Mastering English: Grammar, Usage, and Real-Life Applications

Posted on Jan 16, 2025 in English

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

Reported Speech

My mom said, “You can’t miss classes.”
My mom told me, “Look after yourself.”
My mom said, “You can improve in school.”

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.

Gerunds and Infinitives

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.

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.

Common Mistakes and Corrections

My father has lately been acting like an idiot until my mom spoke with him.
She was angry and speaking in a cafeteria while ordering a coffee.
Students were yelling like crazy because there is an exam today.

Gerunds as Subject, Object, and After Prepositions

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

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

If I don’t sleep well the night before a test, I don’t concentrate.
I eat a lot when I feel happy.
When I see someone dropping trash on the street, I get angry.
I always use public transport when I don’t have money.
If you listen to very loud music, you will go deaf.
I enjoy learning a new language if I listen to music.

First Conditional

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.

Hurricane Safety Tips

What to Do After a Hurricane?

After a 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.

Improving Sleep Quality

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.