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Grammar Basics: Unit 55 – I went to the store to …

Posted on 2012/12/11
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If we want to give a reason why a person does something, we use “to…”:

V + to V(inf)…

Examples:

Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard to get her poor dog a bone… (nursery rhyme)
I called the Pizza Stop to order a pizza.
Why did the chicken cross the road?  —To get to the other side.  (riddle)
Father sent a postcard to Grandmother to show her the beautiful beaches of Hawaii.
To have some peace and quiet, Mother told the children to play outside.
Jack stopped by the mall to buy a Christmas present.

Note:   In this usage, “to V(inf)…” has exactly the same meaning as “in order to V(inf)…”:

Examples:

Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard (in order) to get her poor dog a bone…
I called the Pizza Stop (in order) to order a pizza.
Why did the chicken cross the road?  — (In order) to get to the other side.

Note:  Although using “to…” seems similar to using “for…,” there is an important difference:
“to V(inf)…”  <– a verb follows “to”
“for N…”  <– a noun follows “for”

Compare:

Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard to get her poor dog a bone…
Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard for a bone…

I called the Pizza Stop to order a pizza.
I called the Pizza Stop for a pizza.

Father sent a postcard to Grandmother to show her the beautiful beaches of Hawaii.
Father sent a postcard for Grandmother.

To have some peace and quiet, Mother told the children to play outside.
For some peace and quiet, Mother told the children to play outside.

Jack stopped by the mall to buy a Christmas present.
Jack stopped by the mall for a Christmas present.

Other differences with “to…” and “for…”:

“wait for…”:  wait on account of someone or something, because of someone or something

Children don’t like to wait for Christmas.
We got to the station early, so we had to wait for the train.

“wait to…”:  wait to do something

Mother was so tired she couldn’t wait to get home and go to bed.
Jack had to wait to open his Christmas present.
Simba couldn’t wait to be king.

“wait for (somebody/something) to …”:  wait for someone or something to do something

The pupils sat quietly and waited for their teacher to arrive.
I can’t wait for Uncle Pete to come visit us!

Children’s Rhyme:  Old Mother Hubbard

Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the cupboard,
To give the poor dog a bone;
When she came there,
The cupboard was bare,
And so the poor dog had none.

Old Mother Hubbard and her Dog

Old Mother Hubbard and her Dog

She went to the baker’s
To buy him some bread;
When she came back
The dog was dead!

She went to the undertaker’s
To buy him a coffin;
When she came back
The dog was laughing.

She took a clean dish
to get him some tripe;
When she came back
He was smoking his pipe.

She went to the alehouse
To get him some beer;
When she came back
The dog sat in a chair.

She went to the tavern
For white wine and red;
When she came back
The dog stood on his head.

She went to the fruiterer’s
To buy him some fruit;
When she came back
He was playing the flute.

She went to the tailor’s
To buy him a coat;
When she came back
He was riding a goat.

She went to the hatter’s
To buy him a hat;
When she came back
He was feeding her cat.

She went to the barber’s
To buy him a wig
When she came back
He was dancing a jig.

She went to the cobbler’s
To buy him some shoes;
When she came back
He was reading the news.

She went to the sempstress
To buy him some linen;
When she came back
The dog was spinning.

She went to the hosier’s
To buy him some hose;
When she came back
He was dressed in his clothes.

The Dame made a curtsy,
The dog made a bow;
The Dame said, Your servant;
The dog said, Bow-wow.

This wonderful dog
Was Dame Hubbard’s delight,
He could read, he could dance,
He could sing, he could write;
She gave him rich dainties
Whenever he fed,
And erected this monument
When he was dead.

Exercises.  Write sentences starting with “I went to…,” matching a given phrase in the first set with an appropriate phrase from the second set.

Example:

(the library) (return a book) ==>  I went to the library to return a book.

Set A

City Hall
the jeweler’s
the school
the store
the train station

Set B

buy some bread
have my watch repaired
obtain a permit
pick up Uncle Jack
talk to Jane’s teacher

1.    ______________________________________.
2.    ______________________________________.
3.    ______________________________________.
4.    ______________________________________.
5.    ______________________________________.

Exercises.  Complete the following sentences, using the given phrases.

Example:

Mother got up early (to prepare breakfast).  ==>  Mother got up early to prepare breakfast.

to catch his breath
to chill
to dig his well
to entertain the children
to invite me to their holiday party
to irritate his sister
to learn self-defense
to log in
to stay awake
to ward off evil spirits

1.    You need a password _____________________________.
2.    Grandfather sat down _____________________________.
3.    Aunt Alice told a story _____________________________.
4.    Medieval people put gargoyles on buildings _____________________________.
5.    Father drank some black coffee _____________________________.
6.    Put the dough in the refrigerator _____________________________.
7.    Uncle Paul hired a contractor _____________________________.
8.    Tim joined a karate club _____________________________.
9.    Mike played the same song over and over again _____________________________.
10.    Mr. Smith called me _____________________________.

Exercises.  Write to or for.

Example:

I’m going to St. Louis ______ a business trip. ==> I’m going to St. Louis for a business trip.
I’m going to St. Louis ______ see the Cardinals play the Cubs. ==> I’m going to St. Louis to see the Cardinals play the Cubs.

1.    Can you come to our house next weekend ______ a barbecue?
2.    I called the dentist ______ make an appointment.
3.    I called the doctor ______ my lab results.
4.    Jack brought a snowblower ______ clear off the sidewalk.
5.    Jacob tried to frighten Hannah ______ stop her hiccups.
6.    Kelly knitted a pair of socks ______ her piano teacher.
7.    Mother used a rag ______ polish the silver.
8.    Peter carries a rabbit’s foot ______ good luck.
9.    The plumber used a monkey wrench ______ loosen the rusted nut.
10.    We went to Florida ______ Christmas.

Exercises.  Complete the sentences, choosing from the following phrases.

Example:

The soldiers waited _____________________________. (their captain / give the all-clear signal)  ==> The soldiers waited for their captain to give the all-clear signal.

(the President // give his speech)
(Mother // come home)
(the mouse // emerge from its hole)
(the phone // stop ringing)
(the snow // melt)

1.    The cat waited _____________________________.
2.    I know you’re hungry, but we have to wait _____________________________.
3.    The snowbound travelers waited _____________________________.
4.    Sally waited _____________________________.
5.    The reporters are waiting _____________________________.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 54 – I want you to… and I told you to…

Posted on 2012/11/22
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When we express a desire or wish for someone to do something, we can use the phrase “I want you to…”:

I want + you to V (inf.)

Example:

clean:  I want you to clean your room this afternoon.
be:  I want you to be quiet.
go:  I want you to go outside and play.
leave:  I don’t want you to leave.

“want” has the same meaning as “would like.”  However, “would like” is more polite:

I want you to be quiet. // I would like you to be quiet.

We can have other subjects besides “I,” and we can also have someone else be the object as well:

(Subject) want(s) + (somebody) to V (inf.)

prepare:  The teacher wants us to prepare for the test next week.
pick up:  John wants his brother to pick him up after school.
issue:  We want the store to issue us a refund.
cut:  He wants Mary to cut his hair.
teach:  They want me to teach them how to bake bread.
come:  I want him to come here.
help:  Do you want me to help you with the dishes?

Other verbs that can be used in this pattern instead of “want”:

V + (somebody) to V (inf.)

advise:  The professor advised Tom to take three semesters of physics.
ask:  We are asking them to switch their appointment to Thursday.
expect:  I expect my students to study diligently and work hard.
persuade:  Mrs. Jones persuaded her sick husband to stay home from work.
teach:  My brother taught me to whistle.

In particular, “(Subject) told (somebody) to V(inf)” can be used for commands in indirect speech:

Mother told the children to put their toys away.
I told you to walk the dog when you got home.
Jack told Jill to fetch a pail of water.
Father told us not to touch the snake.

Note:  For verbs used with “make” and “let,” we use the dictionary form of the verb, but we do NOT use the infinitive marker “to”:

make / let (somebody) V(inf)…

The bully made Tom give him his lunch money.
(not “made Tom to give him his lunch money”)

Seeing a cute baby always makes me smile.
(not “makes me to smile”)

Mother let Jane bake chocolate chip cookies all by herself.
(not “let Jane to bake…”)

Let me eat my breakfast first before we go for a walk.
(not “Let me to eat my breakfast…”)

Our teacher never lets us chew gum in class.
(not “never lets us to chew…”)

If you want to do something with someone else, use “let’s…”:

Let us / Let’s + V(inf)….

I’m hungry.  Let’s eat.
(not “Let’s to eat”)

Let’s watch a movie tonight.
(not “Let’s to watch…”)

Exercise.  Use the prompts to write sentences beginning with “I want you…” / “I don’t want you…” / Do you want me…?”

Example:

Close the door. ==> I want you to close the door.

1.    Mop the floor.
2.    Don’t come home late.
3.    Return these library books.
4.    Finish your homework.
5.    Don’t tell Aunt Martha about the party – it’ll be a surprise.
6.    Should I call the doctor?
7.    Stop by the grocery store on your way home.
8.    Buy some milk.
9.    Should I pick up some salad, too?
10.    Don’t get any cat food – we have enough.

Exercise.  Use the following dialogues to complete the sentences.

Example:

Tom:  My library book is overdue.
You:  You should return it right away.
==>  Tom had an overdue library book.  I advised him to return it right away.

1.    Jack:  My brother is late.  Bus driver, can you please wait for him?

2.    Sarah:  I’m hungry.  Can you lend me five dollars for lunch?

3.    Mrs. Smith:  The rabbits are invading my garden.
Mr. Jones:  Try using some dried blood to keep them away.

4.    Becky:  Jane, how did you learn to make such a delicious pot roast?
Jane:  My mother taught me to cook.

5.    You:  Mr. Brown hasn’t come to work yet, but he should arrive at any minute.

6.    Teacher:  Class, be quiet.

Exercise.  Use the verbs in the following list to complete the sentences.  Some will need the infinitive marker to, others will not need it.

Example:

Do you want me ______ you some supper?  (cook) ==> Do you want me to cook you some supper?  

be
bring
come
fix
get
give
go
invest
jump
knit
know
laugh
leave
lose
make
meet
open
put
quit
rake
redo
stop
trade
use
vacuum

1.    The policeman told the robber ______ his hands in the air.
2.    My sister doesn’t let anyone ______ her mp3 player.
3.    The accountant advised Father ______ some money in a retirement plan.
4.    I don’t want Mark ______ that I dented his car.
5.    Sam told the mechanic ______ his flat tire.
6.    The students wanted the teacher ______ them an easy test.
7.    Can I persuade you ______ seats with me?
8.    Let’s ______ for a walk.
9.    That movie always makes me ______.
10.    The doctor advised Uncle Tim ______ weight.
11.    I told you ______ the carpet in the hall.
12.    Mother is expecting us ______ straight home from school.
13.    Let me help you ______ the leaves.
14.    Father made Jack ______ the test he failed.
15.    Did you ask me ______ by the library after work?  I don’t remember.
16.    I just want Steve ______ asking me to go out with him.
17.    Grandfather told Uncle Bob ______ him at the airport at 3:30.
18.    Do you want me ______ the window to get some fresh air?
19.    The Smiths expect all their children ______ the honor roll in school.
20.    Let’s ______ Peter a new trumpet for his birthday.
21.    I’ll teach you ______ rude to your elders!
22.    The officer persuaded the distraught man not ______ off the bridge.
23.    The bartender asked the drunken man ______ the pub and go home.
24.    My mother taught me ______ mittens.
25.    Do you want us ______ dessert?

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Grammar Basics: Unit 53 – to… and –ing (Solution)

Posted on 2012/11/21
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Exercise.  Use the correct form of the verb:  to… // –ing.

Example:  

I want __________ home. (go) ==> I want to go home.
It has stopped __________. (rain) ==> It has stopped raining.

1.    Jack decided to move to Texas.
2.    Aunt Betty enjoys listening to jazz music.
3.    Our company expects to have strong sales in the second quarter.
4.    We have to finish decorating for the party before Shelia comes home.
5.    My sister forgot to put a sandwich in my lunch box.
6.    Father hopes to have the cottage built in time for summer vacation.
7.    We’re learning to bake chocolate chip cookies.
8.    I hope you don’t mind having chicken for supper tonight.
9.    We need to buy some milk and eggs.
10.    Mother offered to give the boy a ride to the library.
11.    I plan to get a part-time job.
12.    Matt promised to stop smoking.
13.    John refused to take “no” for an answer.
14.    No matter what, I’ll never stop loving you.
15.    Let me suggest cleaning the living room before Mother and Father come home.
16.    Ken wants to get a bike for his birthday.

Exercise.  Complete the sentences with to…. // –ing.  Use a verb from the list.

Example:

I would like (leave) now, please. ==> I would like to leave now, please.
Tim enjoys (play) the piano. ==>   Tim enjoys playing the piano.

1.    Jack began to snore as soon as his head hit the pillow. // Jack began snoring as soon as his head hit the pillow.
2.    After taking a rest, Mark continued to mow the lawn. // After taking a rest, Mark continued mowing the lawn.
3.    When did you and Martha decide to move to Albuquerque?
4.    I would prefer to have a hotel room on the second floor.
5.    I enjoy exercising outdoors rather than indoors.
6.    We expect to complete the project within the week.
7.    Please wait for me – I haven’t finished packing my bags yet.
8.    The children would love to do some skiing on their vacation, I’m sure.
9.    Don’t forget to buy some stamps for the Christmas cards.
10.    Joan hates folding the laundry. // Joan hates to fold the laundry.
11.    I hope to make $3000 a month in commissions.
12.    When a teacher sets and enforces homework deadlines, children learn to manage their time.
13.    Uncle Bob likes to sing in the shower. // Uncle Bob likes singing in the shower.
14.    The baby loves to ride on the rocking horse. // The baby loves riding on the rocking horse.
15.    The gentleman asked if we minded watching his bags while he grabbed a bite to eat at the hot dog stand.
16.    Peter needs to get a haircut.
17.    Make sure there is enough gas in the car – I would hate to think of you walking all the way home.
18.    Susan offered to throw a going-away party for Max.
19.    We plan to have a big party for the holidays.
20.    I prefer to stay up late rather than get up early. // I prefer staying up late rather than getting up early.
21.    Father promised to take the twins to the zoo next Saturday.
22.    Sally refused to go on a date with Herman after he treated her so poorly.
23.    As soon as I turned the key, the car engine started to make a strange sound. // As soon as I turned the key, the car engine started making a strange sound.
24.    The reporter asked the politician if he had stopped beating his wife yet.
25.    Let me suggest going to bed early if you want to get a head start on your trip tomorrow.
26.    Debbie tried to call her brother, but he never answered the phone. // Debbie tried calling her brother, but he never answered the phone.
27.    I want to make sure you understand completely what’s at stake here.
28.    I would like to propose a toast to the bride and groom.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 53 – to… and –ing

Posted on 2012/11/20
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Some verbs are followed by the infinitive marker to and another verb in its base form:

decide to:    We decided to go to the Bahamas for our vacation.
expect to:    Mother expects you to come visit her next week.
forget to:    Did you forget to turn off the water?
hope to:    We hope to open a new restaurant by the end of next month.
learn to:    Billy learned to ride a bike today.
need to:    You need to do your homework.
offer to:    Mark should have offered to pay for the window he broke.
plan to:    John plans to attend Stanford University.
promise to:    I promise to keep your secret.
refuse to:    Mr. Brown refused to let his students go until they had memorized the Gettysburg Address.
want to:    I want to ride a rollercoaster.

Some verbs are followed by another verb in the –ing form:

enjoy:    Tom enjoys swimming.
finish:    Have you finished cleaning your room yet?
mind:    I don’t mind sleeping on the couch.
stop:    Please stop bothering me.
suggest:    The waiter suggested trying the grilled salmon.

Some verbs can be followed either by to + V (inf) or + V –ing:

begin:    Jack picked up the book and began to read. // Jack picked up the book and began reading.
continue:    If you continue to ignore your homework, you won’t do well in class. // If you continue ignoring your homework, you won’t do well in class.
hate:    Mr. Williams hates to golf. // Mr. Williams hates golfing.
like:    I like to walk in the rain. // I like walking in the rain.
love:    I love to go to the county fair. // I love going to the county fair.
prefer:    Sally prefers to vacation in Florida. // Sally prefers vacationing in Florida.
start:    The wind started to blow hard as soon as we got off the bus. // The wind started blowing hard as soon as we got off the bus.
try:    Jane tried to cook a turkey, but it turned out to be a disaster. // Jane tried cooking a turkey, but it turned out to be a disaster.

Some verbs, when used with would, are followed by the infinitive marker to and another verb in its base form:

would hate:    I would hate to be in his shoes when his wife finds out about his secret.
would like:    The doctor would like to see you now.
would love:    We would love to visit you sometime.
would prefer:    Mother would prefer to travel by train, I’m sure.

 

Exercise.  Use the correct form of the verb:  to… // –ing.

Example:

I want __________ home. (go) ==> I want to go home.
It has stopped __________. (rain) ==> It has stopped raining.

1.    Jack decided __________ (move) to Texas.
2.    Aunt Betty enjoys __________ (listen) to jazz music.
3.    Our company expects __________ (have) strong sales in the second quarter.
4.    We have to finish __________ (decorate) for the party before Shelia comes home.
5.    My sister forgot __________ (put) a sandwich in my lunch box.
6.    Father hopes __________ (have) the cottage built in time for summer vacation.
7.    We’re learning __________ (bake) chocolate chip cookies.
8.    I hope you don’t mind __________ (have) chicken for supper tonight.
9.    We need __________ (buy) some milk and eggs.
10.    Mother offered __________ (give) the boy a ride to the library.
11.    I plan __________ (get) a part-time job.
12.    Matt promised __________ (stop) smoking.
13.    John refused __________ (take) “no” for an answer.
14.    No matter what, I’ll never stop __________ (love) you.
15.    Let me suggest __________ (clean) the living room before Mother and Father come home.
16.    Ken wants __________ (get) a bike for his birthday.

Exercise.  Complete the sentences with to…. // –ing.  Use a verb from the list.

Example:

I would like (leave) now, please. ==> I would like to leave now, please.
Tim enjoys (play) the piano. ==>   Tim enjoys playing the piano.

1.    Jack began __________ (snore) as soon as his head hit the pillow.
2.    After taking a rest, Mark continued __________ (mow) the lawn.
3.    When did you and Martha decide __________ (move) to Albuquerque?
4.    I would prefer __________ (have) a hotel room on the second floor.
5.    I enjoy __________ (exercise) outdoors rather than indoors.
6.    We expect __________ (complete) the project within the week.
7.    Please wait for me – I haven’t finished __________ (pack) my bags yet.
8.    The children would love __________ (do) some skiing on their vacation, I’m sure.
9.    Don’t forget __________ (buy) some stamps for the Christmas cards.
10.    Joan hates __________ (fold) the laundry.
11.    I hope __________ (make) $3000 a month in commissions.
12.    When a teacher sets and enforces homework deadlines, children learn __________ (manage) their time.
13.    Uncle Bob likes __________ (sing) in the shower.
14.    The baby loves __________ (ride) on the rocking horse.
15.    The gentleman asked if we minded __________ (watch) his bags while he grabbed a bite to eat at the hot dog stand.
16.    Peter needs __________ (get) a haircut.
17.    Make sure there is enough gas in the car – I would hate __________ (think) of you walking all the way home.
18.    Susan offered __________ (throw) a going-away party for Max.
19.    We plan __________ (have) a big party for the holidays.
20.    I prefer __________ (stay) up late rather than __________ (get) up early.
21.    Father promised __________ (take) the twins to the zoo next Saturday.
22.    Sally refused __________ (go) on a date with Herman after he treated her so poorly.
23.    As soon as I turned the key, the car engine started __________ (make) a strange sound.
24.    The reporter asked the politician if he had stopped __________ (beat) his wife yet.
25.    Let me suggest __________ (go) to bed early if you want to get a head start on your trip tomorrow.
26.    Debbie tried __________ (call) her brother, but he never answered the phone.
27.    I want __________ (make) sure you understand completely what’s at stake here.
28.    I would like __________ (propose) a toast to the bride and groom.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 52 – work / working, go / going, do / doing (Solution)

Posted on 2012/07/13
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Exercise.  Complete the sentences.  Use either “eat breakfast” or “to eat breakfast.”

Example:

I’ll _____________. ==>  I’ll eat breakfast.
John’s going _____________. ==>  John’s going to eat breakfast.

1.    I could eat breakfast.
2.    You must eat breakfast.
3.    Mary wants to eat breakfast.
4.    He may eat breakfast.
5.    They have to eat breakfast.
6.    We can eat breakfast.
7.    I want to eat breakfast.
8.    You should eat breakfast.
9.    She might eat breakfast.
10.    Father used to eat breakfast.

Exercise.  Complete the sentences with a verb from the list.  Choose either the base form (sleep/play) or the –ing form (sleeping/playing).

Example:

Shhh – the baby is (sleep/sleeping). ==> Shhh – the baby is sleeping.
Do you (play/playing) a musical instrument?  ==>  Do you play a musical instrument?

1.    I might need your help later this afternoon.
2.    Make sure to set the alarm – I’m getting up early tomorrow morning.
3.    What are you wearing for the costume party next week?
4.    Did John practice the piano after school?
5.    Mark didn’t write his thank-you note yet.
6.    They must be tired after their long journey.
7.    Does the hotel have a swimming pool?
8.    Mary said she would bring some salad for the picnic.
9.    Our team is playing the Southsiders tomorrow.
10.    The ice cream stand doesn’t take credit cards.

Exercise.  Put the verb in the correct form.  Choose either the base form, the infinitive form, or the –ing form.

Example:

May I _____________ you?  (help) ==>  May I help you?
I have _____________ a movie for my history class.  (watch) ==>  I have to watch a movie for my history class.
The children _____________ hopscotch.  (play) ==>  The children are playing hopscotch.

1.    We would like to rent a cabin for our vacation.
2.    Does this vending machine work?
3.    I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
4.    They’re going to build a new school across the street.
5.    We will give you a call as soon as we get home.
6.    The janitor is cleaning the boys’ bathroom right now.
7.    We must hear the orchestra play Mozart’s requiem – I’ve heard it’s an excellent performance.
8.    Uncle Howard doesn’t like opera.
9.    I would like to visit the Grand Canyon someday.
10.    Mother couldn’t open the pickle jar.
11.    What time does your plane leave tomorrow morning?
12.    When did you come home last night?
13.    Father used to sing in the choir when he was a young man.
14.    I have to return the library book today.
15.    The children want to go to the museum this weekend.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 52 – work / working, go / going, do / doing

Posted on 2012/07/12
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Let’s review some of the things we’ve covered here in Grammar Basics so far.

When we use modal verbs (will, shall, might, may, can, could, must, should, would), we use what is called the base form, or dictionary form, of the verb:

will:    John will wash the dishes.
shall:    I shall call you later today.
might:    It might rain tomorrow.
may:    Tom may come to the party.
can:    Bobby can write his name now.
could:    We could go to the park.
must:    You must stand up.
should:    He should get a new car.
would:    I would be quiet if I were you.

The base form / dictionary form is also used with do/does and did:

do/does:

Do you see John anywhere?
Does your dog have a leash?
The phone doesn’t work.

did:

When did you come home last night?
I didn’t eat the cupcake.

We also use the base form / dictionary form after the infinitive marker to:

going to:    I’m going to go to bed now.
have to:    Tom has to do his homework after school.
want to:    We want to build a sand castle.
would like to:    I would like to have some tea, please.
used to:    We used to play by the river when we were kids.

–ing is used for the continuous form:

am/is/are –ing:

Our school is putting on the play, The Diary of Anne Frank.
We are going on vacation next month.
I am taking a shower.

was/were –ing:

I was sleeping when you called.
The boys were playing outside when Grandfather arrived.

 

Exercise.  Complete the sentences.  Use either “eat breakfast” or “to eat breakfast.”

Example:

I’ll _____________. ==>  I’ll eat breakfast.
John’s going _____________. ==>  John’s going to eat breakfast.

1.    I could _____________.
2.    You must _____________.
3.    Mary wants _____________.
4.    He may _____________.
5.    They have _____________.
6.    We can _____________.
7.    I want _____________.
8.    You should _____________.
9.    She might _____________.
10.    Father used _____________.

Exercise.  Complete the sentences with a verb from the list.  Choose either the base form (sleep/play) or the –ing form (sleeping/playing).

Example:

Shhh – the baby is (sleep/sleeping). ==> Shhh – the baby is sleeping.
Do you (play/playing) a musical instrument?  ==>  Do you play a musical instrument?

be/being
bring/bringing
get/getting
have/having
need/needing
play/playing
practice/practicing
take/taking
wear/wearing
write/writing

1.    I might _____________ your help later this afternoon.
2.    Make sure to set the alarm – I’m _____________ up early tomorrow morning.
3.    What are you _____________ for the costume party next week?
4.    Did John _____________ the piano after school?
5.    Mark didn’t _____________ his thank-you note yet.
6.    They must _____________ tired after their long journey.
7.    Does the hotel _____________ a swimming pool?
8.    Mary said she would _____________ some salad for the picnic.
9.    Our team is _____________ the Southsiders tomorrow.
10.    The ice cream stand doesn’t _____________ credit cards.

Exercise.  Put the verb in the correct form.  Choose either the base form, the infinitive form, or the –ing form.

Example:

May I _____________ you?  (help) ==>  May I help you?
I have _____________ a movie for my history class.  (watch) ==>  I have to watch a movie for my history class.
The children _____________ hopscotch.  (play) ==>  The children are playing hopscotch.

1.    We would like _____________ a cabin for our vacation. (rent)
2.    Does this vending machine _____________? (work)
3.    I’m so hungry I could _____________ a horse. (eat)
4.    They’re going _____________ a new school across the street. (build)
5.    We will _____________ you a call as soon as we get home. (give)
6.    The janitor _____________ the boys’ bathroom right now. (clean)
7.    We must _____________ the orchestra play Mozart’s requiem – I’ve heard it’s an excellent performance. (hear)
8.    Uncle Howard doesn’t _____________ opera. (like)
9.    I would like _____________ the Grand Canyon someday. (visit)
10.    Mother couldn’t _____________ the pickle jar. (open)
11.    What time does your plane _____________ tomorrow morning? (leave)
12.    When did you _____________ home last night? (come)
13.    Father used _____________ in the choir when he was a young man. (sing)
14.    I have _____________ the library book today. (return)
15.    The children want _____________ to the museum this weekend. (go)

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Grammar Basics: Unit 50 – Do you know where…? I don’t know what….

Posted on 2012/07/05
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Sometimes when we ask a question, we can phrase it slightly differently and change it to a yes/no question.  For example,

Where is Kathy?

and

Do you know where Kathy is?

are both asking for information about the location of Kathy.  But the first question is answered differently than the second question:

Where is Kathy?
–    She’s at the bank.
–    She’s at school.
–    She’s sleeping.
–    Etc.

The second question, however, is a yes/no question.  If a person answers “yes,” we must ask a second question to get the information we are looking for:

Do you know where Kathy is?—No (, I don’t know where she is).
•    In this case, we have to find someone else to ask!

Do you know where Kathy is?—Yes (, I know where she is).
•    In this case, we can ask a second question (a “follow-up” question) to get the information we are looking for (Kathy’s location):
Where is she?
–    She’s playing tennis.
–    She’s at the dentist’s.
–    She’s on vacation.

Notice with these questions “Do you know where….is?” the verb comes at the end.  The verb also comes at the end with the answer:

No (, I don’t know where she is).
Yes (, I know where she is).

Instead of “Do you know…?” we can also say “Can you tell me…?”  Both ways of asking have the same meaning:

Do you know where Kathy is? = Can you tell me where Kathy is?

Other questions converted to yes/no questions that would need a follow-up question – note the verb at the end of the question:

•    Who is that man? ==>  Do you know who that man is? / Can you tell me who that man is? / I know who that man is. / I don’t know who that man is. / I don’t remember who that man is.
•    What time is it? ==> Do you know what time it is?  / Can you tell me what time it is? / I know what time it is. / I don’t know what time it is.
•    How tall is Jack? ==> Do you know how tall Jack is? / Can you tell me how tall Jack is? / I know how tall Jack is. / I don’t know how tall Jack is. / I don’t remember how tall Jack is.
•    When is Tom going? ==> Do you know when Tom is going? / Can you tell me when Tom is going? / I know when Tom is going. / I don’t know when Tom is going. / I don’t remember when Tom is going.

For converting questions with do / does / did, use simple present or simple past in the converted sentence, at the end:

•    Where does Mr. Smith live? ==> Do you know where Mr. Smith lives? / Can you tell me where Mr. Smith lives? / I know where Mr. Smith lives. / I don’t know where Mr. Smith lives. / I don’t remember where Mr. Smith lives.
•    How much does this cost? ==> Do you know how much this costs? / Can you tell me how much this costs? / I know how much that costs. / I don’t know how much that costs. / I don’t remember how much that costs.
•    How does rain make a rainbow? ==> Do you know how rain makes a rainbow? / Can you tell me how rain makes a rainbow? / I know how rain makes a rainbow. / I don’t know how rain makes a rainbow. / I don’t remember how rain makes a rainbow.
•    Why do dogs bark? ==> Do you know why dogs bark? / Can you tell me why dogs bark? / I know why dogs bark. / I don’t know why dogs bark. / I don’t remember why dogs bark.
•    When did Jack leave? ==> Do you know when Jack left? / Can you tell me when Jack left? / I know when Jack left. / I don’t know when Jack left. / I don’t remember when Jack left.

For questions beginning with Is….? / Do….? / Can….?, we can also convert, using if or whether:

•    Is Tom sleeping? ==> Do you know if Tom is sleeping? / Do you know whether Tom is sleeping?
•    Have the kids eaten lunch yet? ==> Do you know if the kids have eaten lunch yet? / Do you know whether the kids have eaten lunch yet?
•    Can Jack ride a bicycle? ==> Do you know if Jack can ride a bicycle? / Do you know whether Jack can ride a bicycle?
•    Did Frank call? ==> Do you know if Frank called? / Do you know whether Frank called?

Exercise.  Answer the following questions with I don’t know where / when / why / what / etc.

Example:

Is Tom at the gym? (where) ==> I don’t know where Tom is.

1.    Was Miss Jackson in class yesterday? (where)
2.    Has the lawn mower been broken very long?  (how long)
3.    Is the hotel new? (how old)
4.    Have the children gone to school? (where)
5.    Will Mother come home soon? (when)

Exercise.  Complete the following sentences.

Example:

Why do dogs bark?  I don’t know ==> I don’t know why dogs bark.
When is the next bus?  Do you know ==> Do you know when the next bus is?

1.    What did Tom eat for lunch?  I don’t remember
2.    When is Mary going to college?  I don’t know
3.    Why is Jack selling his car?  Do you know
4.    Where is the hotel?  Do you know
5.    How did Patrick break his leg?  I don’t know
6.    How hot is it?  Do you know
7.    What did Sally get for her birthday?  I don’t remember

Exercise.  Write questions using Do you know if….?

Example:

Can Michael come with us? ==> Do you know if Michael can come with us?

1.    Is Jack invited to the party?
2.    Has Martin booked his vacation?
3.    Can Steve fix my broken clock?
4.    Do the twins like chocolate cake?
5.    Was the window left open?
6.    Does Jill have a key to Dad’s house?
7.    Have they picked up the garbage yet?
8.    Did Debbie do the dishes?
9.    Had the book been checked out of the library?
10.    Were there a lot of people at the beach?

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Grammar Basics: Unit 49 – How long does it take…?

Posted on 2012/07/03
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If we are talking about time, we use the phrase “How long does it take…?”

When we are wondering about the time needed to travel (from place A) to place B, we can ask “How long does it take to get (from A) to B?”:

How long does it take to get from Chicago to Miami? —It takes about three days by car.
How long does it take to get from the library to the museum? —It’s about a ten-minute walk.
How long does it take to get to the airport?—About twenty minutes.

Note:  Many times we also include the method of travel.  For example, traveling by plane is quicker than traveling by car.  This makes a difference how the question is answered.

More examples:

How long does it take to get to school by bus?—It takes 45 minutes.
How long does it take to get from Paris to Frankfurt by train?—About four or five hours.
How long does it take to get to the beach by foot?—About fifteen minutes.  (“by foot” or “on foot” both mean “by walking”)

We can also use “How long does it take…?” if we are asking about doing something:

How long does it take to bake a cake?
How long does it take to build a house?
How long does it take to get a haircut?

Other tenses are possible:

Past tense:  How long did it take….?

How long did it take to knit that sweater?
How long did it take to write the book?

Future tense:  How long will it take…?

How long will it take to mow the lawn?
How long will it take to save enough money for a nice vacation?

We can also make negative sentences (usually in response to one of the above questions):  It doesn’t / didn’t / won’t take long…

It doesn’t take long to get from the library to the museum.
It doesn’t take long to get a haircut.
It didn’t take long to knit the sweater.
It won’t take long to mow the lawn.

The questions can be personalized, as well:  How long does it take you to do something?

How long does it take you to do your homework?
How long will it take Tom to clean his room?
It took me forever to finish that project.

Exercise.  Using the given words, write questions with How long….?

Example:

Chicago, New York, car ==>  How long does it take to get from Chicago to New York by car?

1.    Hong Kong, Tokyo, plane
2.    School, library, foot
3.    Home, downtown, train
4.    Island, mainland, boat
5.    Train station, airport, bus

Exercise.  From the following sentences, write questions using How long did it take…?

Example:

Jack painted the picture in the hall. ==>  How long did it take him to paint the picture?

1.    The English class read the book “War and Peace.”
2.    John drove from Atlanta to Dallas.
3.    Mother made all the bridesmaids’ dresses for Edith’s wedding.
4.    Edward finally finished writing the Smith family history.
5.    Jack and Jill wrapped all the Christmas presents.

 

Exercise.  Read the following situations, and write sentences using It took….
Example:

I wrote a term paper.  I started it on March 3, and finished it on April 3. ==> It took me a month to write the paper.

1.    Max weeded the garden.  He started at 9 a.m., and finished at 11 a.m.
2.    We drove from Chicago to Los Angeles.  We left on Monday, and got there on Saturday.
3.    Mary knit a sweater.  She started it at the beginning of October, and finished it in time for Christmas.
4.    Steve walked home from the train station.  He got off the train at 5:30 p.m., and got home at 5:45 p.m.
5.    Kevin built his summer cottage.  He started building it in 2008, and he finished it in 2010.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 48 – What…? Which….? How…? (Solution)

Posted on 2012/06/01
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Exercise.  Using the word in parentheses, write questions with What…?

Example:

Jack went to bed late last night.  (time) ==> What time did he go to bed?

1.    I went to the library this afternoon.  What books did you check out?
2.    Tom bought a new car.  What color is it?
3.    Let’s have some ice cream.  What type would you like?
4.    We’re thinking of getting new cell phones.  What kind are you thinking of getting?
5.    Mary is flying to Atlanta next week.  What airline is she going to take?

Exercise.  Use What, Which, or Who to complete the following questions.

Example:

There are a lot of newborns in the nursery.  ____________ baby is yours? ==> Which baby is yours?

1.    What month is it?—It’s June.
2.    Don’t forget your umbrella.  Which one is yours?
3.    What day does your birthday fall on this year?
4.    Who is smarter, Jack or Jill?
5.    Which room is your next class in, Room 328 or Room 329?
6.    Who did the laundry?  Sally or Mack?
7.    Which lake did you vacation at?  Lake Michigan, or Lake Huron?
8.    What hobby does Steve enjoy?
9.    Who ate the last piece of cake, Dad or Bill?
10.    What classes do you have this semester?

Exercise.  Write questions for the following answers, using How + (adjective / adverb)…?

Example:

____________ is it to the bus station?  —About three blocks. ==> How far is it to the bus station?

1.    How much money do you have?  —Over $20.
2.    How tall is that building?  —It’s 200 feet tall.
3.    How heavy is an elephant?  —About 2000 pounds.
4.    How long is a blue whale?  —It’s nearly 100 feet long.
5.    How high is Mount McKinley?  —Over 20,000 feet.
6.    How far is Earth from the sun?  —About 93 million miles.
7.    How many miles is it from New York to Los Angeles? —Almost 3000 miles.
8.    How much gas does the tank of your car hold?  —About 12 gallons.
9.    How often do you catch a cold?  —Only once or twice a year.
10.    How old is your grandmother?—She’s 96.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 48 – What…? Which….? How…?

Posted on 2012/05/31
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In this lesson we’ll take a look at some more question words:  What…?, Which…?, and How…?

What…?

We have already seen

What + (no noun)…?
•    What is Jack doing?
•    What did the mayor say?

Now:  What + (noun)…?
•    What time is it?
•    What color are your eyes?
•    What program did you watch?
•    What size shoe does Bobby wear?
•    What kind of dessert do you like?

Which + (noun)….?
•    Which bus should I take?
•    Which coat is yours?
•    Which teacher was your favorite?
•    Which class did you like least?

Which without a noun is used for things:
•    Which is more famous – Disneyland or Universal Studios?
•    Which is hotter – Florida or Hawaii?
•    Which is taller – the Empire State Building or Willis Tower?

For people, use Who without a noun (not Which):
•    Who is more famous – Abraham Lincoln or Albert Einstein?  (not:  Which is more famous – Abraham Lincoln or Albert Einstein?)
•    Who is taller – Michael Jordan or Wilt Chamberlain?  (not:  Which is taller – Michael Jordan or Wilt Chamberlain?)

How do we know whether to use What or Which?
What color do you like?
or
Which color do you like?

Which:  Use when there are only a few possibilities.
•    Which color do you like?  Yellow, blue, or green?
•    Which way should I go?  Left or right?
•    Which dessert do you want?

What:  Use for more general situations.
•    What color do you want to paint the room?
•    What movies are playing at the downtown theater?
•    What desserts do they serve at that restaurant?

How…?
•    How was the movie?  —It was boring.
•    How should I wash this sweater?  —By hand.

How + (adjective / adverb)…?
•    How tall is Willis Tower?
•    How big is the sailboat?
•    How many cars are in the parking lot?
•    How often do you mow the lawn?
•    How late do you stay up?
•    How far is it to St. Louis?
•    How hard do you work to keep such a beautiful garden?
•    Etc.

Exercise.  Using the word in parentheses, write questions with What…?

Example:

Jack went to bed late last night.  (time) ==> What time did he go to bed?

1.    I went to the library this afternoon.  (books)
2.    Tom bought a new car.  (color)
3.    Let’s have some ice cream.  (type)
4.    We’re thinking of getting new cell phones.  (kind)
5.    Mary is flying to Atlanta next week.  (airline)

Exercise.  Use What, Which, or Who to complete the following questions.

Example:

There are a lot of newborns in the nursery.  ____________ baby is yours? ==> Which baby is yours?

1.    ____________ month is it?—It’s June.
2.    Don’t forget your umbrella.  ____________ one is yours?
3.    ____________ day does your birthday fall on this year?
4.    ____________ is smarter, Jack or Jill?
5.    ____________ room is your next class in, Room 328 or Room 329?
6.    ____________ did the laundry?  Sally or Mack?
7.    ____________ lake did you vacation at?  Lake Michigan, or Lake Huron?
8.    ____________ hobby does Steve enjoy?
9.    ____________ ate the last piece of cake, Dad or Bill?
10.    ____________ classes do you have this semester?

Exercise.  Write questions for the following answers, using How + (adjective / adverb)…?

Example:

____________ is it to the bus station?  —About three blocks. ==> How far is it to the bus station?

1.    ____________ money do you have?  —Over $20.
2.    ____________ is that building?  —It’s 200 feet tall.
3.    ____________ is an elephant?  —About 2000 pounds.
4.    ____________ is a blue whale?  —It’s nearly 100 feet long.
5.    ____________ is Mount McKinley?  —Over 20,000 feet.
6.    ____________ is Earth from the sun?  —About 93 million miles.
7.    ____________ miles is it from New York to Los Angeles? —Almost 3000 miles.
8.    ____________ gas does the tank of your car hold?  —About 12 gallons.
9.    ____________ do you catch a cold?  —Only once or twice a year.
10.    ____________ is your grandmother?—She’s 96.

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