Mastering English Modal Verbs: Usage and Syntax
Ought To: Duty and Expectation
It signifies duty or an expectation for something to happen.
Examples
- I think I ought to tell him. (I think I should tell him.)
- She ought to pass the exam. (It is expected she will pass the exam.)
Syntax
- Affirmative: subject + ought to + verb
- Negative: subject + ought not to / oughtn’t to + verb
- Question: ought + subject + to + verb?
- Short Answer: Yes, subject + ought / No, subject + oughtn’t
Should: Advice and Opinion
Used to give advice or an opinion.
Examples
- You should have
English Language Practice: Vocabulary & Grammar Exercises
Vocabulary Practice
Part 1: Matching Words with Definitions
- Murder: to kill somebody intentionally
- Hijack: to take control of a plane illegally
- Kidnap: to capture an innocent person and hold them prisoner
- Forge: to make a false copy of a document
- Witness: to see a crime being committed
Part 2: Choosing the Best Answers
- Stand up for: If my little brother has problems with bigger kids, I always stand up for him.
- Set up: The neighbours are going to set up a residents’ group to stop vandalism.
- Take up: My parents
Essential English Vocabulary: Character & Media Terms
English Vocabulary: Personality & Character Traits
Positive & Neutral Traits
- Friendly, Gregarious, Outgoing = amigable, sociable, extrovertido/a
- “She’s outgoing and friendly when meeting new people.”
- Confident, Self-confident, Secure = seguro/a, confiado/a
- “He gave a very confident presentation.”
- Enthusiastic, Passionate = entusiasta, apasionado/a
- “He’s always enthusiastic about new projects.”
- Private, Reserved = reservado/a, poco expresivo/a
- “She’s quite reserved with people she doesn’t
Writing Examples: Biographies, Travel, and Formal Letters
Notable Figures and Their Impact
Maria Montessori: A Visionary in Education
Maria Montessori (born in Italy in 1870) was a woman who forever changed education. She became one of the first female doctors in her country, an impressive achievement for her era.
Physically, Maria Montessori was not very tall, but she possessed a strong and elegant presence. She had dark hair, which turned gray over the years, and she usually wore it tied back in a simple style. Her face was serious, with expressive eyes
Comprehensive English Grammar & Vocabulary Notes
English Language Essentials: Topics 1-3
Gerunds and Infinitives: Part 1
Verbs Followed by Gerunds
We use the Gerund after these verbs:
- admit
- avoid
- consider
- deny
- face
- feel like
- finish
- give up
- include
- keep on
- practise
- recommend
- risk
- suggest
- take up
Verbs Followed by Infinitives with ‘to’
We use the Infinitive with ‘to’ after these verbs:
- afford
- agree
- appear
- arrange
- decide
- expect
- fail
- happen
- help
- hope
- manage
- pretend
- promise
- refuse
- seem
- volunteer
- wait
Gerund or Infinitive with Little or No Meaning Difference
We use the Gerund or Infinitive
Read MoreEnglish Language Skills Development: Practice Drills
Everyday English & Basic Questions
- Conversation Context: This conversation takes place between an interviewer and a passer-by.
- Daily Routine: The woman always has dinner at home. After dinner, she stays at home.
- International Calls: For an international call from the room, first press. The country code for Brazil is: 55.
- Family & Home: Are the children at home? Yes, they are.
- Weekend Activities: What does Jane do at the weekend?
- Preferences: Some people don’t like red wine. Peter enjoys watching