30 Dec 2013

Merry X-mas & Happy 2014!

By this time we're all on holiday mood, aren't we? So, here I leave you with some Christmas related stuff, starting with an interesting article My kid's Insane Christmas Wish List.(There are some swearwords in it, just so you know.)

Besides, for all of you who are celebrating New Year's Eve tomorrow with a party, here you are some free printable photo props to laugh with family and friends.

And of course my very best wishes for the New Year 2014.



11 Dec 2013

Word of the week: Out of touch

I'm sure you all know the expression "in touch", but what about the opposite "out of touch"? This week's expression is precisely

out of touch

which means no longer in communication with someone or no longer informed about something or up to date with something; and also no reflecting what is true or actual.



Examples: 
I've been out of touch with my brother for many years.
She's out of touch with new methods of teaching languages.
These statistics are out of touch with reality and cannot be used. 

10 Dec 2013

Future in the Past


Future in the Past is used to express the idea that in the past you thought something would happen in the future. This can be expressed in different ways: 

- By using "was / were going to", you describe a future plan, intention or prediction at a certain point in the past that may or may not have taken place. Examples:

·       I told you he was going to come to the party. (plan)
·       I had a feeling that the vacation was going to be a disaster. (prediction)
·       I knew you were not going to go to the party.

- By using "past continuous". Just as we use the present continuous for arrangements, the past continuous can be use to express what was a future arrangement in the past.  Example:

·       I was travelling to London that night but my flight was cancelled. 

- By using "would" to imply a possibility or expectation. Examples:

·       I knew Julie would make dinner.
·       I knew you would not help him.

Remember No Future in Time Clauses 
Like all future forms, Future in the Past cannot be used in clauses beginning with time expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of using Future in the Past, you must use Simple Past. Examples:

·  I already told Mark that when he would arrive, we would go out for dinner. Not Correct
·  I already told Mark that when he arrived, we would go out for dinner. Correct

And now some exercises for you to practise: 

Rewriting     
Rewriting 2        

9 Dec 2013

Time

Talking about something as important as time, always remember:


So I encourage you to use your time wisely, having fun and spending time with friends and family but also studying English.