Mastering English: Grammar, Phrases, and Usage

Posted on Feb 9, 2025 in English

Mastering English: Grammar and Usage

Modal Verbs: Could vs. Was Able To

When I was a child, my father could…

I got the job because I was able to…

My grandmother could…

During the weekend, we were able to…

I called her many times during the week, but I wasn’t able to contact her. Finally, I was able to…

When my siblings and I were very young, we didn’t go on vacation because we couldn’t afford it. We worked very hard all together and were able to go on our first trip to the coast.

We left home early, but there was so much traffic that we couldn’t catch the bus.

My girlfriend and I were driving back home, but we got a flat tire. Fortunately, I was able to change it.

My neighbor’s house caught fire, but he was able to leave the house.

I wasn’t able to understand English when I was a kid, but now I’m learning a lot, and I feel happy about it.

Common Phrases

“Have you eaten yet?”
“Make sure you get enough rest.”
“Let me know if you need any help with that.”

Reported Speech and Directives

Walt Disney advised that the way to get started is to quit talking and start doing.
My mother asked if we could really know everything.
The woman informed that they were breaking the windows.
She suddenly asked if I had used that car before.
The traffic officer ordered not to cross the street there.

Mom always advises me to come back home early when I go to parties.

The criminal admitted robbing the bank. Fortunately, the police caught him a few minutes later.

We agreed to buy a cheap car in order to save some money.

What do you like doing after school? Do you like doing homework?

When I go to a restaurant, I prefer having fruit and juice, not pancakes and milk.

Gerunds and Infinitives Practice

There was very good reason (to believe) in what he said.

I don’t know what (to do) anymore.

Why not (spend) our holiday in Florida this year?

I expect (to hear) from you by Monday.

How old were you when you learned (to drive)?

He had made his decision and refused (to change) his mind.

It was a good vacation. I enjoyed (being) by the sea.

The water here is not very good. I’d avoid (drinking) it if I were you.

I pretended (to be) interested in the conversation.

Steve stopped (playing) football because of an injury.

Adverbial Phrases

My father is lately acting mysteriously.
She was angry and speaking in a very strong tone.
Students were yelling as if they had just won a big game.

Improving Health: Key Tips

You need to increase your daylight exposure during the day because your body has a time-keeping clock known as the circadian rhythm.

You need to reduce blue light exposure during the evening so your brain doesn’t get confused with daylight.

Don’t consume caffeine late in the day since it can stay elevated in your blood for 6–8 hours and keep you active.

Using Gerunds: Swim and Read

Swim

S: Swimming is a great way to stay healthy.
O: She enjoys swimming in the ocean every morning.
AP: They talked about swimming after dinner.

Read

S: Reading improves your vocabulary and knowledge.
O: I love reading mystery novels on the weekend.
AP: After reading the article, I felt more informed.

Zero Conditional Sentences

Complete the sentences with your own answers. Use zero conditional statements:

If I don’t sleep well the night before a test, I have trouble concentrating.
I smile a lot when I feel happy.
When I see someone dropping trash on the street, I tell them to pick it up.
I always use public transport when I travel to the city.
If you listen to very loud music, it can damage your hearing.
I enjoy learning a new language if the lessons are engaging and fun.

First Conditional Statements

Choose the correct word to complete the first conditional statements.

You won’t feel lonely if you buy a pet.
He won’t master the language unless he continues studying rigorously.
Nobody will suffer if we solve the problem.
As long as I finish my work, I will go to the movies.
In case we can’t buy the groceries, we will eat at a restaurant.
If you buy a new car, make sure it is electric.
A change can’t be made unless everyone works together.

Chain of Events: Example

If I become the president, I will create more shelters for homeless animals. If we build those shelters, we can help more people adopt pets. When more people adopt, fewer animals will suffer on the streets.

Hurricane Safety: What to Do After

After confirmation from authorities that the storm has passed and it is safe to go outdoors, you can begin to assess any potential damage to your home and property. Follow these tips after the storm is over:

If there was an evacuation, return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so.
Avoid downed power lines. Never touch anything in contact with power lines, including water or water puddles that may be near the downed power lines.
Add protection to your property from further damage by boarding up broken windows to help deter vandalism or additional weather damage. Arrange for reasonable temporary repairs.

Key Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle