Mastering English: Gerunds, Infinitives, Modals, and More

**Gerunds and Infinitives**

Understanding the use of gerunds and infinitives is crucial for mastering English. Let's delve into some specific verbs and phrases:

• **Forget, Remember, Try, Regret:**
  • When followed by a gerund (*-ing*), these verbs refer to a past action.
  • When followed by an infinitive (*to* + base verb), they refer to a present or future action.

**Common Phrases with Gerunds**

• **Get used to** (*-ing*)
• **Be used to** (*-ing*)
• **Look forward to** (*-ing*)
• **Can't stand** (*-ing*)
• **Wouldn't mind** (*-ing*)

**Composition Writing Tips**

Here's a basic structure for writing a descriptive composition:

1. **Introduction:** "In this composition, I am going to describe..." (state the topic).
2. **Body Paragraphs:**
   • "In this place, you can do a lot of things such as..."
   • "On the other hand, you can't..."
   • "The typical food was... I loved it."
   • "It is located..."
   • "I can recommend..."
   • "One of my favorite places is..."
   • "The museum is located... The museum is very popular..."
3. **Conclusion:** "To sum up, from my point of view..." (Offer a concluding thought, e.g., "If I had enough money, I would come back again." or "It's a worthwhile experience.")

Use transition words to connect your ideas smoothly:

• **Furthermore** (in addition)
• **Despite** (in spite of)
• **Although** (though)
• **On the one hand**
• **On the other hand**

**Modal Verbs**

Modal verbs express a range of meanings, including obligation, possibility, and advice:

• **Mustn't:** Prohibition (e.g., "It is against the law," "It is forbidden," "Banned," "It is not allowed").
• **May/Might:** Possibility (e.g., "Perhaps," "Maybe," "It is sometimes possible," "Probably," "There's a small possibility").
• **Needn't/Don't have to:** Lack of necessity (e.g., "It isn't necessary").
• **Didn't have to:** Past lack of necessity (e.g., "It wasn't necessary").
• **Must/Have to:** Obligation or necessity (e.g., "It is important," "It is necessary," "It is essential," "It is compulsory").
• **Should:** Advice or recommendation (e.g., "I think," "From my point of view," "In my opinion," "I suggest," "If you want my advice," "It is a good idea," "I had better if...").
• **Can't:** Impossibility (e.g., "It is impossible").
• **Can:** Ability or permission (Subject + *allow*).
• **Could:** Past ability or permission (Subject + *allowed*).
• **Shouldn't have + past participle:** Regret about a past action (e.g., "It was wrong," "You made a big mistake," "It was stupid").

***Bull for you*** (An expression of admiration or congratulation)

**Lexicon and Phonetics**

**Example Words**

• Banned
• Encourages
• Stand up
• Frightens

**Phonetic Examples**

• **Take** (similar vowel sound in *makers*, *game*)
• **Needed** (similar vowel sound in *decided*, *directed*)

**Use of English Examples**

• Chocolate is not as healthy as fruit.
• *Alice in Wonderland*, which was directed by Tim Burton, is a 2010 fantasy adventure film.
• The White Rabbit asked Alice where she lived.
• Mary wished she hadn't eaten so much.
• The new student was greeted by the Headmaster.
• How long did it take him to prepare a lovely cup of hot chocolate?

**Haiti in Ruins After Huge Earthquake**

**Lexicon**

• Destruction (Damage)
• Enormous (Huge)

**Phonetics**

• **Hut** (similar vowel sound in *up*, *unwavering*)
• **Joke** (similar vowel sound in *journal*, *just*)

**Use of English Examples**

• Children mustn't play ball games here.
• It was such a lovely holiday that we'd like to return.
• That is the restaurant where I lost my briefcase.
• We will be paid 10,000 by the company.
• Sam asked why we didn't stay in.
• When did she realize?