Category: Grammar

Superlative Adjectives

Level: Beginner-Intermediate

A superlative adjective expresses the highest degree of quality. They are used in sentences where a subject is compared to a group of objects. We also usually add ‘the’ before the superlative adjective.

Noun (subject) + verb + the + superlative adjective + noun (object).

There are two ways to form a superlative adjective.

Short Adjectives Superlative

  • If the adjective has a consonant + single vowel + consonant spelling, the final consonant must be doubled before adding -est.

tall → tallest

Mark is the tallest student in the class.
big → biggest

The monster truck is the biggest car I have ever seen.
fast → fastest

Your horse is the fastest in the race.

old → oldest

I am the oldest in this class.

  • For adjectives ending in y, change the y to an i before adding the -est.

lucky → luckiest

I am the luckiest man alive.
tidy → tidiest

My bedroom is the tidiest room in the house.
happy → happiest

You make me the happiest person in the world.

  • If the adjective ends in -e, just add -st.

late → the latest

She arrived the latest.
large → the largest

I caught the largest fish I have ever seen.
strange → the strangest

I had the strangest dream last night.

Long Adjectives Superlative

Adjectives with three or more syllables form the superlative by putting “most” in front.

  • 2-syllable adjectives not ending in -y

modern → most modern

I bought the most modern house in the neighborhood.
pleasant → most pleasant

This perfume has the most pleasant smell

  • All adjectives of 3 or more syllables, add “most” before the adjective.

expensive → most expensive

She got the most expensive mobile phone.
intelligent → most intelligent

She is the most intelligent in her class.

  • The following adjectives are exception to the previously mentioned rules because they have irregular forms.

less → the least

I got the least number of mistakes in the exam.
good → the best

I have the best mother in the world.
bad → the worst

The worst food I’ve ever tried is fried insects.
far → the farthest/furthest

This is the furthest I can go. I am exhausted.
much/many → the most

She has the most number of friends.

Conjunctive Adverbs: Know Them When You See Them

Conjunctive adverbs are words which main use is to connect phrases and clauses. They enable smooth transitions between ideas. They make the writer’s meaning a little clearer.

List of Conjunctive Adverbs and Their Uses

Below is a list of some common conjunctive adverbs and when we use them in sentences.

Cause and Effect

accordingly

consequently

therefore

hence

subsequently

then

therefore

thus

hence

Addition

also

furthermore

besides

moreover

Contrast

conversely

however

instead

nevertheless

nonetheless

otherwise

still

Time

meanwhile

since

lately

Sequence

first

next

finally

Emphasis

indeed

definitely

Comparison

similarly

likewise

How to Form Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs link two main clauses. In this case, they function as coordinating conjunctions, joining two dependent clauses. It is important to note that in order to connect these two clauses, we use the following structure: 

MAIN CLAUSE + ; + Conjunctive Adverb + , + MAIN CLAUSE

Note the use of a semicolon instead of a comma after the first main clause in the following examples.

The bad weather discouraged Tom to take his morning walk; moreover, he had many things to do that morning.

They are not easily motivated with money; otherwise, they would have just kept the truth about the issue.

She ate a whole bowl of soup; then, to her mom’s surprise, she finished two cups of rice.

  • We also introduce, interrupt, or conclude one main clause using conjunctive adverbs. In this case, we often use commas in order to separate the conjunctive adverb from the other parts of the sentence.

This month, the company was supposed to take us on a company retreat. Instead, they were considering giving everyone a leadership training.

He didn’t want to keep seeing her anymore. He decided, nevertheless, to take her out one last time.

After surfing all afternoon, Matt was too tired to cook dinner. He did eat some leftovers, however.

  • In cases where the break is weak, there is no need to use a comma.

Sofia called to inform that she can’t conduct her classes today. Stephanie will therefore have to fill in for her.

The shrimp dish triggered her allergies. Going to that seafood restaurant was not a good idea indeed.

Delexical Verbs in the Spotlight

What are delexical verbs?

Delexical verbs are action words that have no meaning in their own right. We find the meaning of the action more on the noun.

How to form?

Delexical verbs are usually followed by adjectives and then nouns. Look at this pattern:

delexical verb + adjective/s + noun

She takes a hot shower before going to bed.
They had some hard drinks at the party.

  • The most common verbs used in this manner are have, take, make, give, go, and do. But perhaps the most frequently used are have and take.

Uses

This next part lists all the delexical verbs and the nouns they are usually used with.

Verb Have

  • Use the delexical verb have with food and drink, talking, washing, resting, and disagreeing.

They had a nice, hot cup of tea before bed.

The team had a detailed discussion about their action plans.

She is used to having a long bath after a long work’s day.

Everyone in Spain generally has a long vacation in summer.

The two countries had land disputes over some territories in the 1980s.

  • Additionally, also use have with verbs that function as nouns.

The clients want to have a look at the property before signing the lease contract.
The child had a bite of the apple.
Do you want to have a drink first?
The team had a listen to the keynote speaker at the conference.
Are you going to have a swim on the lake?

Verb Take

  • The main use of delexical verb take is with washing and resting.

She always takes a long bath after a long work’s day.
He looks tired. He needs to take some time off.

  • Moreover, you also use take with the words: care, care of, a turn, turns, trouble, the trouble, a chance, a risk, a decision, and a photograph.

It is important that you take care of yourself.

You better take a chance on him.

They took turns in using the meeting room.

The view is amazing! Make sure to take beautiful photographs.

She is not one to take risks.

  • In addition, you can use take with verbs that function as nouns.

They took a good look at the design plan.
She takes long walks to clear her mind.
Have you taken your quick swim?

Verb Give

  • Generally, you use the delexical verb give with noises, facial expressions, hitting, affectionate actions, and talking.

She gives a loud scream every time she rides a rollercoaster.

He gave his wife a loving glance.

His parents always give him his much needed push.

They didn’t separate without giving each other a goodbye kiss.

WHO needs to give scientific information about the pandemic.

Verb Make

  • The use of the delexical verb make is usually with talking, sounds, and plans.

I’m quite sure it made a sound.

Do not make promises you can’t keep.

Making an appointment is a professional thing to do.

Verb Go

  • More commonly, you use go as a delexical verb.

Should we go for a walk?
My sister and I went shopping last weekend.
Let’s go dancing now.

  • You also use go for common activities. Combine it with an -ing verb.

Mom and Dad go walking every morning.
They go grocery shopping every weekend.
She is not here now. She has gone swimming.

  • Use go for a with words that indicate moving. These words include a jog, a ride, a swim, a run, a stroll, and a walk.

How about we go for a short ride around town?

Instead of staying at their hotel, they chose to go for a leisurely stroll around the area.

Verb Do

  • You use do with -ing nouns to do with house works.

It’s my grandmother’s hobby to do the gardening.
We did the painting and they did the redecorating of the baby room.

  • In addition, you also use do with nouns to do with work.

The team have to do a few jobs with the software before the launch.
Our colleagues said they couldn’t come out yesterday. They had so much work to do.

  • When it is clear what the action in the sentence is, you use do.

She has to do her nails before the party. (= She’ll have to paint her nails.)
I have done my hair? (= I have styled my hair.)

  • The question “Did he do the room?” might have the following meaning depending on the context.

Did he clean …? decorate…? paint…?

See also: Commonly Confused Verbs: Make or Do (Advanced)

For additional information on this topic, check out this British Council lesson.

Other English grammar lessons can be found here.

Have/Get Something Done

Level: Intermediate – Advanced

The flower and plants in the Johnsons’ garden are well maintained. This morning, the gardener came and tended it.

The Johnsons have their garden maintained.

This means that the Johnsons arranged for the gardener to maintain their garden. They don’t maintain it themselves. 

Have/get something done is used to express that the subject arranged for somebody else to do something for them.

The form is: has/have/had + object + past participle

COMPARE:

Marta cut her hair. vs Marta had her hair cut.

(She cut it herself.)      (Someone cut Marta’s hair for her.)

Jenny replaced the broken window. vs Jenny had the broken window replaced.

(She replaced the broken window on her own.) (Someone replaced the broken window for her.)

Did you do your nails yourself? vs Did you have your nails done?

(Did you paint your nails yourself?) (Did someone paint your nails?)

Get something done can also be used in place of have something done especially in informal spoken English.

When are you going to get your passport renewed?

You need to get your computer fixed as soon as possible.

Mrs. Holmes needs to get that lump on her head checked.

However, in some cases, have or get something done has a different meaning.

Dr. Smith had/got his medical license revoked.

In this situation, Dr. Smith didn’t arrange for someone to revoke his medical license. Here it means his medical license was revoked by the medical authorities. 

When this is what you mean by have/get something done, it usually connotes something negative that happens to someone or things that belong to them.

Adjective + Preposition + Gerund

Level: Intermediate-Advanced

Gerunds are commonly used after an adjective-preposition combination.

FORM: adjective + preposition + gerund

Take a look at these examples below:

used to She is very used to working long hours as she works in a hospital.
hooked onThey are hooked on going to the gym.
fearful of Kyle is fearful of getting into an argument with his mother.
nervous aboutThe expectant mother is nervous about finding out that there’s something wrong with her unborn baby.
tired of She is tired of helping her friend who doesn’t seem to have any plans for the future.
capable ofThey are capable of teaching him proper karate techniques.
devoted to Anna’s mother is devoted to finding her a husband.
worried about Arthur was worried about messing up this presentation.
content with My parents are content with living in the same little town for all of their lives.
committed to The police are committed to catching the criminal redhanded.
disappointed with Jennifer was disappointed with coming in last in that race she recently joined.
concerned about The firefighters were concerned about not having enough time to put out the fire in that building.
discouraged by Allan was discouraged by not getting the answer he was hoping for from his girlfriend.
excited about His whole team was excited about launching their new product.
famous for The pharmaceutical company became famous for discovering a vaccine for the deadly virus.
fond of They are not very fond of listening to foreign music.
frightened of Laura is frightened of being stuck in an elevator.
guilty of The syndicate is guilty of counterfeiting branded bags and shoes.
happy about They are happy about receiving this great news.
interested in Are you interested in joining the military?
involved in Many people were involved in coming up with this brilliant idea.
known for This band is known for singing some rock songs.
opposed to She was opposed to going in that direction.
proud of They were proud of having a doctor for a son.
remembered forMeryl Streep will be remembered for starring in some very famous films.
responsible for The design team is responsible for creating the logo for the company.
scared of Andy is scared of jumping off a cliff.
terrified of The president is terrified of being assassinated by his political enemies.
tired from They are tired from traveling all month.
sick of Anthony is sick of saying the same thing.

Adjectives: Mitigators

Level: Intermediate – Advanced

Mitigators are used to make an adjective become less strong. They are the opposite of intensifiers. Some common examples of mitigators are: fairly, rather,  pretty, and quite.

The team was fairly convinced he had nothing to do with them winning.

By the end of the week, everyone was rather exhausted.
The food wasn’t cheap, but it was quite delicious.

He had a pretty good time hanging out with his girlfriend’s friends. (Informal)

QUITE

When the mitigator ‘quite’ is used with neutral adjectives, adding ‘quite’ makes them less strong.

They were quite loud.

( = They were loud but not very loud. )

My job is quite boring.

( = My job is boring but not very boring. )

On the other hand, when ‘quite’ is used with strong adjectives, they then mean ‘absolutely’.

Their behavior was quite awful.

( = Their behavior was absolutely awful. ) 

As a team, they are quite brilliant.

( = As a team, they are absolutely brilliant. )

Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Level: Intermediate – Advanced

The Present Perfect Continuous is formed with – has/have + been+ present participle.

has/have + been + -ing

They have been practicing all afternoon.
Have you been practicing all afternoon?
She has not been practicing all afternoon.

The Present Perfect Continuous is used to express that the action began in the past and has continued up to present. Time phrases such as ‘for a few minutes’, ‘for several weeks’, ‘for today’, ‘since last week’, etc. are used together with the Present Perfect Continuous.

We have been dealing with this issue almost all morning.
He has been waiting for her for hours.
They have been winning since the beginning of the tournament.
How long has it been boiling?

Additionally, it doesn’t always need to have a duration but the words “recently” and “lately” need to be added in this case.

She has been feeling really lonely lately.
Have you been going to the gym recently?

NOTE: Always, only, never, ever, still, just etc. are normally placed in the middle of the auxiliary verb “has/have” and “been”.

She has only been working here for a few months.

Intensifiers with Comparatives and Superlatives

Level: Intermediate-Advanced

The following intensifiers often go together with comparative adjectives:

much a great deal
far a good deal
a lot a good bit
quite a lot a fair bit

They are much richer than us.
This pair of shoes is far more expensive than that bag.
Madrid is a lot bigger than Sevilla.
It’s quite a lot calmer now after the storm has passed.

The intensifiers much and far are used with comparative adjectives before a noun.

The UK is a much bigger country than Japan.
He is a far better tennis player than Federer.

The intensifiers easily and by far are used with superlative adjectives.

She is easily the greatest singer of all time.
This was by far the most challenging thing I’ve ever had to do.

Make or Do (Advanced)

Level: Intermediate-Advanced

MAKE

MAKE is used when you create or construct something.

The company based in Madrid makes the most modern computers.
She needs to make more verses for her new song.
Did she really make that dress herself?

DO

DO is used for activities in general. In this case, do is usually followed by something, nothing, anything or everything.

It is so frustrating that they did not do anything about the issue.
Carla is sick of doing everything at work.
Is he doing anything interesting during his vacation?

NOTE: What do you do? = What’s your job?

There are a lot of collocations with make and do. Unfortunately, there are no specific rules that can help you remember how to use both words correctly. All you can do is to familiarize yourself with all of them. Below is a list of words that come with either make or do.

DO

do xx kph (miles per hour) Most motorists do more than 30 mph through the city. It’s beyond the speed limit.
do badly They did very badly at the preliminaries, so they’ll have to do better next game.
do your best It’s alright if you make mistakes in your sentences. Just do your best.
do business It’s been great doing business with this company. Everyone’s just very efficient and professional.
do chores I’m going to spend the weekend doing chores at home.
do a course After losing his job, Sam decided to do a course in German at a local language institute.
do a crossword One of her favorite activities is doing crosswords.
do damage His PR team couldn’t do much after the scandal he got involved in. The damage to his image has been done.
do the dishes / the washing up Everyone I know hates doing the dishes.
do a drawing She was able to have many things accomplished because her kids spent hours doing their drawings.
do your duty/responsibility Do your duty as a citizen, go out and vote this election.
do an exam She’s going to have to do a certification exam to get the job promotion.
do exercise How long have you been doing this exercise?
do an exercise To improve your English skills, make sure to do grammar exercises in your free time.
do someone a favor Do me a big favor and clean your room!
do the gardening My grandparents who live in the countryside spend most of their days doing the gardening.
do good She tries to good by donating blood for sick children at that hospital.
do you good Take a lot of rest this weekend. This will do you good for sure.
do your hair/your nails Hurry up and do your hair already! We’re late!
do harm He is so gentle, you wouldn’t think he’d do any harm on others.
do homework I have so much homework to do this afternoon. I can’t go out with you.
do a job I thought they did an excellent job in this film.
do the laundry / the washing I have no other plans but to do the laundry this weekend.
do paperwork It’s so tedious doing all this paperwork.
do research Do not just believe everything you read online. Do your research too.
do the shopping I do all the shopping for my grandmother ever since she became bed-ridden.
do time (in prison) It was hard for him to find a job after he’d done some time in prison.
do well My children are doing well at their new school.
do work Do you have a lot of work today?

MAKE

make amends In order to achieve peace on earth, nations should amend their differences.
make an appointment/arrangements I have to make an appointment with my doctor for tomorrow.
make an attempt She made an attempt in wining him back.
make believe A lot of children likes to play make believe. It lets them think more creatively.
make certain You have to make certain that they are going to sign this deal.
make a decision/change/choice/comment/complaint/confession The couple needs to make a decision on whether they are going to get a divorce or not.
make a difference She tries her best to be good and to make a difference in her community.
make an effort You need to make an effort in practicing your speaking skills.
make an error/a mistake I think they made an error on my bill. I’ve already paid for everything this month.
make an excuse Stop making an excuse on doing things that make you happy. Just do it.
make  a face She didn’t like what he said so she made a face.
make a fool of someone If you continue with this project, you’re only going to make a fool of yourself in front of the board of directors.
make a fortune His family made a fortune from selling old cars.
make fun of Stop making fun of his accent.
make one’s mind up John and Mary need to make their mind up about buying this house.
make a scene My greatest worry is for her to make a scene at the event if she gets too drunk again.
make progress The scientists are proud to announce that they have made progress in coming up with a vaccine against the virus.

Past Continuous Tense (Advanced)

Level: Intermediate-Advanced

The past continuous is formed by combining the past tense of the be-verb and the –ing form of a verb.

was/were + -ing (was/were doing)

This tense is used when speaking about something that happened before and after another past action.

The students were revising for their test when the teacher entered the room.

COMPARE: The student revised when (= after) the teacher entered the room.

It is also very typical to use it at the beginning of a story.

Two days ago, he was fixing the roof when …
Last month, as she was starting to learn Chinese, …

It can also be used for something that happened before and after a definite time.

It was 10 o’clock. I was reading a book.

COMPARE: At 10 o’clock, I read (= started reading) a book.

Another use of this tense is to express that something continued to happen for a period of time.

My back was aching.
The team was losing.

It is also used for talking about something that happened repeatedly.

I was practicing my speech every day, three times a day.
The members were organizing a protest against their leader.
Dan and Selena were always bickering.

It can also be used with verbs to express change or growth.

The company was growing sluggishly.
Her French was improving.
His hair was turning grey.
The climate was changing adversely.

The past continuous is NEVER used with stative verbs. The past simple is used instead.

CORRECT: When they decided to get a divorce, they really needed a lawyer.

WRONG: When they decided to get a divorce, they really was needing a lawyer.