Global English

Future Continuous

To form the future continuous tense, we use the auxiliary verbs “will” and “be” along with the present participle (infinitive + “-ing“) of the main verb. Alternatively, we can use the auxiliary verb “be” followed by “going to be.”

Uses: Unlike the simple future tense, both forms of the future continuous have nearly the same meaning and are interchangeable. The uses of the future continuous are the same as those of the past continuous, but in the future.

1. Interrupted Action in the Future

We use the future continuous for a long action that will happen in the future and will be interrupted.

2. Actions at a Specific Time in the Future

The future continuous is used to talk about actions at a specific time in the future.

3. Simultaneous Actions in the Future

We use the future continuous for two actions that will be happening at the same time in the future.

Defining and Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Non-Defining Relative Clauses

In English grammar, these are also called non-restrictive relative clauses. They provide extra information about the antecedent, which is not essential for understanding the main clause. This is why they are enclosed in commas. You are already familiar with relative clauses in English. The relative pronouns are: who(m), which, that, whose, where. In non-defining relative clauses, you can use all of them except for “that.” The relative pronoun can never be omitted and is always enclosed in commas.

The Passive and Causative

The causative in the passive voice has two structures:

1. Get and Have

These are used when talking about a professional service that is being done for us (e.g., getting our hair cut, getting our car fixed, etc.).

Note: We use “get” when we have arranged for the service to be done. “Have” is more formal than “get.” Lastly, “get” is used for giving orders (imperative) and when the action happens unexpectedly and is beyond the control of the person it happens to.

Here are some examples to illustrate:

• I went to the bank to have my check cashed. (We don’t know for sure if there was enough time to cash it.)
• I got my car washed and the oil changed. (Here, we know for sure that both things were done.)
• Get your hair cut! (imperative)
• I stood so close to the fire that I got my legs burnt. (Beyond their control.)
• After being late for work every day for two weeks, Billy had his pay reduced. (Beyond his control.)

Therefore, the structure is:

Get/Have + something + past participle (by someone)

2. Make

In the passive voice, it works like other verbs.

Here are some examples:

• I was made to clean my room when I was just a lad.
• I will be made to rewrite the test if my mark is poor.

Note: Be careful! In the passive voice, we use “made” + object + infinitive without “to.”

It also refers to the idea of requiring another person to do something.

Examples:

• Peter made her do her homework.
• The teacher made the students stay after class.

Reported Speech

Direct Speech

When we want to report exactly what another person has said, we use direct speech. With this style, what the person has said is placed in quotation marks and should be word for word.

Reported Speech

Reported speech (or indirect speech), unlike direct speech, does not use quotation marks and does not need to be word for word. In general, when using reported speech, the verb tense changes. Below is an explanation of the changes that verb tenses undergo.

Sometimes “that” is used in affirmative and negative sentences to introduce what the other person has said. On the other hand, in interrogative sentences, “if” or “whether” can be used.

Modals

Can

“Can” indicates ability or possibility. In these cases, it can be translated as “to be able to” in English.

In interrogative sentences, the use of “can” can request permission or ask about possibilities.

Could

“Could” indicates possibility or ability in the past.

You can also use “could” for possibilities in the future.

Like “can,” in interrogative sentences, “could” can request permission or ask about possibilities, but it is more formal.

Like “could,” “may” is used to indicate possibilities in the future.

It can also be used to give permissions or instructions.

With yes or no questions, the use of “may” is more polite than “can.”

Might

We use “might” to indicate possibilities in the present or future. In these cases, it is synonymous with “may.”

It can also be used like “may” for permissions or polite requests, but this use is much more common in the United Kingdom than in the United States.

Will

As we have seen, “will” is used to form the future tense.

The use of “will” also signifies willingness or determination.

We use “will” in interrogative sentences to ask for information, a favor, or about options.

Should

“Should” indicates an obligation or recommendation. It reflects an opinion about what is right.

We use “should” in interrogative sentences to ask if there is an obligation or to ask for a recommendation.

Ought to

“Ought to” is synonymous with “should,” but “ought to” is never used in interrogative sentences in American English.

Must

“Must” indicates an obligation, prohibition, or necessity. You can also use “to have to.”

You can also use “must” to indicate probability or assume something.

It is also possible to use “must” for rhetorical questions.

We use “would” to state a preference and to ask for something politely.

Used To

We use used to + verb to talk about past habits and past states.

Examples:

• Habit: I used to play the guitar. (It means that you used to play the guitar, but you don’t anymore.)
• State: I used to live in London. (It means that you used to live in London, but you don’t anymore.)

Formation: The same form is used for all subjects.

When we use be used to in English, it means to be accustomed to doing something.

Formation: the verb “to be” + “used to” + verb ending in “-ing” (the gerund)

Examples:

• I am used to getting up early.
• He is used to working on Saturdays.
• We are used to traveling by bus.

When we use get used to in English, it means to become accustomed to doing something.

Formation: subject + the verb “to be” + “getting used to” + verb ending in “-ing” (the gerund)

Examples:

• I am getting used to working in an office.
• She is getting used to living in a city.
• They are getting used to studying every day.