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
Mastering the Passive Voice in English Grammar
1. Rewriting Sentences Using the Passive Voice
1. You can only see these particles through a microscope.
These particles can only be seen through a microscope.
2. People are using computers in all kinds of work.
Computers are being used in all kinds of work.
3. They keep dangerous chemicals in a safe place.
Dangerous chemicals are kept in a safe place.
4. You should have left the laboratory unlocked.
The laboratory should have been left unlocked.
5. Three million people watch Netflix every day.
Netflix is
Read MoreEnglish Vocabulary and Grammar Practice for Film Enthusiasts
Film Vocabulary
- Boom (Auge)
- Box-office hit (Taquilla)
- Cast (Reparto)
- Character (Personaje)
- Figure (Número)
- Filmgoer (Espectador)
- Gender (Género)
- Leading role (Papel principal)
- Plot (Trama)
- Script (Guion)
- Set (Localización)
- Stunt (Escena peligrosa)
- Dub (Doblar)
- Look on (Mirar)
- Outnumber (Sobrepasar en cantidad)
- Reflect (Reflejar)
- Release (Lanzar)
- Sell out (Agotar)
- Stand out (Resaltar)
- Awesome (Impresionante)
- Fast-paced (Acelerado)
- Outrageous (Intolerable)
- Predictable (Predecible)
- Wise (Sabio)
Useful Phrases
- Appeal to (
Of Mice and Men: A Literary Analysis of Friendship and Fate
Plot Summary: Of Mice and Men Narrative
Key Characters and Core Conflict
This book narrates the story of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small. George is intelligent and resourceful, while his companion, Lennie, is mentally handicapped but possesses immense physical strength. Sent by an employment agency, the two men arrive at a ranch in California.
They spend their first night near the ranch because their bus driver dropped them off too far, and George wanted to rest. Upon reaching the
Read MoreUnforgettable Life Moments: Personal Stories & Lessons
A Frightening Historical Revelation
The most unsettling story I’ve ever encountered, through reading and videos, is known as “Elephant Crushing.” I learned about this practice when I was twelve or thirteen years old, and it profoundly shocked me, leaving an indelible mark on my memory.
One ordinary school day, I arrived home and began watching TV. To my surprise, while channel surfing, I heard the phrase “elephant crushing.” Immediately captivated, I started paying close attention to the documentary.
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