Verb Structure for Beginners

The English language is useful for travelling abroad, as it is for international business.

English is estimated to be 1,500 to 1,600 years old. Experts say it (English) evolved from the West Germanic dialects of the Anglo-Saxon tribes who settled in Britain starting around the 5th century CE. While Old English (c. 650–1150 CE) is the earliest attested form, a modern speaker of English would find it incomprehensible without specific instruction. 

It is important to understand verb usage in English. Verbs are an action word that is needed in every full sentence (independent clause), but also as an extension of a sentence. You know, the extra bit (dependent clause) to add detail. A conjuntion like: for, and, because, but, or, yet, when, nor, or so can be used to join an independent clause to a dependent clause, or two independent clauses.

Dependent clauses are not complete sentences because the verb is missing. See the example below:

A man walks along the road / for his job.

He wears a coat / but he doesn't wear a hat. (two independent clauses)

For those students who do not remember, we use the auxiliary verb "do" to ask questions, and negative responses i.e., he does not (doesn't) wear a hat.

Revision is the key for learning English.

A girl eats an orange / because she is hungry.

Her breakfast is just an orange / because it is a light and healthy option.

My mum used to eat a lemon for breakfast when she was young.

Give it a go by using each of the following words once each: nor, because, but, and, for

1. I like apples, _________ I don't like pears.

2. I love to eat pizza, _________ drink Coca-cola.

3. She is learning English ________ her future.

4. He drives a Mini _________ he can't afford a BMW sports car.

5. She doesn't like bananas, ________ pineapple.

Correct answers are below this blog.

Construct the sentences and practice as often as possible.

Need help? Ask your teacher! If you don't have one then check out my options at: https://www.escoladeingles.net/pacotes.

Take care!

Prof. Carl Boniface

Vocabulary builder:

CE = Common Era

coat = overcoat, jacket, parke, anorak i.e., an outer garment worn outdoors, having sleeves and typically extending below the hips.

hat = chapeau i.e., a covering for the head usually having a shaped crown and brim. Or bonnet, not to be confused with the bonnet of a car.

i.e. = Latin means In other words

Answer:

1 - but, 2 - and, 3 - for, 4 - because, 5 - nor