On, In or At

If I asked you what you find most difficult in English, I'm sure most of you would answer unanimously: PREPOSITIONS!

Well, this entry will try to help you with three prepositions of time, which you are familiar with but sometimes you find them a bit confusing. These prepositions are ON, IN and AT.

Check the mind maps below and then try to complete the sentences. 

Don't forget that the days of the week are written in capital letters.

 

The months of the year are also written in capital letters.

Remember that we say "at night" although it's a part of the day.

Complete the sentences with one of these prepositions to check if you understood.

1. I'm writing some examples _____ the moment.

2. As soon as I finish this entry, I'm going out to do the shopping. I'll be back _____ half an hour.

3. The academic course begins _____ October and finishes _____ 31st May.

4. I like walking round El Espinar _____ midday when it's warm and sunny.

5. _____ a few days' time the second term will be over.

6. We won't have classes _____ Easter but you are supposed to do some homework _____ the afternoons.

7. The classes at the Official School of Languages start _____ five o'clock and finish _____ about nine.

8. Not many pupils attend classes _____ Friday afternoons and evenings. ;-)

9. Mark and Allie always go out for a meal _____ their wedding anniversary.

10. I'll see you _____ the morning.

Is it easy or difficult? As always, it's a question of practice. The key to these sentences is on the first comment. Then leave your opinions or examples to show that you got it!

Do vs. Make

Today, the difference between these two verbs, do and make. They have very similar meanings, and it is sometimes difficult to choose between them.

When we talk about an activity without specifying what it is, we tend to use do.

-         What are you doing? I’m doing nothing.

-         I’m not sure what to do about it.

Do is used to talk about work and what I usually call “boring and repetitive activities”.

-         I don’t mind doing the housework but I hate doing the cooking and shopping.

-         Don’t forget to do your homework.

Make is often used to express the idea of creation or “more productive activities”.

-         Let’s make a plan for next weekend!

-         Christine has just made another delicious carrotcake.

Study the diagrams below.

Common expressions with the verb DO

Common expressions with the verb MAKE

In some cases, there are no clear rules. If you are not sure about which verb you have to use, choose make –it’s more likely to be right.

Let's do a bit of practising!  Make an effort and try to give the correct answers. Don't forget to use the verb in its correct form.

1. I enjoy _____ these exercises a lot. They help me improve my English.

2. I've spent the whole morning at home. I _____ the ironing, I _____ the beds and I've just _____ a birthday cake for my sister. 

3. My neighbour upstairs is always _____ noise in the middle of the night.

4. The athlete _____ a decision. He was going to ____ an attempt to raise money for the poor countries in Africa and Asia.

5. He has _____ sport since he was at school. He's really keen on it.

6. "_____ me a favour, will you? Could you please _____ an appointment with the dentist for me?"

7. In a few weeks' time, you will be _____ your final exams so _____ a big effort and study harder.

8.  I do hope you have _____ some progress with this entry.

 

The answers, as always, on the first comment. 

Another vs. Other

The difference between these two words is really simple, however hard it seems to be for you all. Let’s see if this entry can help you with it.

ANOTHER is normally followed by a singular noun. Look at the photos.

I've got a grammar book, which I highly recommend.

I've got another grammar book to recommend.

However, another can be followed by a number with a plural noun or by few.

For example,

-         You will find another three examples in the exercise below. (= You will find three more examples in the exercise below.)

-         You can do another few exercises from the grammar book English Grammar in Use.

OTHER is followed by a plural noun. 

For example,

But I've got other grammar books with lots of activities to  do.

Other can also be used as an adjective, it has no plural form. OTHERS is a pronoun, which means other ones or other people.

For example,

-         Where are the other grammar books?

-         Can you tell the others that I’ll be spending the weekend here?

Let’s consider some sentences!

1. (In a clothes shop) I love that sweater. Have you got any _____ colours?
2. (At the restaurant) Can I have _____ bottle of water, please?
3. (A pupil at the school) I wish I had _____ few weeks to study before doing the final test.
4. (In our classroom) We need _____ chair here.
5. (At the garage) I’m afraid you will have to buy _____ car. This is very old.
6. (At the office) Some employees are working hard these weeks, _____ aren’t.
7. (At the travel agent’s) We can offer you _____ destinations, which I’m completely sure you’ll love.
8. (The teacher) We can continue practising _____ day if you need it.

The key is on the first comment. How well did you do it?

The Importance of Punctuation

Hi everyone,

Have you realised the importance of punctuation when writing a composition? Sometimes you complain about it but punctuating correctly gives meaning to your writings. Here’s an example taken from an old magazine, whose reference I don't remember.

 

I want to rub all your mistakes out with my (c)Factis rubber

  Version 1:

Dear John, 

I want a man who knows what love is all about. You are generous, kind, thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me for other men. I yearn for you. I have no feelings whatsoever when we're apart. I can be forever happy -will you let me be yours? 

Gloria

Version 2:

Dear John,

I want a man who knows what love is. All about you are generous, kind, thoughtful people, who are not like you. Admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me. For other men, I yearn. For you, I have no feelings whatsoever. When we're apart, I can be forever happy.

 Will you let me be? 

Yours,

Gloria 

Is this a love letter in both cases or not?

Leave your comments and tell me the differences you spot in both versions.

For vs. During

 Do you remember the difference between "for" and "during"? Look at the examples below.

englishandpractice.blogspot.com.es

- You have been using this blog for a few months now.

- You will be able to use this blog during this academic year.

For is used to say how long an action or a situation lasts. It can be used to talk about the past, present or future.

-         I once went to New York for a week.

-         Those mountains have been covered in snow for months.

-         My brother will be away for the next ten days.

When For is used to talk about a period of time continuing up to the present, it is used with the present perfect tense. For example:

-         I’ve known you for five months.

The question we would make to get an answer is How long …?

During is used to say when something happened.

-         There was a snowstorm during the night.

-         Peter had incredible experiences during his childhood.

The question we would make to get an answer is When …?

Let’s practise with some sentences. 
Click on the first comment to get the answers then.

1. I’ve always wanted to teach abroad _____ a few months.
2. I haven’t sent an email to my pupils _____ a while.
3. Some pupils fell asleep _____ the class. It was so boring!
4. Mary hasn’t done a sudoku _____ years but they say it’s good for your brain.
5. I promise I will eat very healthy food _____ the summer.
6. People didn’t stop shouting _____ the football match.
7. We visited both Rome and Naples _____ our business trip in Italy.
8. I’ve been watching videos on YouTube _____ two hours now!
9. The candidates were answering a lot of difficult questions _____ the interview.
10. I’ve had this laptop _____ about four years.