: If I found her address, I would send her an invitation.
Form
if + Simple Past, main clause with Conditional I (= would + Infinitive)
Example: If I found her address, I would send her an invitation.
The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, don't use
a comma.
Example: I would send her an invitation if I found her address.
Example: If I had a lot of money, I wouldn’t stay here.
Were instead of Was
In IF Clauses Type II, we can use ‚were‘ – even if the pronoun is I, he, she or it –.
Example: If I were you, I would not do this.
Use
Conditional Sentences Type II refer to situations in the present. An action could
happen if the present situation were different. I don't really expect the situation to
change, however. I just imagine “what would happen if …“
Example: If I found her address, I would send her an invitation.
I would like to send an invitation to a friend. I have looked everywhere for her
address, but I cannot find it. So now I think it is rather unlikely that I will eventually
find her address.
Example: If John had the money, he would buy a Ferrari.
I know John very well and I know that he doesn't have much money, but he loves
Ferraris. He would like to own a Ferrari (in his dreams). But I think it is very unlikely
that he will have the money to buy one in the near future.
52

53. Conditional Sentence Type 3
→ It is impossible that the condition will be fulfilled because it refers to the
past.
Form: if + Past Perfect, Conditional II (= would + have + Past Participle)
Example: If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.
Form
if + Past Perfect, main clause with Conditional II
Example: If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.
The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, don't use
a comma.
Example: I would have sent her an invitation if I had found her address.
Example: If I hadn’t studied, I wouldn’t have passed my exams.
Use
Conditional Sentences Type III refer to situations in the past. An action could have
happened in the past if a certain condition had been fulfilled. Things were different
then, however. We just imagine, what would have happened if the situation had been
fulfilled.
Example: If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.
Sometime in the past, I wanted to send an invitation to a friend. I didn't find her
address, however. So in the end I didn't send her an invitation.
Example: If John had had the money, he would have bought a Ferrari.
I knew John very well and I know that he never had much money, but he loved
Ferraris. He would have loved to own a Ferrari, but he never had the money to buy
one.
53

54. Grammar: Conditionals Translate the following into English
(1) Si vous payez comptant, vous avez une remise de 2%.
(2) Si vous commandez 1000 articles, vous aurez une remise de 5%.
(3) Si vous commandiez avant le 30 mai, on vous accorderait une remise de 8%.
(4) Si j’avais payé la facture à temps, je n’aurais pas eu de pénalité.
(5) Si j’atteins mes objectifs, j’aurai une prime.
(6) Si j’atteignais mes objectifs, j’aurais une prime.
(7) Si je parlais mieux anglais, je n’aurais pas été obligé de payer un traducteur.
(8) Je serais plus aisé aujourd’hui si je n’avais pas acheté des actions Air France.
(9) Si j’avais mieux négocié, j’aurais un meilleur salaire aujourd’hui.
(10)Si je gagnais au Lotto, j’arrêterais de travailler chez Bureau Veritas.
54

55. 55

56. 56

57. PAST PERFECT SIMPLE
The past perfect simple expresses an action taking place before a certain time in the
past.
Form of Past Perfect Simple
Auxillary had + past
participle
Use of Past Perfect
• action taking place before a certain time in the past
(putting emphasis only on the fact, not the duration)
Example: Before I came here, I had spoken to Jack.
Signal Words
• already, just, never, not yet, once, until that day, after, once, by, meanwhile
• Past Perfect Progressive
The past perfect progressive puts emphasis on the course or duration of an action
taking place up to a certain time in the past.
Form : Had been + ing
• A: He had been talking.
• N: He had not been talking.
• Q: Had he been talking?
Use
• action taking place (continuity/duration) before a certain time in the past
• sometimes interchangeable with past perfect simple
• puts emphasis on the course or duration of an action
Signal words
• for, since, the whole day, all day, before,
57

58. Past perfect/past simple/past continuous
While I (look for) my keys, I suddenly
(remember) I I (leave) them at home.
After they (buy) the company, they (start)
to make people redundant.
I was sure that I (lock) the door to my office, but
it (be) open this morning.
I (go back) to the restaurant to look for my
umbrella, but (find) that someone (take)
it.
While I (have) breakfast, I (look)
at the financial papers, and (see)
that my original investment (grew)
by over 4%.
Invent 3 sentences with the person sitting next to you.
58

59. PREPOSITIONS
Even advanced learners of English find prepositions difficult, as a 1:1 translation is usually
not possible. One preposition in your native language might have several translations
depending on the situation. There are hardly any rules as to when to use which preposition.
The only way to learn prepositions is looking them up in a dictionary, reading a lot in English
and learning useful phrases off by heart
The following table contains rules for some of the most frequently used prepositions in
English:
Time
English Usage Example
• on • days of the week • on Monday
• in
• months / seasons
• time of day
• year
• after a certain period of
time (when?)
• in August / in winter
• in the morning
• in 2006
• in an hour
• at
• for night
• for weekend
• a certain point of time
(when?)
• at night
• at the weekend
• at half past nine
• since
• from a certain point of time
(past till now)
• since 1980
• for
• over a certain period of
time (past till now)
• for 2 years
• ago • a certain time in the past • 2 years ago
• before
• earlier than a certain point
of time
• before 2004
• to • telling the time • ten to six (5:50)
• past • telling the time • ten past six (6:10)
• to /
till / until
• marking the beginning and
end of a period of time
• from Monday to/till Friday
• till /
until
• in the sense of how long
something is going to last
• He is on holiday until Friday.
• by
• in the sense of at the
latest
• up to a certain time
• I will be back by 6 o’clock.
• By 11 o'clock, I had read
five pages.
Place (Position and Direction)
English Usage Example
• in
• room, building, street,
town, country
• book, paper etc.
• car, taxi
• picture, world
• in the kitchen, in London
• in the book
• in the car, in a taxi
• in the picture, in the world
• at • meaning next to, by an • at the door, at the station
59

60. English Usage Example
object
• for table
• for events
• place where you are to do
something typical (watch a
film, study, work)
• at the table
• at a concert, at the party
• at the cinema, at school,
at work
• on
• attached
• for a place with a river
• being on a surface
• for a certain side (left,
right)
• for a floor in a house
• for public transport
• for television, radio
• the picture on the wall
• London lies on the
Thames.
• on the table
• on the left
• on the first floor
• on the bus, on a plane
• on TV, on the radio
• by, next
to, beside
• left or right of somebody or
something
• Jane is standing by / next
to / beside the car.
• under
• on the ground, lower than
(or covered by) something
else
• the bag is under the table
• below
• lower than something else
but above ground
• the fish are below the
surface
• over
• covered by something else
• meaning more than
• getting to the other side
(also across)
• overcoming an obstacle
• put a jacket over your shirt
• over 16 years of age
• walk over the bridge
• climb over the wall
• above
• higher than something
else, but not directly over it
• a path above the lake
• across
• getting to the other side
(also over)
• getting to the other side
• walk across the bridge
• swim across the lake
• through
• something with limits on
top, bottom and the sides
• drive through the tunnel
• to
• movement to person or
building
• movement to a place or
country
• for bed
• go to the cinema
• go to London / Ireland
• go to bed
• into • enter a room / a building
• go into the kitchen / the
house
• towards
• movement in the direction
of something (but not
directly to it)
• go 5 steps towards the
house
• onto
• movement to the top of
something
• jump onto the table
60

61. English Usage Example
• from • in the sense of where from • a flower from the garden
Other important Prepositions
English Usage Example
• from • who gave it • a present from Jane
• of
• who/what does it belong to
• what does it show
• a page of the book
• the picture of a palace
• by • who made it • a book by Mark Twain
• on
• walking or riding on
horseback
• entering a public transport
vehicle
• on foot, on horseback
• get on the bus
• in • entering a car / Taxi • get in the car
• off
• leaving a public transport
vehicle
• get off the train
• out of • leaving a car / Taxi • get out of the taxi
• by
• rise or fall of something
• travelling (other than
walking or horseriding)
• prices have risen by 10
percent
• by car, by bus
• at • for age • she learned Russian at 45
• about
• for topics, meaning what
about
• we were talking about you
61

62. Thank you your interest in our products
We are interested purchasing 5,000 units
Do you give discounts an order of this size?
We will be happy to deal any further questions
Is it possible to buy credit?
We need these items the end of the month
We need to reach an agreement this matter
We have 20 items order you
In reference discounts, our terms are 5%
orders £500
With regard your request a discount…
The goods will leave our warehouse 3 days
62

63. Linking words
Linking words Example of use
As long as
provided (that)
providing :
You can take my car as long
as/provided (that)/ providing
you don't damage it.
(I will lend you my car on condition
that you don't damage it.)
Although/even
though :
Although/ even though he is
rich, he lives in a small house.
(In spite of the fact that he is rich,
he lives in a small house.)
Even if :
He is poor and has no house, but
even if he had a lot of money,
he wouldn't buy a house.
(He has no money and no house,
but supposing he had money,
he still wouldn't buy a house.)
In case :
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
(There is a possibility that it will
rain,
so it's a good idea to take an
umbrella.)
In spite of /
despite :
In spite of/despite the rain, she
walked to the station.
In spite of/despite being blind,
she walked to the station.
( = without being affected by the
rain, or by being blind.)
So that :
She arrived early so that she
could help her colleagues.
(She arrived early for the purpose
of helping her colleagues.)
Whereas :
Tom is rich whereas Jack is poor.
(Tom is rich. In contrast, Jack is
poor.)
Whatever :
You can count on me whatever
you decide to do.
(No matter what you decide to do,
you can count on me.)
Whenever : I will lend you my car whenever
you need it.
(No matter when you need my car
I will lend it to you.)
63

64. Wherever :
My thoughts will be with you
wherever you go.
(No matter where you go my
thoughts will be with you.)
64

65. 65

66. 66

67. 67

68. Match the English to the French
1. Given that/seeing as
2. Whereas
3. Even if/although
4. However
5. Whatever
6. Eventually
7. On the other hand
8. At the same time
9. Anyway
10.Overall
11.Besides
12.Ultimately
13.Actually
14.Having said that
15.Consequently
16.Since
17.Despite/in spite of
18.Obviously
19.Apparently
20.Nevertheless
21.Along with
22.Furthermore
23.Meanwhile
• Ceci étant dit
• Étant donné que
• Même si
• De surcroit
• Pendant ce temps
• Il parait que
• Tandis que
• Cependant
• Par conséquent
• Quoi que
• En tout cas
• En outre
• Puisque
• Bien évidement
• Ainsi que
• Malgré
68

69. • A la fin
• Tout compte fait
• D’autre part
• Néanmoins
• Finalement
• En parallèle
69

70. 70

71. 71

72. 72

73. 73

74. MODAL VERBS
All the auxiliary verbs except be, do and have are called modals. Unlike other
auxiliary verbs modals only exist in their helping form; they cannot act alone as the
main verb in a sentence.
The modal verbs are:-
CAN / COULD / MAY / MIGHT / MUST / SHALL / SHOULD / OUGHT TO / WILL /
WOULD/ HAVE TO/DON’T HAVE TO
Modal Example Uses
Can They can control their own budgets.
We can’t fix it.
Can I smoke here?
Can you help me?
Ability / Possibility
Inability / Impossibility
Asking for permission
Request
Could Could I borrow your dictionary?
Could you say it again more slowly?
We could try to fix it ourselves.
I think we could have another Gulf War.
He gave up his old job so he could work for us.
Asking for permission.
Request
Suggestion
Future possibility
Ability in the past
May May I have another cup of coffee?
China may become a major economic power.
Asking for permission
Future possibility
Might We'd better phone tomorrow, they might be
eating their dinner now.
They might give us a 10% discount.
Present possibility
Future possibility
(less sure than may)
Must We must say good-bye now.
They mustn’t disrupt the work more than
necessary.
Necessity / Obligation
Prohibition
Ought to We ought to employ a professional writer. Saying what’s right or
correct
Shall
(More
common
in the UK
than the
Shall I help you with your luggage?
Shall we say 2.30 then?
Shall I do that or will you?
Offer
Suggestion
Asking what to do
74

75. US)
Should We should sort out this problem at once.
I think we should check everything again.
Profits should increase next year.
Saying what’s right or
correct
Recommending action
Uncertain prediction
Will I can’t see any taxis so I’ll walk.
I'll do that for you if you like.
I’ll get back to you first thing on Monday.
Profits will increase next year.
Instant decisions
Offer
Promise
Certain prediction
Would Would you mind if I brought a colleague with
me?
Would you pass the salt please?
Would you mind waiting a moment?
"Would three o`clock suit you?" - "That’d be
fine."
Would you like to play golf this Friday?
"Would you prefer tea or coffee?" - "I’d like tea
please."
Don’t have to/needn’t Absence of
obligation.
You can come if you like, but you don’t have to
Asking for permission
Request
Request
Making arrangements
Invitation
Preferences
!Note The modal auxiliary verbs are always followed by the base form.
75

76. Modals
Degrees of probability
100% certainty will, be certain to
95%- 100% deduction must, can’t
80% expectation should, ought to, be likely to, shouldn’t,
ought not to, be unlikely to
30%- 70% uncertainty may, might, could, may not, might not
0% certainty won’t
Degrees of probability in the past
Assumption You will have seen the ad. It’s really eye-catching and you
can’t miss it!
Deduction She must have been on the phone as her line was engaged.
He can’t have got the job as he didn’t seem very pleased.
Expectation You should have received the goods. I sent them 10 days ago.
They ought to have contacted the sales manager before
drawing up the offer.
Uncertainty I might have made a mistake in the figures. I didn’t have
enough time to look over them.
Assumption You won’t have seen the new Michael Moore film as it
hasn’t been released yet.
76

77. Match the sentence with the translation
She can write it Il se peut qu’elle l’écrive
She could write it Elle devra l’écrire
She was able to write it Il se pourrait qu’elle l’écrive
She could have written it Elle aurait dû l’écrire
She’ll be able to write it Ce n’était pas la peine qu’elle l’écrive
She must write it On ne lui a pas permis de l’écrire
She’ll have to write it Elle n’avait pas besoin de l’écrire
She had to write it Elle aurait pu l’écrire
She must have written it Si elle l’écrivait
She should write it Il se pourrait qu’elle l’ait écrit
She should have written it Elle devrait l’écrire
She would have written it Elle doit l’écrire
She may write it Elle a pu l’écrire
She might write it Il se peut qu’elle l’ait écrit
She may have written it Elle a du l’écrire (hypothesis)
She might have written it Elle a du l’écrire (obligation)
She didn’t need to write it Elle peut l’écrire
She needn’t have written it Elle l’aurait écrit
She wasn’t allowed to write it Elle pourra l’écrire
Should she write it Elle pourrait l’écrire
77

78. 78

79. 79

80. 80

81. 81

82. 82