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Grammar Basics: Unit 58 – Do and make (Solution)

Posted on 2013/01/25
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Exercises.  Complete the sentences, using make/making/made or do/doing/did.

Example:

What did you _______ on your vacation?  ==> What did you do on your vacation?

1.    The boys made a lot of trouble for the substitute teacher.
2.    The dessert tasted fabulous!  Did you make it yourself?
3.    The children are being pretty quiet – go and check what they are doing.
4.    Peter did well on his biology test.
5.    What did I do to deserve his rude treatment?
6.    On Mother’s Day, Father did the dishes for Mother.
7.    Grandmother made Aunt Polly’s wedding dress.
8.    When you cleaned the living room, I hope you remembered to do the windows.
9.    You’d better behave – I don’t want you making trouble for the babysitter.
10.    Aunt Sally really made a fuss over Jimmy when he got sick with the measles.

Exercises.  Look at the following pictures and describe what the people are doing, using either doing or making.

Example:

list

He is making a list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

laundry

1. They are doing laundry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

picture

2. He is taking a picture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

bread

3. She is making bread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

phone call

4. He is making a phone call.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dishes

5. She is doing the dishes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

picture

6. He is making a picture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

face

7. She is making a face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

sock

8. She is making a sock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

movie

9. They are making a movie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

homework

10. She is doing homework.

 

 

 

 

 

 

bed

11. She is making the bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercises.  Write make or do in the correct form.

Example:

He _______ his bed, now he must lie in it.  ==> He made his bed, now he must lie in it.  (an English idiom, meaning that a person must accept the consequences of his actions, rather than complain about them)

1.    Grandmother found doing the dishes to be relaxing.
2.    Mother does the gardening in the early morning, before it gets too hot.
3.    Every Thanksgiving, Mother and her sisters would get together and make a huge turkey dinner.
4.    You’d better clean up the mess that the puppies made in the living room.
5.    I don’t think I can make change for a five-dollar bill.
6.    Karen always makes her bed before she eats breakfast.
7.    To get ready for the test, Jack did all the review exercises for Chapter 6.
8.    Edward makes beautiful music whenever he plays his violin.
9.    Sally hates doing the laundry.  It’s so boring.
10.    I’m not doing you any favors if I do all your homework for you!
11.    Jack made a face when the dentist told him he shouldn’t eat so much candy.
12.    It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose the tennis match, as long as you do your best.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 58 – Do and make

Posted on 2013/01/24
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“do” is a word that is often used for actions:

Examples:

What are you doing?  (Not “What are you making?”)
Have you washed the dishes? –Not yet, but I’ll do it later.
What do you usually do on vacation?
I’m bored – there’s nothing to do.

“make” is used when we are referring to producing or creating something.

Examples:

Grandmother made bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Jack is going to make a model car for the Pinewood Derby.
Everybody knows that Santa’s elves make all the toys in their workshop at the North Pole.

Here are some expressions using “do”:

do (somebody) a favor:  Can you do me a favor?  I need some stamps from the post office.
do (your) best:  My parents always told me not to stress over an exam, but just to do my best.
do an exercise:  Sarah does yoga every morning before work.
do homework:  Tom does homework for two hours every day after school.
do housework:  Aunt Elsa hates doing housework, so Uncle Steve has a cleaning lady come twice a week.
do the dishes:  It’s Eddie’s turn to do the dishes this week, isn’t it?
do the laundry:  The worst part about going on vacation is you have to do the laundry when you get back home.

Here are some expressions using “make”:

make (a) noise:  Shhh – don’t make a noise.  I’m hunting rabbits.
make a bed:  We were taught to make our bed every morning before coming down for breakfast.
make a face:  Joshua made a face at the teacher while her back was turned.
make a fuss:  You don’t have to make a fuss over me – just treat me like one of the family.
make a list: Santa Claus is making a list, and checking it twice – he’s going to find out who’s naughty and nice.
make a mess:  The teacher scolded the children for making a mess in the cafeteria.
make a mistake:  Oh, I must have made a mistake – Mr. Smith’s address is 305 Main Street, not 503.
make a phone call:  Will you excuse me for a moment?  I have to make an important phone call at 3 o’clock.
make an appointment:  Father has a toothache, so Mother made an appointment for him to see the dentist tomorrow afternoon.
make change:  Can you make change for a dollar?
make trouble:  I don’t want to make trouble for you, but we have to do something about the dead tree in the back yard.

Note:  “make a picture” is used only to refer to painting or drawing.  Also, movies are “made,” but photographs are “taken” – “make a movie,” “take a picture”:

Charlie made a wonderful picture in art class today.
The movie “Gone With the Wind” was made in 1939.
Be sure to take lots of pictures on your vacation to the Grand Canyon.

Exercises.  Complete the sentences, using make/making/made or do/doing/did.

Example:

What did you _______ on your vacation?  ==> What did you do on your vacation?

1.    The boys _______ a lot of trouble for the substitute teacher.
2.    The dessert tasted fabulous!  Did you _______ it yourself?
3.    The children are being pretty quiet – go and check what they are _______.
4.    Peter _______ well on his biology test.
5.    What did I _______ to deserve his rude treatment?
6.    On Mother’s Day, Father _______ the dishes for Mother.
7.    Grandmother _______ Aunt Polly’s wedding dress.
8.    When you cleaned the living room, I hope you remembered to _______ the windows.
9.    You’d better behave – I don’t want you _______ trouble for the babysitter.
10.    Aunt Sally really _______ a fuss over Jimmy when he got sick with the measles.

Exercises.  Look at the following pictures and describe what the people are doing, using either doing or making.

Example:

list

He is making a list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

laundry

1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

picture

2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

bread

3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

phone call

4.

 

 

 

 

 

 

dishes

5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

picture

6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

face

7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

sock

8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

movie

9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

homework

10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

bed

11.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercises.  Write make or do in the correct form.

Example:

He _______ his bed, now he must lie in it.  ==> He made his bed, now he must lie in it.  (an English idiom, meaning that a person must accept the consequences of his actions, rather than complain about them)

1.    Grandmother found _______ the dishes to be relaxing.
2.    Mother _______ the gardening in the early morning, before it gets too hot.
3.    Every Thanksgiving, Mother and her sisters would get together and _______ a huge turkey dinner.
4.    You’d better clean up the mess that the puppies _______ in the living room.
5.    I don’t think I can _______ change for a five-dollar bill.
6.    Karen always _______ her bed before she eats breakfast.
7.    To get ready for the test, Jack _______ all the review exercises for Chapter 6.
8.    Edward _______ beautiful music whenever he plays his violin.
9.    Sally hates _______ the laundry.  It’s so boring.
10.    I’m not _______ you any favors if I _______ all your homework for you!
11.    Jack _______ a face when the dentist told him he shouldn’t eat so much candy.
12.    It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose the tennis match, as long as you _______ your best.

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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 25 – Regular and Irregular Verbs (Solutions)

Posted on 2012/03/14
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Exercises: Complete the sentences. Choose an appropriate verb from the list and put it in its correct form.

Example:

The trees (sway) in the wind. ==> The trees swayed in the wind.

 

1. The children played nicely together while the babysitter was watching them.
2. Have you ever seen a real live lion before?
3. We can’t watch the movie tonight – all the tickets are sold out.
4. Several large branches have broken off our tree because of the strong wind.
5. Dave left the cage door open, and now the bird has flown out.
6. How long have you known Dr. Brock?
7. Tim spoke with me the other night and told me that he had gotten engaged!
8. The children haven’t made their beds yet.
9. The pitcher threw a fast ball, and struck out the batter.
10. Mike has eaten all his vegetables, so he’ll get a special treat for dessert.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 25 – Regular and Irregular Verbs

Posted on 2012/03/13
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Regular Verbs

For regular verbs, the simple past and the past participle is –ed:

wash ==> washed
paint ==> painted
whistle ==> whistled
bake ==> baked
snow ==> snowed
rain ==> rained

If a verb ends in a syllable with a short vowel sound and the final consonant is one letter, that letter is doubled:

tap ==> tapped
stop ==> stopped
pat ==> patted
drip ==> dripped

For verbs that end in a consonant followed by a y, the y is changed to i before adding the –ed:

study ==> studied
tidy ==> tidied
try ==> tried

Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs do not follow this –ed pattern. They are exceptions, and must be memorized.

Sometimes, the simple past and the past participle of irregular verbs is the same:

make ==> made, made
find ==> found, found
buy ==> bought, bought
cut ==> cut, cut
think ==> thought

Sometimes, however, the simple past and the past participle are different:

write ==> wrote, written
break ==> broke, broken
eat ==> ate, eaten
sing ==> sang, sung

Here is a list of the 50 most common English irregular verbs:

say (said, said)
make (made, made)
go (went, gone)
take (took, taken)
come (came, come)
see (saw, seen)
know (knew, known)
get (got, got/gotten (US))
give (gave, given)
find (found, found)
think (thought, thought)
tell (told, told)
become (became, become)
show (showed, shown / showed)
leave (left, left)
feel (felt, felt)
put (put, put)
bring (brought, brought)
begin (began, begun)
keep (kept, kept)
hold (held, held)
write (wrote, written)
stand (stood, stood)
hear (heard, heard)
let (let, let)
mean (meant, meant)
set (set, set)
meet (met, met)
run (ran, run)
pay (paid, paid)
sit (sat, sat)
speak (spoke, spoken)
lie (lay, lain)
lead (led, led)
read (read, read)
grow (grew, grown)
lose (lost, lost)
fall (fell, fallen)
send (sent, sent)
build (built, built)
understand (understood, understood)
draw (drew, drawn)
break (broke, broken)
spend (spent, spent)
cut (cut, cut)
rise (rose, risen)
drive (drove, driven)
buy (bought, bought)
wear (wore, worn)
choose (chose, chosen)

Exercises: Complete the sentences. Choose an appropriate verb from the list and put it in its correct form.

Example:

The trees (sway) in the wind. ==> The trees swayed in the wind.

break
eat
fly
know
leave
make
play
see
sell
speak
strike
tell
throw
watch

1. The children __________ nicely together while the babysitter was watching them.
2. Have you ever __________ a real live lion before?
3. We can’t __________ the movie tonight – all the tickets are __________ out.
4. Several large branches have __________ off our tree because of the strong wind.
5. Dave __________ the cage door open, and now the bird has __________ out.
6. How long have you __________ Dr. Brock?
7. Tim __________ with me the other night and __________ me that he had gotten engaged!
8. The children haven’t __________ their beds yet.
9. The pitcher __________ a fast ball, and __________ out the batter.
10. Mike has __________ all his vegetables, so he’ll get a special treat for dessert.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 24 – Be, Have, and Do (Solutions)

Posted on 2012/03/09
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Exercises: Complete the sentences by choosing a verb from the list, and using its correct form.

Example:

The library was (build) in 1956. ==> The library was built in 1956.

1. Where are you going?
2. John was waiting for the bus when his phone battery went dead.
3. They don’t have any bananas at the supermarket today.
4. The doctor didn’t do the operation today – he’ll do it tomorrow.
5. Was it raining when you woke up this morning?
6. He didn’t think that Katy was telling the truth.
7. When was the room painted?
8. Ice cream is made from milk.
9. Jack was injured when he was in the army.
10. Everybody was expecting the bad weather to come last night.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 24 – Be, Have, and Do

Posted on 2012/03/08
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In English there are three important “helper” verbs: be, have, and do. These verbs generally are not used alone, but they are usually used together with other verbs in various forms.

be (am / is / are // was / were) + V-ing:

“be” + V-ing is used for the present continuous form.
“was / were” + V-ing is used for the past continuous form.

We’ve already looked at this some, so here we’ll just give a few examples as a quick review:

Examples:

It’s snowing right now.
Shhh! The baby’s sleeping!
Where’s Uncle John? He’s weeding in the garden.

It was snowing yesterday when we walked to school.
The baby was sleeping, until you woke him up – thanks a lot!
Last time I saw him, Uncle John was painting the garage.

be (am / is / are // was / were) + past participle:

“be” + past participle is used for the simple present passive.
“was / were” + past participle is used for the simple past passive.

We’ve also just looked at these cases. Here are a few more examples:

Examples:

The beds are made each morning by the hotel’s cleaning staff.
Janey is excited to go on her first train trip.
I’m exhausted from running up and down the stairs.

When we checked into our room, we saw that the beds were not made.
Peter was depressed to find out that he couldn’t go to summer camp this year.
When were you married?

have / has + past participle:

Recall that this is used for the present perfect:

Examples:

I’ve completed all my assignments, and done all the laundry.
He has always gone to Florida for Christmas vacation.
She’s lost her keys again!
Have you ever crossed the equator?

do / does / did + V (dictionary form):

“do / does” + V (dictionary form) is used for the simple present negative, and for questions.
“did” + V (dictionary form) is used for the simple past negative, and for questions.

Examples:

Do you often eat pizza?
He likes classical and jazz, but he doesn’t like rap.
What kind of movies do you usually watch?
I don’t think he will win the competition.
Did you ever see such a sight in your life as three blind mice?
What did you do last night?
I didn’t know that you were in the navy.

Exercises: Complete the sentences by choosing a verb from the list, and using its correct form.

Example:

The library was (build) in 1956. ==> The library was built in 1956.

do
expect
go
have
injure
make
paint
rain
think
wait

1. Where are you ______ ?
2. John ______ for the bus when his phone battery went dead.
3. They (not) ______ any bananas at the supermarket today.
4. The doctor (not) ______ the operation today – he’ll do it tomorrow.
5. Was it ______ when you woke up this morning?
6. He (not) ______ that Katy was telling the truth.
7. When was the room ______?
8. Ice cream is ______ from milk.
9. Jack was ______ when he was in the army.
10. Everybody was ______ the bad weather to come last night.

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