Describing Personality
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Sentence & Its Types
1) What is a Sentence?
Definition, punctuation, and quick examples.
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. It usually starts with a capital letter and ends with punctuation: . ? !
✓
Must-have rule
A sentence must contain subject + verb + complete meaning.Correct sentences
- She is playing.
- The dog barked loudly.
- We are learning English.
Not sentences
- Running in the park. (no subject)
- The happy boy. (no verb)
2) Important Parts of a Sentence
Subject + Predicate.
Every sentence has two main parts: subject and predicate.
A) Subject
The subject tells about the doer of the action or who or what the sentence is about.
Examples:
- John is eating.
- The teacher is speaking.
- My friends are waiting.
| Subject type | Example | Why it is the subject |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | The boy runs. | The boy does the action. |
| Pronoun | She sings. | She does the action. |
| Phrase | The tall man is my uncle. | The phrase tells who the sentence is about. |
B) Predicate
The predicate tells what the subject does or is. It includes the verb and may include an object or a complement.
Verb (action/state)
- She runs fast.
- They are sleeping.
- He likes music.
Object (receives action)
- She reads a book.
- He kicked the ball.
- They built a house.
Complement (adds information)
Subject complements:
- She is happy.
- He became a doctor.
- The sky looks beautiful.
Time & place complements (extra information):
- She studies at night.
- They met in the park.
- We will leave after class.
- He works in London.
3) Clauses in a Sentence
Independent vs dependent clauses.
A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb.
| Clause type | Meaning | Stand alone? | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent clause | Complete thought | Yes |
|
| Dependent clause | Incomplete thought | No |
|
Correct
- She slept because she was tired.
- We left when the bell rang.
Wrong
- Because she was tired.
- When the bell rang.
!
Remember
A dependent clause needs an independent clause to make a complete sentence.4) Types of Sentences by Structure
How clauses combine.
| Type | Rule | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | 1 independent clause |
|
| Compound | 2+ independent clauses (and, but, or, so, yet) |
|
| Complex | 1 independent + 1+ dependent clauses |
|
| Compound-complex | 2 independent + 1+ dependent clauses |
|
5) Types of Sentences by Function
What the sentence does (purpose).
| Type | Purpose | Ending | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Declarative | Gives information | . |
|
| Interrogative | Asks a question | ? |
|
| Imperative | Command / request | . / ! |
|
| Exclamatory | Strong feeling | ! |
|
6) Types of Sentences by Form
The grammatical pattern used in the sentence.
| Form | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | Positive statement |
|
| Negative | Uses “not / never” |
|
| Interrogative | Question form |
|
| Negative interrogative | Question + negation |
|
Punctuation
Sentence Starting & Endings
🔠
Capitalization
.
Period
?
Question Mark
!
Exclamation
…
Ellipsis
Separators
,
Comma
;
Semicolon
:
Colon
–
Hyphen
—
Dash
Quotes & Parentheses
’
Apostrophe
“ ”
Quotation
( )
Parentheses
Writing Reviews
Writing a review is about sharing your honest experience with others. Reviews can inform, guide, and influence decisions, whether for products, services, books, or places. A good review is clear, detailed, and balanced, highlighting positives and areas for improvement.
Structure for Writing a Review
1
Introduction
Begin by mentioning what you are reviewing and why. Keep it personal and enthusiastic.
Example: “I recently joined Englivio’s online English course to improve my speaking and grammar skills, and it has been an amazing experience.”
2
Experience / Body
Share specific positive experiences, focusing on features, moments, or aspects that impressed you. Include examples like teaching style, platform usability, or interactive lessons.
Example: “The lessons are engaging, and the teachers explain concepts clearly with practical examples. I especially enjoyed the conversation practice sessions, which helped me speak more confidently.”
3
Highlights / Strengths
Mention any highlights or strengths. Examples:
- Friendly and helpful instructors
- Interactive and easy-to-use platform
- Variety of lessons for speaking, writing, and grammar
- Supportive environment that motivates learning
4
Conclusion / Recommendation
End with a positive summary. Encourage others to try it.
Example: “Overall, I highly recommend Englivio to anyone who wants to improve their English effectively. The lessons are enjoyable, and the teachers make learning easy and fun.”
Sample Reviews
1
Product Review
- Focus on features, usability, quality, and value for money.
- Example: Wireless Headphones
“I bought the XYZ wireless headphones two weeks ago, and I’m impressed. The sound quality is crisp, and the battery lasts over 12 hours, which is perfect for long commutes. The design is sleek, and they feel comfortable for extended use. I wish the app had more customization options, but overall, they are excellent value for money. Highly recommended for anyone who travels frequently or works from home.”
2
Customer Service Review
- Focus on responsiveness, helpfulness, friendliness, and resolution of issues.
- Example:
“I contacted Englivio’s support team when I had trouble accessing my course. The representative responded within an hour, patiently guided me through troubleshooting, and even followed up the next day to ensure everything was working. Their service was professional and friendly. I highly recommend their support team for prompt and effective assistance.”
3
App Review
- Focus on usability, features, design, and overall user experience.
- Example:
“I’ve been using Google Keep to organize my notes and reminders, and it’s excellent. The interface is simple and easy to navigate, making it quick to add and manage notes. I especially like the color-coded labels, voice notes, and reminders that sync across all my devices. The app is reliable, fast, and updated regularly. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a simple, effective tool to stay organized.”
4
Book Review
- Focus on content, writing style, themes, characters, and takeaways.
- Example: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
“This book is a practical guide for building better habits and breaking bad ones. The concepts are easy to understand, and the examples make them relatable. I found the strategies on habit stacking particularly helpful. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking to improve productivity and personal growth.”
5
Travel Review
- Focus on location, attractions, accommodation, food, and overall experience.
- Example:
“I recently visited Istanbul, Turkey, and it was incredible. The Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are breathtaking, and the Bosphorus cruise was relaxing. The local food, especially kebabs and baklava, was delicious. Hotels were comfortable and reasonably priced. I would definitely recommend Istanbul for a cultural and historical experience.”
6
Restaurant Review
- Focus on food quality, menu variety, ambiance, service, and value for money.
- Example: “The Golden Spoon”
“I dined at The Golden Spoon last week, and it was a delightful experience. The ambiance is cozy, and the staff is attentive. I tried the mushroom risotto and chocolate lava cake—both were exquisite. Prices are reasonable for the quality. I’d highly recommend it for a date night or family dinner.”
Activity: Write Your Review
Now it’s your turn! Write a short review about your ongoing English learning experience with Englivio. Ask your instructor to provide the link where you can post your review.
Transition Words
Transition Words & Their Uses
Transition words help connect ideas smoothly in writing and speech. They show relationships between sentences and paragraphs, such as adding information, contrasting ideas, showing cause and effect, or explaining time and sequence.
1. Addition
1
Moreover
Meaning:
Adds important extra information to reinforce a point.
a) She is kind; moreover, she is hardworking.
b) The plan is effective; moreover, it’s affordable.
2
Furthermore
Meaning:
Introduces an additional supporting idea.
a) The design is modern; furthermore, it’s user-friendly.
b) He volunteered time; furthermore, he donated funds.
3
In addition
Meaning:
Adds another related fact or item.
a) In addition to his degree, he has real experience.
b) In addition, the project will create jobs.
4
Also
Meaning:
Adds a simple extra point; often casual.
a) She also participated in the debate.
b) We also visited the museum.
5
Besides
Meaning:
Provides an additional supporting detail or reason.
a) Besides the course fee, books are required.
b) She declined the offer; besides, it conflicted with her schedule.
6
Additionally
Meaning:
Formally adds further information.
a) Additionally, all submissions must be labeled.
b) The tool is free; additionally, it has premium support.
7
Along with
Meaning:
Lists something included or accompanying.
a) Along with the ticket, you’ll receive a map.
b) She brought cookies, along with lemonade.
8
What’s more
Meaning:
Introduces an extra, often noteworthy point.
a) The software is free; what’s more, it’s open source.
b) He fixed the bug quickly; what’s more, he wrote tests.
2. Contrast
9
However
Meaning:
Shows contrast with what came before.
a) The idea is clever; however, it may be costly.
b) He’s experienced; however, he made an error.
10
Nevertheless
Meaning:
Indicates contrast but concedes the previous point.
a) It was late; nevertheless, they continued.
b) The design is risky; nevertheless, it paid off.
11
On the other hand
Meaning:
Presents an opposing viewpoint or alternative.
a) The plan is cheap; on the other hand, it’s less durable.
b) She prefers mornings; on the other hand, he works better at night.
12
Yet
Meaning:
Expresses a contradiction or unexpected result in brief form.
a) The task was small, yet it took all day.
b) He is young, yet very responsible.
13
Though
Meaning:
Introduces a concession or mild contrast.
a) Though tired, she completed the work.
b) Though expensive, the product sells fast.
14
In contrast
Meaning:
Directly compares differences between two things.
a) The north is dry; in contrast, the south is humid.
b) Old models were heavy; in contrast, new ones are light.
15
Conversely
Meaning:
States the reverse or opposite relationship.
a) Costs rose; conversely, profits fell.
b) She dislikes sweets; conversely, her brother loves them.
16
Whereas
Meaning:
Used to compare two contrasting clauses.
a) He likes tea, whereas she prefers coffee.
b) Some prefer stability, whereas others seek change.
3. Cause & Effect
17
Therefore
Meaning:
Draws a logical conclusion or result from evidence.
a) The test failed; therefore, we restarted the system.
b) He missed the meeting; therefore, he apologized later.
18
Consequently
Meaning:
Indicates a direct consequence of an earlier action.
a) The servers crashed; consequently, customers complained.
b) She skipped training; consequently, performance dipped.
19
As a result
Meaning:
Indicates an outcome following a cause.
a) Sales fell; as a result, budgets were cut.
b) He practiced daily; as a result, his skills improved.
20
Thus
Meaning:
Used to indicate a conclusion or consequence.
a) The evidence is clear; thus, the claim stands.
b) She finished early; thus, she left sooner.
21
Hence
Meaning:
Indicates an inferred consequence or reasoned result.
a) Demand rose; hence, prices increased.
b) The policy failed; hence, they revised it.
22
Because
Meaning:
Gives the reason or cause for something.
a) They canceled because of rain.
b) She was promoted because she led the project.
23
Due to
Meaning:
Explains cause, frequently used before a noun.
a) Flights were delayed due to fog.
b) The shortage occurred due to supply issues.
24
Owing to
Meaning:
A more formal way to express cause.
a) Owing to budget cuts, hiring stopped.
b) Events postponed owing to unforeseen issues.
4. Time & Sequence
25
First
Meaning:
Indicates the initial step or point in order.
a) First, assemble the frame.
b) First, read the terms carefully.
26
Next
Meaning:
Indicates the following step in a sequence.
a) Next, attach the panels.
b) Prepare the dough; next, preheat the oven.
27
Then
Meaning:
Shows what comes after in sequence.
a) Add the sauce, then simmer for 10 minutes.
b) She dropped the kids at school, then went to work.
28
Meanwhile
Meaning:
Describes something happening at the same time.
a) He cooked dinner; meanwhile, she set the table.
b) The engineers fixed the bug; meanwhile, support handled calls.
29
Afterward
Meaning:
Refers to a later time after something has happened.
a) We had dessert afterward.
b) They reviewed notes afterward to ensure clarity.
30
Subsequently
Meaning:
Indicates something that followed later.
a) The product launched and subsequently attracted users.
b) He failed the exam and subsequently retook it.
31
Finally
Meaning:
Marks the last point or step in a sequence.
a) Finally, garnish and serve.
b) They debated for hours; finally, they agreed.
32
Previously
Meaning:
Refers to a time earlier than the one being discussed.
a) Previously, the office was closed on Fridays.
b) She had previously worked overseas, which helped her adapt.
5. Example & Illustration
33
For example
Meaning:
Introduces a specific case to clarify a point.
a) For example, try reducing sugar in the recipe.
b) Many tools exist; for example, this app simplifies tasks.
34
For instance
Meaning:
Gives an illustrative example of the idea mentioned.
a) For instance, a small startup may pivot quickly.
b) Consider bees; for instance, they pollinate crops.
35
Such as
Meaning:
Introduces examples to clarify or specify.
a) Use fruits such as apples and oranges.
b) He repairs items such as lamps and chairs.
36
Namely
Meaning:
Specifies exact items or details referred to previously.
a) Two cities were affected, namely Tokyo and Osaka.
b) Three issues remain, namely scope, cost, and timeline.
37
Including
Meaning:
Indicates that certain items are part of a larger group.
a) Several teams, including design, will attend.
b) The kit comes with accessories, including a charger.
38
Particularly
Meaning:
Highlights a notable example or aspect of what was mentioned.
a) The guide is useful, particularly the final section.
b) She enjoys cold climates, particularly snowy winters.
39
To illustrate
Meaning:
Used when providing a demonstration or clarifying example.
a) To illustrate, consider this chart.
b) The teacher used a story to illustrate the concept.
40
To demonstrate
Meaning:
Shows something clearly by example or test.
a) To demonstrate, we ran a live test.
b) The chef demonstrated techniques to show knife skills.
6. Comparison
41
Similarly
Meaning:
Shows likeness or parallel between two ideas.
a) She enjoys hiking; similarly, her friend camps.
b) Costs rose here; similarly, competitors reported increases.
42
Likewise
Meaning:
Adds a comparable point or agrees with a previous idea.
a) He studies daily; likewise, he reviews notes each night.
b) Save regularly and likewise invest wisely.
43
In the same way
Meaning:
Expresses a parallel action, result, or method.
a) In the same way, the second experiment confirmed results.
b) She mentors others; in the same way, she learns from peers.
44
Equally
Meaning:
Indicates equal degree, importance, or effect.
a) Both proposals are equally strong.
b) The methods are equally effective in tests.
45
Compared to
Meaning:
Introduces a comparison with another item or period.
a) Compared to last year, sales improved.
b) Compared to the prototype, the final model is lighter.
46
By the same token
Meaning:
Uses similar logic to support another point.
a) He must follow rules; by the same token, help others follow them.
b) We value speed; by the same token, we must keep quality.
47
Rather than
Meaning:
Shows preference between two options or actions.
a) Rather than wait, she called immediately.
b) He chose to walk rather than drive.
48
Unlike
Meaning:
Indicates difference from another item or person.
a) Unlike his sister, he enjoys silence.
b) Unlike earlier versions, this supports cloud sync.
7. Emphasis
49
Indeed
Meaning:
Confirms or strengthens a previous statement.
a) The results were impressive; indeed, they exceeded expectations.
b) He is, indeed, an expert in his field.
50
In fact
Meaning:
Adds a reinforcing fact or correction to clarify.
a) She is not new; in fact, she has ten years of experience.
b) The device is compact; in fact, it fits in a pocket.
51
Above all
Meaning:
Highlights the single most important point.
a) Above all, safety must come first.
b) Above all, keep communication open.
52
Especially
Meaning:
Draws attention to a particularly relevant part.
a) The policy helps everyone, especially new employees.
b) He loves fruit, especially mangoes.
53
Importantly
Meaning:
Signals a detail that should not be overlooked.
a) Importantly, back up your files daily.
b) Importantly, document each step for audits.
54
Significantly
Meaning:
Indicates a notable impact or change.
a) Significantly, user engagement rose after the update.
b) The policy reduced costs significantly.
55
Notably
Meaning:
Draws attention to what stands out or is remarkable.
a) Notably, several experts supported the idea.
b) The prototype worked; notably, it used less power.
56
Undoubtedly
Meaning:
Expresses strong certainty or emphasis.
a) She will undoubtedly succeed.
b) Undoubtedly, this was the best approach.
8. Condition
57
If
Meaning:
Introduces a condition that must be met for something to happen.
a) If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
b) If you finish early, please notify me.
58
Unless
Meaning:
Specifies an exception to a condition.
a) I won’t go unless you come with me.
b) Unless proven otherwise, assume it’s safe.
59
Provided that
Meaning:
Sets a requirement or stipulation for something to happen.
a) You may join provided that you register first.
b) Provided that funds clear, we will start.
60
As long as
Meaning:
Indicates a time or condition limit allowing something.
a) You can stay as long as you remain quiet.
b) As long as the system runs, backups will occur.
61
Only if
Meaning:
Limits occurrence to a strict condition.
a) We’ll approve it only if tests pass.
b) He agrees only if payment is upfront.
62
Even if
Meaning:
Indicates the outcome remains despite the condition.
a) Even if it’s late, finish the report.
b) She will attend even if the weather is bad.
63
Assuming
Meaning:
Works on a premise or hypothesis for planning.
a) Assuming data is correct, publish the results.
b) Assuming he arrives, we will start on time.
64
Whether or not
Meaning:
Covers both possible outcomes of a condition.
a) Attend the meeting whether or not you feel prepared.
b) We’ll proceed whether or not approval arrives today.
9. Concession
65
Although
Meaning:
Admits a contrasting fact while maintaining the main point.
a) Although tired, he finished the task.
b) Although costly, the choice improved morale.
66
Even though
Meaning:
A stronger form of concession; emphasizes contrast.
a) Even though it rained, they played the match.
b) She accepted the job even though it meant relocating.
67
While
Meaning:
Acknowledges contrast between two clauses or ideas.
a) While I respect the idea, I disagree with details.
b) While popular, the method has drawbacks.
68
Granted
Meaning:
Acknowledges a point before making a contrasting statement.
a) Granted, it’s difficult; still, we must try.
b) Granted her experience, training was still helpful.
69
Even so
Meaning:
Shows that reality differs from what might be expected.
a) The task was risky; even so, they proceeded.
b) Sales dipped; even so, profits remained acceptable.
70
Nonetheless
Meaning:
Despite what was said, something else is still true.
a) Data was limited; nonetheless, the trend was clear.
b) He lacked funds; nonetheless, he invested.
71
Be that as it may
Meaning:
Concedes a point and then moves the argument forward.
a) Be that as it may, we must finish on time.
b) The issue is minor; be that as it may, we’ll address it.
72
Despite
Meaning:
Shows an action or state that occurs in spite of something else.
a) Despite warnings, they proceeded.
b) Despite setbacks, the team met goals.
10. Conclusion & Summary
73
In conclusion
Meaning:
Signals the final summary or decision at the end of a discussion.
a) In conclusion, the proposal is viable.
b) In conclusion, we recommend moving forward.
74
To summarize
Meaning:
Offers a concise recap of main points.
a) To summarize, prioritize scope, time, and cost.
b) To summarize, the test confirmed the hypothesis.
75
Overall
Meaning:
Provides a general evaluation or impression of the whole.
a) Overall, feedback was positive.
b) Overall, the quarter exceeded targets.
76
In short
Meaning:
Condenses information into a brief, clear point.
a) In short, the plan works.
b) In short, improvements are needed.
77
Ultimately
Meaning:
States the final outcome or decision after consideration.
a) Ultimately, the client approved the design.
b) Ultimately, we chose the simpler option.
78
All in all
Meaning:
Summarizes the overall conclusion or result informally.
a) All in all, the event was successful.
b) All in all, the team performed well.
79
Therefore
Meaning:
Draws a logical conclusion from what has been shown.
a) Therefore, we will proceed with the rollout.
b) The theory holds; therefore, we accept it.
80
Hence
Meaning:
Indicates a reasoned result or recommendation.
a) The feature is stable; hence, release it.
b) The data is inconsistent; hence, further testing is needed.
Basic Terms
Alphabets
The alphabet is a set of letters used in English to make words. There are 26 letters from A to Z. Learning the alphabet helps in reading, writing, and spelling.
- A, B, C, D, … Z
Vowels
Vowels are letters that allow air to pass through freely when spoken. They are essential for forming syllables and words.
- A, E, I, O, U
Consonants
Consonants are letters produced by blocking or restricting air with lips, tongue, or teeth. They combine with vowels to make words.
- B, C, D, F, G, H, …
Word
A word is a group of letters that expresses meaning. Words can act as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and other parts of speech.
- Book, Run, Happy, Quickly
Phrase
A phrase is a group of words that gives meaning but does not form a complete sentence. It adds detail to a sentence.
- in the park, very quickly, a tall building
Clause
A clause contains a subject and a verb. It can be independent (complete sentence) or dependent (needs another clause).
- She smiled. (Independent)
- When it rains, I stay inside. (Dependent)
Sentence
A sentence expresses a complete thought. It starts with a capital letter and ends with punctuation.
- She is reading a book.
- Are you coming?
- Sit down!
Paragraph
A paragraph is a group of sentences that talk about one main idea. It is used to organize thoughts clearly.
- A short passage about your favorite hobby.
- A paragraph describing your school or home.
Subject
The subject is the part of a sentence that tells who or what is doing the action.
- Ali plays football.
- The cat is sleeping.
Object
The object receives the action in a sentence. It can be a noun or pronoun.
- Ali kicked the ball.
- She read the book.
Predicate
The predicate tells what the subject does or is. It includes the verb and details.
- The cat is sleeping.
- Ali plays football every evening.
Parts of Speech
Parts of Speech are categories of words based on their function in sentences.
- Noun – name of a person, place, thing, or idea
- Pronoun – replaces a noun
- Verb – shows action or state
- Adjective – describes a noun
- Adverb – describes a verb, adjective, or adverb
- Preposition – shows relation between words
- Conjunction – joins words or sentences
- Interjection – expresses strong feeling
Articles
Articles are words used before nouns to show whether something is specific or general.
- a, an, the
- I saw a dog. / She ate an apple. / The sun is bright.
Tenses
Tenses show the time of an action. There are 12 main tenses in English:
- Present Simple – I eat
- Present Continuous – I am eating
- Present Perfect – I have eaten
- Present Perfect Continuous – I have been eating
- Past Simple – I ate
- Past Continuous – I was eating
- Past Perfect – I had eaten
- Past Perfect Continuous – I had been eating
- Future Simple – I will eat
- Future Continuous – I will be eating
- Future Perfect – I will have eaten
- Future Perfect Continuous – I will have been eating
Transitive Verb
A transitive verb is an action verb that needs an object to complete its meaning.
- She reads a book.
- He kicked the ball.
Intransitive Verb
An intransitive verb does not need an object to complete its meaning.
- She smiles.
- He runs every morning.
Active & Passive Voice
Active voice shows the subject doing the action; passive shows the action done to the subject.
- Active: Ali eats an apple.
- Passive: An apple is eaten by Ali.
Narration / Reported Speech
Narration is when we tell what someone said using our own words.
- Direct: He said, “I am tired.”
- Indirect: He said that he was tired.
Modal Verb
Modal verbs show ability, possibility, permission, or obligation.
- can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would
- You can swim. / She must finish her homework.
Collocation
Collocations are words that usually go together naturally.
- make a decision, do homework, heavy rain
Idiom
An idiom is a phrase where the meaning is different from the words used.
- Break the ice – to start a conversation
- Piece of cake – very easy
Phrasal Verb
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a preposition or adverb.
- look after – take care of
- give up – stop trying
Synonym
Synonyms are words with similar meaning.
- Happy – joyful
- Big – large
Antonym
Antonyms are words with opposite meaning.
- Hot – cold
- Happy – sad
Homophones
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings or spellings.
- Sun – son
- Sea – see
Similes
Similes compare two things using “like” or “as”.
- He is as brave as a lion.
- She sings like an angel.
Literal Meaning
Literal meaning is the exact, dictionary meaning of a word or phrase.
- “Break a leg” literally means to break a leg bone.
Figurative Meaning
Figurative meaning is the intended or symbolic meaning of a word or phrase.
- “Break a leg” figuratively means “Good luck!”
Phrasal Verbs
1
Add up
To make sense or to total.
- His story doesn’t add up with the facts.
- The numbers add up to a very large amount.
2
Agree with
To have the same opinion as someone.
- I agree with your point about planning.
- Many experts agree with this recommendation.
3
Back up
To support someone or to copy/secure data.
- Can you back up your claim with evidence?
- Remember to back up your files before the update.
4
Blow up
To explode or suddenly become very angry.
- The gas leak could cause the building to blow up.
- He blew up when he saw the damaged car.
5
Break down
To stop working (machine) or to lose control emotionally.
- The car broke down on the highway.
- She broke down in tears after hearing the news.
6
Break up
To end a relationship or to disperse a group.
- They decided to break up after two years together.
- The police broke up the gathering.
7
Bring about
To cause something to happen.
- New regulations brought about improved safety.
- The reform brought about major change.
8
Bring back
To return something or to cause memories to appear.
- This song brings back childhood memories.
- Please bring back the book when you finish it.
9
Bring up
To mention a topic or to raise a child.
- Don’t bring up politics at dinner.
- They brought up their children bilingually.
10
Brush up on
To review or improve knowledge of something.
- I need to brush up on my French before the trip.
- She brushed up on her coding skills over the weekend.
11
Call back
To return a phone call.
- I will call back after the meeting.
- She called back to confirm the appointment.
12
Call off
To cancel an event or arrangement.
- They called off the picnic because of rain.
- The match was called off at the last minute.
13
Carry on
To continue doing something.
- Please carry on with your work.
- They carried on despite the interruption.
14
Carry out
To perform or complete a task.
- The team carried out the experiment successfully.
- We must carry out these instructions exactly.
15
Catch up
To reach someone or to exchange news.
- I need to catch up on my email.
- Let’s meet this weekend and catch up.
16
Check in
To register on arrival (hotel, flight) or to report presence.
- We checked in at the hotel at noon.
- Please check in at reception when you arrive.
17
Check out
To look at something or leave a place after paying.
- Check out that new restaurant on Main Street.
- We checked out of the hotel early this morning.
18
Cheer up
To become happier or to make someone happier.
- Cheer up — things will improve soon.
- I brought coffee to cheer up my colleague.
19
Clear up
To tidy up or to resolve a problem or misunderstanding.
- Can you clear up this mess?
- We need to clear up that misunderstanding.
20
Come across
To find by chance or to give a particular impression.
- I came across an old letter in the drawer.
- He came across as confident in the interview.
21
Come back
To return to a place or to a previous state.
- When did you come back from your trip?
- The trend has come back into fashion.
22
Come up with
To produce an idea or solution.
- She came up with a clever solution to the problem.
- Can you come up with a shorter plan?
23
Count on
To rely on someone or something.
- You can count on me to help you.
- We were counting on good weather for the event.
24
Cut down on
To reduce the quantity of something.
- I’m trying to cut down on sugar this month.
- We need to cut down on unnecessary spending.
25
Cut off
To stop the supply of something or to interrupt.
- They cut off the electricity for repairs.
- She was cut off mid-sentence during the live show.
26
Deal with
To handle or manage a problem or situation.
- I’ll deal with the complaint tomorrow.
- She knows how to deal with difficult customers calmly.
27
Drop by
To visit briefly and informally.
- Feel free to drop by my office this afternoon.
- He dropped by to return the book.
28
Drop out
To leave school or an activity before finishing.
- She dropped out of university to start a business.
- He almost dropped out of the race because of injury.
29
End up
To finally be in a particular place or state.
- We ended up having dinner at a small café.
- He ended up working abroad for two years.
30
Figure out
To understand or solve something by thinking.
- Can you figure out why the app crashed?
- She figured out how to open the locked door.
31
Fill out
To complete a form or to become fuller.
- Please fill out this application form.
- His face filled out after months of good nutrition.
32
Find out
To discover information or learn something new.
- I need to find out who called last night.
- She found out the truth after investigating.
33
Get along with
To have a friendly relationship with someone.
- Do you get along with your new colleagues?
- They get along with each other very well.
34
Get back
To return to a place or to regain something.
- When did you get back from vacation?
- He finally got back the money he was owed.
35
Get over
To recover from an illness or emotional event.
- It took her months to get over the breakup.
- He got over the flu quickly after treatment.
36
Get through
To finish something difficult or to contact someone by phone.
- We finally got through the long meeting.
- I couldn’t get through to her by phone all evening.
37
Give in
To stop resisting or to agree reluctantly.
- Don’t give in to pressure from others.
- After hours of debate he finally gave in.
38
Give up
To stop trying or to quit a habit.
- Never give up on your goals.
- He gave up smoking last year.
39
Go on
To continue or to happen.
- What’s going on in the next room?
- The show must go on despite the rain.
40
Go over
To review or examine details.
- Let’s go over your notes before the exam.
- We went over the budget line by line.
41
Grow up
To become an adult or to mature.
- I grew up in a small coastal town.
- It’s time to grow up and take responsibility.
42
Grow out of
To stop a habit or to become too large to wear.
- He grew out of his childhood fears.
- The coat grew out of him last year.
43
Hang out
To spend time relaxing or socializing.
- They hang out at the café every Saturday.
- Do you want to hang out this evening?
44
Hang up
To end a phone call or to hang something on a hook.
- She hung up before I could say goodbye.
- Please hang up your coat on the rack.
45
Hold on
To wait briefly or to keep a grip on something.
- Hold on, I’ll check the schedule.
- She held on to the rope tightly during the climb.
46
Hold up
To delay or to rob (informal: hold up a bank).
- The roadworks held up traffic for hours.
- The store was held up in a robbery last night.
47
Iron out
To resolve small problems or differences.
- Let’s iron out the remaining details tomorrow.
- They met to iron out scheduling conflicts.
48
Keep on
To continue doing something.
- Keep on practicing if you want to improve.
- He keeps on calling despite requests to stop.
49
Keep up with
To stay at the same level or follow developments.
- It is hard to keep up with new technology.
- She works late to keep up with her coursework.
50
Kick off
To start an event or activity.
- The festival kicks off next Friday.
- Let’s kick off the project with a short meeting.
51
Lay off
To stop employing someone (temporarily or permanently).
- The company had to lay off several workers.
- He was laid off during the restructure.
52
Let down
To disappoint someone by failing to do what was expected.
- Don’t let me down — we need your support.
- He felt let down when the plan failed.
53
Look after
To take care of someone or something.
- Can you look after my plants while I’m away?
- She looks after her younger siblings every day.
54
Look for
To try to find something or someone.
- I’m looking for my keys — have you seen them?
- They are looking for a new marketing manager.
55
Look forward to
To anticipate something with pleasure.
- I look forward to meeting you next week.
- We look forward to the summer holidays each year.
56
Look into
To investigate or examine something.
- We’ll look into the complaint immediately.
- Can you look into why the server crashed?
57
Look up
To search for information or for something to improve.
- Look up the word in the dictionary.
- Things are looking up after last quarter’s sales.
58
Make out
To see, hear, or understand something with difficulty.
- I can’t make out the handwriting on this note.
- From a distance she made out a small boat on the horizon.
59
Make up
To invent a story/excuse or to reconcile after an argument.
- She made up an excuse for being late.
- They made up after their argument.
60
Make up for
To compensate for something lost or missed.
- He bought flowers to make up for his mistake.
- Extra classes will make up for the lost time.
61
Move on
To continue to the next thing or to recover from an event.
- Let’s move on to the next topic.
- She finally moved on after the breakup.
62
Pass away
To die (polite expression).
- Her grandfather passed away peacefully last night.
- They announced that the beloved author had passed away.
63
Pass out
To faint or to distribute something to people.
- He passed out from the heat during the match.
- They passed out flyers at the festival.
64
Pay back
To return borrowed money or to get revenge (informal).
- I’ll pay you back next week.
- He said he would pay back those who betrayed him.
65
Pick out
To choose or select something.
- She picked out a dress for the party.
- Can you pick out a gift for Tom?
66
Pick up
To collect someone or something; to learn informally.
- I’ll pick you up at seven.
- He picked up some Spanish while traveling.
67
Point out
To draw attention to something or explain an important fact.
- She pointed out an error in the report.
- The guide pointed out the historic buildings.
68
Pull over
To move a vehicle to the side of the road and stop.
- The officer signaled for him to pull over.
- We pulled over to let a truck pass.
69
Put away
To store or tidy something in its place.
- Please put away your toys after playing.
- She put away the winter clothes in boxes.
70
Put off
To delay or postpone something.
- Don’t put off your assignment until the last minute.
- They put off the meeting until Friday.
71
Put up with
To tolerate or accept something unpleasant.
- I won’t put up with rude behaviour in my class.
- She put up with the noise for years.
72
Run into
To meet someone unexpectedly or to collide with something.
- I ran into an old friend at the market.
- They ran into difficulties with the new software.
73
Run out of
To have no more of something left.
- We ran out of milk this morning.
- They ran out of time before completing the test.
74
Set off
To begin a journey or to cause something to start.
- We set off early to avoid traffic.
- The alarm set off a loud noise in the building.
75
Set up
To arrange, organize, or establish something.
- They set up a new office downtown.
- I will set up the equipment before the meeting.
76
Settle down
To become calm or to start a stable life.
- The children finally settled down after the party.
- They plan to settle down in a quiet town.
77
Show off
To display proudly, often to attract attention.
- He likes to show off his new car.
- Don’t show off — it’s annoying.
78
Show up
To appear or arrive at a place.
- Only ten people showed up for the meeting.
- He showed up late to the interview.
79
Shut down
To close permanently or to turn off a machine.
- The factory was shut down last year.
- Shut down the computer before leaving.
80
Slow down
To reduce speed or to do something more slowly.
- Please slow down, you’re driving too fast.
- We should slow down and think about the changes.
81
Sort out
To organize or to solve a problem.
- We need to sort out these documents.
- They sorted out the technical problem quickly.
82
Stand up
To rise to a standing position or to fail to meet someone as agreed.
- Please stand up when the judge enters.
- He stood her up at the restaurant last night.
83
Stick to
To continue following a plan, goal, or rule.
- We must stick to the schedule to finish on time.
- Try to stick to your healthy eating plan this week.
84
Take after
To resemble a family member in appearance or behavior.
- She takes after her mother in looks.
- He takes after his grandfather’s calm temperament.
85
Take back
To return something or to retract a statement.
- I need to take back the DVD to the shop.
- He took back his rude remark afterwards.
86
Take off
To remove clothing or when an aircraft leaves the ground.
- The plane took off on time.
- Please take off your shoes before entering the mosque.
87
Take on
To accept responsibility or to fight/compete against someone.
- She took on extra duties at work last month.
- He took on the champion in a friendly match.
88
Take over
To assume control or responsibility.
- A larger firm took over the company last year.
- Can you take over while I’m away?
89
Take up
To begin a hobby or occupy space or time.
- He took up cycling during the summer.
- This project takes up most of my free time.
90
Talk over
To discuss something with someone.
- Let’s talk over the plan tonight.
- They talked over their options before deciding.
91
Tell off
To criticize or scold someone angrily.
- The teacher told off the students for misbehaving.
- He was told off for missing the deadline.
92
Think over
To consider something carefully before deciding.
- Think it over and tell me tomorrow.
- She needed time to think over the job offer.
93
Think through
To consider consequences or results carefully.
- You should think through your plan before acting.
- We thought through every step in the process.
94
Throw away
To discard something unwanted.
- Don’t throw away those receipts — keep them for now.
- He threw away the broken tools.
95
Throw up
To vomit or to produce something suddenly.
- She threw up after the roller coaster ride.
- The search threw up several interesting results.
96
Try out
To test something to see if it works or is suitable.
- We should try out the new software before buying it.
- She tried out for the lead role and got it.
97
Turn down
To refuse or to reduce volume.
- She turned down the job because of the commute.
- Please turn down the music.
98
Turn off
To stop a device or to repel interest.
- Remember to turn off the lights before you leave.
- His attitude really turned off potential clients.
99
Turn on
To start a device or to excite interest.
- Turn on the heater; it’s cold in here.
- The new feature will turn on many users.
100
Turn up
To appear unexpectedly or increase volume.
- He turned up unexpectedly at the party.
- Could you turn up the radio a bit?
101
Use up
To consume all of something.
- We’ve used up all the printer paper.
- Don’t use up the flour; we need some for tomorrow.
102
Wake up
To stop sleeping or to become alert to something.
- I woke up early to study for the exam.
- It’s time to wake up to the new reality.
103
Warm up
To prepare physically or to become less cold.
- Do a short run to warm up before the match.
- The room warmed up once the sun came out.
104
Watch out
To be careful or alert to danger.
- Watch out for the wet floor sign.
- Watch out, there’s a car coming.
105
Watch over
To guard or protect someone or something.
- She watched over the children while they played.
- Volunteers watch over the site at night.
106
Wear out
To become unusable through use or to make someone very tired.
- These shoes will wear out if you use them every day.
- The long day completely wore out the children.
107
Work on
To spend time improving or fixing something.
- She’s working on her thesis this semester.
- We need to work on our presentation skills.
108
Work out
To exercise or to find a solution/resolve successfully.
- She works out at the gym three times a week.
- Everything worked out in the end.
109
Write down
To record information on paper.
- Write down the address so you won’t forget it.
- I always write down new vocabulary to study later.
110
Zero in on
To direct attention toward a particular target or problem.
- The team zeroed in on the root cause of the issue.
- We should zero in on the most important tasks first.
111
Zone out
To lose focus or daydream.
- I tend to zone out during long meetings.
- He zoned out and missed the instructions.
112
Boil down to
To be the main or most important point.
- It all boils down to trust in the end.
- The debate boiled down to a question of priorities.
113
Brush up on
To improve knowledge of something previously learned.
- I need to brush up on my algebra before the test.
- She brushed up on her French for the trip.
114
Call in
To phone someone or to request help/expertise.
- We had to call in a mechanic to fix the car.
- Please call in if you’ll be late for the meeting.
115
Chip in
To contribute money or help toward something.
- Everyone chipped in to buy a farewell gift.
- He chipped in with advice during the meeting.
116
Come up
To happen or be mentioned unexpectedly.
- Something urgent came up at work so I had to leave.
- Her name came up during the discussion.
117
Drop off
To deliver someone/something to a place or to fall asleep.
- I’ll drop off the package on my way to work.
- He dropped off while watching the movie.
118
Keep out
To prevent someone from entering a place.
- Please keep out — private property.
- The fence helped keep out stray animals.
119
Look back
To think about the past or review previous events.
- When I look back, I see how much I’ve changed.
- She often looked back fondly on her childhood.
120
Zoom in
To focus closely on details or to make an image appear closer.
- Can you zoom in on that part of the picture?
- The discussion zoomed in on the main problem.
Contractions in English
Contractions in English
A contraction is a shorter form of one or two words, made by combining them and leaving out some letters. An apostrophe (’) shows where letters are missing. Contractions make speech and writing sound more natural and conversational.
Examples: I am → I’m, You are → You’re, Do not → Don’t
1. Contractions with “To Be”
These are formed by joining the subject with am, is, are.
- I am → I’m
- You are → You’re
- He is → He’s
- She is → She’s
- They are → They’re
2. Contractions with “Have”
When have / has is used as a helping verb, we can make contractions:
- I have → I’ve
- You have → You’ve
- We have → We’ve
- She has → She’s
- They have → They’ve
3. Contractions with “Will”
We use ’ll to show the future tense.
- I will → I’ll
- You will → You’ll
- He will → He’ll
- We will → We’ll
- They will → They’ll
4. Contractions with “Would”
We use ’d for “would.” It can also mean “had” depending on the sentence.
- I would → I’d
- You would → You’d
- He would → He’d
- We would → We’d
- They would → They’d
5. Negative Contractions
These are made by joining a verb with “not.”
Common Negative Forms
- is not → isn’t
- are not → aren’t
- was not → wasn’t
- were not → weren’t
- do not → don’t
Other Negative Forms
- does not → doesn’t
- did not → didn’t
- cannot → can’t
- will not → won’t
- would not → wouldn’t
6. Contractions with “Had” and “Have” in the Past
- I had finished → I’d finished
- You had gone → You’d gone
- He had left → He’d left
- We had tried → We’d tried
- They had known → They’d known
7. Informal and Rare Contractions
Some contractions are more casual and used mostly in speech or informal writing.
- Let us → Let’s
- Going to → Gonna
- Want to → Wanna
- Got to → Gotta
- Kind of → Kinda
Note: Avoid these in academic or formal writing.
8. Practice Time
Rewrite the following sentences using contractions. Click to see the correct answers.
1. You are my best friend.
You’re my best friend.2. I will see you tomorrow.
I’ll see you tomorrow.3. They are not coming today.
They aren’t coming today.4. She has finished her homework.
She’s finished her homework.5. I would like some coffee.
I’d like some coffee.6. We have been waiting for an hour.
We’ve been waiting for an hour.7. Do not forget your keys.
Don’t forget your keys.Cleft Sentence
Emphasizing Ideas with Cleft Sentences
A cleft sentence is a way to highlight one part of a sentence by dividing it into two parts. The word cleft means “split.” In a cleft sentence, we split the information to focus on one idea more strongly.
Cleft sentences don’t change the meaning — they only change what part is emphasized. This is common in both formal writing and natural speech.
1. What Is a Cleft Sentence?
Let’s start with a normal sentence and see how it can change when we emphasize different parts.
Normal sentence: Ali bought a new car yesterday in Karachi because he got a promotion.
Subject Focus (Who did it)
It was Ali who bought a new car yesterday in Karachi because he got a promotion.
Focus: the person who performed the action.
Object Focus (What was done)
It was a new car that Ali bought yesterday in Karachi because he got a promotion.
Focus: the thing involved in the action.
Place Focus (Where it happened)
It was in Karachi that Ali bought a new car yesterday because he got a promotion.
Focus: the location of the action.
Time Focus (When it happened)
It was yesterday that Ali bought a new car in Karachi because he got a promotion.
Focus: the time when it happened.
Reason Focus (Why it happened)
It was because he got a promotion that Ali bought a new car yesterday in Karachi.
Focus: the reason or cause.
2. Structure of “It-Cleft” Sentences
The most common type of cleft sentence begins with It is or It was.
Structure: It + be + focused part + who/that + rest of the sentence.
- It was my brother who helped me with the project.
- It is the final exam that worries most students.
- It was in the park that we met for the first time.
- It is your attitude that makes the difference.
- It was last night that the power went out.
3. Why We Use Cleft Sentences
Cleft sentences are used to:
- Emphasize important information.
- Contrast two ideas.
- Clarify meaning.
- Sound natural and expressive in speech.
- It was you who forgot to call, not me. (contrast)
- It was my idea to start early. (emphasis)
- It was at midnight that they arrived. (clarity)
- It is the teacher who decides the marks. (authority)
- It’s my phone that keeps ringing all the time. (focus)
4. Other Types of Cleft Sentences
A. Wh-Clefts (Pseudo-Clefts)
Pattern: What / Where / Why / How + clause + be + emphasized part
- What I need is a short break.
- What makes me happy is helping others.
- Where I want to live is near the sea.
- What surprised me was his honesty.
- What they want is clear communication.
B. All-Clefts
Pattern: All + clause + be + emphasized part
- All I want is some peace.
- All we need is love.
- All he said was a single word.
- All they did was laugh.
- All I asked for was a chance.
C. If-Clefts
Pattern: If + there’s one thing / anything / someone + clause, it’s + emphasized part
- If there’s one thing I hate, it’s waiting.
- If there’s one person I trust, it’s my mother.
- If there’s anything I regret, it’s not studying abroad.
- If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s dishonesty.
- If there’s one thing you should know, it’s the truth.
5. Practice Time
Try to rewrite each normal sentence as a cleft sentence. Click or tap to reveal the answer.