English Speaking Basics I: "Be Like A Diamond Precious and Rare Not Like A Stone Found Everywhere"
English Speaking Basics I: "Be Like A Diamond Precious and Rare Not Like A Stone Found Everywhere"
English Speaking Basics I: "Be Like A Diamond Precious and Rare Not Like A Stone Found Everywhere"
I'm
'I'm' is an abbreviation for the word 'I AM.' It is used in combination with other words to tell someone about yourself or to describe something you are doing. Here are some examples: "I'm so tired." "I'm confused." "I'm happy." "I'm twenty three years old." "I'm hungry." "I'm nervous." "I'm excited." "I'm leaving work." "I'm thirsty." "I'm from Seattle." You can also add descriptive words with 'I'm' such as: "I'm extremely tired." "I'm very happy." "I'm terribly hungry." "I am super excited." "I'm very nervous."
I'm in/at/on
Describes an action you are doing. Most commonly, you would use the word 'in' when entering a physical location such as a room or a building. Here are some examples: "I'm in the shower." "I'm in the lobby." "I'm in a car." "I'm in a house." "I'm in a school." Using the word 'at' helps tell someone where you currently are. The difference between 'at' and 'in' is that the physical location is general. Here are some examples: "I'm at the grocery." "I'm at the mall." "I'm at the doctor's office." "I'm at the park." "I'm at the airport." However, in some cases you can use 'at' and 'in' interchangeably.
Here are some examples: "I'm at the mall." "I'm in the mall." "I'm at the park." "I'm in the park." "I'm at the grocery." "I'm in the grocery." Using the word 'on' is referring to a non physical location such as your time being utilized by something else. Here are some examples: "I'm on the phone." "I'm on my computer." "I'm on a bus."
I'm good at
Again, 'I'm' is used here as 'I am.' 'Good at' informs someone what you excel at and are comfortable doing. Here are some examples: "I'm good at drawing." "I'm good at video games." "I'm good at swimming." "I'm good at driving." "I'm good at reading." "I'm good at sports." "I'm good at writing." "I'm good at math." "I'm good at dancing." "I'm good at chess."
I'm + (verb)
'I'm' is a contraction of the words 'I am.' By adding a verb to 'I'm' this lets you express an action or occurrence about yourself. Here are some examples: "I'm eating lunch." "I'm brushing my teeth." "I'm scared." "I'm driving to work." "I'm crying." "I'm typing an email." "I'm cooking dinner." "I'm combing my hair." "I'm hanging a picture." "I am texting." "I am dancing." "I am interested in the job." "I am exercising." "I am sad." "I am learning."
I'm getting
When combining the words 'I am' and 'getting' you are telling someone 'you' are gaining possession, being affected by or have plans to seek out and obtain a particular thing. Here are some examples: "I'm getting better." "I'm getting ready for bed." "I'm getting a tooth ache." "I'm getting a cold." "I'm getting married." "I'm getting tired." "I'm getting good at reading." "I'm getting a new car." "I'm getting a job." "I'm getting a puppy."
"I'm gonna run a marathon." "I'm gonna ask her out for dinner." "I'm gonna stop smoking." "I'm gonna help my friends." "I'm gonna take swim lessons." "I'm gonna read a book."
I have + (noun)
By using the words 'I have' you are informing someone of something you have possession of or have acquired. Here are some examples: "I have a cat." "I have a nice car." "I have a house." "I have a computer." "I have a headache." You may hear the words 'cannot' and 'won't' used with 'I have.' By adding these you can express what you will not put up with or allow. Here are some examples: "I cannot have that behavior in my house." "I cannot have you over tonight." "I won't have anything to do with that." "I won't have it any other way."
I used to + (verb)
'Used to' expresses something that was done in the past, and is not usually done now. Here are some examples: "I used to develop websites." "I used to jog every day." "I used to paint." "I used to smoke."
"I used to work from home." "I used to live in California." "I used to go to the beach every day." "I used to sing in a choir." "I used to like vegetables." "I used to start work at 6 o'clock."
I have to + (verb)
The words 'have to' describe something that needs to take place soon. It expresses certainty, necessity, or obligation. Here are some examples: "I have to switch schools." "I have to use the telephone." "I have to go to the bathroom." "I have to leave." "I have to unpack my bags." You can also add the word 'don't' to suggest that someone is not required to do something. "I don't have to switch schools." "I don't have to use the telephone." "I don't have to go to the bathroom." "I don't have to leave." "I don't have to unpack my bags."
I wanna + (verb)
The word 'wanna' is incorrect grammatically. It is equivalent to 'want to.' When combined with the word 'I' it helps communicate something you want to do. Here are some examples: "I wanna talk." "I wanna search for a job." "I wanna order some food." "I wanna marry her." "I wanna listen to that song." By adding the word 'don't' you can change the meaning of what you are saying to something you 'want' to do to something you 'do not' want to do. Here are some examples: "I don't wanna talk." "I don't wanna search for a job." "I don't wanna marry her." "I don't wanna listen to that song." "I don't wanna order some food."
I gotta + (verb)
'I gotta' is grammatically incorrect. It is more of a spoken form. If you want to say this with proper grammar, the equivalent would be, 'I have got to' or 'I've got to'. In the spoken form, 'got to' is shortened to 'gotta' and the word 'have' is dropped.
Here are some examples: "I gotta manage my money." "I gotta obey the laws." "I gotta move to a bigger house." "I gotta impress my boss." "I gotta brush my teeth." By adding the word 'have' you can change what you are saying to express something that needs to be done in the near future. Here are some examples: "I have got to be on time to work." "I've gotta try harder at school." "I've gotta tell my wife I'll be late." "I've gotta learn more about the laws." "I've gotta clean my house today."
I plan to + (verb)
'Plan to' describes something that you would like to do in the near future. Here are some examples: "I plan to find a new apartment." "I plan to relax on vacation." "I plan to surprise my parents." "I plan to wash my car." "I plan to adopt a child." "I plan to impress my boss." "I plan to watch a movie." "I plan to save more money." "I plan to read a book." "I plan to learn new things."
'I've' is short for 'I have' and including the word 'decided' you are stating that you have made a decision or come to a conclusion. Here are some examples: "I've decided to accept the job." "I've decided to complete my degree." "I've decided to change my bad habits." "I've decided to extend my membership at the gym." "I've decided to form a chess club." "I've decided to hand over my responsibilities." "I've decided to help you move." "I've decided to interview for the job." "I've decided to increase my work load." "I've decided to manage a store."
Here are some examples: "I don't have time to explain." "I don't have time to eat." "I don't have time to exercise." "I don't have time to watch my favorite TV show." "I don't have time to talk." You can also use the phrase 'I don't' to express things you do not like, things you do not understand, or things you do not do. Here are some examples: "I don't eat meat." "I don't like the rain." "I don't understand Spanish." "I do not understand what you are saying." "I do not like scary movies." "I do not like sports."
"I'd rather ski than snowboard." "I'd rather stay late than come in early tomorrow." "I'd rather handle the problem myself." "I had rather go home than stay out too late." "I had rather listen to my parents or get in trouble." "I would rather exercise than sit on the couch all day." "I would rather complete my task early." "I would rather know the answer."
Here are some examples: "I was busy thinking." "I was busy working." "I was busy cooking dinner." "I was busy talking on the phone." "I was busy cleaning the house." "I was busy studying for my test." "I was busy thinking of ideas for our website." "I was busy entertaining our neighbors." "I was busy completing my housework." "I was busy learning new things." By changing 'was' to 'am' you change your message from past tense to present tense and refer to something you are doing 'now.' Here are some examples: "I am busy working." "I am busy cooking dinner." "I am busy studying for my test." "I am busy completing housework." "I am busy talking on the phone."
"I need you to stop and listen to me." "I need you to greet our guests." "I need you to introduce me to your family." "I need to request a refund."
"I'm calling to answer your question." "I'm calling to book a reservation at your restaurant." "I'm calling to complain about something." "I'm calling to thank you." "I'm calling to support your decision." "I'm calling to remind you of our dinner plans." "I'm calling to report a lost wallet." "I'm calling to receive my prize."
"I am thinking of launching a new website." "I am thinking of moving to a new city." "I am thinking of offering her the position." "I am thinking of opening up a store."
"It is my turn to try and play the game." "It is my turn to attempt solving the problem."
By adding the word 'don't' you have changed what you are conveying from something you are thinking of doing, to something you are against. Here are some examples: "I do not think I should complain so much." "I do not think I should attend that event." "I do not think I should borrow more money." "I do not think I should doubt you." "I do not think I should decide until later.
Let me + (verb)
'Let me' is suggesting that you are asking for permission or an opportunity to do something. Here are some examples: "Let me make my own decisions." "Let me offer to help you." "Let me open the door for you." "Let me pause and think about what we are doing." "Let me welcome you to the neighborhood." "Let me save you the trouble." "Let me make a suggestion." "Let me try and fix your car." "Let me taste the soup before you add more spices." "Let me treat you to some ice cream."
Can I + (verb)
When ending a sentence with a question mark (?) you are asking the person or people you are talking to a question for which you would like an answer. Here you are asking permission to do a particular action. Here are some examples: "Can I answer your question?" "Can I attend the event?" "Can I move to another spot?" "Can I call you tomorrow?" "Can I complete this later?" "Can I explain myself?" "Can I help you with your homework?" "Can I include you in our plans?"
The phrase 'Can I get' can be used in a couple different ways. You can use it to ask a question. Here are some examples: "Can I get a cup of water?" "Can I get a dog?" "Can I get lunch?" "Can I get sugar in my coffee?" "Can I get popcorn at the movie?" You can also use it when offering to help someone or do something for them. Here are some examples: "Can I get you another drink?" "Can I help you move that?" "Can I recommend a good place to eat?" "Can I take you home?" "Can I help you finish your project?"
I'm not sure if (subject + verb) 'I'm not sure' expresses a feeling of uncertainty or lack of confidence on a particular matter.
"I am not sure if they will offer me the job." "I'm not sure if she'll return my call." "I'm not sure if my wife will understand." "I'm not sure if we will go out tonight." "I'm not sure if I understand your question." "I am not sure if I can handle it." "I am not sure if it will happen." "I am not sure if it will matter." "I am not sure if my mom will notice."
Do you mind if I + (verb) You are asking someone in present tense if they object to something you are asking.
"Do you mind if we left early?" "Do you mind if I take a nap?" "Do you mind if I ask your mom?" "Do you mind if it snows?"
"Would you mind if we went out to eat?" "Would you mind if I opened the window?" "Would you mind telling me what you're doing?" "Would you mind being quiet for a minute?" "Would you mind if I changed the channel?" don't know what to + (verb) You are letting someone know that you are not sure about what is being asked. You may also have no knowledge or opinion on a topic.
"I don't know what to eat for dinner." "I don't know what to buy you for your birthday." "I don't know what to say." "I don't know what to do with my spare time." "I don't know what to do for vacation." "I do not know what to do to make you happy." "I do not know what to do to help you understand." "I do not know what to think." "I do not know what to do to prevent this." "I do not know what to order." I should have + (past participle) 'Should' is the past tense of the word 'shall.' When using the words 'should have' you are talking about something in the past that you 'ought to' or 'might have' done.
"I should have gone with you." "I should have studied more for my test." "I should have read the directions before starting." "I should have eaten breakfast this morning." "I should have listened to your advice." "I should have married her when I had the chance."
"I shall leave tomorrow." "I shall finish the job next week." "I shall see it tomorrow." "I shall go outside if it's nice out." "I shall pay for this later." I wish I could + (verb) You are expressing a desire to do something.
"I wish I could sing better." "I wish I could settle the argument." "I wish I could sail around the world." "I wish I could remain calm during all of this." "I wish I could remember his name." "I wish I could replace my old car with a new one." "I wish I could play outside." "I wish I could go to the game with you."
"I wish I could write better." "I wish I could own my own business." You should + (verb) Here you are suggesting an obligation or duty that needs to take place either now or in the near future.
"You should go to bed." "You should do your homework before going outside." "You should replace you headlights on your car." "You should request a raise at work." "You should stop smoking." "You should smile more." "You should slow down when driving in a neighborhood." "You should talk to him about it." "You should train your dog." "You should trust what they say." You're supposed to + (verb) 'You're' is a contraction of the words 'you are.' When using 'You're' with the words 'supposed to' you are making a suggestion that something you strongly believe ought to happen.
"You're supposed to keep that secret." "You're supposed to let me know when you leave." "You're supposed to stop when at a red light." "You're supposed to unpack once you get there." "You're supposed to return the movies you rent on time." "You are supposed to remain calm." "You are supposed to fasten your seat belt." "You are supposed to invite all your friends." "You are supposed to encourage one another."
"You are supposed to decide before next Thursday." You seem + (adjective) When stating 'you seem' you're referring to the person you are talking to and expressing that they are giving the impression of or appear to be.
"You seem bored." "You seem unhappy with the results." "You seem eager to begin." "You seem easy to get along with." "You seem elated to hear the good news." "You seem deeply in love." "You seem afraid of roller coasters." "You seem confused about the rules of the game." "You seem embarrassed about what happened." You'd better + (verb) 'You'd' is a contraction of 'you had' or 'you would.' You are making a suggestion to someone for a particular action.
"You'd better exercise." "You'd better help out." "You'd better invite your brother." "You'd better impress the judges." "You'd better listen to your parents." "You had better not come home late." "You had better hope for the best." "You had better change your attitude." "You would be good at teaching." "You would do well at math." Are you into + (noun)
Here you are asking a question about an interest they might have or something they might enjoy doing.
"Are you into soccer?" "Are you into trying new things?" "Are you into wine tasting?" "Are you into working out at home or at the gym?" "Are you into scary movies?" "Are you into playing games?" "Are you into jogging?" "Are you into painting?" "Are you into traveling?" "Are you into fixing cars?" Are you trying to + (verb) You are asking someone if they are attempting to do something. This can be something mentally or physically.
"Are you trying to ignore me?" "Are you trying to manage your money?" "Are you trying to memorize that song?" "Are you trying to offer your help?" "Are you trying to program your new phone?" "Are you trying to pretend like it never happened?" "Are you trying to remain calm?" "Are you trying to remember her name?" "Are you trying to reflect on the past?" "Are you trying to switch flights?" Please + (verb) 'Please' is generally used in a polite request when asking someone to do something.
"Please pass me the salt." "Please order me the steak and potatoes." "Please stop bothering me." "Please wash your hands before dinner." "Please wait outside until we are ready." "Please zip up your coat before you go outside." "Please stand back."
The word 'please' can also mean to give enjoyment or satisfaction to.
"The smell of the flowers was very pleasing." "May it please the court to admit this into evidence?" "I was very pleased with how the children behaved in class." "You cannot please everyone all the time." "She was pleased with the dress."
Don't + (verb) The word 'don't' is a contraction of the words 'do not.' It is said to convey a message of what NOT should be done.
"Don't try and fool me." "Don't allow this to happen." "Don't watch scary movies before you go to bed." "Don't cause any more trouble." "Don't chew gum in class."
"Do not concern yourself with other people's problems." "Do not behave that way." "Do not announce your decision until you're ready." "Do not argue with me." "Do not arrive late for your meeting."
Do you like With this question you are asking someone what they prefer or enjoy.
"Do you like traveling on a plane?" "Do you like watching baseball on TV?" "Do you like skiing or snowboarding?" "Do you like going to bed early?" "Do you like spending time with me?" "Do you like repeating the class?" "Do you like playing video games?" "Do you like listening to music?" "Do you like practicing playing the piano?"