Englishgrammar1 PDF
Englishgrammar1 PDF
Englishgrammar1 PDF
Grammar
Table of Contents
Present continuous ......................................................................................................................
Present simple
.......................................................................................................................................................
Present simple or continuous
.......................................................................................................................................................
Past simple ...................................................................................................................................
Past continuous
.......................................................................................................................................................
Past simple or continuous ...........................................................................................................
Irregular verbs ............................................................................................................................
Present perfect ...........................................................................................................................
Present perfect continuous .......................................................................................................
Present perfect simple or continuous.......................................................................................
Present Perfect or Past Simple?...............................................................................................
Past perfect.................................................................................................................................
Past perfect continuous .............................................................................................................
Past tense review 1....................................................................................................................
Past tense review 2....................................................................................................................
Going to.......................................................................................................................................
Going to.......................................................................................................................................
Will - future..................................................................................................................................
Going to or will............................................................................................................................
Present forms for the future ......................................................................................................
Will - other uses..........................................................................................................................
Shall.............................................................................................................................................
The imperative............................................................................................................................
The Passive ................................................................................................................................
The -ing form ..............................................................................................................................
Can ..............................................................................................................................................
Could ...........................................................................................................................................
May / might .................................................................................................................................
Should .........................................................................................................................................
Should 2 ......................................................................................................................................
Must or have to...........................................................................................................................
Zero conditional ..........................................................................................................................
The first conditional ....................................................................................................................
Second conditional.....................................................................................................................
Third conditional .........................................................................................................................
Wish.............................................................................................................................................
Had better ...................................................................................................................................
Used to ........................................................................................................................................
Asking questions 1 .....................................................................................................................
Asking questions 2 .....................................................................................................................
Question tags..............................................................................................................................
Reported speech ........................................................................................................................
Reported speech 2.....................................................................................................................
Suppose ......................................................................................................................................
Suppose 2...................................................................................................................................
Have something done................................................................................................................
Should have................................................................................................................................
Can have / Could have ..............................................................................................................
Will be doing ...............................................................................................................................
Will have done ............................................................................................................................
Present continuous
The present continuous is used to talk about present situations which we see
as short-term or temporary. We use the present simple to talk about present
situations which we see as long-term or permanent.
In these examples, the action is taking place at the time of speaking.
It's raining.
Who is Kate talking to on the phone?
Look, somebody is trying to steal that man's wallet.
I'm not looking. My eyes are closed tightly.
In these examples, the action is true at the present time but we don't think it
will be true in the long term.
In these examples, the action is at a definite point in the future and it has
already been arranged.
I'm meeting her at 6.30.
They aren't arriving until Tuesday.
We are having a special dinner at a top restaurant for all the senior managers.
Present simple
We use the present simple to talk about actions we see as long term or
permanent. It is a very common and very important tense.
Here, we are talking about regular actions or events.
Here, we are talking about future facts, usually found in a timetable or a chart.
Here, we are talking about our thoughts and feelings at the time of speaking.
Although these feelings can be short-term, we use the present simple and
not the present continuous.
Note how, in all these examples, we use the present continuous to talk about
events which are temporary/limited in time and the present simple to talk
about events which are habits/permanent.
Past simple
We use the past simple to talk about actions and states which we see as
completed in the past.
We can use it to talk about a specific point in time.
She came back last Friday.
I saw her in the street.
They didn't agree to the deal.
It can also be used to talk about a period of time.
She lived in Tokyo for seven years.
They were in London from Monday to Thursday of last week.
When I was living in New York, I went to all the art exhibitions I could.
You will often find the past simple used with time expressions such as these:
Yesterday
three weeks ago
last year
in 2002
from March to June
for a long time
for 6 weeks
in the 1980s
in the last century
in the past
Past continuous
We use the past simple to talk about actions and states which we see as
completed in the past.
We can use it to talk about a specific point in time.
We use the past continuous to talk about past events which went on for a period of time.
While I was driving home, Peter was trying desperately to contact me.
Were you expecting any visitors?
Sorry, were you sleeping?
I was just making some coffee.
I was thinking about him last night.
In the 1990s few people were using mobile phones.
Most of the time when we are talking about such actions, we use the past
simple. This is by far the most common way of talking about the past.
Only use the past continuous when you want to emphasize the continuity of the action.
When we use these two forms in the same sentence, we use the past
continuous to talk about the "background action" and the past simple to talk
about the shorter completed action.
Irregular verbs
All new verbs in English are regular.
There are approximately 180 irregular verbs. You don't need to learn all of them
because some of these are very rare but many others are very useful and you
do need to know them.
What's the easiest way to learn them? Some people think you should learn
a list 'by heart'. Others think you should not learn them at all you will just
gradually acquire them over time.
One useful method is to note down new irregular verbs as you meet them. It is
useful to write these verbs (or any vocabulary you want to learn) in sentences
and learn those rather than the individual word.
Which is easier to learn?
stick stuck stuck
I stuck the photo into my album.
Another technique is to classify the irregular verbs into 4 categories.
1. All forms the same
set set set
cost cost cost
2. Similar sound groups
4. The "unclassifiables"
Present perfect
(Please note that British and American English have different rules for the use of this
tense. The explanation and exercises here refer to British English. In American
English, it is often acceptable to use the past simple in some of these examples.)
We use the present perfect when we want to look back from the present
to the past. We can use it to look back on the recent past.
When we look back on the recent past, we often use the words 'just' 'already'
or the word 'yet' (in negatives and questions only).
We've mentioned it to them on several occasions over the last six months.
They've often talked about it in the past.
When we look back on the more distant past, we often use the words
'ever' (in questions) and 'never'.
She's been trying to convince him for 20 minutes but she hasn't managed to yet.
They've been talking about this for month and they still haven't found a solution.
When an action is finished and you can see the results, use the continuous form.
We use time expressions like are 'ever', 'never', 'since' with the present perfect.
I've lived in Paris for a couple of years and still love it.
Past perfect
We use the past perfect simple to talk about what happened before a point in
the past. It looks back from a point in the past to further in the past.
I hadn't known the bad news when I spoke to him.
I checked with the supplier and they still hadn't received the contract.
She had already told him before I got a chance to give him my version.
The company has started the year well but was badly hit by the postal strike.
Before I changed jobs, I had been working on a plan to reduce production costs.
We can use the past continuous to talk about past events which went on for a
period of time.
While I was driving home, Peter was trying desperately to contact me.
I was thinking about him last night.
I was walking in the street when I suddenly fell over.
We can use the present perfect when we want to look back from the present to the past.
The Present Perfect Continuous can be used to talk about an action or actions
that started in the past and continued until recently or that continue into the future.
We can use the past perfect simple to talk about what happened before a
point in the past. It looks back from a point in the past to further in the past.
We can use the past perfect continuous to look back at a situation in progress.
We had been thinking about buying a new house but then we decided to stay here.
We can use the past continuous to talk about past events which went on for a
period of time.
While I was driving home, Peter was trying desperately to contact me.
I was thinking about him last night.
I was walking in the street when I suddenly fell over.
We can use the present perfect when we want to look back from the present to the past.
The Present Perfect Continuous can be used to talk about an action or actions
that started in the past and continued until recently or that continue into the future.
We can use the past perfect simple to talk about what happened before a
point in the past. It looks back from a point in the past to further in the past.
We can use the past perfect continuous to look back at a situation in progress.
We had been thinking about buying a new house but then we decided to stay here.
Going to
There is no one 'future tense' in English. There are 4 future forms. The one
which is used most often in spoken English is 'going to', not 'will'.
We use 'going to' when we want to talk about a plan for the future.
Notice that this plan does not have to be for the near future.
When I retire I'm going to go back to Barbados to live.
In ten years time, I'm going to be boss of my own successful company.
We use 'going to' when we want to make a prediction based on evidence we
can see now.
Will - future
Some people have been taught that 'will' is 'the future' in English. This is not
correct. Sometimes when we talk about the future we cannot use 'will'.
Sometimes when we use 'will' we are not talking about the future.
We can use 'will' to talk about future events we believe to be certain.
Often we add 'perhaps', 'maybe', 'probably', 'possibly' to make the belief less certain.
We use 'will' at the moment we make a new decision or plan. The thought has
just come into our head.
Going to or will
When we want to talk about future facts or things we believe to be true about
the future, we use 'will'.
If we are not so certain about the future, we use 'will' with expressions
such as 'probably', 'possibly', 'I think', 'I hope'.
At the moment of making a decision, use 'will'. Once you have made the
decision, talk about it using 'going to'.
I'll call Jenny to let her know. Sarah, I need Jenny's number. I'm going to
call her about the meeting.
I'll come and have a drink with you but I must let Harry know. Harry, I'm
going to have a drink with Simon.
In many situations when we talk about future plans we can use either the present
continuous or the 'going to' future. However, when we use the present continuous,
there is more of a suggestion that an arrangement has already been made.
I'll do it at once.
I'll phone him back immediately.
I won't forget this.
I'll get my own back some day.
Shall
We don't use 'Shall' very frequently in modern English, particularly in
American English.
It is used to make offers and suggestions and to ask for advice.
You only really need to know that about 'shall' in modern English. Read the
rest of this only if you want to know more about how some older speakers still
use 'shall'.
Formerly, in older grammar, 'shall' was used as an alternative to 'will' with 'I'
and 'we'. Today, 'will' is normally used. When we do use 'shall', it has an idea
of a more personal, subjective future.
I shall go to see the boss and I shall ask him to explain this decision.
Notice that the negative of 'shall' can be 'shall not' or 'shan't' though the
second one is now very rare in American English.
I don't like these people and I shall not go to their party.
I shan't object if you go without me.
The imperative
We can use the imperative to give a direct order.
1. Take that chewing gum out of your mouth.
2. Stand up straight.
3. Give me the details.
We can use the imperative to give instructions.
1. Open your book.
2. Take two tablets every evening.
3. Take a left and then a right.
We can use the imperative to make an invitation.
1. Come in and sit down. Make yourself at home.
2. Please start without me. I'll be there shortly.
3. Have a piece of this cake. It's delicious.
We can use the imperative on signs and notices.
1. Push.
2. Do not use.
3. Insert one dollar.
We can use the imperative to give friendly informal advice.
1. Speak to him. Tell him how you feel.
2. Have a quiet word with her about it.
3. Don't go. Stay at home and rest up. Get some sleep and recover.
The Passive
We use the active form to say what the subject does. For example:
I speak English every day at work.
I repaired the flat tire on the car.
We use the passive form to say what happens to people and things, to say
what is done to them. For example:
English is spoken here.
The car is being repaired.
We use the passive form when we don't know who did the action. For example:
There are many verb + -ing combinations. Here are some common ones:
I enjoy dancing.
I feel like having a party.
I've finished writing the report.
I've given up going to the gym.
I can't help thinking about it.
I can't imagine ever leaving this company.
I don't mind doing that.
He put off talking to her as long as he could.
I can't stand drinking beer.
Some verbs can be followed by either the infinitive or ing form but with
different meanings. Here are some common ones:
I stopped smoking last month. (I no longer smoke.)
I stopped to smoke a cigarette. (I stopped what I was doing and had a cigarette.)
Some verbs can be followed by either the infinitive or ing form but with the
same meaning. Here are some common ones:
I love to go shopping.
I love going shopping.
I'm afraid to fly.
I'm afraid of flying.
I started to learn English 5 years ago.
I started learning English 5 years ago.
Can
We use 'can' to talk about 'possibility'.
Notice that there are two negative forms: 'can't' and 'cannot'. These mean
exactly the same thing. When we are speaking, we usually say 'can't'.
We use 'can' to talk about 'ability'.
I can speak French.
I can't drive.
We use 'can' to ask for and give permission. (We also use 'may' for this but
is more formal and much less common.)
Can I speak to you or are you too busy?
You can use my phone.
You can't come in.
We use 'can' in offers, requests and instructions.
Can I help?
Can you give me a hand?
When you finish that, you can take out the garbage.
We use 'can' with 'see' 'hear' 'feel' 'smell' 'taste' to talk about something which is happening
now . (Where you would use the present continuous with most other verbs.)
We can use 'can't' for deduction. The opposite of 'can't' in this context is 'must'.
He was in London one hour ago when I spoke to him. He can't be here yet.
Could
'Could' can be used to talk about the past, the present or
the future. 'Could' is a past form of 'can'
When I was living in Boston, I could walk to work.
He phoned to say he couldn't come.
I could see him clearly but I couldn't hear him and then the
videoconference line went dead.
'Could' is used to make polite requests. We can also use 'can' for these
but 'could' is more polite.
Of course I can.
I could help you if it's really necessary but I'm really busy right now.
I could lend you some money but I'd need it back tomorrow without fail.
I could give you a lift as far as Birmingham.
'Could' is used to talk about theoretical possibility and is similar in meaning to 'might'.
May / might
may
We can use 'may' to ask for permission. However this is rather formal and not
used very often in modern spoken English
May I borrow your pen?
May we think about it?
May I go now?
We use 'may' to suggest something is possible
It may rain later today.
I may not have time to do it today.
Pete may come with us
might
We use 'might' to suggest a small possibility of something. Often we read
that 'might' suggests a smaller possibility that 'may', there is in fact little
difference and 'might is more usual than 'may' in spoken English.
Should
We use 'should' for giving advice.
You should speak to him about it.
He should see a doctor.
We should ask a lawyer.
We use 'should' to give an opinion or a recommendation.
He should resign now.
We should invest more in Asia.
They should do something about this terrible train service.
'Should' expresses a personal opinion and is much weaker and more personal than 'must'
or 'have to'. It is often introduced by ' I think'.
Should 2
We can use 'should' after 'reporting verbs' such as demand
insist propose recommend suggest
However, it is also possible to say exactly the same thing by omitting the
'should' and just using the infinitive form without 'to' . Some people call this the
'subjunctive' form.
We have suggested that Michael be given a reward for his hard work.
thing.
It's interesting that they should offer him the job. Not an obvious
choice.
It's natural that you should be anxious. Nobody likes speaking in
public.
Isn't it odd that he should be going to the same tiny hotel? What a
coincidence.
It's strange that you should think so. Nobody else does.
We can use 'should' in 'if clauses' when we believe that the possibility of
something happening is small.
If you should happen to see him before I do, can you tell him that I
want to speak to him urgently?
If there should be a problem, just give me a call and I'll sort it out.
If anyone should ask where I am, say I'm in a meeting.
We use 'should' in various fixed expressions.
To show strong agreement
They're paying you compensation? I should think so.
To express pleasure when you receive a gift
What a fantastic present. You really shouldn't have.
To emphasize a visible emotion
You should have seen the look on her face when she found out that she
had got the promotion.
Must or have to
We can use 'must' to show that we are certain something is true. We are
making a logical deduction based upon some clear evidence or reason.
We also use 'must' to express a strong obligation. When we use 'must' this
usually means that some personal circumstance makes the obligation
necessary (and the speaker almost certainly agrees with the obligation.)
We can also use 'have to' to express a strong obligation. When we use 'have to' this
usually means that some external circumstance makes the obligation necessary.
In British English, we often use 'have got to' to mean the same as 'have to'.
I've got to take this book back to the library or I'll get a fine.
We've got to finish now as somebody else needs this room.
We can also use ' will have to' to talk about strong obligations. Like 'must' this
usually means that that some personal circumstance makes the obligation
necessary. (Remember that 'will' is often used to show 'willingness'.)
As you can see, the differences between the present forms are sometimes very
small and very subtle. However, there is a huge difference in the negative forms.
We use 'don't have to' (or 'haven't got to' in British English) to state that there is
NO obligation or necessity.
Zero conditional
When we talk about things that are generally or always true, we can use:
If/When/Unless plus a present form PLUS present simple or imperative
Unless you need more space, a small car is big enough for one person.
Note that we are not talking about a specific event but something which is
generally true.
In the condition clause, we can use a variety of present forms. In the result
clause, there can only be the present simple or imperative.
Unless you've been there yourself, you don't really understand how fantastic it is.
If I see him, I'm going to tell him exactly how angry I am.
If we don't get the contract, we'll have wasted a lot of time and money.
The "future clause" can also contain other modal verbs such as 'can' and 'must'.
Second conditional
The Second Conditional is used to talk about 'impossible' situations.
If everyone had clean water to drink, there would be a lot less disease.
Note that after I / he/ she /it we often use the subjunctive form 'were' and not
'was'. (Some people think that 'were' is the only 'correct' form but other
people think 'was' is equally 'correct' .)
If she were happy in her job, she wouldn't be looking for another one.
If I lived in Japan, I'd have sushi every day.
If they were to enter our market, we'd have big problems.
Note the form 'If I were you' which is often used to give advice.
If I were you, I'd look for a new place to live.
If I were you, I'd go back to school and get more qualifications.
The Second Conditional is also used to talk about 'unlikely' situations.
If I went to China, I'd visit the Great Wall.
If I was the President, I'd reduce taxes.
If you were in my position, you'd understand.
Note that the choice between the first and the second conditional is often a
question of the speaker's attitude rather than of facts. Compare these
examples. Otto thinks these things are possible, Peter doesn't.
Note that the 'If clause' can contain the past simple or the past continuous.
If I was still working in Brighton, I would commute by train.
If she were coming, she would be here by now.
If they were thinking of selling, I would want to buy.
Note that the main clause can contain 'would' 'could' or 'might.
If I had the chance to do it again, I would do it differently.
If we met up for lunch, we could go to that new restaurant.
If I spoke to him directly, I might be able to persuade him.
Also note that sometimes the 'if clause' is implied rather than spoken.
Third conditional
We can use the Third Conditional to talk about 'impossible' conditions, impossible
because they are in the past and we cannot change what has happened.
Notice that the main clause can contain 'would', 'could' or 'might.
If I had seen him at the meeting, I would have asked him. (But he
wasn't there so I didn't.)
If I had seen him at the meeting, I could have asked him. ( But he
wasn't there so it wasn't possible.)
If I had seen him at the meeting, I might have asked him. (But I'm
not sure. Perhaps if the opportunity had arisen.)
If I had paid more attention in class, I would have understood the
lesson.
Also notice that sometimes the 'if clause' is implied rather than spoken.
I'd have done it. ("if you had asked me but you didn't.")
I wouldn't have said that. ("if I'd been there.")
He wouldn't have let him get away with that. ("if he had tried that with me.")
Wish
Let's start off with the easy part. ' I wish to' can mean the same as 'I want
to' but it is much, much more formal and much, much less common.
I wish to make a complaint.
I wish to see the manager.
You can also use 'wish' with a noun to 'offer good wishes'.
I wish you all the best in your new job.
We wish you a merry Christmas.
Notice that when you want to offer good wishes using a verb, you must use
'hope ' and not 'wish'.
However, the main use of 'wish' is to say that we would like things to be
different from what they are, that we have regrets about the present situation.
I wish I was rich.
He wishes he lived in Paris.
They wish they'd chosen a different leader.
Notice that the verb tense which follows 'I wish' is 'more in the past' than
the tense corresponding to its meaning.
In the case of 'will' , where 'will' means 'show willingness' we use 'would'.
He won't help me. I wish he would help me.
You're making too much noise. I wish you would be quiet.
You keep interrupting me. I wish you wouldn't do that.
Where 'will' means a future event, we cannot use 'wish' and must use 'hope'.
There's a strike tomorrow. I hope some buses will still be running.
I hope everything will be fine in your new job.
In more formal English, we use the subjunctive form 'were' and not 'was' after 'wish'.
Had better
We use had better plus the infinitive without to to give advice. Although had is the past
form of have, we use had better to give advice about the present or future.
Used to
Used to do
We use 'used to' for something that happened regularly in the past but
no longer happens.
I used to smoke a packet a day but I stopped two years ago.
Ben used to travel a lot in his job but now, since his promotion, he doesn't.
I used to drive to work but now I take the bus.
We also use it for something that was true but no longer is.
There used to be a cinema in the town but now there isn't.
She used to have really long hair but she's had it all cut off.
I didn't use to like him but now I do.
'Used to do' is different from 'to be used to doing' and 'to get used to
doing' to be used to doing
We use 'to be used to doing' to say that something is normal, not unusual.
I'm used to living on my own. I've done it for quite a long time.
Hans has lived in England for over a year so he is used to driving on
the left now.
They've always lived in hot countries so they aren't used to the cold
weather here.
to get used to doing
We use 'to get used to doing' to talk about the process of something
becoming normal for us.
I didn't understand the accent when I first moved here but I quickly got
used to it.
She has started working nights and is still getting used to sleeping
during the day.
I have always lived in the country but now I'm beginning to get used to
living in the city.
Asking questions 1
The basic rule for asking questions in English is straightforward: Invert the
It is snowing. = Is it snowing?
He can speak German. = Can he speak German?
They have lived here a long time. = Have they lived here a long time?
She will arrive at ten o'clock. = Will she arrive at ten o'clock?
He was driving fast. = Was he driving fast?
You have been smoking. = Have you been smoking?
Most questions with question words are made in the same way:
Asking questions 2
In the section Questions 1, we looked at how to ask direct questions. To make a
question, we invert the order of the subject and the first auxiliary verb.
Where is Johnny?
Has he found it yet?
If there is no auxiliary, use part of the verb 'to do'. For example:
What time did he arrive?
How often do you play tennis?
However, when we ask for information, we often say 'Do you know?' or
'Could you tell me.?' These are indirect questions and more polite.
Note that the word order is different. For example:
Do you know where Johnny is?
Have you any idea if he has found it?
Note that we dont use do, does or did. For example:
Could you tell me what time he arrived?
Would you mind telling me how often you play tennis?
Use if or whether when there is no question word.
Has he done it? = Do you know if he has done it?
Is it ready? = Can you tell me if it is ready?
The same changes in word order happen when we report questions. Note
that in reported questions, the verb changes to the past:
What are you doing? = He asked me what I was doing.
What have you done about it? = He asked me what I had done about it.
Do you work with Pamela? = He asked me if I worked with Pamela.
Question tags
We use tags in spoken English but not in formal written English.
They are not really questions but are a way of asking the other person to
make a comment and so keep the conversation open.
Making a tag is very mechanical. To make a tag, use the first auxiliary. If there
is no auxiliary, use do, does or did. With a positive sentence, make a negative
tag and with a negative sentence, make a positive tag.
Notice these:
There isn't an ATM here, is there?
Let's have a cup of coffee, shall we?
To reply, use the same auxiliary:
It's beautiful, isn't it? ~ Yes, it is. I think it's fabulous.
It isn't very good, is it? ~ No, it isn't. In fact, it's terrible.
Although, the rules are very simple and mechanical, in order to use them
easily in conversation, they have to be automatic. So you need to hear and
practice them very often.
Reported speech
We use reported speech when we are saying what other people say, think or believe.
Paul called and left a message. = He told me Paul had called and had
left me a message.
I'll give you a hand. = He said he would give me a hand.
However, when we are reporting something that was said in the past but is still
true, it is not obligatory to make the tense 'more in the past'. The choice is up to
Reported speech 2
We also use reported speech when we are saying what other people asked
or wanted to know. We do not use do or question marks in indirect questions.
"What time is it?" = He asked me what time it was.
"Why hasn't he come? = She wondered why he hadn't come.
"When will you be arriving?" = He wanted to know when we would be arriving.
"What were you doing?" = They questioned him about what he had been doing.
"Put the paper here and press this button." = He demonstrated how
the scanner worked.
Yes/no questions are reported with if or whether.
Do you want a ride? = Mike asked me if I wanted a ride.
Are you coming? = They wanted to know if I was coming.
Will you be here later? = She asked me whether I would be here later.
Suppose
We often use 'suppose' to mean 'imagine' or 'guess'
I suppose you'll be meeting Danielle when you go to Paris?
When you weren't there, I supposed you must have been held up.
I suppose you two know each other?
Notice that 'suppose' is not normally used in the continuous form. We do not
usually say 'I am supposing'.
Now I suppose we'll have to do something else.
We're waiting for John and I suppose he must be stuck in traffic.
At this moment I suppose it doesn't matter.
Notice that for 'imagine not' or 'guess not' that we make 'suppose' negative,
not the other verb.
I don't suppose you know where Mary is?
I don't suppose he'll do anything.
I don't suppose you have a Nokia phone charger here?
When responding to an idea with 'suppose', you can use 'so' to avoid
repeating the idea that has already been expressed.
Is Susan coming to this meeting? ~ I suppose so.
Suppose 2
'Supposed to be' can be used to mean 'it is said/believed'.
The new James Bond movie is supposed to be excellent.
He is supposed to have been rude to Mark but I don't believe it.
It is supposed to be the best restaurant in town.
'Supposed to be' can also be used to talk about what is arranged, intended or
expected. It is a bit like 'should'.
Often there is a suggestion that the action 'supposed to' happen does
not actually happen.
I'm supposed to be there before 8 but I'm often late.
You were supposed to phone me.
I'm supposed to be getting on a plane to Tokyo at this very minute.
'Not supposed to' often suggests that something is not allowed or prohibited.
You're not supposed to smoke in here.
I'm not supposed to tell you.
We're not supposed to use the Internet for personal reasons at work.
'Suppose' can also be used as a conjunction to mean 'what if'. Notice that the
verb which follows it is sometimes, but not always, put 'more in the past'.
Suppose we take the earlier train to Munich? It would give us more time
there.
Suppose we took the plane instead? That would give us even more
time.
There's nobody in reception to let our visitors in. Suppose I sit
there until somebody comes?
I'm going to ask him for a pay increase. ~ Suppose he said 'no'? What
would you do?
John had all his money stolen from his hotel bedroom.
We had our car damaged by a falling tree.
I got my nose broken playing rugby.
Should have
We can use 'should have' to talk about past events that did not happen.
I should have let her know what was happening but I forgot.
He should have sent everybody a reminder by email.
They should have remembered that their guests don't eat pork.
We can also use 'should have' to speculate about events that may or
They shouldn't have sent the report off for printing yet. There is still
time to make changes.
We can also use 'should not have' to regret past actions.
I shouldn't have shouted at you. I apologise.
We shouldn't have left the office so late. We should have
anticipated this bad traffic.
They shouldn't have sacked him. He was the most creative person on their team.
We can also use 'can have' to speculate about what has happened but only in
questions and negative sentences and with words such as 'hardly', 'never' and 'only'.
You could have broken your neck, jumping out the window like that.
He could have hurt somebody, throwing a bottle out of the window like that.
You can also use 'could have' to talk about possible present situations that
have not happened.
I could have been earning a lot as an accountant but the work was
just too boring.
He could have been Prime Minister now but he got involved in a big
financial scandal.
They could have been the market leaders now if they had taken his advice
Will be doing
We can use 'will be doing' to talk about something that will be in progress at a
particular moment in the future.
This time next week, I'll be sitting on the beach in Barbados.
I'll be thinking about you all back in the office and I'll be laughing.
We'll be enjoying ourselves too, boss. We won't be doing any work
while you are not here.
We can use 'will be doing' to talk about future events that are fixed or decided.
I'll be visiting your country on a regular basis. In fact, I'm going to be
coming next month.
He'll be looking after the factory until we can appoint a new manager.
They'll be thinking about this very carefully over the next few months.
We can use 'will be doing' to predict what is happening now.
Try phoning his hotel. He'll probably still be having breakfast.
They'll be deciding who gets the contract at this very moment. I'm very
nervous.
I'll have been working here for 35 years by the time I retire.
She'll have been driving for more than fifteen hours straight by the time
she gets here.
They'll have been working with us for 15 years by the end of this year.
We can also use 'will have done' to predict what we think has already
happened at present.
He'll have already read the report by now. Too late to change it.
She'll have boarded her plane. It's too late to contact her.
They'll have decided by now. We should hear the result today or
tomorrow.