Conjunctions: and, or, but, so, because and although

Adverbs of frequency Oliver: No, no! I can never answer the yellow questions – they're about history or politics or something, I think. I'll have an orange question, please, Mr Anderson! The present simple We use the present simple to talk about repeated actions or events, permanent states or things which are always true. To find out more about the present simple, read and listen to the conversation below. Can you give me some examples? Yes, of course. We use the present simple to talk about things which are repeated every day, every week, every year, etc. I usually get up at 7 o'clock. I see. Yes, we often use adverbs of frequency sometimes, often, usually or other time expressions like on Mondays, twice a week or in the summer. What about permanent states? Permanent states are situations or feelings which are not temporary. I like him a lot. We also use the present simple for general facts, for example when talking about science or geography. Thailand is really hot at this time of year. So what do I need to know about forming the present simple? The main thing is that the third person singular forms end in –s or –es. He watches black and white films at his cinema club on Wednesdays. Exactly!

To be – present and past The form of the verb to be is am (contracted to 'm), is ('s) and are ('re) in the present tense and was/were in the past. To be is used as an auxiliary verb, to form continuous tenses and the passive, and as a main verb. Here we are looking at it as a main verb. After the verb to be we use an adjective phrase, a noun phrase, a preposition phrase or an adverb phrase. Oh, wow! No, don't worry. I'm a bit tired. Here are examples with nouns or noun phrases: She was an English teacher for years. And here are examples with adverb and preposition phrases: I'm here at the café, and you're not! So you use contractions (I'm, you're, he's, etc.) in the present. No, we don't contract was or were. I was just like you when your Dad and I were together. What about forming questions and negatives? They are quite easy. Is he in his room? For negatives, you just add not. We aren't ready yet.Is Daisy at home? I think I've heard a different type of contraction. Yes, that's also possible. Is Daisy at home?

This, that, these, those Sophie: Darling, hi, it’s me. Daisy: Hi, Mum. Sophie: Listen, I’m in a bit of a hurry, but can you help me for a minute? Daisy: Ummm ... yeah. Daisy: Mmm ... Oliver: Was that Mum?