lesson 2 SIMPLE PRESENT

SIMPLE PRESENT

SUBJECT + VERB

The SIMPLE PRESENT is used to make statements about the present time, for permanent facts that are always true.

The night is dark.

The SIMPLE PRESENT is used to make statements about the present time, for present facts that are true now.

I feel happy.

The SIMPLE PRESENT is used to make statements about the present time, for habitual actions.

I get up late.

Examples

I take care of my mom. I write mystery novels. I believe.

The SIMPLE PRESENT is also used to talk about scheduled events in the near future, for example, when talking about events that happen at a set of time like timetables, meetings or programs.

The train arrives at 1 a.m. The meeting begins after lunch. The show ends in five minutes.

QUESTION: To make a Simple Present question use: DO/DOES + SUBJECT + INFINITIVE without "to"

Do you work? Do you like music? Do you go to the movies? Do you like travelling?

NEGATIVE To take a Simple Present negative use:

SUBJECT + DON'T/DOESN'T + INFINITIVE without to

The 3rd person singular in Simple Present

In Simple Present, add S to the verb in the third person singular (he, she, it)

for verbs ending in O,

add ES

for verbs ending in S,

add ES

for verbs ending in X,

add ES

for verbs ending in CH.

add ES

for verbs ending in SH,

add ES

for verbs ending in Y after a consonant

change Y to IES

Use "does" for QUESTIONS

and "doesn't to form NEGATIVES

PLURALS When a countable noun refers to two or more things,

use the plural form of the noun.

With some nouns it is a little different.

These are the most COMMON EXCEPTIONS.

FOR NOUNS ENDING IN: O, S, X, ZZ, CH, SH

add ES

For a noun ending in Z,

add ZES.

And for some nouns ending in O,

add S

CONSONANT + Y

change Y to IES

MOST NOUNS ENDING IN F OR FE

change to VES

MOST NOUNS ENDING IN IS

change to ES

IRREGULAR PLURALS

IRREGULAR NOUNS don't follow the previous rules. These are the most common. man-men; woman-women; child-children; foot-feet; sheep-sheep; tooth-teeth; person-people; mouse-mice

A COUNTABLE NOUN can have a number in front of it and can be plural:

3 years, 2 suitcases, 1 rabbit.

An UNCOUNTABLE NOUN cannot have a number in front of it and there is no plural form:

air, water, oil, hope

ARTICLES WITH COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

A/AN, THE

Use a COUNTABLE NOUN: with A/AN the first time you use that noun

There is a naked man in the garden.

A- when the noun starts with consonant; AN - when the noun starts with vowel

a friend; an egg

Use a COUNTABLE NOUN: with THE The subsequent times you use the noun, or when the listener already knows what you are referring to.

The naked man is dancing.

Use a PLURAL COUNTABLE NOUN with NO ARTICLE when you speak in general.

I don't like children.

Use an UNCOUNTABLE NOUN with NO ARTICLE if you mean all or any of that thing.

I don't need help.

Use an UNCOUNTABLE NOUN with THE when you are talking about a particular example.

Thanks for the help you didn't give me before.

How much

How many

Use "how much"

to ask about something that is UNCOUNTABLE

Use "how many"

to ask about something that is COUNTABLE

SOME and ANY

are used when the speaker doesn't specify a number or an exact amount.

SOME is used in POSITIVE SENTENCES with uncountable nouns

You have some butter on your nose

SOME is used in POSITIVE SENTENCES with plural countable nouns

You have some boogers in your nose.

ANY is used in QUESTIONS and NEGATIVE SENTENCES with uncountable nouns:

I don't want any risk in my life.

ANY is used in QUESTIONS and NEGATIVE SENTENCES with plural countable nouns:

Do you have any friends?

Use SOME in questions when offering/requesting:

Would you like some more tea, darling?

Use ANY in positive sentences when it means "it doesn't matter which":

You can call me at any time.

What's that noise? Is that a rat? Are there any rats?

Yes... There are some rats. Well, a lot of rats!

Are they close?

Yes, very close! And they are big! Some of them look hungry... with big teeth.

Are there any subway employees around?

No, there aren't any subway employees!

THERE IS THERE ARE

"There is" and "there are" are used to say that something exists or doesn't exist.

THERE IS is used for a singular subject.

there is a nice rink. There is no King Kong. Yes, there is a guy skating on an ice rink and there is a girl skating on a building? No, there isn't.

THERE ARE is used for a plural subject.

There are a lot of buildings. There are no trees. Are there any school buses? Yes, there are. Are there people skating?

Demonstratives

THIS, THESE, THAT, THOSE

Demonstratives are used to show the distance from the speaker.

The distance can be psychological or physical.

THIS

for singular nouns that are near.

THESE

for plural nouns that are near.

THAT

for singular nouns that are far.

THOSE

for plural nouns that are far.

Demonstratives can be: PRONOUNS

This is the dead tree. I don't like that. These are mine. Those are my neighbors.

Demonstratives can be: ADJECTIVES

This tree is dead. I came in that car. I left these garbage bags. Those guys are unpleasant.

POSSESSIVES PRONOUNS and ADJECTIVES

POSSESSIVE PRONOUN: MINE, YOURS, HIS, HERS, ITS, OURS, YOURS, THEIRS

POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS are used instead of a noun.

Peggy's dress is pink. Mine is black.

POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVES are usually to describe a noun, and, like other adjectives, come before the noun.

My dress is nicer than her dress.

Use a SINGULAR NOUN with 'S to show possession:

I don't like my sister's boy friend.

Use S' with a REGULAR PLURAL NOUN.

I love ladies' shoes.

Use 'S with an IRREGULAR PLURAL NOUN:

I don't care about men's shoes.

With NAMES:

Kate's dog barks every night. Do you have Susan's phone number?

When a name ends in S, treat it like any other singular noun and add 'S

Don't eat Charles's breakfast.