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

Modal verbs of probability in past

Must / can't / couldn't have - to express probability in the past Structure: modal + have + past participle must have been, can't have gone, etc. We use must have to express that we feel sure that something was true. They must have left early. He must have already gone. We use can't have / couldn't have to say that we believe something was impossible. He can't have escaped through this window. It is too small. She can't have said that. She couldn't have said that. May / might / could have - to express probability in the past Structure: modal + have + past participle may have been, could have gone, might have lost, etc. We use may / could / might have to say that it was possible that something happened in the past (but we are not 100% sure). He may have missed the bus. The road might have been blocked. The negatives are may not have and might not have. He may not have left yet. The assistant might not have received his message.

The function of these gramar stuructures are useful when we are making hypothesis, assumptions or deductions about an event in the past.

Here some exercises:

http://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/headway/intermediate/a_grammar/unit09/hwy_int_unit09_2/

http://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/naturalenglish/int/a_grammar/unit11/neint_grammar11_exp/

MODAL VERBS (GENERAL OVERVIEW)

Hi guys!

Next class we are working with modal verbs in past tense to express probability/ give a hypothesis, but before doing it I want you to practise with some exercises.

In case you have any questions please let me know!


Here are some exercises that are compulsory to do.

http://www.englishpage.com/modals/interactivemodal1.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/modals/interactivemodal3.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/modals/interactivemodal8.htm

Here is the main page of the previous links where you can find grammar explanation.
http://www.englishpage.com/modals/can.html

For example: if you aren't sure how to use "CAN" click on the link "CAN" an over there you will find all its functions: ability, suggestions, opportunity, permission, request, possibility.

If you want to check the topic possibility to be ready for the classs. Check this link:

http://esl.about.com/library/grammar/blmodalprob.htm

Funny quizzes

Do you want to know what character cartoon you are, how good kisser you are, who your pefect lover is...take these quizzes !!! (and of course, practise your English :p)

http://www.quibblo.com/take

WILL vs BE GOING TO

WILL

We use it for:

• Predictions: 'In the future, the majority of people won't get married.'
  
• Offers and promises: 'I don't know how to use this computer' ' Ok, don't worry I'll help you.'
• Decisions made AT the moment of speaking: 'There' s a party tomorrow at Mike's' 'Really? I'll be there and I I will invite Susan'
• Future ideas based on opinions: (Generally they go with "I think", "I'm sure" "Iknow" "I hope"...) 'I think I won't pass the exam. It was too difiicult'

BE GOING TO

We use it for: '

• Plans and intentions: 'He's going to celebrate his birthday at Mambo Café this Friday, but he isn't going to invite his high school friends'
• Decisions made BEFORE the moment of speaking: There' s a party tomorrow at Mike's' 'Yes, I know it. I'm going with Susan'
• Future ideas based on evidence: 'Look at the clouds! It's going to rain'

If you need more grammar explanation, check this link:
http://www.angelfire.com/wi3/englishcorner/grammar/rules/future.html

Here, there are some exercises to practise!

http://englishgrammarsecrets.com/goingtoorwill/exercise4.html

http://englishgrammarsecrets.com/goingtoorwill/exercise5.html

http://www.better-english.com/grammar/willgo.htm

"used to / be used to/ get used to"

USED TO...

To talk about a past habit.

Structure:

Affirmative: Subject + used to + verb (simple form) + complement.
Negative: Subject + didn't + use to + verb (simple form) + complement.
Question: Wh- + did + subject + use to + verb (simple form) +complement.

Example:

A: What cartoons did you use to watch when you were a child?
B: I used to watch Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball.
A: Oh! I also used to watch Sailor Moon, but I didn't use to watch Dragon Ball.

Practise "used to" in its affirmative, negative and interrogative form.
http://www.englishgrammarsecrets.com/usedto/exercise1.swf
http://www.angelfire.com/wi3/englishcorner/grammar/Interactive/usedto02.html

BE USED TO + (verb+ing)

To talk about a familiar situation.
(The situation can be expressed in past, present or future conjugate verb "be")

Structure:
Affirmative: Subject + (verb "be" in any tense: was, am, will be, have to be...)+ used to+ verb (with -ing)+ complement.
Negative: Subject + (verb "be" in any tense in negative form: wasn't, arent', won't be)+ used to+ verb (with -ing)+ complement.
Question: (auxiliar of the verb "be" in any tense: was, were, is, are) + subject + used to + verb (with -ing) +complement.

Example:

I live in the city and sadly people aren't used to driving carefully they are used to driving as crazy guys!

A: When I lived in japan I was used to eating fish for breakfast but I wasn't used to kissing people to say 'Hello'.
B: Were you used to taking off your shoes every time you get it a house?


Practise used to vs. be used to:
http://www.smic.be/smic5022/used%20to.htm
http://brasyl.co.uk/e-mesh/members/learnerscentre/driving/grammar_use1a.html

GET USED TO+ (verb+ing)

To talk about a strange or unusual situation that is in progress to become easier (The situation can be expressed in past, present or future, conjugate verb "get")

Structure:
Affirmative: Subject + (verb "get" in any tense: got, gets, will get, have to get...) + used to + verb (with -ing) + complement.
Negative: Subject + (verb "get" in any tense in negative form: didn't get, doesn't get, won't get)+ used to+ verb (with -ing)+ complement.
Question: (auxiliar of the verb "get" in any tense: did, do, will) + subject + used to + verb (with -ing) +complement.

Example:

A: I have moved to the city and now I'm getting used to commuting by public transport.
B:Oh, I see. Did you get used to going to your new school?
A: Well, at first it was hard but now I got used to it.

Practise used to / be used to/ get used to...

http://www.usingenglish.com/quizzes/115.html
http://www.usingenglish.com/quizzes/326.html
http://www.learn-english-today.com/lessons/lesson_contents/used-to_to-be-used-to_ex..htm