Sunday, August 31, 2014
The Simple Present Tense
Form
of the simple present tense
We
add -s
or -es
to the base form of the verb in the third person singular.
You work
He works
It works
We work
You work
They work
|
Uses of the
simple present tense
a) Permanent truths
We
use the simple present for statements that are always true:
Examples: Gases
expand when heated.
The sun rises in the east and sets
in the west.
b) ‘The
present period’
We use the simple present to refer
to events, actions or situations which are true in the
present period of time and which,
for all we know, may continue indefinitely. What we are saying, in effect, is ‘this is the situation as it stands at
present’:
Examples:
Adam lives in Klang.
My
sister wears glasses.
c) Habitual actions
The simple present can be used
with or without an adverb of time to describe habitual
actions, things that happen
repeatedly:
Examples: I get up at 5am.
Tan smokes
a lot.
We can be more precise about
habitual actions by using the simple present with adverbs of indefinite
frequency (always, never, etc) or with adverbial
phrases such as every day:
Examples: I sometimes stay up
till midnight.
She visits her parents every day.
We commonly use the simple
present to ask and answer questions which begin with How
often?:
Example: How often do you go to the dentist? – I go
every six months.
Questions relating to habit can
be asked with ever and answered with e.g. never and sometimes not...ever:
Example: Do you ever eat meat? – No, I never
eat meat.
d) Future reference
This use is often related to
timetables and programmes or to events in the calendar:
Examples:
The exhibition opens on January 1st
and closes on January 31st.
The concert begins at 7.30 and ends at 9.30.
We leave tomorrow at 11.15am and arrive at 4.00pm.
They leave for Japan next week.
e) Observations and declarations
We commonly use the simple present with stative and other verbs to make observations and declarations in the course of conversation.
Examples:
I hope/ assume/ suppose/ promise everything will be alright.
I bet you were nervous just before your driving test.
I love you. I hate him.
e) Observations and declarations
We commonly use the simple present with stative and other verbs to make observations and declarations in the course of conversation.
Examples:
I hope/ assume/ suppose/ promise everything will be alright.
I bet you were nervous just before your driving test.
I love you. I hate him.
Verbal Construction (The Verb + - ing or to...) - Part 1
Verbals is a term used to describe three verb forms: the gerund, the infinitive and the bare infinitive.
* The gerund( -ing)
running
Example: Running is good for your health.
* The infinitive (to...)
to run
Example: They had to run to school today.
* The bare infinitive
run
Example: You must run to keep fit.
Whether we use the gerund, the infinitive or the bare infinitive depends very much on what comes before it in the sentence.
Choice of gerund, infinitive or bare infinitive after certain verbs
Below is a list of the most commonly used verbs which can be followed by:
1. a gerund (-ing) only;
2. either a gerund or an infinitive (to...);
3. An infinitive only;
4. Verbs followed by a bare infinitive only.
5. Either a gerund or an infinitive (different meaning)
1. Verbs followed by gerund only
- admit - fancy
- anticipate - finish
- appreciate - can't help
- dislike - imagine
- discuss - keep (on)
- enjoy - mention
- avoid - mind
- consider - miss
- complete - recall
- delay - resent
- deny - spend (time or money)
- detest
- postpone
- practise
- quit
- recollect
- risk
Examples:
1. They avoided talking to the old beggar.
2. I really detest having to take exams.
3. I can't help thinking how lucky I am.
4. I resent being told to do it.
5. He spends all his time playing video games.
***********************************************************************************
2. Verbs followed by either gerund or infinitive (no change in meaning)
- attempt
- intend
- can't bear
- can't stand
- begin
- start
- stand
- continue
Examples:
1. He attempted swimming/ to swim across the river.
2. I started studying/ to study for my final exams.
3. She cannot bear listening/ to listen to rock music.
***********************************************************************************
3. Verbs followed by infinitive only
- afford - hesitate
- agree - hope
- aim - learn
- appear - long
- arrange - manage
- choose - mean
- claim - wish
- consent - offer
- decide - plan
- demand - prepare
- deserve - pretend
- fail - promise
- struggle - swear
- tend - threaten
- volunteer
Examples:
1. I can't afford to buy a new car.
2. He aims to become the next Prime Minister.
3. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings.
4. He refused to listen to my opinion.
5. I long to swim in the sea.
***********************************************************************************
4. Modal Verb followed by bare infinitive only
- will
- shall
- would
- would rather
- had better
- should
- can
- could
- would sooner
- may
- might
- must
Examples:
1. You must work hard if you want to succeed.
2. Perhaps you would like to see my books.
3. He will be the first foreign teacher to teach here.
4. He couldn't explain why you should take my advice.
5. I had better go home. It is quite late.
***********************************************************************************
5. There is one more small group of verbs which can come before either a gerund or an infinitive. However, the meaning of the sentence changes according to the verbal used.
- forget
- remember
- try
- stop
- regret
- go on
Look at some examples of how the meaning changes according to the verbal used:
a) forget
I forgot to tell him. ( Meaning: carrying out a duty or fulfilling a task)
I forget playing tennis for the first time. (Meaning: I have no recollection of doing so)
b) remember
I remembered to lock the door, but I forgot to shut the windows. (Meaning: I remembered that I had to lock it, so I locked it)
I know I locked the door. I clearly remember locking it.( Meaning: I locked it, and now I remember this)
c) try
I tried to paint the house. ( Meaning: I made an attempt/ effort to do it)
I tried painting the house pink. (Meaning: I experimented to see how it would look)
d) stop
He stopped to smoke a cigarette. (Meaning: He took a break and smoked a cigarette)
He stopped smoking cigarettes. (He quit/ He gave up smoking)
e) regret
I regret to inform you of his health (Meaning: I am sorry to say/ to tell you/ to inform you...)
I now regret saying what I said. I shouldn't have said it. (Meaning: I did it and now I'm sorry about it)
f) go on
After discussing the economy, the president then went on to talk about foreign policy. (Meaning: go on to do something= do or say something new)
The president paused for a moment and then went on talking. (Meaning: go on doing something= continue with the same thing)
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/verbs-followed-ing-or-infinitive-1
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/verbs-followed-ing-or-infinitive-2
* The gerund( -ing)
running
Example: Running is good for your health.
* The infinitive (to...)
to run
Example: They had to run to school today.
* The bare infinitive
run
Example: You must run to keep fit.
Whether we use the gerund, the infinitive or the bare infinitive depends very much on what comes before it in the sentence.
Choice of gerund, infinitive or bare infinitive after certain verbs
Below is a list of the most commonly used verbs which can be followed by:
1. a gerund (-ing) only;
2. either a gerund or an infinitive (to...);
3. An infinitive only;
4. Verbs followed by a bare infinitive only.
5. Either a gerund or an infinitive (different meaning)
1. Verbs followed by gerund only
- admit - fancy
- anticipate - finish
- appreciate - can't help
- dislike - imagine
- discuss - keep (on)
- enjoy - mention
- avoid - mind
- consider - miss
- complete - recall
- delay - resent
- deny - spend (time or money)
- detest
- postpone
- practise
- quit
- recollect
- risk
Examples:
1. They avoided talking to the old beggar.
2. I really detest having to take exams.
3. I can't help thinking how lucky I am.
4. I resent being told to do it.
5. He spends all his time playing video games.
***********************************************************************************
2. Verbs followed by either gerund or infinitive (no change in meaning)
- attempt
- intend
- can't bear
- can't stand
- begin
- start
- stand
- continue
Examples:
1. He attempted swimming/ to swim across the river.
2. I started studying/ to study for my final exams.
3. She cannot bear listening/ to listen to rock music.
***********************************************************************************
3. Verbs followed by infinitive only
- afford - hesitate
- agree - hope
- aim - learn
- appear - long
- arrange - manage
- choose - mean
- claim - wish
- consent - offer
- decide - plan
- demand - prepare
- deserve - pretend
- fail - promise
- struggle - swear
- tend - threaten
- volunteer
Examples:
1. I can't afford to buy a new car.
2. He aims to become the next Prime Minister.
3. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings.
4. He refused to listen to my opinion.
5. I long to swim in the sea.
***********************************************************************************
4. Modal Verb followed by bare infinitive only
- will
- shall
- would
- would rather
- had better
- should
- can
- could
- would sooner
- may
- might
- must
Examples:
1. You must work hard if you want to succeed.
2. Perhaps you would like to see my books.
3. He will be the first foreign teacher to teach here.
4. He couldn't explain why you should take my advice.
5. I had better go home. It is quite late.
***********************************************************************************
5. There is one more small group of verbs which can come before either a gerund or an infinitive. However, the meaning of the sentence changes according to the verbal used.
- forget
- remember
- try
- stop
- regret
- go on
Look at some examples of how the meaning changes according to the verbal used:
a) forget
I forgot to tell him. ( Meaning: carrying out a duty or fulfilling a task)
I forget playing tennis for the first time. (Meaning: I have no recollection of doing so)
b) remember
I remembered to lock the door, but I forgot to shut the windows. (Meaning: I remembered that I had to lock it, so I locked it)
I know I locked the door. I clearly remember locking it.( Meaning: I locked it, and now I remember this)
c) try
I tried to paint the house. ( Meaning: I made an attempt/ effort to do it)
I tried painting the house pink. (Meaning: I experimented to see how it would look)
d) stop
He stopped to smoke a cigarette. (Meaning: He took a break and smoked a cigarette)
He stopped smoking cigarettes. (He quit/ He gave up smoking)
e) regret
I regret to inform you of his health (Meaning: I am sorry to say/ to tell you/ to inform you...)
I now regret saying what I said. I shouldn't have said it. (Meaning: I did it and now I'm sorry about it)
f) go on
After discussing the economy, the president then went on to talk about foreign policy. (Meaning: go on to do something= do or say something new)
The president paused for a moment and then went on talking. (Meaning: go on doing something= continue with the same thing)
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/verbs-followed-ing-or-infinitive-1
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/verbs-followed-ing-or-infinitive-2
introverts...
To know oneself is to know one's strengths and weaknesses. All these will be reflected in one's personality. When I started teaching, my colleague,who was the school counsellor let me answered a personality test and the result was really shocking. I almost scored full marks for being an introvert, which means I'm quite on the extreme edge.
I'm always the odd one in my family. I seldom attend 'kenduri' (feasts) or ceremonies be it for birth, engagement, wedding or funeral. Well, to be honest, maybe I've attended more funerals than wedding ceremonies. Mom used to call me 'kera sumbang' when I was small as I didn't want to socialise. I don't like crowded places like the wet market or the night market. Luckily, I like going to shopping mall ; ) (but not when it is crowded). If I'm at home, most of the time I'll be in my room occupied in my own world. Unlike what others probably think, I'm not lonely. I also always find myself in a difficult position when I have to start a small conversation and usually I'll do anything possible to avoid engaging in a conversation with strangers or the persons I like. Why? I'll be speechless...that's why! I don't really open up or speak to anyone except when I have to. I don't have big circle of friends.The ones I have, I really treasure and they become part of my life and my family. Am I obsessed in being an introvert? Not at all. Obsess is such a BIG word. I am who I am and I can't just lie, deny or pretend to be somebody else. It's a feeling that I'll never be able to explain. Only an introvert can understand another introvert. However, I have to admit that as years pass by, circumstances have pushed me to a certain extent to learn how to imitate extroverts. I'm capable of putting on different masks when I have to and when I choose to. It's not an act to deceive others to believe that I'm one of them but it's more of an act to 'appease' some people, and make the rest happy. No harm in doing little sacrifices to bring smile and happiness to others, right?
MLPML
http://elitedaily.com/life/15-signs-you-are-an-introvert-and-are-secretly-obsessed-with-it/
http://psychology.about.com/od/trait-theories-personality/f/introversion.htm
I'm always the odd one in my family. I seldom attend 'kenduri' (feasts) or ceremonies be it for birth, engagement, wedding or funeral. Well, to be honest, maybe I've attended more funerals than wedding ceremonies. Mom used to call me 'kera sumbang' when I was small as I didn't want to socialise. I don't like crowded places like the wet market or the night market. Luckily, I like going to shopping mall ; ) (but not when it is crowded). If I'm at home, most of the time I'll be in my room occupied in my own world. Unlike what others probably think, I'm not lonely. I also always find myself in a difficult position when I have to start a small conversation and usually I'll do anything possible to avoid engaging in a conversation with strangers or the persons I like. Why? I'll be speechless...that's why! I don't really open up or speak to anyone except when I have to. I don't have big circle of friends.The ones I have, I really treasure and they become part of my life and my family. Am I obsessed in being an introvert? Not at all. Obsess is such a BIG word. I am who I am and I can't just lie, deny or pretend to be somebody else. It's a feeling that I'll never be able to explain. Only an introvert can understand another introvert. However, I have to admit that as years pass by, circumstances have pushed me to a certain extent to learn how to imitate extroverts. I'm capable of putting on different masks when I have to and when I choose to. It's not an act to deceive others to believe that I'm one of them but it's more of an act to 'appease' some people, and make the rest happy. No harm in doing little sacrifices to bring smile and happiness to others, right?
MLPML
http://elitedaily.com/life/15-signs-you-are-an-introvert-and-are-secretly-obsessed-with-it/
http://psychology.about.com/od/trait-theories-personality/f/introversion.htm
Saturday, August 2, 2014
The Hill
I stand here everyday, where Mertajam lies her plain
facing the hill helps to ease my pain.
I can enjoy the sun rays all day long
this is the place where I belong.
The hill stands majestically
every time I land my eyes on it
I know it may sound silly
but I fall in love with it.
I will climb the hill one day
and reach its peak
In all of its glory
May my soul rest with it.
MLPML
p/s: This is just written for fun... ; )
facing the hill helps to ease my pain.
I can enjoy the sun rays all day long
this is the place where I belong.
The hill stands majestically
every time I land my eyes on it
I know it may sound silly
but I fall in love with it.
I will climb the hill one day
and reach its peak
In all of its glory
May my soul rest with it.
MLPML
p/s: This is just written for fun... ; )
Friday, August 1, 2014
Song For You Far Away Lyrics
People around
Me are at it again
God only knows how they do it
One to another then back again
Something keeps putting them through it
Me i've been watching more than fifteen years
And it hasn't changed a bit
People keep talking 'bout a different line
But it never seems to fit
This is a song for you
Far away far away
This is a song for you
Far away from me
This is a song for you
Far away far away
This is a song for you
Far away from me
Sitting here all alone
Is bringing it on again i'm gone again
Sitting here thinking of you
Is driving it home again
This is a song for you far away so far away
This is a song for you far away from me
Open the door it takes me back
Oh it takes me back
Mention your name and i'm gone again
Oh i'm gone again
This is a song for you far away from me
Far away from me
Me are at it again
God only knows how they do it
One to another then back again
Something keeps putting them through it
Me i've been watching more than fifteen years
And it hasn't changed a bit
People keep talking 'bout a different line
But it never seems to fit
This is a song for you
Far away far away
This is a song for you
Far away from me
This is a song for you
Far away far away
This is a song for you
Far away from me
Sitting here all alone
Is bringing it on again i'm gone again
Sitting here thinking of you
Is driving it home again
This is a song for you far away so far away
This is a song for you far away from me
Open the door it takes me back
Oh it takes me back
Mention your name and i'm gone again
Oh i'm gone again
This is a song for you far away from me
Far away from me
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