Using Like to Describe People

When somebody talks about a person that we don't know, we lask questions about their personality, their appearance and what interests them. We can ask all three of these questions using the word, "like."


"What is he like?" - Personality (can be used for appearance)

When we want to know about somebody's personality and character we ask, "what is he/she like?" Here is an example:

• I met somebody at my English course. He's called Matt.
• What is he like?
• Well, he's very nice and friendly but a little shy.

"What does she look like?" - Appearance

• Have you met Michael's new girlfriend?
• No, what does she look like?
• She's tall, has dark hair and is very pretty.

"What music do you like?" - Interests and Preferences

• (at a party)... I love going to concerts and gigs too! What music do you like?
• I really like folk music, but also like rock and indie.

Notice that with the first two examples we don't use like in the affirmative. This is because 'like' is only a verb in the last example.
Can we use the word 'like' in different ways? Can you think of some examples?

Share

Three Common Present Perfect Errors

When using the English present perfect there are some common mistakes made by speakers. This article will look at some of the most common errors made. It will also give some tips for English learners when using this tense.

Common Error No. 1

The first error using the wrong preposition. When using the present perfect to state where you have visited before using the verb ‘to be,’ many students use the preposition ‘in’ instead of ‘to.’

Where have you been?

• I’ve been to France, Spain and Italy. (NOT – I’ve been in..)
• This week I’ve been to London and Brighton. (NOT – I’ve been in..)

Common Error No. 2

Another common error is using the present simple instead of the present perfect when talking about actions that started in the past and continue in the present.

• I have been a student since 2009. (NOT – I am a student since 2009)
• She has been in France for 3 years. (NOT – She is in France for 3 years)

Common Error No.3

Time expressions are important with the present perfect as mistakes are made when the wrong time expressions are used. Note that specific time expressions in the past can’t be used with the present perfect.

• I’ve drunk three cups of coffee today. 
• We haven’t studied a lot this semester.

Limiting these common errors and using the present perfect tense correctly will make you improve your English and help you speak more freely.

Phrasal Verbs #1 - Put Up

This is a series of new posts that I will write about phrasal verbs. You will find the meaning of phrasal verbs along with some examples.

Phrasal Verbs #1 - Put Up (Three Meanings) - Put up has three main meanings.


1. To place something on the wall.

• He put up the picture in the living room - He put it up in the living room.

2. To tolerate something - (We need to add "with" here)

• I can't put up with the noise at night - I can't put up with it.
• I won't put up with your behaviour (a mother talking to her child) - I won't put up with it.

3.  To build or erect something

• We need to put up the tent before it's dark - We need to put it up before it is dark.

What Should I do Now?

Phrasal verbs need practise.

1. Write them in your English book. 
2. Create new sentences using the phrasal verb and use different tenses when applying them.
3. Are there more meanings for put up? What are they?

Please use the comment box below to write your examples and the other meanings.

Share
|

ESL Sing Along - The Beatles, Help!

Listen to the Song, Don't Read the Lyrics


Don't watch the video, just listen. Try and listen to the words that they are singing. A good idea is to write down the lyrics. There might / will be some words and phrases that you don't understand but that is ok. Try and think what the song is about.





Read the Lyrics while Listening

OK,now listen to the video again while reading the lyrics. Look for the words that you missed the first time.


Specific Meangings

"But now these days are gone" - Things have changed.
"I'm not so self-assured" - I'm not as self-confident as before.
"I've changed my mind" - I've changed my decision, I've changed my plan.
"I'm feeling down" - I'm feeling depressed / low, I have the blues.
"Help me get my feet back on the ground" - Help me get over my depression and back to where I was.
"My independence seems to vanish in the haze" - My independence is slowly going.
"I know that I just need you like I've never done before." - I need you more than ever.


General Meaning

The song is about the singer needing help from someone who is close to him. He is feeling low as he has lost a lot of the self-confidence that he used to have and he has also lost his independence. He needs this person more than ever to make him feel better.


The Fun Part

Now it is time to sing along. Use the video and sing along with the lyrics. Then when you have practised, sing along without the lyrics.

Do you enjoy the song? Any other questions? Just comment below.

Share

Funny Learn English Commercial

If you need motivation!

Past Simple Pronunciation Regular Verbs

This is something that students find hard no matter their level. But like everything else if you know the basics and practise, then everything else will fall into place.

There are three different sounds for Past Tense Regular Verbs:

1. /id/ - add a sylable*
2. /d/
3. /t/

*The first one is the only one which adds a sylable onto the verb form.

Here are some examples.

1. /id/

• I wanted some cake.
• He started the car.
• They added the sugar.

2. /d/

• I used the butter.
• She shaved his hair.
• I followed the car.

3. /t/

• I watched television.
• You passed the salt.
• He faxed the report.

To listen to the sounds and for more examples click here - Past Tense Pronunciation Regular Verbs

Any comments or questions post below.

Share

Been to vs Gone to - Present Perfect

When using the present perfect you must remember that when you are talking about a place you have visited to use the preposition "to." Many students want to use "in" when using these two verbs.

Two Examples

1. He's been to Italy.
2. He's gone to Italy.

The difference between these two examples is that in the first one he has been to Italy in the past (once or more) and came back. The second one means that he left to go to Italy (and is probably in Italy). The first one is used for experiences at any point in the past (non specific). The second means that the speaker is giving the listener new information / explaining a change in situation.

Back to the two examples we can see where the conversations could go.

He's been to Italy.
Oh, I didn't know. How many times?
Three times.

He's gone to Italy.
Wow, that is amazing. I hear the weather is great at this time of the year.


I hope the basic difference is clear. Any further comments or questions just post them below. For more examples on the present perfect visit - Present Perfect Dialogues.

Share

First Post

Hello and welcome to my first post. I will be blogging about how you can improve your English. I will post things that will help you along with links to exercises, articles and tests.

Please get involved and comment on my posts.

Jack