Examples of Question Tags

Question tags are short questions at the end of statements. They use an auxiliary verb and a subject pronoun to flip a statement into a question.

Here is the structure of a question tag:

We typically add a comma before the auxiliary verb. Then, at the end of the statement, we add a question mark as a punctuation mark.

Here are some examples of question tags in action.

Do you notice any similarities? First, they all turn simple statements into interactive questions. But these question tags also seek agreement from the listener. This means they invite the listener to respond and engage in the conversation.

Rules of Using Question Tags

When using question tags, always match the tense and auxiliary verb of the main sentence. For example, if you say, “She is going,” add “isn’t she?” to make it a question tag.

Use positive question tags with negative sentences like “He doesn’t like coffee, does he?”. But for negative question tags, make sure you use positive sentences, such as “You like coffee, don’t you?”

• Positive question tag – “He doesn’t like coffee, does he?”
• Negative question tag – “You like coffee, don’t you?”

When confirming information, your voice falls at the end: “It’s warm today, isn’t it?” But if you’re really asking, your voice goes up: “It’s warm today, isn’t it?” This small change in tone tells the listener what you’re expecting.

Special Cases in Question Tags

Learn how we use question tags in real life with these examples. Here are some special cases for using question tags:

1. With positive “I am”: The question tag is “aren’t I?” instead of the expected “am I not?” Example: “I’m helpful, aren’t I?”
2. With imperatives: Use “shall we?” for suggestions. Example: “Let’s take a break, shall we?”
3. With “let” not involving the speaker and listener: Use “will you?” Example: “Let him speak, will you?”
4. With “there is” and “there are”: The tags follow “isn’t there” or “aren’t there”. Example: “There’s a problem, isn’t there?”
5. With “nobody”, “somebody” and similar pronouns: Treat them as the plural for the tag. Example: “Nobody knows, do they?”
6. When using “used to” to describe past habits: The tag follows “didn’t”. Example: “You used to swim, didn’t you?”

So as you can see, there are quite a few nuances of using question tags, aren’t there?

Practical Examples and Usage

Here are some common mistakes using question tags.

The subject pronoun must match (“you” -> “aren’t you”). The auxiliary verb should agree with the subject, making “aren’t you?” the correct form.

The auxiliary verb must match (“can” -> “can’t she”). Remember that the tag should reflect the opposite form, hence “can’t” instead of “can”.

Remember to match the modal verb “will” in both the negative statement and the question tag. So, the big takeaway is that most mistakes in question tags often come from mixing up the verb or pronoun.

The Role of Question Tags in English Communication

We use question tags to check if we agree with the other person. They also help make conversations more engaging by asking others for feedback. For non-native speakers, they can also help you sound fluent amongst your peers.

Now, it’s your turn to try them out in your everyday talks. Give question tags a go in your everyday life. Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comment section below.

Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions come in different types. Each has a unique role in the English language, which includes:

• Coordinating conjunctions
• Subordinating conjunctions
• Correlative conjunctions
• Conjunctive adverbs

Let’s explore the types of conjunctions.

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect two parts of a sentence of equal importance. The famous examples are “for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so,”. We can remember these seven conjunctions by the acronym FANBOYS.

Here are some examples of coordinating conjunctions:

1. She enjoys painting, and he likes drawing.
2. I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.
3. They were late, but they still caught the train.
4. We can watch a movie or play a game.
5. She tried to call you, yet there was no answer.

In each sentence above, the coordinating conjunction links two similar parts together.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions link a dependent clause to an independent clause. I’ve heard of using the acronym OUTLAWS for this type of conjunction. This stands for “once”, “until”, “that”, “lest”, “as”, “when”, and “since”.

Here are some examples of subordinating conjunctions:

1. Once you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
2. You must wait here until your name is called.
3. As the sun rises, the birds start singing.
4. When I saw the ocean, I felt calm.
5. Since we met, my life has been better.

We can also use subordinating conjunctions in complex sentences to add depth to ideas. Similar to the other types of conjunctions, they show a relationship between two ideas. Examples include “although,” “because,” “since,” and “unless”, which are also examples of transition words.

3. Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect equal elements in a sentence. Examples include “either…or,” “neither…nor,” and “not only…but also.”

Here are examples of using correlative conjunctions:

1. You can either have tea or coffee.
2. Neither the manager nor his assistants were available.
3. She is not only talented but also very hardworking.
4. Either you start taking this seriously, or you’ll fail the class.
5. Neither rain nor snow stopped the mail from being delivered.

Correlative conjunctions often come in pairs, like “either/or” and “neither/nor,”. As a result, they link similar elements together for more clarity.

4. Conjunctive Adverbs (Transitional Phrases)

Conjunctive adverbs connect independent clauses while showing a relationship like cause and effect. Examples include “however,” “therefore,” and “moreover.”

Here are some examples:

1. She studied hard for the exam; therefore, she passed with flying colors.
2. It was raining heavily; moreover, there were thunderstorms forecasted.
3. He didn’t like the meal; however, he didn’t complain about it.
4. The project deadline was near; consequently, the team worked overtime.
5. She was qualified for the job; nonetheless, she wasn’t offered the position.

You often join conjunctive adverbs with a semicolon or a period. Plus, you often add a comma as part of the second clause.

Tips For Using Conjunctions

Here are my biggest tips for using conjunctions in everyday English:

• Know the type of conjunction you need based on the relationship between your ideas.
• Using too many conjunctions can make a sentence difficult to follow.
• Enhance your writing style by avoiding using the same type of conjunction repeatedly.
• Place coordinating conjunctions between the phrases they link.
• Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses.

If you can master using conjunctions, this can greatly improve both your writing and communication skills.

Conclusion

Conjunctions build connections between sentences. They also help show the relationship between ideas, making our writing easier to understand.

Do you have any questions? Please let us know in the comment section below anything you need to know.

The Period

Periods (.) end sentences. They’re like a stop sign. Periods signal a full stop, giving us a chance to take a breath. They help keep our writing clear, ensuring each thought has its own space.

We also use periods in abbreviations. They show shortening, like “Dr.” for Doctor. They also appear in dates and email addresses, acting as separators. Periods are small but mighty. This is because they control the rhythm of our sentences.

Here’s an example using a period. This sentence ends with a period. It signals a complete thought and a full stop.

The Comma

Commas (,) take a small pause. They’re like a yield sign. Commas are like breaths in a sentence. They let us pause just enough in a sentence.

Commas help us list things. For example, “We have apples, bananas, and oranges.” They also jump in to separate extra information not part of the main idea.

The example sentence below uses a comma. This sentence uses a comma to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause, indicating a brief pause.

The Colon

Colons (:) introduce lists or explanations. They act as a spotlight, highlighting what comes next. For example, it could be a list, a quote, or an explanation.

Colons prepare the reader for a reveal, much like a drumroll before the big moment. In writing, colons connect two related parts, where the second part explains or expands on the first. They’re especially useful in titles.

Here’s an example using a colon. This sentence uses a colon to introduce an explanation of her goal, highlighting the specific ambition she holds.

The Semicolon

Semicolons (;) link two related ideas together. They’re like a bridge between thoughts. They allow readers to pause slightly longer than a comma would.

We use semicolons as a smoother transition than a period. They’re perfect for contrasting ideas that are equal in rank. In complex lists, semicolons organize items that already contain commas. 

The example sentence below uses a semicolon. This sentence uses a semicolon to connect two related thoughts. It shows not only what he loves but also highlights his favorite subject.

The Question Mark

Question marks (?) show that someone is seeking information. They turn sentences into inquiries, signaling that someone is asking something and waiting for a reply. 

With a simple curve and dot, question marks transform the tone of words. Just like the ones in question tags. They can also express uncertainty, such as using them in parentheses (?). 

Here’s an example that demonstrates the use of a question mark. This sentence uses a question mark to indicate that an answer or response is expected.

The Exclamation Mark

Exclamation marks (!) show excitement or surprise. Like a horn honking, exclamation marks inject energy into sentences. We use them to express feelings like joy, anger, or shock.

In dialogue, exclamation marks convey emphasis, showing that a character is shouting or excited. Too many exclamation marks, however, can overwhelm readers. It also makes the text seem less serious.

The example sentence below uses two exclamation marks. It uses an exclamation mark to express enthusiasm about how good the movie was.

The Apostrophe

Apostrophes wear two hats in the world of writing. They show possession, linking things to their owners. For example, “Jessica’s book” tells us the book belongs to Jessica.

Secondly, we also use them for contraction. They squeeze words together by omitting letters, like turning “do not” into “don’t.” With a simple flick, apostrophes keep the meaning of our sentences clear.

Here’s an example showing an apostrophe for a contraction. This sentence shows a contraction by shortening “Jenny is” to “Jenny’s”. The missing letter “i” in the contraction of “is going.”

Quotation Marks

Quotation marks (” “) wrap around words someone says. It’s like replaying a voice without changing any of the words. Using quotation marks ensures what is quoted is accurate.

Beyond dialogue, quotation marks also highlight titles of articles, songs, and poems. This helps set them apart from the rest of the text. Sometimes, we use them to show irony, emphasis, and even sarcasm.

The example sentence below uses quotation marks. As you can see, this sentence uses quotation marks to show exactly what Alice said. It’s like playing back her voice in writing.

Types of Punctuation Marks

Punctuation marks are essential in writing. They guide us, like traffic signals, ensuring our ideas flow smoothly and clearly.

From periods that signal a full stop to commas that offer a pause, each punctuation mark has a special role. 

Did we miss any types of punctuation marks? Please let us know in the comment section below.

1. Prepositions of Time

Prepositions of time tell us when something happens.  They include words like “at,” “on,” and “in.” 

So, these words help us understand the timing of events. For example, “I’ll see you at noon” means the meeting time is exactly 12 o’clock during the day.

2. Prepositions of Place

Prepositions of place show where something is located. “Under,” “above,” and “beside” are examples of prepositions of place.

Prepositions of place tell us where things are in relation to other things. By using these words, we can identify the locations of everything around us.

3. Prepositions of Direction

Prepositions of direction show the path something or someone moves along. They include words like “over,” “into,” and “away from”.

These types of prepositions show the movement of objects from one location to another. By using this type of preposition, we can understand the path that the objects or people take.

The 3 types of prepositions above are the most common. Below, you’ll find 3 other types of prepositions. Although they get less usage, we still use them as prepositions in the English language.

4. Prepositions of Agent

We use prepositions of agent in passive sentences with the word “by”. This type of preposition indicates the person or thing that performs the action of the verb.

Here’s an explanation of each one of these prepositions of agent.

1. “The novel was written by George Orwell.”
   • This sentence indicates that George Orwell is the person who wrote the novel.
2. “The cake was baked by my mother.”
   • Here, “by my mother” specifies who baked the cake.
3. “The building was designed by the architect.”
   • In this example, the architect is identified as the one who designed the building.
4. “The mystery was solved by the detective.”
   • This sentence tells us that the detective is the one who solved the mystery.
5. “The song was sung by the choir.”
   • This example shows that the choir is the group performing the action of singing the song.

While “by” is the most common preposition of agent, we can also use “with” or “through” in certain contexts. For example, we use “with” when referring to using tools like “She cut the paper with scissors.”

5. Prepositions of Purpose

Prepositions of purpose explain the purpose of an action. The most common preposition of purpose is “for”. But others can also provide this function depending on the context.

Here are five examples:

1. “The room is used for meetings.”
   • This sentence indicates that the purpose of using the room is to hold meetings.
2. “He went to the store for some milk.”
   • Here, “for some milk” explains the reason why he went to the store.
3. “These shoes are great for running.”
   • “For running” specifies the purpose of the shoes.
4. “She saved money for her vacation.”
   • In this example, “for her vacation” describes the purpose of saving money.
5. “The fund was created for the benefit of the community.”
   • “For the benefit of the community” explains the reason why the fund was created.

Prepositions of purpose clarify why actions are taken. They highlight intentions and reasons behind decisions and behaviors.

6. Prepositions of Manner

Prepositions of manner describe how something is done or the way in which it occurs. The most common prepositions of manner include “by,” “with,” “in,” and “on,” among others.

Here are five examples illustrating their use:

1. “She answered the question with confidence.”
   • “With confidence” describes the manner in which she answered the question.
2. “The documentary was narrated by a voice actor.”
   • “By a voice actor” specifies who narrated the documentary, indicating the manner or means by which the narration was performed.
3. “They traveled to New York by train.”
   • “By train” describes the mode of transportation used, indicating the manner of their travel.
4. “The letter was written in ink.”
   • “In ink” specifies the tool or medium used, indicating the manner in which the letter was written.
5. “He speaks on behalf of the entire team.”
   • “On behalf of” describes the manner or capacity in which he speaks, indicating he does so representing the team.

These examples show how prepositions of manner describe the method, means, or manner by which actions are performed.

Types of Prepositions

So, there you have it. We’ve provided you with the 6 types of prepositions – place, direction, agent, purpose, and manner.

They help us specify when, where, how, and why actions occur. And for the structure, they often come before nouns or pronouns. 

Do you have any questions about the types of prepositions? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Active vs Passive Voice

Active voice means the subject does the action. For example, “The cat chased the mouse.” The cat is doing something; it’s active.

Passive voice flips it around, making the action done to the subject. Like, “The mouse was chased by the cat.” It’s more indirect.

While active voice often makes sentences more dynamic, passive voice can be useful too. Let’s explore active vs passive voice.

Active Voice

Active voice emphasizes the subject, the person or thing carrying out the verb. In an active voice, the subject comes first. Then, the verb follows the subject.

Here are some examples of using active voice:

1. “The chef cooks a delicious meal.”
2. “Lightning strikes the tree.”
3. “The artist paints a beautiful picture.”

Each sentence shows someone or something actively doing an action. In this case, it’s using simple tense verbs. They make it clear and straightforward who is performing the action.

Passive Voice

Passive voice is when the action of the sentence is done to the subject. Now, the focus is on the action and what receives it, not who does it.

Using the same sentences as above, here they are in passive voice:

1. “A delicious meal is cooked by the chef.”
2. “The tree is struck by lightning.”
3. “A beautiful picture is painted by the artist.”

Passive voice can make sentences sound formal or emphasize the action more than the subject. It’s also useful in scientific writing or when the doer is unknown. But, it can make things less direct.

Converting Passive to Active Voice

Let’s go through a couple of examples of converting passive to active voice.

In the sentence “The breakthrough was made by the scientists,” the big discovery is the main point, not who found it. But, “The scientists made a breakthrough” puts the spotlight on the scientists doing something amazing.

In “The bank was robbed by two men,” the sentence focuses on the bank being robbed, not so much on the robbers. But, “Two men robbed the bank” shines the light on the two men doing the robbing. How you say it switches what part grabs your attention.

Similar to the above, it’s all about what part of the story you want to stand out. “The burglar was arrested by police” focuses on the burglar getting caught. Less focus is on who caught him. On the flip side, “Police arrested the burglar” highlights the police’s action.

When To Use Passive Voice

Most readers prefer active voice for its directness. If possible, that’s why we always encourage you to use it. Although passive voice can be less direct, it’s okay to use passive voice in several situations.

Here are some key ones:

1. When the subject is unknown

It’s okay to use passive voice when you don’t know who performed the action. “The window was broken.” The emphasis is on the event because we don’t know who did it. Another example is, “The car was stolen overnight.” The subject again is unknown.

2. To focus on the action or result

In scientific and academic writing, the outcome or the action itself is more significant than who performed it. “A cure for the disease was discovered.” This emphasizes the discovery of the cure, not the person who discovered it.

3. When the subject is less important than the action

There are times when the action’s impact is more important than who performed it. “The painting was sold for a record price.” Here, the emphasis is on selling at a record price. This can help keep the audience’s attention on the results rather than on the individuals.

4. To sound more formal or academic

The passive voice has a formal tone that suits academic writing, legal documents, and formal reports. “The experiment was conducted according to the protocol.” This style makes the process the focus rather than the researchers.

5. To avoid assigning blame

When wanting to soften the delivery of bad news, passive voice can soften the action. “Mistakes were made.” This approach is less direct and can reduce the perception of finger-pointing.

Active vs Passive Voice

Today, we pointed out the differences between active and passive voice. Active voice means the subject does the action. But passive voice flips it around and the action is done on the subject.

While passive voice can be less direct, it still has its place. We use it when the subject isn’t known and in formal writing. It’s all about using it wisely to suit your message.

Do you have any questions about using the active or passive voice? Please add them to our comment section below. We’ll be happy to get back to you.

Prefix vs Suffix

A prefix comes before the root of the word. For example, “unhappy” uses “un-” to mean not happy.

Suffixes go at the end and can change a word’s job in a sentence. Like “playful,” where “-ful” shows a quality of being full of play.

So, prefixes change what a word means, and suffixes change what a word does.

Common Prefixes

Prefixes are small but mighty parts of language that we attach to the beginning of words. These prefixes can turn a word into its opposite, show a direction, or indicate a number.

Here are some of the most common prefixes in the English language.

This table lists common prefixes, meanings, and examples.

Common Suffixes

Common suffixes are the finishing touches that change how a word works in a sentence. They transform verbs into nouns, adjectives into adverbs, or give new qualities to words.

Here’s a table with the suffix, meaning, and example:

Suffixes come at the end of words. These little endings can help us express actions, qualities, states of being, and much more.

The Fun Side of Prefixes and Suffixes

Playing with prefixes and suffixes isn’t just educational. It can also be a lot of fun. One way is that you can mix and match them to create new words.

Here are some examples of invented words.

Invented words can be whimsical, insightful, or just plain fun. Try them out for yourself.

Prefixes vs Suffixes

Prefixes and suffixes help us change words to make new meanings. They can also make language fun and interesting, showing us how flexible and creative it can be.

We’d love to hear what you think. Drop a comment below with any cool prefixes and suffixes you’ve come up with. Let’s get creative together for our word inventions.

Example Sentence Types By Structure

Here are some quick examples with sentence types:

• Simple Sentences: Anna eats a lollipop.
• Compound Sentences: Anna eats lollipops but Jamie eats fruits.
• Complex Sentences: Although Anna eats a lollipop, Jamie eats fruits.
• Compound-complex Sentences: While Anna eats lollipops, Jamie eats fruits, but Matt only eats bread.

Let’s go through each type of sentence with more detail.

Simple Sentence Types

Simple sentences are straightforward and concise. They contain just one independent clause, meaning they have one subject and one verb.

They express a complete thought without commas separating compound elements. Simple sentences are clear and direct. For instance, “The sun rises.”

Each simple sentence stands alone in its meaning. Simple sentences are powerful in their simplicity. But they can pack a punch with a few words.

Compound Sentence Types

Compound sentences connect two ideas. They use conjunctions like “and,” “but,” or “so.” This makes them great for showing contrast or adding information.

Each clause could stand as a sentence on its own. Yet, when joined, they share a closer relationship. The conjunction is like the glue holding compound sentences together.

Common conjunctions are “for”, “and”, “nor”, “but”, “or”, “yet”, and “so”. They also use conjunctive adverbs like “however”, “therefore”, or a semicolon. It also includes conditional sentences.

Complex Sentence Types

Complex sentences add more depth to writing. They combine an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses.

These clauses connect sentences with words like “because,” “although,” or “when.” This structure adds layers of meaning. Complex sentences reveal cause and effect, conditions, or contrasts. 

They’re key for detailed explanations and the dependent clause cannot stand alone. Complex sentences need the main clause to make complete sense.

Compound Complex Sentence Types

Compound-complex sentences mix the qualities of compound and complex sentences. This means they have at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause combining several ideas.

Compound-complex sentences can illustrate detailed relationships and conditions. This makes this type of sentence structure perfect for conveying complex thoughts with clarity.

These sentences use conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions to connect clauses. Their structure allows for a nuanced expression of ideas, adding depth and variety.

Sentence Types by Structure

Understanding sentence structure enhances our writing and communication. We can express ideas engagingly by mixing simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.

First, simple sentences say one thing clearly. Next, compound sentences connect two ideas with words like “and” or “but”. Then, complex sentences add details with words like “because” or “although”. Finally, compound-complex sentences mix these styles.

Comparative Adjectives

A comparative adjective compares two things or people. It shows who has more or less of a quality. We often add “er” to the end of the word, or use “more” before it. For example, “taller” or “more interesting.”

“The rabbit is faster than the turtle.”

It’s like looking at a rabbit and a turtle and deciding which one is faster. So, when we talk about two things, we use comparative adjectives to see how they stack up against each other. This is an example of using “-er”.

“A car is more expensive than a motorcycle.”

Using “more” makes a comparison between two things, highlighting a difference in quality or quantity. In the example “A car is more expensive than a motorcycle,” “more” is used to compare the cost of two types of vehicles.

Comparative Adjectives Guidelines

Here are some guidelines that you can follow for using comparative adjectives.

Superlative Adjectives

Superlative adjectives show the most or least of something in a group. We add “est” or use “most” with the word. Like “smallest” or “most interesting.” They tell us who or what is at the top or bottom of a group. For example, in a race, the fastest runner is the one who runs quicker than everyone else.

“An astronaut has the coolest job.”

In the sentence “An astronaut has the coolest job,” the word “coolest” is a superlative adjective. It compares an astronaut’s job to all other jobs and says it’s the most interesting. Notice how this sentence doesn’t use “most coolest”.

“The plane is the most comfortable means of transport.”

“The plane is the most comfortable means of transport” means flying is more comfy than other ways of traveling. “Most” shows flying is at the top for comfort and it’s in the superlative form. So, among cars, trains, and buses, planes are the best for feeling cozy.

Superlative Adjectives Guidelines

Here are some guidelines that you can follow for using superlative adjectives.

Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

Superlative and comparative adjectives help us compare and rank things. Comparatives, like “bigger,” compare two things. Superlatives, like “biggest,” show who’s at the top or bottom in a group.

We use “more” or “er” to compare two things, and “most” or “est” for the top in a group. There’s also ordinals, which we use to rank things. They show what comes where in a sequence.

We’ve explored the world of comparative and superlative adjectives together. Now, we’re curious to hear your thoughts. Which examples do you have? Please share your comments below and let’s talk about comparative and superlative adjectives.

What Is a Gerund?

A gerund is a verb form that ends in “-ing” and works as a noun in a sentence. For example, in “Running is fun,” “running” is the gerund. It takes an action, like running, and turns it into a thing we can talk about.

Here are some of the basic guidelines that you can use to identify gerunds:

Example Gerund: “I enjoy writing.”

When To Use Gerunds

Use gerunds when talking about hobbies or things you like to do. They help describe your daily habits and are also good for giving advice or tips. Use gerunds after the following verbs:

• Avoid – Avoid eating late at night.
• Can’t stand – I can’t stand listening to loud music.
• Discuss – Let’s discuss going on a road trip.
• Dislike –  I dislike waking up early.
• Enjoy – I enjoy baking on weekends.
• Feel like – Sometimes I feel like swimming.
• Don’t mind – I don’t mind sharing my snacks.
• Suggest – They suggest visiting the museum.
• Understand – I understand avoiding crowded places.

Use gerunds after these expressions with prepositions:

• Excited about – I’m excited about starting a new book.
• Sad about – She’s sad about leaving her hometown.
• Sick and tired of – We’re sick and tired of hearing excuses.
• Believe in – He believes in giving second chances.
• Objects to – She objects to working overtime.

Gerunds vs. Other Verb Forms

As you already know, gerunds end in “-ing” and act like nouns. But how do they compare to other verb forms?

• Present Participle – I am eating my favorite food.
• Participle Adjective – The trip was amazing.
• Gerund – I practice drawing circles every day.

Seeing how gerunds, present participles, and participle adjectives work shows us the many ways we can use “-ing”.

What Is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the basic form of a verb that usually starts with “to,” like “to play” or “to see.” Infinitives are useful because they help us express ideas in a simple way. They can tell us why something happens, like “to get a good grade,” or what someone wants to do, like “to travel the world.”

Here are some of the basic guidelines that you can use to identify infinitives:

Example Infinitive: “I want to write.”

When To Use Infinitives

Infinitives are perfect for expressing a purpose or reason behind an action. They also come into play when talking about likes and dislikes. For example, “I love to read” or “He hates to wake up early” are clear and direct.

Use infinitives after the following verbs:

• Agree – They agree to meet at noon.
• Be sure – Be sure to check the weather before you leave.
• Choose – She chooses to study abroad for a semester.
• Decide – We decided to start our own business.
• Expect – I expect to hear from them by tomorrow.
• Hope – He hopes to visit Japan next year.
• Learn – You’ll learn to appreciate the little things in life.
• Would like – I would like to order the steak, please.

When To Use Both Gerunds and Infinitives

Some verbs let you use either a gerund or an infinitive right after them, and it doesn’t change the meaning much. For instance, saying “I like swimming” or “I like to swim” both show you enjoy the activity of swimming.

When talking about what you prefer to do, like saying “I prefer reading” or “I prefer to read,” both ways work fine. The difference is really small, more about how the action is viewed than what the action is.

Use either gerunds or infinitives after the following verbs:

• Begin
• Continue
• Like
• Hate
• Love
• Prefer
• Start

Example Gerund: I love learning about our world.
Example Infinitive: I love to learn about our world.

Gerunds vs Infinitives

Gerunds and infinitives are both important in how we talk about actions. Here’s a recap of when to use gerunds and infinitives.

So, remember. Gerunds, which end in “-ing,” are good for mentioning activities, like hobbies. Infinitives, which start with “to,” are great for talking about what we want to do or why we do something.

Nominalization in English is when we turn other words, like verbs or adjectives, into nouns. Sometimes you can use either without changing the meaning much.

Do you have any questions about gerunds and infinitives? Don’t hesitate to ask in the comment section below. And remember, if gerunds and infinitives were in a race, the infinitive would say, “To finish,” but the gerund would be “running” the whole time.

Examples of Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency are like our daily routines, telling us how often we do things. Let’s explore some common ones, each with its own unique frequency.

Here are some of the most common adverbs of frequency:

1. Always (100%): This is a full-time commitment, happening without fail. If you always drink water first thing in the morning, it means you do it every single day, with no exceptions.
2. Usually (80%): This one’s like a reliable friend who’s almost always there. If you usually take a walk after dinner, it means you do it most nights, but there might be a few exceptions.
3. Often (60%): Often is when something happens more times than not. If you often read before bed, it means many nights find you with a book in your hand, but not always.
4. Sometimes (40%): This is the halfway mark, where it’s hit or miss. If you sometimes skip breakfast, it means around half the time you do, and half the time you don’t.
5. Rarely (20%): Here’s where things start to be uncommon. If you rarely eat out, it means dining at restaurants doesn’t happen often, making it a special occasion.
6. Never (0%): Absolute zero, where an event just doesn’t happen. If you never drink coffee, it means you avoid it entirely, every single day.

Each of these adverbs adds a layer of meaning. It helps us share what we do and how often we do it.

Position of Frequency Adverbs

Let’s focus on where we place adverbs of frequency in sentences. Here are a couple of examples below.

Affirmative Adverbs of Frequency

“Vicky usually drives to work.” Here, “usually” is the adverb of frequency. We place it right before “drives,” which is the main action verb in the sentence. This is the common position for adverbs of frequency. It tells us how often the action happens.

“Vicky is never late for work.” In this sentence, “never” comes right after “is,” which is a form of the verb “to be.” This is where you put adverbs of frequency when using the verb “to be.” It shows how often the state or condition occurs.

Negative Adverbs of Frequency

“Vicky doesn’t usually walk.” This type of sentence places “usually” before the main verb “walk.” Even with “doesn’t” making the sentence negative, the adverb’s position doesn’t change. It still comes before the main action verb and tells us how frequently the action occurs.

“Vicky isn’t often late for work.” This sentence places “often” after “isn’t,” a negative form of the verb “to be.” This structure indicates how frequently a state or condition does not happen. The adverb’s position after the verb “to be,” even in a negative form, remains consistent with its placement in positive sentences.

Question Adverbs of Frequency

Does Vicky usually drive to work? In questions, the adverb of frequency often comes after the subject and before the main verb. So, “usually” is placed right after the subject “Vicky” and before the main verb “drive”.

Is Vicky sometimes late for work? The adverb of frequency “sometimes” comes after the auxiliary verb “is” and before the subject “Vicky”. This structure emphasizes the frequency of the situation.

The position of adverbs of frequency matters because they help the listener or reader understand exactly how often an action occurs.

List of Adverbs of Frequency

There are a lot of examples of adverbs of frequency so we’ve decided to list them out. We’ve also included a percentage and ordered them from the highest frequency.

Summary: Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They range from “always,” meaning all the time, to “never,” meaning not at all.

These words help us share our daily routines, special occasions, or things we avoid doing. They’re key for expressing our habits in our daily lives.

If you’re looking to teach adverbs of frequency, you can also take a look at our free adverb worksheets.