Questions with "like"

'Like' is a word frequently used in English - in different ways. Check how it is used.

Ask for physical appearance

What does she look like?

She is good-looking, slim. She has long black hair and big brown eyes. (Notice that the answer doesn't use 'like')

Ask for personality

What is she like ?

She is really friendly and she has an easy-going nature. (Notice that the answer doesn't use 'like')

Tell me about...

What is the weather like ?

It is awful, it hasn't stop raining for the last three days.

Ask for hobbies

What does she like (doing) ?

She likes painting and making things with her hands

Ask about preferences at the moment(more polite that want)

What would you like (to) ?

What would you like to drink? A beer, please

Exercises
http://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/headway/intermediate/a_grammar/unit06/hwy_int_unit06_1/
http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/blgrquiz_like.htm
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammarchallenge/pdfs/gc_21_like_quizzes.pdf

Future: Present continuous

The present continuous is used to talk about arrangements for future events.

There is a suggestion that more than one person is aware of (knows about) the event, and that some preparation has already happened.

Generally, when you use present continuous you have to include a time expression: tomorrow, at 9 pm, on January 2nd..

E.g.

a. I'm meeting Jim at the airport at 7:oo = and both Jim and I have discussed this.
b. I am leaving tomorrow. = and I've already bought my train ticket.
c. We're having a staff meeting next Monday = and all members of staff have been told about it.

http://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/naturalenglish/pre/a_grammar/unit08/nepre_grammar08_2/
http://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/headway/beginner/a_grammar/grammarunit14/hwy_begin_unit14_1/

(BE) GOING TO vs. PRESENT CONTINUOUS

We use both grammar structures for plans. However, the difference is the certainty of the plans:

(Be) going to= Intention

vs
Present continuous= Fixed plan

The future with "going to" can be used with plans and also future arrangements. This is the most versatile future form.

"I'm going (to go) to Egypt"

It can mean that I have bought the tickets and made the arrangements. It can also mean that I plan to go to Egypt, but have NOT made arrangements.

"I'm leaving for Egypt"

It means that arrangements have been made (you have called the travel agency, bought the tickets, booked the hotel). You really shouldn't use this form if you are talking about a plan.

English teachers often call the present continuous future form the "diary form" because you can use it for anything written in your diary or agenda.
Example: "Sept 23rd I'm seeing the dentist" <-- Fixed plan = arrangement
http://www2.cambridge.org/interchangearcade/launch.do?activityID=335&level=1&unit=15&type=Cup_word_up&stage=2

For more grammar explanation and exercises check this BBC link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1530_gramchallenge32/
1. In the first part of the programme, they explain these general rules.
2. In the second part, they practise them with a foreign student: the teacher tries to arrange an English class with her.
3. You can print the written explanation
4. There are two "Practice quiz"

WILL/ (BE GOING TO)/ PRESENT CONTINUOUS

WILL: sudden decisions, predictions, with expressions: I think, I know...
GOING TO: plans and intentions, predictions based on evidence.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS: fixed plans (arrangements), very near future

http://madridteacher.com/Grammar/John/future.htm
http://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-6874.php
http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:n2JVSEJ3Bj0J:www.gimnazija-prva-os.skole.hr/dokumenti%3Fdm_document_id%3D152%26dm_dnl%3D1+future+forms+exercises&cd=12&hl=es&ct=clnk&gl=mx&client=firefox-a

Verb patterns

1. What are verb patterns?

Sometimes in a sentence, one verb follows another. For example, I want to buy an electric car. The first verb is 'want', the second verb is 'buy'.

In sentences like this, there are different possible patterns. For example:

(a) I want to buy an electric car.

(b) I hate driving.

In sentence A, the first verb is followed by an infinitive (to + verb).

In sentence B, the first verb is followed by a gerund (verb + -ing).

The verb patterns are dependent upon the first verb. There are several different types of pattern. When you learn a new verb, you need to learn the verb pattern. Unfortunately, some verbs have more than one possible pattern! Sometimes, if a verb has two patterns, each pattern can have a different meaning or use.

Here are examples of some of the patterns:

Verb Pattern	Structure	Examples
verb + infinitive	This is one of the most common verb combination forms. ( want, hope, decide, agree..)	I waited to begin dinner. They wanted to come to the party.
verb+ verb (ing)	This is one of the most common verb combination forms. (enjoy, mind, consider ...)	They enjoyed listening to the music. They regretted spending so much time on the project.
verb + verb (ing) OR verb+ infinitive - no change in meaning	Some verbs can combine with other verbs using both forms without changing the basic meaning of the sentence. (start, begin...)	She started to eat dinner. OR She started eating dinner.
verb +verb (ing) OR verb+infinitive - change in meaning	Some verbs can combine with other verbs using both forms. However, with these verbs, there is a change in the basic meaning of the sentence. (regret, stop...)	They stopped speaking to each other. => They don't speak to each other anymore. They stopped to speak to each other. => They stopped walking in order to speak to each other. I regret to tell you this =>I am sorry to tell you this I regret leaving London => I left London in the past, and I am sorry that I did that
verb+object+ infinitive	This is the most common form when a verb is followed by both an object and a verb. (want, need, ask, beg...)	She asked her to find a place to stay. They instructed them to open the envelope.
verb+object+base form (infinitive without 'to')	This form is used with a few verbs (let, help and make).	She made her finish her homework. They let him go to the concert. He helped him paint the house.

To have the a list of verb patterns check the appendix in your student book

2. How can I learn them?

PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE....
This could be:
a) Read texts paying attention to the verb patterns and underline them,
b) Write sentences that are significant for you (funny sentences or sentnces about your friends and family) so they will be easy to remember,
c) Do exercises on line.
e) Carry a photocopy and study it when commuting by metro or microbus :D

http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=verb-patterns
http://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/headway/intermediate/a_grammar/unit06/hwy_int_unit06_2/
http://www.learn-english-today.com/wordgames/hotpot-quizzes/verb-patterns1.html