Using Before, After, While and WhenUsingBefore, After, While and WhenWe use these words (before,after, while and when) to introduce time clauses totell when something happens. Rudy washed the floor beforehe watched the soccer match.Rudy washed the floor afterthe soccer match.Rudy washed the floor whenthe soccer match ended.Rudy washed the floor whilehe was watching the soccer match. In all of these cases, Rudy washed thefloor. However, we have to look at the time clauses to see whenthe floor was washed.

Time clauses:before he watched the soccermatch

after the soccer match

when the soccer match ended

while he was watching thesoccer match

In all of these examples, the main(independent) clause is "Rudy washed the floor". The time clause simplystates the relationship of other actions (watching the soccer match) tothe activity in the main clause. Let's analyze the time sequence--withanother example.

The phone rang after we ate dinner.(First we ate our meal, thenthe phone rang.) The phone rang before we ate dinner.

(First the phone rang, then weate.) The phone rang when we ate dinner.

Also: The phone rang as we ate dinner.

(We ate and the phone rang atthe same time.) The phone rang while we were eatingdinner.

Also: The phone rang as we wereeating dinner.

(This is the same as above, butwith the progressive tense [-ing]). The Grammar

Independent clauseDependent clause

The phone rangbefore we ate dinner.

The phone rang is an independentclause. It can stand alone. before we ate dinner is adependent clause. It needs an independent clause to be a complete sentence.It is a sentence fragment when it is used alone. Punctuation The phone rang before we ate dinner.

Before we could eat dinner, thephone rang. When the independent clause comesfirst in the sentence, no comma is needed. When the dependent clause comesfirst in the sentence, the clauses must be separated by a comma.

Different verb tenses Look at these verb tenses: It started to rain before I got home.

Jaime had a drink before he playedtennis.

(two past tense events) I have to get home before it startsof rain.

Jaime has to have a drink beforehe plays tennis.

(modal auxiliary and presenttense) Henry went to the movie after hehad dinner

Prof. Simon gave a test after thespring break ended.

(two past tense events) Henry may go to the movie after hehas dinner.

Prof. Simon ought to give a testafter the spring break ends.

(modal auxiliary and presenttense) Myra was reading a book when thephone rang.

(an on-going event interruptedby a single event in the past) Myra had to get up when the phonerang.

(past tense cause and effect) Ben asked for a ride when Myra answeredthe phone.

(two past tense events) Myra will leave to pick up Ben whenshe hangs up.

(two future events) I was listening carefully while themanager was explaining the problem.

(two past tense continuous activities) The doorbell rang while I was takinga shower.

(one past tense continuous eventinterrupted by single action) Cause and Effect You can use when or afterto explain some "cause and effect" situations. Effect: He got a flat tire(puncture).

Cause: He ran over some glass. He got a flat tire after he ranover some glass. Cause: It rained.

Effect: Our paint job wasruined.When it rained, our paint job wasruined.

THE MODALS TABLETHE MODALS TABLE Auxiliary Uses Present / future Past

may 1. Polite request May I borrow your pen?

2. Formal permission You may leave the room.

3. Less than 50% certainty A: Where's Tom?B: He may be at the office. He may have been at the office.

might 1. Less than 50% certainty A: Where's Tom? B: He might be at the office. He might have been at the office.

2. polite request Might I borrow your pen?

should 1. advisability I should help my father in the morning. I should have helped my father yesterday.

2. 90% certainty She should pass the exam! (future only, not present) She should have passed the exam!

ought to 1. advisability I ought to study tonight I ought to have studied last night

2. 90% certainty She ought to do well on the test. (future only, not present) She ought to have studied last night.

had better 1. advisability with threat of bad result You had better be on time, or we will leave without you. (past form uncomon)

be supposed to 1. expectation He is supposed to come at 12. He was supposed to come at 12.

be to 1. strong expectation You are to be here at 9:00. You were to be here at 9:00

must 1. strong necessity I must go to class today I had to go to class yesterday

2. prohibition (negative) You must not open that door.

3. 95% certainty Mary isn't in class. She must be sick (present only) Mary must have been sick yesterday.

have to 1. necessity I have to go to class today. I had to go to class yesterday

2. lack of necessity (negative) I don't have to go to class today. I had to go to class yesterday.

have got to 1. necessity I have got to go to class today. I had to go to class yesterday.

will 1. 100% certainty He will be here at 6:00 ((future only)

2. willingness The phone's ringing.I'll get it.

3. polite request Will you please pass the salt?

be going to 1. 100% certainty He is going to be here at 6:00 (future only)

2. definite plan I'm going to paint my bedroom. (future only) I was going to paint my room, but I didn't have time.

can 1. ability / possibility I can run fast. I could run fast when I was a child but now I can't.

2. informal permission You can use my car tomorrow.

3. informal polite request Can I borrow your pen?

4. impossibility (negative only) That can't be true! That can't have been true!

could 1. past ability I could run fast when I was a child.

2. polite request Could I borrow your pen?Could you help me?

3. suggestion A: I need help in English.B: You could talk to your English teacher. You could have talked to your teacher.

4. less than 50% certainty A: Where's John?B: He could be at home. He could have been at home.

5. impossibility (negative only). That couldn't be true! That couldn't have been true!

be able to 1. ability I am able to help you. I will be able to help you. I was able to help him.

would 1. polite request Would you please ass salt? Would you mind if I left early?

2. preference I would rather go to the park than stay home. I would rather have gone to the park.

3. repeated action in the past When I was a child, I would visit my grandmother every weekend.

used to 1. repeated action in the past When I was a child, I would visit my grandmother every weekend.

shall 1. polite question to make a suggestions Shall I open the window?

2. future with "I" or "we" as subject I shall leave at nine. (will = more common)

To do and to makeTo do and to make The verbs do and make are often confused bynonnative speakers. dooften has the meaning of perform a routine or assigned activity. makeusually has the sense of producing or creating something. do your homework do your best do business with do the ironing, washing, cleaning, housework do the dishes do exercises do a favor do research do your job but make a donationmake a contribution (in class) make a mistake--make an error make friends with make money make a noise make peacemake war make a plan make a promise make a speech make a turn make a comparion make a decision (the British take decisions) make a discovery and To make matters worse, one expression has both! Make domeans to manage with what is available. (I couldnt find any cous cous in thestore, so I had to make do with rice. Icant afford to buy a new car this year, so Im going to have to make do withmy old Ford for another year.) Twoidiomatic expressions: Whenyou ask someone what they do, you are asking what their job is. (I askedAnwar what he does and he said he works at Dunkin Donuts.) Whenyou ask someone what they make or how much they make, you areasking how much money they earn. (How much do you make at the doughnut shop?)By the way, it is very rude to ask an American directly how much they make. Youcan ask them what they do, but not what they make! Both, Either, Neither, Nor and SoBoth, Either, Neither, Nor and SoExpressionExample

both and I like both cats and dogs.

soJane likes cats. So do I.

not eitherJane doesn't like cats. I don't like cats either.

either or Jane either has a cat or a dog.

neither/norJane doesn't like cats. Neither do I./Nor do I.

neither nor I like neither cats nor dogs.

ExerciseFind out why some parents think that their teenage sons or daughters have a lot in common with cats. (Don't take it too seriously, though.) ;o) 1. Neither cats nor teenagers turn their heads when you call them. 2. You would hardly ever see a cat walking outside of the house with its master. Nor would you see a teenager in public with his or her parents very often. 3. A cat doesn't share your taste in music. A teenager doesn't either 4. Both cats and teenagers can lie on the sofa for hours on end without moving. 5. Cats expect you to prepare the food for them. So do teenagers. 6. If you tell a joke, neither your cat nor your teen will laugh about it. 7. If you make a sudden move in their direction, both cats and teenagers get frightened. 8. Cats do not improve your furniture. Teenagers don't either 9. Cats roam outside and often come home very late at night. So do teenagers. 10. Conclusion: no matter if you either have a cat or a teenager at home - it's all the same

Sentence VarietySentence Variety Having learned about phrases and clauses, let's now use the following phrases and clauses to give variety to our writing: participial phrases, adverb clauses, adjective clauses, compound sentences or verbs. First identify which of the above ways is used in the sentence, and then rewrite it using the three other ways identifying each of the methods used. Example: Having finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = participial phrase You must rewrite it using an adverb clause, adjective clause, and either a compound sentence or a simple sentence with compound verbs. I finished my lessons, sat back, and gloried in my effort. = compound verbs After I had finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = adverb clause I who had finished my lessons sat back and gloried in my effort. = adjective clause Identify the written sentence and rewrite it the other three ways. 1. Watching the sunset above the mountain, John noticed the colors blending softly into one another. 2. The excited horse pawed the ground rapidly while it chewed on its bit and neighed continually. 3. The pilot climbed into his jet plane, adjusted his helmet, and attached his oxygen pack. Answers (My rewrites are only one way that can be used. Other ways may be possible.) 1. participial phrase John watched the sunset above the mountain, and he noticed the colors blending softly into one another. = compound sentence While he watched the sunset above the mountain, John noticed the colors blending softly into one another. = adverb clause John who was watching the sunset above the mountain noticed the colors blending softly into one another. = adjective clause 2. adverb clause The excited horse which pawed the ground rapidly chewed on its bit and neighed continually. = adjective clause Pawing the ground rapidly, the excited horse chewed on its bit and neighed continually. = participial phrase The excited horse pawed the ground rapidly, chewed its bit, and neighed continually = compound verbs 3. compound verbs Climbing into his jet plane, the pilot adjusted his helmet and attached his oxygen pack. = participial phrase After he climbed into his jet plane, the pilot adjusted his helmet and attached his oxygen pack. = adverb clause The pilot who climbed into his jet plane adjusted his helmet and attached his oxygen pack. = adjective clause - Sentence Variety Having learned about phrases and clauses, let's now use the following phrases and clauses to give variety to our writing: participial phrases, adverb clauses, adjective clauses, compound sentences or verbs. First identify which of the above ways is used in the sentence, and then rewrite it using the three other ways identifying each of the methods used. Example: Having finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = participial phrase You must rewrite it using an adverb clause, adjective clause, and either a compound sentence or a simple sentence with compound verbs. I finished my lessons, sat back, and gloried in my effort. = compound verbs After I had finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = adverb clause I who had finished my lessons sat back and gloried in my effort. = adjective clause Identify the written sentence and rewrite it the other three ways. 1. At dusk the manager threw the electrical switch, and the amusement park lit up like a star-studded galaxy. 2. As he walked out on the wire and completed his various routines, the acrobat carefully demonstrated his intricate ability. 3. The people who saw the basketball star surged against the restraints and called out compliments and greetings. Answers 1. compound sentence Throwing the electrical switch at dusk, the manager lit up the amusement park like a star-studded galaxy. = participial phrase At dusk the manager who threw the electrical switch lit up the amusement park like a star-studded galaxy. = adjective clause After the manager threw the electrical switch, the amusement park lit up like a star-studded galaxy at dusk. = adverb clause 2. participial phrase When he had demonstrated his intricate ability, the acrobat carefully walked out on the wire and completed his various routines. = adverb clause The acrobat demonstrated his intricate ability, carefully walked out on the wire, and completed his various routines. = compound verbs The acrobat who carefully walked out on the wire and completed his various routines demonstrated his intricate ability. = adjective clause 3. adjective clause Seeing the basketball star, the people surged against the restraints and called out compliments and greetings. = participial phrase When the people saw the basketball star, they surged against the restraints and called out compliments and greetings. = adverb clause The people saw the basketball star, and they surged against the restraints and called out compliments and greetings. = compound sentence

- Sentence Variety Having learned about phrases and clauses, let's now use the following phrases and clauses to give variety to our writing: participial phrases, adverb clauses, adjective clauses, compound sentences or verbs. First identify which of the above ways is used in the sentence, and then rewrite it using the three other ways identifying each of the methods used. Example: Having finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = participial phrase You must rewrite it using an adverb clause, adjective clause, and either a compound sentence or a simple sentence with compound verbs. I finished my lessons, sat back, and gloried in my effort. = compound verbs After I had finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = adverb clause I who had finished my lessons sat back and gloried in my effort. = adjective clause Identify the written sentence and rewrite it the other three ways. 1. The engineer knew the train was on time, leaned against the side, and sighed with relief. 2. Hoping to have the seating in place by evening, the committee for the Olympics hurriedly set up bleachers along the main road. 3. Mark took a quick, refreshing swim in the mountain lake before he returned to the cabin for breakfast. Answers 1. compound verbs Knowing the train was on time, the engineer leaned against the side and sighed with relief. = participial phrase The engineer that knew the train was on time leaned against the side and sighed with relief. = adjective clause When the engineer leaned against the side and sighed with relief, he knew the train was on time. = adverb clause 2. participial phrase The committee for the Olympics hoped to have the seating in place by evening and hurriedly set up bleachers along the main road. = compound verb The committee for the Olympics that hoped to have the seating in place by evening hurriedly set up bleachers along the main road. = adjective clause Because they hoped to have the seating in place by evening, the committee for the Olympics hurriedly set up bleachers along the main road. = adverb clause 3. adverb clause Having taken a quick, refreshing swim in the mountain lake, Mark returned to the cabin for breakfast. = participial phrase Mark who had taken a quick, refreshing swim in the mountain lake returned to the cabin for breakfast. = adjective clause Mark took a quick, refreshing swim in the mountain lake and returned to the cabin for breakfast. = compound verbs - Sentence Variety Having learned about phrases and clauses, let's now use the following phrases and clauses to give variety to our writing: participial phrases, adverb clauses, adjective clauses, compound sentences or verbs. First identify which of the above ways is used in the sentence, and then rewrite it using the three other ways identifying each of the methods used. Example: Having finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = participial phrase You must rewrite it using an adverb clause, adjective clause, and either a compound sentence or a simple sentence with compound verbs. I finished my lessons, sat back, and gloried in my effort. = compound verbs After I had finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = adverb clause I who had finished my lessons sat back and gloried in my effort. = adjective clause Identify the written sentence and rewrite it the other three ways. 1. Standing nervously in the wings of the theater, Jeanne practiced her lines quietly and waited to go on stage. 2. The detective searched carefully through the old desk as he recounted in his mind the importance of the will. 3. The small black dog which looked weak and harmless leaped suddenly at the stranger. Answers 1. participial phrase Jeanne stood nervously in the wings of the theater and practiced her lines quietly while she waited to go on stage. = adverb clause Jeanne stood nervously in the wings of the theater, practiced her lines quietly, and waited to go on stage. = compound verbs Jeanne who practiced her lines quietly stood nervously in the wings of the theater and waited to go on stage. = adjective clause 2. adverb clause The detective searched carefully through the old desk, and he recounted in his mind the importance of the will. = compound sentence Recounting in his mind the importance of the will, the detective searched carefully through the old desk. = participial phrase The detective who searched carefully through the old desk recounted in his mind the importance of the will. = adjective clause 3. adjective clause Looking weak and harmless, the small black dog leaped suddenly at the stranger. = participial phrase Although he looked weak and harmless, the small black dog leaped suddenly at the stranger. = adverb clause The small black dog looked weak and harmless but leaped suddenly at the stranger. = compound verbs - Sentence Variety Having learned about phrases and clauses, let's now use the following phrases and clauses to give variety to our writing: participial phrases, adverb clauses, adjective clauses, compound sentences or verbs. First identify which of the above ways is used in the sentence, and then rewrite it using the three other ways identifying each of the methods used. Example: Having finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = participial phrase You must rewrite it using an adverb clause, adjective clause, and either a compound sentence or a simple sentence with compound verbs. I finished my lessons, sat back, and gloried in my effort. = compound verbs After I had finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = adverb clause I who had finished my lessons sat back and gloried in my effort. = adjective clause Identify the written sentence and rewrite it the other three ways. 1. The camper sighed heavily, strained under the weight of his load, and carried it into camp. 2. Waiting for the signal to enter, the children played happily around the entrance to the park. 3. When she had performed her daily tasks, the old lady lit a fire and warmed herself for the evening. Answers 1. compound verbs Sighing heavily, the camper strained under the weight of his load and carried it into the camp. = participial phrase While he strained under the weight of his load, the camper sighed heavily and carried it into camp. = adverb clause The camper who strained under the weight of his load sighed heavily and carried it into camp. = adjective clause 2. participial phrase The children waited for the signal to enter as they played happily around the entrance to the park. = adverb clause The children waited for the signal to enter and played happily around the entrance to the park. = compound verbs The children who played happily around the entrance to the park waited for the signal to enter. = adjective clause 3. adverb clause Performing her daily tasks, the old lady lit a fire and warmed herself for the evening. = participial phrase The old lady that had performed her daily tasks lit a fire and warmed herself for the evening. = adjective clause The old lady performed her daily tasks, and she lit a fire and warmed herself for the evening. = compound sentence

- 290 Quiz - Sentence Variety Having learned about phrases and clauses, let's now use the following phrases and clauses to give variety to our writing: participial phrases, adverb clauses, adjective clauses, compound sentences or verbs. First identify which of the above ways is used in the sentence, and then rewrite it using the three other ways identifying each of the methods used. Example: Having finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = participial phrase You must rewrite it using an adverb clause, adjective clause, and either a compound sentence or a simple sentence with compound verbs. I finished my lessons, sat back, and gloried in my effort. = compound verbs After I had finished my lessons, I sat back and gloried in my effort. = adverb clause I who had finished my lessons sat back and gloried in my effort. = adjective clause Identify the written sentence and rewrite it the other three ways. 1. The gardener who had sprayed the weeds with poison thought about the vacation planned for July. 2. When they saw the curtain go up, the audience gasped in surprise but started applauding loudly. 3. Having amassed a fortune, the man was looking forward to living an easy life. 4. She hurried down to the bank, withdrew all her savings, and hid them under her mattress. 5. The new recruits lined up rapidly, and the officers gave them their orders for the day. Answers 1. adjective clause Having sprayed the weeds with poison, the gardener thought about the vacation planned for July. = participial phrase As he sprayed the weeds with poison, the gardener thought about the vacation planned for July. = adverb clause The gardener sprayed the weeds with poison and thought about the vacation planned for July. = compound verbs 2. adverb clause Seeing the curtain go up, the audience gasped in surprise but started applauding loudly. = participial phrase The audience saw the curtain go up, gasped in surprise, and started applauding loudly. = compound verbs The audience who gasped in surprise and started applauding loudly saw the curtain go up. = adjective clause 3. participial phrase The man who had amassed a fortune was looking forward to living an easy life. = adjective clause The man had amassed a fortune and was looking forward to living an easy life. = compound verbs After he had amassed a fortune, the man was looking forward to living an easy life. = adverb clause 4. compound verbs Hurrying down to the bank, she withdrew all her savings and hid them under her mattress. = participial phrase After she had hurried down to the bank and withdrawn all her savings, she hid them under her mattress. = adverb clause She hurried down to the bank and withdrew all her savings which she hid under her mattress. = adjective clause 5. compound sentence Having lined up rapidly, the new recruits were given their orders for the day by the officers. = participial phrase After the new recruits had lined up rapidly, the officers gave them their orders for the day. = adverb clause The new recruits who lined up rapidly were given their orders for the day by the officers. = adjective clause THE FUTURE "BE GOING TO"THE FUTURE "BE GOING TO" A. USE 1. The Future Going to is used to talk about a future intention when a decision has already been made and also used to talk about future predictions when there is evidence that something is going to happen.

Be Going To'nun "going" ile hi bir alakas yoktur ve her zaman "be" ile kullanlr. Yaplmas nceden planlanm eylemleri "Be Going To" ile ifade edebiliriz. Ayrca gelecekte olmas kesin bir durumu ifade ederken yine "Be Going To" kullanlr. Ancak, gelecekle ilgili bir durumu tahmin ediyorsak veya tahminde bulunuyorsak, Will veya Be Going To her ikisi de kullanlabilir.

I feel terrible. I think I'm going to faint.They're going to meet us in the cafe after the lesson Look at those clouds! It's going to rain. According to the weather report, it will / is going to be rainy tomorrow. We are going to meet each other tonight at 6:00 PM. (Plan)He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii. (Plan) The year 2222 is going to be a very interesting year. (Prediction)A beautiful dinner is going to be made by Sally tonight. (An example for passives) Adjective or Adverb?Adjective or Adverb?

Basic Rules 1. Adjectives modify nouns; adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.You can recognize adverbs easily because many of them are formed by adding -ly to an adjective. Here are some sentences that demonstrate some of the differences between an adjective and an adverb by showing what is being modified in each sentence. In each sentence, light blue arrows point to adjectives and green arrows point to adverbs. Here careless is an adjective that modifies the proper noun Richard.

Here carelessly is an adverb that modifies the verb talks.

Here happy is an adjective that modifies the proper noun Priya and extremely is an adverb that modifies the adjective happy.

Here quickly is an adverb that modifies the verb finished and unusually is an adverb that modifies the adverb quickly.

Adverbs can't modify nouns, as you can see from the following incorrect sentences. He is a quietly man. The correct sentence should say He is a quiet man.

I have a happily dog.The correct sentence should say I have a happy dog.

On the other hand, it's sometimes easy to make the mistake of using an adjective to modify a verb, as the incorrect sentences below show. He talks careless about your wife.The correct sentence should say He talks carelessly about your wife.

He is breathing normal again.The correct sentence should say He is breathing normally again.

2. An adjective always follows a form of the verb to be when it modifies the noun before the verb.Here are some examples that show this rule. Light blue arrows point from the adjective to the noun that it modifies.

3. Likewise, an adjective always follows a sense verb or a verb of appearance -- feel, taste, smell, sound, look, appear, and seem -- when it modifies the noun before the verb.Here are some examples that show this rule. Light blue arrows point from the adjective to the noun it modifies. Here bad is an adjective that modifies the noun cough. Using the adverb badly here would not make sense, because it would mean her cough isn't very good at sounding.

Here awful is an adjective that modifies the noun oil. Using the adverb awfully here would not make sense, because it would mean that castor oil isn't very good at tasting.

Here fresh is an adjective that modifies the noun air. Using the adverb freshly here would not make sense, because it would mean that the air has a sense of smell that it uses in a fresh manner.

Here unhappy is an adjective that modifies the pronoun she. Using the adverb unhappily here would not make sense, because it would mean that she isn't very good at seeming.

Here dark is an adjective that modifies the noun images. Using the adverb darkly here would not make sense, because it would mean that the images were suddenly popping into view in a dark manner.

Be careful to notice whether the word modifies the subject or the verb in the sentence. If the word modifies the subject, you should use an adjective. If the word modifies the verb, you should use an adverb. The difference is shown in the following pair of sentences. Here sweet is an adjective that modifies the noun apple. Using the adverb sweetly here would not make sense, because it would mean that the apple can smell things in a sweet manner.

Here carefully is an adverb that modifies the verb smells. Using the adjective careful here would not make sense, because it would mean that the dog gives off an odor of carefulness.

Avoiding Common ErrorsBad or Badly?When you want to describe how you feel, you should use an adjective (Why? Feel is a sense verb;see rule #3 above). So you'd say, "I feel bad." Saying you feel badly would be like saying you play football badly. It would mean that you are unable to feel, as though your hands were partially numb. Good or Well?Good is an adjective, so you do not do good or live good, but you do well and live well. Remember, though, that an adjective follows sense-verbs and be-verbs, so you also feel good, look good, smell good, are good, have been good, etc. (Refer to rule #3 above for more information about sense verbs and verbs of appearance.) Confusion can occur because well can function either as an adverb or an adjective. When well is used as an adjective, it means "not sick" or "in good health." For this specific sense of well, it's OK to say you feel well or are well -- for example, after recovering from an illness. When not used in this health-related sense, however, well functions as an adverb; for example, "I did well on my exam." Double-negativesScarcely and hardly are already negative adverbs. To add another negative term is redundant, because in English only one negative is ever used at a time They found scarcely any animals on the island. (not scarcely no...)Hardly anyone came to the party. (not hardly no one...) Sure or Surely?Sure is an adjective, and surely is an adverb. Sure is also used in the idiomatic expression sure to be. Surely can be used as a sentence-adverb. Here are some examples that show different uses of sure and surely. Light blue arrows indicate adjectives and green arrows indicate adverbs. Here sure is an adjective that modifies the pronoun I.

Here surely is an adverb that modifies the adjective ready.

Here sure to be is an idiomatic phrase that functions as an adjective that modifies the pronoun she.

Here surely is an adverb that modifies the verb has been.

Real or Really?Real is an adjective, and really is an adverb. Here are some examples that demonstrate the difference between real and really. Light blue arrows indicate adjectives and green arrows indicate adverbs. Here really is an adverb that modifies the adverb well.

Here really is an adverb that modifies the verb phrase going out.

Here real is an adjective that modifies the noun problems.

Near or Nearly?Near can function as a verb, adverb, adjective, or preposition. Nearly is used as an adverb to mean "in a close manner" or "almost but not quite." Here are some examples that demonstrate the differences between various uses of near and nearly. Light blue arrows indicate adjectives and green arrows indicate adverbs. Subjects and verbs are marked in purple. Here neared is a verb in the past tense.

Here nearly is an adverb that modifies the verb finished.

Here near is an adjective that modifies the noun future.

Here near is an adverb of place that modifies the verb crept.

Here nearly is an adverb that modifies the verb related.

Here near is a preposition. The prepositional phase near the end of the movie modifies the noun scene.

Active and Passive VoiceActive and Passive Voice

Active VoiceIn sentences written in active voice, the subject performs the action expressed in the verb; the subject acts.

In each example above, the subject of the sentence performs the action expressed in the verb. Would you like to see examples of all the verb tenses in active voice? Passive VoiceIn sentences written in passive voice, the subject receives the action expressed in the verb; the subject is acted upon. The agent performing the action may appear in a "by the . . ." phrase or may be omitted.

(agent performing action has been omitted.)

Sometimes the use of passive voice can create awkward sentences, as in the last example above. Also, overuse of passive voice throughout an essay can cause your prose to seem flat and uninteresting. In scientific writing, however, passive voice is more readily accepted since using it allows one to write without using personal pronouns or the names of particular researchers as the subjects of sentences (see the third example above). This practice helps to create the appearance of an objective, fact-based discourse because writers can present research and conclusions without attributing them to particular agents. Instead, the writing appears to convey information that is not limited or biased by individual perspectives or personal interests. You can recognize passive-voice expressions because the verb phrase will always include a form of be, such as am, is, was, were, are, or been. The presence of a be-verb, however, does not necessarily mean that the sentence is in passive voice. Another way to recognize passive-voice sentences is that they may include a "by the..." phrase after the verb; the agent performing the action, if named, is the object of the preposition in this phrase. Would you like to see examples of all the verb tenses in passive voice? Choosing Active VoiceIn most nonscientific writing situations, active voice is preferable to passive for the majority of your sentences. Even in scientific writing, overuse of passive voice or use of passive voice in long and complicated sentences can cause readers to lose interest or to become confused. Sentences in active voice are generally--though not always-- clearer and more direct than those in passive voice. passive (indirect)active (direct):

Sentences in active voice are also more concise than those in passive voice because fewer words are required to express action in active voice than in passive. passive (more wordy)active (more concise)

Changing passive to activeIf you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the agent in a "by the..." phrase, or consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide context. Passive VoiceAgentChanged to Active Voice

most of the class

agent not specified; most likely agents such as "the researchers"

the CIA director and his close advisors

agent not specified; most likely agents such as "we"

Choosing Passive VoiceWhile active voice helps to create clear and direct sentences, sometimes writers find that using an indirect expression is rhetorically effective in a given situation, so they choose passive voice. Also, as mentioned above, writers in the sciences conventionally use passive voice more often than writers in other discourses. Passive voice makes sense when the agent performing the action is obvious, unimportant, or unknown or when a writer wishes to postpone mentioning the agent until the last part of the sentence or to avoid mentioning the agent at all. The passive voice is effective in such circumstances because it highlights the action and what is acted upon rather than the agent performing the action. activepassive

The dispatcher is notifying police that three prisoners have escaped.Police are being notified that three prisoners have escaped.

Surgeons successfully performed a new experimental liver-transplant operation yesterday.A new experimental liver-transplant operation was performed successfully yesterday.

"Authorities make rules to be broken," he said defiantly. "Rules are made to be broken," he said defiantly.

In each of these examples, the passive voice makes sense because the agent is relatively unimportant compared to the action itself and what is acted upon. Changing active to passiveIf you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice, consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the..." phrase. Make what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is optional. Active VoiceAgentChanged to Passive Voice

The presiding officer

The leaders

The scientists

In each of these examples, the passive voice is useful for highlighting the action and what is acted upon instead of the agent. Some suggestions1. Avoid starting a sentence in active voice and then shifting to passive. Unnecessary shift in voiceRevised

Many customers in the restaurant found the coffee too bitter to drink, but it was still ordered frequently.Many customers in the restaurant found the coffee too bitter to drink, but they still ordered it frequently.

He tried to act cool when he slipped in the puddle, but he was still laughed at by the other students.He tried to act cool when he slipped in the puddle, but the other students still laughed at him.

2. Avoid dangling modifiers caused by the use of passive voice. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence. Dangling modifier with passive voiceRevised

To save time, the paper was written on a computer. (Who was saving time? The paper?)To save time, Kristin wrote the paper on a computer.

Seeking to lay off workers without taking the blame, consultants were hired to break the bad news. Who was seeking to lay off workers? The consultants?)Seeking to lay off workers without taking the blame, the CEO hired consultants to break the bad news.

3. Don't trust the grammar-checking programs in word-processing software. Many grammar checkers flag all passive constructions, but you may want to keep some that are flagged. Trust your judgement, or ask another human being for their opinion about which sentence sounds best.

Would AlwaysWould Always

FORM Would Always [WOULD ALWAYS] + [verb]EXAMPLE:I would always take my surf board to the beach with me.

USE 1 Habit in the Past Like "Used to" and Simple Past, "Would Always" expresses the idea that something was an old habit which stopped in the past. It says that something was often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done now. This form suggests that someone willingly acted that way and often expresses annoyance or amusement at the habit. It can also suggest the habit was extreme.EXAMPLES:She would always send me strange birthday gifts.Sam and Mary would always choose the most exotic vacation destinations.Sally would always arrive early.Christine would always come late to the meetings

IMPORTANT "Would Always" is Different "Would Always" is not exactly the same as "Used to" or the Simple Past. "Would Always" cannot be used to talk about past facts or generalizations. It can only be used for repeated actions.EXAMPLES:Sarah was shy, but now she is very outgoing. CORRECTSarah used to be shy, but now she is very outgoing. CORRECTSarah would always be shy, but now she is very outgoing. NOT CORRECT

IMPORTANT Other Forms Are Possible This type of repetition in the past is usually expressed by "Would Always"; however, other forms are also possible. English speakers often use "would constantly," "would forever" or simply "would." Although the last form "would" is correct, it is not suggested because it can easily be confused with other verb forms such as the Conditional or Future in the Past. "Would never" can also be used to express the concept that someone always refused to do something in the past.EXAMPLES:Jerry would always bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECTJerry would constantly bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECTJerry would bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECTJerry would never bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECT(Opposite meaning = Jerry refused to bring his younger brother with him to the parties.)

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Would Always EXAMPLES:Jerry would always pay the bills. ACTIVEThe bills would always be paid by Jerry. PASSIVEUsing too, very, and soToo Very So These are three words that are sometimes confused. Allthree words come in front of adjectives, but they don't have the same meanings. The elephant was too big. It couldn't fitthrough the door.

I am very happy with my new job.

I was so angry with Andrew that I didn'ttalk to him.

Use too when you want toexpress excess. The coffee was too hot. I couldn't drink it. The coffee was too hot to drink. My pants are too long. I have to shorten them. I'm sorry, I can't go to that restaurant. It's too expensive. Use very when you want tointensify an adjective. I was very young when I read that book. Jos likes feijoada very much. It's very dark out tonight. That restaurant is very expensive. I'll go there whenI get paid. Use so when you want to showa cause and effect. Samul was so late that he missed most of the concert. My car is so old that I'm going to have to get rid ofit. It was so dark outside that Agnes tripped over my bicycle. The restaurant was so expensive that Csar hadto borrow money from his girlfriend. MeaningFormation

The coffee was too hotto drink.the coffee is excessively hot it is impossibleto drinktoo is always negativeplace too before the adjective

The coffee was delicious andvery hot.the coffee was hot but drinkableplace very before the adjective Note: do not use verywith delicious.

The coffee was so goodthat I had another cup.the result of the coffee being deliciouswas that I had a second cupenclose the adjective (or adverb) with sothatso good thatso fast that