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Grammar Basics: Unit 37 – Do this…, Don’t do that…, Let’s do… (Solution)

Posted on 2012/04/25
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Exercise.  Choose the correct verb and complete the following sentences.  Make them commands.

Example: 

________ the seeds 2 inches apart. (plant) ==> Plant the seeds 2 inches apart.

1.    Sit next to me.
2.    Write a letter to Aunt Edna.
3.    Take two pills after every meal.
4.    Please sign on the dotted line.
5.    Read the book and write a report on it for next Monday.
6.    Please dry the dishes and put them away.
7.    Say goodbye to Mrs. Wirth.
8.    Slice the vegetables and cook them in boiling water for three minutes.
9.    Bring a sack lunch for the field trip tomorrow.
10.    Wash your face and brush your teeth before you go to bed.

 

Exercise.  For each of the following sentences, suggest an alternative activity using the phrase “No, let’s…”

Example: 

Do you want to watch the late night movie?  (go to bed) ==> No, let’s go to bed.

1.    Do you want to go camping this year?  No, let’s stay at a resort.
2.    Do you want to leave now?  No, let’s wait a while.
3.    Shall we have Chinese for dinner?  No, let’s have Italian.
4.    Should we tell Bob someone dented his car?  No, let’s mind our own business.
5.    Would you like to play a game?  No, let’s watch a movie.

Exercise.  Answer each of the following sentences with either “No, don’t…” or “No, let’s not…”

Example: 

Should I turn up the heat? ==> No, don’t turn up the heat.

1.    Shall I call for a doctor?  No, don’t call for a doctor.
2.    Should we leave yet?  No, let’s not leave yet.
3.    Should we have a big party for Tom’s birthday?  No, let’s not have a big party.
4.    Should I make you a nice, hot cup of coffee?  No, don’t make me a cup of coffee.
5.    Should I tell Mr. Smith you broke his window?   No, don’t tell Mr. Smith.
6.    Shall we go for a walk?  No, let’s not go for a walk.
7.    Should we take the train?  No, let’s not take the train.
8.    Should I put this picture in the letter to your mother?  No, don’t put that picture in the letter.
9.    Shall I shine your shoes, sir?  No, don’t shine my shoes.
10.    Should we give Sally a puppy for Christmas?  No, let’s not give Sally a puppy.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 37 – Do this…, Don’t do that…, Let’s do…

Posted on 2012/04/24
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For the imperative (command) form, we use the infinitive (base form) of the verb:

Go away!  Leave me alone.
Clean up your room and make your bed.
Hurry up – the buss will be here soon.
Eat your vegetables.
Watch out!

For a negative command:  Don’t (= Do not) + V (inf.)…

Don’t forget to go to the store.
Do not make any noise – Father is sleeping.
Don’t eat a snack.  You’ll spoil your supper.

If you want to do something together with another person, you can make a suggestion:  Let’s (= Let us) + V (inf.)…

Let’s take a break.  I’m tired.
Let’s go home – this party is boring.
It’s a beautiful day – let’s go for a walk.

For a negative suggestion:  Let’s not + V (inf.)…

Let’s not watch TV.  I’d rather read a book.
Let’s not go anywhere on vacation this year.  Let’s just have a “staycation” at home.

Exercise.  Choose the correct verb and complete the following sentences.  Make them commands.

Example: 

________ the seeds 2 inches apart. (plant) ==> Plant the seeds 2 inches apart.

bring
brush
cook
dry
put
read
say
sign
sit
slice
take
wash
write
write

1.    ________ next to me.
2.    ________ a letter to Aunt Edna.
3.    ________ two pills after every meal.
4.    Please ________ on the dotted line.
5.    ________ the book and ________ a report on it for next Monday.
6.    Please ________ the dishes and ________ them away.
7.    ________ goodbye to Mrs. Wirth.
8.    ________ the vegetables and ________ them in boiling water for three minutes.
9.    ________ a sack lunch for the field trip tomorrow.
10.    ________ your face and ________ your teeth before you go to bed.

 

Exercise.  For each of the following sentences, suggest an alternative activity using the phrase “No, let’s…”

Example: 

Do you want to watch the late night movie?  (go to bed) ==> No, let’s go to bed.

have Italian
mind our own business
stay at a resort
wait a while
watch a movie

1.    Do you want to go camping this year?
2.    Do you want to leave now?
3.    Shall we have Chinese for dinner?
4.    Should we tell Bob someone dented his car?
5.    Would you like to play a game?

Exercise.  Answer each of the following sentences with either “No, don’t…” or “No, let’s not…”

Example: 

Should I turn up the heat? ==> No, don’t turn up the heat.

1.    Shall I call for a doctor?
2.    Should we leave yet?
3.    Should we have a big party for Tom’s birthday?
4.    Should I make you a nice, hot cup of coffee?
5.    Should I tell Mr. Smith you broke his window?
6.    Shall we go for a walk?
7.    Should we take the train?
8.    Should I put this picture in the letter to your mother?
9.    Shall I shine your shoes, sir?
10.    Should we give Sally a puppy for Christmas?

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Grammar Basics: Unit 36 – I’d rather… (Solutions)

Posted on 2012/04/20
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Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

drink like

Would you _______ some coffee, or do you prefer _______ tea? ==> Would you like some coffee, or do you prefer to drink tea?

1.    Max would rather start university next fall.
2.    Sally would prefer to take an evening class, if possible.
3.    I’d rather watch paint dry than see that new movie – I heard it’s really boring.
4.    Would you prefer to eat chocolate ice cream or vanilla?
5.    I’d rather dry the dishes than wash them. // I’d rather wash the dishes than dry them.
6.    Would you rather have Chinese food, or Italian?
7.    I’d prefer to eat Italian food.
8.    That model car comes in several colors – which one would you rather have?
9.    I’d prefer to sit alone, thank you.
10.    They would rather go to Niagara Falls on their honeymoon.

Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  Make the sentence negative.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

go

I’d rather _______ to the wedding. ==> I’d rather not go to the wedding.

1.    I’d prefer not to work on weekends.
2.    I would rather not sleep in the same room as Uncle Tim – he snores!
3.    I would rather not spend any more money than I have to.
4.    Tom would rather not live next to the Martins.
5.    I’d prefer not to use rye bread for my sandwich.
6.    I’d rather not lie down in the sun.
7.    I’d rather not meet Jack for lunch.
8.    I’d prefer not to call Mary and ask her for a date.
9.    I’d rather not invite Sam to the party.
10.    We’d prefer not to sleep in a hotel room that is right next to the expressway.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 36 – I’d rather…

Posted on 2012/04/19
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“I’d rather (do something).” = “I would rather (do something).” is another way of saying “I would prefer to (do something).”

Pattern:  I’d rather + V (inf.) … // I would rather + V (inf.) …

I’d rather read a book.
I would rather travel by car.
I’d rather stay indoors.

Negative:  I’d rather not + V (inf.)… // I would rather not + V (inf.)…

I’d rather not say who gave me the money.
We would rather not go on vacation in June.
I’d rather not eat turkey for Christmas dinner.

Questions:  Would you rather + V (inf.)….?

Would you rather sit outside?  It’s such a lovely day.
Would you rather go out to eat tonight?
Would you rather take a hot bath?

Note:  “I’d rather …” does NOT use the infinitive marker:

I’d rather go for a walk.  (NOT I’d rather to go for a walk.)
I would rather listen to some music.  (NOT I would rather to listen to some music.)
I’d rather not have an orange.  (NOT I’d rather not to have an orange.)

But, if we use “prefer,” the infinitive marker IS necessary:

I’d prefer to go for a walk.
I would prefer to listen to some music.
I would prefer not to have an orange.

“rather” is often used in comparisons.

Pattern:  I’d rather A than B. // I would rather A than B.

I’d rather eat chicken than beef.
John would rather play cards than watch TV.
I’d rather take a taxi than ride the train to the airport.

Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

drink like

Would you _______ some coffee, or do you prefer _______ tea? ==> Would you like some coffee, or do you prefer to drink tea?

 

dry
eat
eat
go
have
have
see
sit
start
take
wash
watch

1.    Max would rather _______ university next fall.
2.    Sally would prefer _______ an evening class, if possible.
3.    I’d rather _______ paint dry than _______ that new movie – I heard it’s really boring.
4.    Would you prefer _______ chocolate ice cream or vanilla?
5.    I’d rather _______ the dishes than _______ them.
6.    Would you rather _______ Chinese food, or Italian?
7.    I’d prefer _______ Italian food.
8.    That model car comes in several colors – which one would you rather _______?
9.    I’d prefer _______ alone, thank you.
10.    They would rather _______ to Niagara Falls on their honeymoon.

Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  Make the sentence negative.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

go

I’d rather _______ to the wedding. ==> I’d rather not go to the wedding.

call
invite
lie
live
meet
sleep
sleep
spend
use
work

1.    I’d prefer _______ on weekends.
2.    I would rather _______ in the same room as Uncle Tim – he snores!
3.    I would rather _______ any more money than I have to.
4.    Tom would rather _______ next to the Martins.
5.    I’d prefer _______ rye bread for my sandwich.
6.    I’d rather _______ down in the sun.
7.    I’d rather _______ Jack for lunch.
8.    I’d prefer _______ Mary and ask her for a date.
9.    I’d rather _______ Sam to the party.
10.    We’d prefer _______ in a hotel room that is right next to the expressway.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 35 – Would you like…? I’d like… (Solutions)

Posted on 2012/04/18
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Exercises:  For the following sentences, choose the right expression.

Example:

(Do you like / Would you like) tea?  —Yes, thank you. ==> Would you like tea?  —Yes, thank you.
(Do you like / Would you like) cats? —No, I’m a dog person (I prefer dogs).  ==> Do you like  cats? —No, I’m a dog person.

1.    Do you like to work? —Yes, I enjoy my job.
2.    Would you like to see a movie? —Not today.  I have an appointment at 3 o’clock.
3.    Would you like pizza? —Yes, it’s been ages since I’ve had one.
4.    Do you like ice cream? —Yes.  Cookies and cream is my favorite flavor.
5.    Do you like to live in Chicago?  —Yes, the city has a lot of interesting museums and a nice lakefront.
6.    Would you like to live in New York? —No, it’s too far away from my friends and family, so I don’t want to move there.
7.    Do you like to listen to classical music? —Yes, I find it very relaxing.
8.    Would you like to listen to classical music? —That sounds like a good idea.  I’ve had a rough day.
9.    Would you like to watch TV?  —No, I just want to read a book.
10.    Do you like to watch TV?  —Yes, especially if I’m bored.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 35 – Would you like…? I’d like…

Posted on 2012/04/17
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“Would you like…?” is a polite way of asking someone if they want something, or want to do something:

Would you like a cup of tea?
Would you like a ride home?
Would you like to see a movie?
What would you like to eat?

“I’d like…” / “I would like…” is a polite way of saying “I want…”:

I’d like orange juice, please.
I’d like to take a nap.
I’d like some more ice cream, thank you.
I’d like a new bike for my birthday.

Note:  “Would you like…?” and “Do you like…?” are different.

  •  “Do you like…?”:  Someone is asking a general question (doesn’t have to be right now).
  • “Would you like…?”:  Someone is asking if you want something right now.

Do you like cake? (a general question)
—Yes.  My favorite cake is yellow cake.
Would you like some cake? (asking about right now)
—No thank you, I’m not hungry.

What do you like to do on vacation? (a general question)
—I like to relax, or go camping.
What would you like to do on this vacation? (asking about a vacation that you’ll be taking soon, not a general vacation)
—I’d really like to go to Mackinac Island.

 

Exercises:  For the following sentences, choose the right expression.

Example:

(Do you like / Would you like) tea?  —Yes, thank you. ==> Would you like tea?  —Yes, thank you.
(Do you like / Would you like) cats? —No, I’m a dog person (I prefer dogs).  ==> Do you like  cats? —No, I’m a dog person.

1.    (Do you like / Would you like) to work? —Yes, I enjoy my job.
2.    (Do you like / Would you like) to see a movie? —Not today.  I have an appointment at 3 o’clock.
3.    (Do you like / Would you like) pizza? —Yes, it’s been ages since I’ve had one.
4.    (Do you like / Would you like) ice cream? —Yes.  Cookies and cream is my favorite flavor.
5.    (Do you like / Would you like) to live in Chicago?  —Yes, the city has a lot of interesting museums and a nice lakefront.
6.    (Do you like / Would you like) to live in New York? —No, it’s too far away from my friends and family, so I don’t want to move there.
7.    (Do you like / Would you like) to listen to classical music? —Yes, I find it very relaxing.
8.    (Do you like / Would you like) to listen to classical music? —That sounds like a good idea.  I’ve had a rough day.
9.    (Do you like / Would you like) to watch TV?  —No, I just want to read a book.
10.    (Do you like / Would you like) to watch TV?  —Yes, especially if I’m bored.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 34 – I have to… (Solutions)

Posted on 2012/04/13
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Exercises:  Complete the following sentences, using “have / has to” + one of the following verbs.

Example:

I’m going to bed now.  I __________ early tomorrow morning.  (get up) ==>  I’m going to bed now.  I have to get up early tomorrow morning.

1.    We’ve had a lot of rain the past few days.  I have to cut the grass this weekend.
2.    The baby is sick.  I have to take him to the doctor.
3.    When you make bread, you have to let the dough rise.
4.    When you are a student, you have to do a lot of homework.
5.    I can’t see very well, so I have to wear glasses.
6.    Mary has fair skin, so she has to put on sunblock when she goes to the beach.
7.    If you want to be good at English, you have to study a lot.
8.    John wants to become a doctor, so he has to go to medical school.
9.    If children go to public schools, they have to have all their vaccinations.
10.    If your pencil is dull, you have to sharpen it.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 34 – I have to…

Posted on 2012/04/12
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When we use the phrase “I have to…,” it means that we are under obligation to do that thing.  It is necessary for us to do that thing.

Pattern:

I / you / we / they have to + V (inf.)
He / she / it has to + V (inf.)

Examples:

I have to return the library book tomorrow.  (I am obligated to return the library book tomorrow.  Otherwise, it will be overdue.)
James has to clean his bedroom before supper.  (It is necessary for him to clean his room.  If he doesn’t, he will be in big trouble.)
Cathy has to pass this test, or else she will fail the course.

For the past tense, use “had to” + V (inf.):

I had to cut the grass yesterday.
Shirley had to take her cousin to the doctor last week.
Mr. Johnson had to give Jack an F on his exam.

For questions, use “Do / Does” + Subject + “have to” + V (inf.):

Does Tom have to study for his English test tomorrow?
Do I have to take the medicine before bedtime?
Do they have to leave early in the morning?

For negatives, use “don’t / doesn’t” + “have to” + V (inf.):

Mike doesn’t have to go to work on Monday.
I don’t have to see the dentist until next month.
We don’t have to move to Memphis.

For past tense questions: “Did” + Subject + “have to” + V (inf.):

Did Mike have to work last weekend?
Did you have to cut the grass yesterday?
Did she have to return the library book the other day?

For past tense negatives:  “didn’t” + “have to”+ V (inf.):

I didn’t have to walk Mrs. Wilson’s dog.
Tom didn’t have to pay his parking ticket.
Mr. Smith didn’t have to pick up his mother-in-law at the airport.

Note:  “must” can also be used instead of “have to”.

Pattern:

I / you / he, she, it / we / they + “must” + V (inf.):

Note:  there is no “to” between “must” and V (inf.)!!

I must return the library book tomorrow. (not:  I must to return the library book tomorrow.)
James must clean his bedroom before supper.  (not:  James must to clean his bedroom before supper.)
Cathy must pass this test, or else she will fail the course. (not:  Cathy must to pass this test…)

 

Exercises:  Complete the following sentences, using “have / has to” + one of the following verbs.

Example:

I’m going to bed now.  I __________ early tomorrow morning.  (get up) ==>  I’m going to bed now.  I have to get up early tomorrow morning.

Use these verbs:

cut
do
go
have
let
put on
sharpen
study
take
wear

1.    We’ve had a lot of rain the past few days.  I ______________ the grass this weekend.
2.    The baby is sick.  I ______________ him to the doctor.
3.    When you make bread, you ______________ the dough rise.
4.    When you are a student, you ______________ a lot of homework.
5.    I can’t see very well, so I ______________ glasses.
6.    Mary has fair skin, so she ______________ sunblock when she goes to the beach.
7.    If you want to be good at English, you ______________ a lot.
8.    John wants to become a doctor, so he ______________ to medical school.
9.    If children go to public schools, they ______________ all their vaccinations.
10.    If your pencil is dull, you ______________ it.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 33 – should (Solutions)

Posted on 2012/04/11
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Exercises:  Complete the following sentences, using “you should” + and one of the following verbs:

Example:

If you are tired, _________ to bed.  (go) ==>  If you are tired, you should go to bed.

1.    When you go swimming, you should wear swim goggles.
2.    If you are going to the party, you should bring a gift.
3.    When you plant some seeds, you should water them.
4.    If you gain weight, you should go on a diet.
5.    If you hurt someone, you should apologize to them.
6.    That’s a very interesting TV program.  You should watch it.
7.    If you get your clothes dirty, you should put them in the laundry.
8.    When you have finished, you should turn off the lights.
9.    If you’re leaving the house, you should lock the door.
10.    If you make a mess, you should clean it up.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 33 – should

Posted on 2012/04/10
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“should” is used with a verb in its infinitive form.  It has the same form for all persons and number:

Pattern:

I / you / he, she, it / we / they “should” + V (inf.)

When you “should” do something, that means it is a good thing to do, or it is the right thing to do:

It’s cold out – you should put on a coat.  (It is a good thing for you to put on a coat.)
You should brush your teeth after every meal.  (It is a good thing for you to brush your teeth after every meal.)
You should help your neighbor if he is having trouble.  (Helping your neighbor is the right thing to do.)

To use the negative, put “not” between “should” and its verb:

Pattern:

I / you / he, she, it / we / they “should not” + V (inf.)

When you “should not” do something, that means it is not a good thing to do, or it is the wrong thing to do:

Tom should not work so hard.  (It is not a good thing for Tom to work so hard.)
You should not be rude.  (Being rude is not the right thing to do.)
Jane should not be late for class.  (Being late for class is not the right thing to do.)

Many times we give advice by saying, “I think you should…”:

I think you should go visit your mother.
I think Jack should get a haircut.
Matt thinks Susan should buy a new car.

For the negative form:  “I don’t think you should…”:

I don’t think you should give James a hard time.
I don’t think Jack and Jill should go up the hill.
Mr. Miller doesn’t think Peter should go into second grade yet.

If we want to ask someone for advice, we can say  “Do you think I should…?”:

Do you think I should go to Hawaii for vacation?
Do you think I should buy this necktie?
Do you think I should invite Sam to the party?

Note:  “should” is not the same as “have to”.

  • “Have to” means there is an obligation.
  • “Should” does not imply obligation.  It only means that it is a good idea.

Instead of saying “should,” you can also say “ought to”:

I think you ought to go visit your mother.
You ought to brush your teeth after every meal.
Do you think I ought to buy this necktie?

Exercises:  Complete the following sentences, using “you should” + and one of the following verbs:

Example:

If you are tired, _________ to bed.  (go) ==>  If you are tired, you should go to bed.

Use these verbs:

apologize
bring
clean
go
lock
put
turn off
watch
water
wear

1.    When you go swimming, ______________ swim goggles.
2.    If you are going to the party, ______________ a gift.
3.    When you plant some seeds, ______________ them.
4.    If you gain weight, ______________ on a diet.
5.    If you hurt someone, ______________ to them.
6.    That’s a very interesting TV program.  ______________ it.
7.    If you get your clothes dirty, ______________ them in the laundry.
8.    When you have finished, ______________ the lights.
9.    If you’re leaving the house, ______________ the door.
10.    If you make a mess, ______________ it up.

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