Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for English

Mastering Irregular Verbs in English

What are Irregular Verbs?

Irregular verbs are verbs that do not follow the standard pattern of adding -ed or -d to form their past simple and past participle forms. Mastering these verbs is crucial for achieving fluency in English.

List of Common Irregular Verbs

This list provides the infinitive, past simple, past participle, and Spanish translation for each verb.

• Be (Was/Were) Been - Ser/Estar
• Give (Gave) Given - Dar
• Become (Became) Become - Llegar a ser
• Go (Went) Gone - Ir
• Begin (Began) Begun - Empezar
• Grow (Grew) Grown - Crecer/Cultivar
• Bite (Bit) Bitten - Morder/Picar
• Have (Had) Had - Tener
• Break (Broke) Broken - Romper
• Hide (Hid) Hidden - Esconder
• Bring (Brought) Brought - Traer
• Hit (Hit) Hit - Golpear
• Build (Built)

Common Idioms and Their Usage

Capable
Many people believe that Edison is capable of winning the world championship in judo.

Gained
The burglars may have gained entry/access by forcing open a fire exit.

Get
I need to get my passport renewed because I'm going abroad this summer.

Wondering
I was wondering if you were willing to look after my dog while I'm away on holiday?

Point
I can see no point in that old computer being repaired.

Just
It's just as much fun singing in a choir as it is playing the drums.

Having
Clara denied having seen the missing letter.

Knowing
If he doesn't get that job, there's no knowing what he'll do!

Should
Under no circumstances should you let anyone else use your identity card.

Taken
An experienced accountant has taken over the... Continue reading "Mastering English Idioms: Improve Your Fluency" »

Mastering Irregular Verbs in English

Spanish - English

Mannerisms (costumbres)

Something that a person does repeatedly with their face, hands, or voice, and that they may not realize they are doing.

Trailer

An advertisement for a film or a television programme, consisting of short parts taken from it.

Confirmed (confirmar)

To prove that a belief or an opinion that was previously not completely certain is true.

Siblings (hermano/a)

A brother or sister.

An only child (hijo único)

A child who has no sisters or brothers.

Nail polish (pintura de uñas)

A coloured liquid that is painted on fingernails or toenails.

Unite (unirse)

Bring together.

Raised (elevado/a)

Brought up.

Starred (protagonizar)

Acted in a main role.

Whereas (mientras que)

Compared with the fact that.

Close (cercano/a)

Knowing somebody well and liking... Continue reading "Essential Vocabulary for Building Relationships and Communication" »

CAN - Ability

• He can find any street in London.
• You can take a taxi.
• Can you take me to Victoria Station? - Request

BE ABLE TO - Ability

• He is able to find any street in London.

CAN'T - Certainty that something is impossible

• That story can't be true.

COULD - Ability

• I could play tennis when I was younger.
• Could you take me to Victoria Station? - Request
• You could take a taxi - Suggestion

MAY - Possibility

• It may be quicker to travel by train.
• May I come in? - Formal request

MIGHT - Possibility

• It might be quicker to travel by train.

MUST - Certainty that something is true

• Look at the snow. It must be cold outside.
• You must be back at 10 o'clock. - Obligation

HAVE TO - Obligation

• You have to be back at 10 o'clock. - Obligation

NEED TO - Obligation

• Do you need to study

Nowadays, there are lots of people who think that festivals have become very commercial, and I think that they have a part of reason.

Some people claim that the only purpose of festivals is to make money. They don't think about people who come from different places to listen to their favorite singer or to spend time with their friends. Festival organizers should consider providing affordable accommodations, transportation options, and other facilities to make it easier for people to attend.

While it's true that these festivals earn lots of money, they also contribute to the local economy by generating revenue for the city, small shops, and supermarkets. Festivals attract not only attendees but also customers to nearby businesses.

In conclusion,... Continue reading "The Impact of Commercialization on Festivals" »

Word Building

Positive and Negative Affixes

Positive Affixes

• Possible -> Possibility
• Obedient -> Obedience
• Satisfied -> Satisfaction
• Able -> Ability
• Respected -> Respect
• Pleased -> Pleasure
• Capable -> Capability
• Secure -> Security
• Patient -> Patience

Negative Affixes

• Dissatisfaction
• Impossibility
• Incapability
• Disrespect
• Impatience
• Inability
• Disobedience
• Insecurity
• Displeasure
• Disability

Life's Lessons: Prepositions

1. In
2. Out
3. Away
4. Up
5. Down
6. Out
7. Up
8. Off
9. Without
10. Off
11. Up to

Collocations

1. Pay attention
2. Achieve a goal
3. Go abroad
4. Win a prize
5. Defeat an opponent
6. Break a habit
7. Take a chance
8. Break a promise
9. Save time
10. Catch a ball

Use of English

1. To
2. Kinds/Sorts
3. Amongst
4. As
5. Of
6. Same
7. Like
8. Such
9. In
10. Two

Complete the Sentences

1. ...being expelled
2. ...to be loved
3. ...be found
4. ...being bitten
5. ...be booked
6. ...to

I have gone to Sariñena's high school since I was twelve, but this is my last year because next September I'm going to study in Zaragoza. However, I have to pass all my last exams before going. At first, I have studied so much, but I'm going to have a difficult science exam. And I'm depressed and nervous with my exams. I always have got good marks, but this year I have failed some exams. I'm worried about my exams because it's very important for me to study in Zaragoza next year. In this city, I will practice my favorite sports and get good marks in this high school for sport people. Please help me! Can you give me some tips to pass my last exams? - Jorge in Sariñena (11)

STARRY NIGHT is a work by Post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh. The painting depicts a night view from a window, showing the moon and many stars over a town called Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The picture was painted in mid-1889. Right now, this painting is represented in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. This picture is one of the best-known works of Van Gogh.

Mine is a favorite because it reminds me of the best night of my life, where I could see the stars with a great person. Every time I see it, it reminds me of that person. I also love it because blue is one of my favorite colors, and it has many shades, both light and dark, and flashes of yellow light, which I love. It is a truly perfect picture, one I love. Someday, I'd love to... Continue reading "My Thoughts on Van Gogh's Starry Night" »