How we use language to perform certain functions: ordering a meal, asking directions, explaining, asking and so on.
In English there are a number of different ways to be Negative and these depend on the original positive sentence. Generally speaking we make negatives in two ways. Either by adding not to an auxiliary verb or by using do/does/did + not: I am going to answer that question. > […]
When we talk about Language Functions, we are talking about the reason we use a language. This can be contrasted with grammar which is how the language works. Functions are why we use language: to greet people, to order a meal, to ask the time and so on. Grammar, on […]
How many Tenses are there in English? It sounds like a simple question, but, unfortunately, it isn’t. This is because different people – including both students and TEFL teachers – have different definitions of what a tense actually is and there is no single, accepted one. However, in English there […]
Find the Comparative is a good activity for your class to practice making comparative sentences. It’s best used as an activity for pairs or small groups. Preparation Begin by making a series of cards. On each one write a pair of words which are related somehow; they should be two […]
We use Exclamations to express surprise, anger, joy and so on: What an idiot! Unbelievable! How fantastic! As you can see, in writing an exclamation is shown using an Exclamation Mark (or Exclamation Point) which is a vertical line over a dot. See Exclamation Mark for more on this. An […]