A1

A1 is the beginner level of English. We have lots of information for grammar learners at A1. This is our comprehensive guide to basic English concepts. It includes personal pronouns, time adjuncts, negative statements, questions, possessive determiners, conjunctions, adverbs, adjectives, indefinite pronouns, ellipsis, future tense, and prepositional verbs. Designed for A1 level learners, enhancing language skills systematically.

like | want (verb patterns)

A1, gerund, infinitive, object, pattern, VERBS

Like and want are transitive verbs that can take objects. For example, “I like football” and “I want money.”

After like, we can use either the to-infinitive or the -ing form. For example, “I like to use the internet” and “I like using the internet” are both correct.

After want, we can only use the to-infinitive. For example, “I want to use the internet” is correct, but “I want using the internet” is wrong.

The choice between the to-infinitive and the -ing form after like can convey subtle differences in meaning. Using the to-infinitive emphasizes the preference or habit, while using the -ing form emphasizes the action itself and the experience or enjoyment derived from it.

In the English Grammar Profile, A1 point 2 in the category of VERBS/patterns is defined as ‘like’ followed either by a ‘to’-infinitive or an ‘-ing’ form, with no change in meaning.

A1 point 6 in VERBS/patterns is defined as ‘limited range of verbs followed by a ‘to’- infinitive.

The most common verbs followed by a to-infinitive after like are: use, work, play, see, go, get, make, take, watch, read.

Here are some examples of sentences using like and want in A1 English:

I like to use the internet.
I want to go to the movies.
I like playing football.
I want to learn English.

like | want (verb patterns) Read More »

past simple affirmative

A1, A2, affirmative, B1, PAST, simple, VERBS

The past simple affirmative is used to describe completed actions or events in the past. Its usage varies with proficiency level, starting with a limited range of regular and irregular verbs at A1 level, increasing at A2 level, and covering a wide range of verbs at B1 level. The most common verbs used in the past simple tense are also listed, providing a useful reference for English language learners.

past simple affirmative Read More »

some | any | no | more | a lot of | lots of + NOUN phrase

A1, A2, DETERMINERS, NOUNS, plural, quantity, uncountable

In this post, we give a detailed explanation of the use of certain determiners in English grammar, specifically ‘some’, ‘any’, ‘no’, ‘more’, ‘a lot of’, and ‘lots of’. These determiners are often used with both plural and uncountable nouns to indicate quantity or amount. We also discuss the English Grammar Profile (EGP) and its classification of these determiners at different proficiency levels (A1, A2). We provide examples of usage and notes on the application of these.

some | any | no | more | a lot of | lots of + NOUN phrase Read More »

Level 2 writing texts in PELIC

A1, A2, writing

The text discusses the process of analyzing the grammar and vocabulary of elementary English learners using a ‘complexity checker’. The checker struggles with inaccurate language and spelling errors. After manual corrections, over 90% of the structures were at the A levels. The author wishes to add a collocation marking element to the checker but acknowledges the limitations of programming capacity.

Level 2 writing texts in PELIC Read More »

PRESENT SIMPLE with ADVERBS of FREQUENCY

A1, A2, ADVERBS, frequency, indefinite, modify, PRESENT, range, simple

Adverbs of indefinite frequency, such as ‘sometimes’, ‘occasionally’, ‘usually’, ‘normally’, ‘regularly’, and ‘often’, are commonly used with the present simple tense to indicate routine or repeated activities without specifying exact timing. These adverbs typically precede the main verb but follow the verb ‘to be’ and auxiliary verbs. They can also be positioned at the beginning or end of a sentence in some cases. The webpage provides examples of these usages in various contexts, including TED talks and student writings.

In contrast, definite adverbs of frequency, like ‘yearly’, ‘weekly’, ‘every hour’, and ‘every day’, provide exact frequencies and usually appear at the end of a sentence. The webpage also highlights the overlap and differences in the usage of these adverbs at different language proficiency levels (A1 and A2).

Furthermore, it presents common collocates for the adverb ‘usually’ and examples of sentences using ‘often’. The examples illustrate common behaviors or thought processes, suggesting that these adverbs are integral to expressing frequency in English.

PRESENT SIMPLE with ADVERBS of FREQUENCY Read More »

can’t | cannot

A1, A2, appeal, B2, deductions, guess, MODALITY, NEGATIVE, prediction, reproach

Modality is the grammatical expression of the speaker’s attitude or opinion about the possibility, necessity, or certainty of an action or state. Can’t is a modal verb that shows the negation of the verb can. It means that the subject is unable to do something, such as perform an action or demonstrate an ability. It can also be used to express deduction, which is a logical inference based on evidence or reasoning. For example:

She can’t swim. (ability)
He can’t be at home. It’s too early. (deduction)

can’t | cannot Read More »

would like

A1, A2, desire, invitation, MODALITY, offer, polite, preferences, request, VERBS, wish, would

“Would like” is a polite expression used to indicate a desire or wish, often in making requests, invitations, or offers. The structure typically follows “subject + would like + (noun phrase OR infinitive verb)”. For instance, “I’d like to see you again” or “Would you like a drink?”. The negative form, “wouldn’t like”, can imply a hypothetical situation, such as “If I told you, you wouldn’t like it.” This phrase is commonly used in various contexts, including wanting to see, know, thank, be, have, say, use, get, add, share, make, take, ask, try, hear, think, point out, give, start and go among others.

would like Read More »

Present Continuous

A1, A2, arrangements, auxiliary, B1, B2, continuous, FUTURE, NEGATIVE, PRESENT, range, temporary

Here are some student writing examples of present continuous highlighted with details: I am typing English words right now. PELIC Chinese female level 2 writing class   However, we also can interpret from the graph that we aren’t preparing for it yet.  PELIC Korean female level 3 writing class   I am always falling over one of his toy cars or trucks. PELIC Arabic male level 3 writing class   There are at least 30 points to do with the present

Present Continuous Read More »

BE + not

A1, A2, auxiliary, B1, be, C2, NEGATIVE, VERBS

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the most common “BE + NOT” forms in English, essential for expressing negation. The forms are listed in order of their frequency in the iWeb corpus. The top three forms are “is not”, “are not”, and “isn’t”, used in various contexts to deny or contradict assertions, form negative statements, and express doubt or uncertainty. Other forms like “’s not”, “was not”, “wasn’t”, “I’m not”, “aren’t”, and “were not” are also discussed with examples illustrating their usage.

BE + not Read More »

all + noun

A1, DETERMINERS, NOUNS, quantity

Predeterminers always come before central and post-determiners. This is because they provide more general information about the noun, such as how many or how often. Central and post-determiners, on the other hand, provide more specific information, such as which particular noun we are referring to.

all + noun Read More »