Ron's ESL Blogs

Expert Teacher, Sidhartha Desai, answers your questions on English and English Learning. If you would like to submit your questions for publication, Click Here. (Questions may be edited)

Question 1:

I’m an ESL learner of English. I’m a bit confused about the following questions:

The Philippines __________ in the Pacific Ocean. (are)

Her family __________ sitting outside enjoying the fresh air.( is)

Why is that?

- ESL Learner

Answer 1:

Thanks for your question and you have every reason to be confused. It is correct to say: The Philippines is and not The Philippines are.

It seems tempting and reasonable to say The Philippines are because plural nouns are usually followed by the plural form of the verb. However, when speaking of one united group, such as: The Philippines, The United States, and other country names, we use the singular form of the verb.

Some of the confusion around The Philippines comes from the fact that it is an archipelago (a group of islands). So, if someone says: The Philippine Islands are… that would be correct. However, when simply referring to the formal country name, The Philippines, it should be The Philippines is.

The same principle is true for words like: the family, everyone, the government, the country, the city, the company, and the university.

All of the above words are describing groups, but they are all followed by the singular form of the verb because they represent one unified group.

- Sidhartha Desai, www.ExpertEnglishTeacher.com

Question 2:

According to my information, the word since comes with past simple. But, I found some sentences saying: It’s been a while since I have seen you? Can you explain this to me? Thank you.

- Osama, Lybia

Answer 2:

In American English the word since is commonly used with the perfect tenses. So, it is correct to say: It’s been a while since I have seen you.

In British English since is commonly used with present and past tenses. So, it is correct to say: It’s a long time since I saw you.

For more information on the different tenses in English, Click Here to read one of my previous blog entries.

- Sidhartha Desai, www.ExpertEnglishTeacher.com

Expert Teacher, Sidhartha Desai, answers your questions on English and English Learning. If you would like to submit your questions for publication, Click Here. (Questions may be edited)

Question 1:

Hi! I’ve heard a person saying, “Let’s go to play a game!” and I would like to know if it is correct. Is it OK to use infinitive verbs after LET’S GO? Is there any rule for that?

- Vieira, Brazil

Answer 1:

I’m very happy that you asked this question. I hear this mistake all the time and most students don’t realize that it’s a mistake.

After Let’s go we usually don’t use the infinitive form.

The correct way of saying it is: Let’s go play a game.

However, you can follow Let’s go with the preposition to; this is different than following it with to plus the infinitive. For example: Let’s go to school or let’s go to the office.

The same rule applies for all commands in the imperative voice.

For example, it is correct to say: Please, sit down.

It is incorrect to say: To please, sit down.

Another common mistake with this type of phrase is when we start a sentence with: Why don’t we… or Why not…

It is correct to say: Why don’t we see that movie tonight? Or Why not see that movie tonight?

It is incorrect to say: Why don’t we to see that movie tonight? Or Why not to see that movie tonight?

- Sidhartha Desai, www.ExpertEnglishTeacher.com

Question 2:

I don’t understand the meaning of “The salesman said he would be right over”

- Sylvain, France

Answer 2:

This is a very common expression in North America. It means: The salesman said he would be coming here very soon.

People often say, “I’ll be right over.” It means: I’m coming very soon.

- Sidhartha Desai, www.ExpertEnglishTeacher.com

Expert Teacher, Sidhartha Desai, answers your questions on English and English Learning. If you would like to submit your questions for publication, Click Here. (Questions may be edited)

Question:

How Can I Improve my Speaking in English?

- Widad , Morocco

Answer:

There are several ways to improve your speaking in English.

I’ve written 5 steps to follow, and you’ll notice that some of the steps involve listening. Listening and speaking are as connected as reading and writing (which I wrote about in a previous blog entry).

In order to improve your English speaking – even to speak like a native speaker – you must train your ear to hear the distinct English pronunciation and intonation patterns. This is called developing an ear for English. If you can’t hear the subtle differences in English pronunciation and intonation, then you won’t be able to say them. It will also help you to develop the confidence necessary to become a great speaker in any language.

So, here are the 5 Steps to Improving Your Speaking:

1. Passive Listening

This means listening to English podcasts, radio shows, TV shows, or any other English listening material, but just leaving it on in the background. This can be done while you are driving, or using an mp3 player and walking, or on the bus, or while cooking, cleaning, or any other daily activities.

The idea is just to get English in your head as much as possible; let it seep into your mind while you are not focused on it. It’s the first step in training your ear to hear the distinct sounds of English.

1. Active Listening

With active listening, you sit down and concentrate on what you are listening to. Preferably, you should answer listening comprehension questions at the end of the listening exercise. Plus, it would also be good to have a reading script to review after you listen and answer questions.

Make notes on new vocabulary and phrases learned while listening. Notice how the words and phrases are used in sentences, so you can practice using them when you speak.

Remember, listening and speaking are very closely connected. Improving your listening skills improves your ability to speak English well.

1. Repeating After Listening

Find an English language podcast that you really enjoy; it can be on any subject you like. Just make sure that the speaker speaks in a clear way that you enjoy, and there is a reading script available with the podcast.

After you actively listen to the podcast, repeat it yourself by reading from the script. In fact, the best thing to do is record yourself reading from the script. Then, listen to your recording and compare it to the podcast of the English speaker.

I know that many people do not like recording their voices and listening to the recording, but it is one of the most effective ways to improve your speaking. Many of my students who practice this strategy receive compliments on how well they speak. Plus, I do it myself to keep improving my speaking ability, so I know it works.

1. Speaking with a Native Speaker

Steps 1 – 3 are self-studying methods. Steps 4 and 5 involve other people.

Speaking with a native speaker will put steps 1 – 3 into practice. You will get a chance to use your improved listening abilities by having a real conversation with a native speaker. You will also get a chance to use your new vocabulary and improved speaking skills in that same conversation.

1. Speaking with a Teacher and Getting Corrected

Having conversations with friends and colleagues, who are native speakers, is very helpful. However, to experience the biggest improvements, you need someone with knowledge of the rules of the English language to actually correct your mistakes while you are speaking.

Getting general speaking practice is important, but if no one corrects your mistakes then you will keep making them forever – and you won’t know that you are making mistakes.

So, try and practice these 5 steps and see for yourself how you improve your speaking.

Expert Teacher, Sidhartha Desai, answers your questions on English and English Learning. If you would like to submit your questions for publication, Click Here. (Questions may be edited)

Question:

Can You Explain the Different Tenses in English?

- Alex Rodriguez, USA

Answer:

Each tense in English has a different purpose. I’ve outlined the different tenses below with examples and special notes on how to use them.

Present Perfect

This tense is used when thinking about the past and present at the same time. It is typically used to describe events that recently happened.

David has received a big promotion.

There has been an earthquake in Los Angeles.

(Note: After describing the recent event, you can use the Simple Past to give more details.)

There has been an earthquake in Los Angeles. A building collapsed, but no one was killed.

(Note: When using this tense, you must use the auxiliary verb – have – in the present tense, before the past participle of the main verb. For example: There has been an earthquake)

Simple Past

If an event has been completed in the past, and is not continuing today, then use the Simple Past Tense.

I went to New York in 2002.

I saw a great movie last night.

(Note: Do not use an auxiliary verb when using this tense)

Present Perfect Continuous

This tense connects the past to the present moment. It is used for ideas that begin in the past, but continue until today.

I have been trying to understand the meaning of life since I was a child.

What have you been doing lately?

(Note: When using this tense, you must use the auxiliary verb – have – in the present tense, followed by been, followed by the ing form of the verb. For example: I have been trying)

Past Perfect

When you are describing two different moments in the past in the same sentence, use the Past Perfect tense.

It had started raining before I got home.

She had studied English for 10 years before she became a professor.

(Note: When using this tense, you must use the auxiliary verb – had – in the past tense, before the past participle of the main verb. For example: She had studied English)

Past Perfect Continuous

We use this tense to describe longer ongoing events that were happening around a past time.

What were you doing at 10pm last night?

I was watching the hockey game.

(Note: This tense is different from the Simple Past Tense. The simple past is used for shorter events; Past Perfect Continuous is used for longer events or situations that were happening in the past.)

Simple Present

This tense is used to describe habits, personal preferences, or general truths.

I ride my bicycle every day.

Maya loves watching movies.

It is beautiful to watch the sun set over the Rocky Mountains.

(Note: It is uncommon to use this tense to describe actions in the present moment. For this situation, we generally use the Present Continuous Tense.)

Present Continuous

We use this tense to describe an action in the present moment. It is usually used to ask a question and to respond to that question.

What are you doing?

I’m making dinner.

- Sidhartha Desai, www.ExpertEnglishTeacher.com

Expert Teacher, Sidhartha Desai, answers your questions on English and English Learning. If you would like to submit your questions for publication, Click Here. (Questions may be edited)

Question:

Dear sir, I need to know about the following words: Can, Could, Shall, Should, May, Might, Will, Must, Ought, Would.

- Kishore, UAE

Answer:

All these words are a special type of verb called Modal Auxiliary Verbs. They add a specific meaning to a word and they also have different rules than regular verbs. As a result, they can cause some confusion.

The following is a list of examples of modal verbs and how to use them:

1.      Use can and could to talk about ability.

I can play the violin

I could speak French when I was in university.

2.      Use can, could, may, and might to talk about permission.

Could I ask you a question?

May I sit here?

You can borrow my phone.

3.      Use may and might for possibilities; they are not used for definite situations.

I may go to the party

She might be the next President.

4.      Use should and ought to for situations where there is some obligation, suggestion, or where something is logical.

I ought to go to my wife’s best friend’s birthday party.

The concert hall shouldn’t be hard to find.

You should listen to this podcast to improve your pronunciation.

5.      Use would for hypothetical situations, questions, and preferences.

Would you ever go sky diving?

I would buy that car if it were cheaper.

Would you like to have dinner with me?

I would like to be a writer.

6.      Use shall, will, can’t, and must for things you have to do and things you are not allowed to do.

I will pass the test.

I must finish what I start.

I can’t enter the Staff Room.

- Sidhartha Desai, www.ExpertEnglishTeacher.com