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Comma after so When so is used to mean therefore, it is a transitional adverb. So, it should be followed by a comma. I was not feeling well. So, I decided to consult a doctor. Semicolon before And A coordinating conjunction that merges two clauses into one is usually preceded by a comma. However, the comma can be left out when the clauses […]
Make sure you use the correct tense when you talk about future plans in English. Here are some tips to do this, as well as other phrases to use when you talk about your plans with other people. (For more information about this, see our page on future forms.) When it isn’t definite We use […]
What are modal auxiliary verbs? The verbs can, could, may, might, will, would, shall (mainly British English), should, must and ought are called ‘modal auxiliary verbs’. We can use them before the infinitives of other verbs and add certain kinds of meaning connected with certainty, or with obligation and freedom to act (see next section). […]
how long? present perfectWe use a present perfect to say how long a situation or action has continued up to now. Compare:It’s raining again.It’s been raining since Christmas, (NOT It’s raining since Christmas.)Are you learning English?How long have you been learning? (NOT How long are you learning?) >I hear you’re working at Smiths. present perfect […]
non-progressive verbsSome verbs are not used in progressive forms (see progressive 2: non-progressive verbs), even if the meaning is one for which a progressive form ismore suitable. Common examples are be, have and know.John’s been ill all week, (NOT John’s been being ill…)She’s had a cold since Monday, (NOT She’s been having a cold …)I’ve […]
progressive (or ‘continuous’)formshave/has been + -ing I have been thinking about you.Have you been waiting long?I haven’t been studying very well recently.For double letters in words like sitting, stopping, see spelling 7: doubling final consonants.continuing actions and situationsWe use the present perfect progressive to look back over actions and situations which started in the past […]
causes and origins: Who gave you that?We normally use the present perfect when we are thinking about past events together with their present results (see present perfect 1: basic information.).I can’t come to your party because I’ve broken my leg.However, we usually prefer a past tense when we identify the person, thing or circumstances responsible […]
Thinking about the past and present together We use the present perfect if we are thinking about the past and present together. We do not use the present perfect if we are not thinking about the present. Compare: My sister has learnt French. (She can speak French now.) Shakespeare probably learnt Italian, (NOT Shakespeare has […]