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Oct 27

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs Explained

27 de October de 2025

Verbs are the heart of every sentence. They tell us what’s happening — what the subject does or is. But did you know that some verbs need an object, while others stand alone?

That’s where transitive and intransitive verbs come in. Understanding the difference between them helps you build clear, grammatically correct sentences — and avoid mistakes like “John likes.”

1. What Are Transitive Verbs?

A transitive verb is a verb that needs a direct object to complete its meaning.

The object answers the question “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb.

Example:

John likes coffee.

Subject: John
Verb: likes
Object: coffee

The verb like is transitive because it requires an object. You can’t just say “John likes” — it sounds incomplete!

Think of it this way:
If the action “goes to” or “affects” something, the verb is transitive.

More examples:

She opened the door.
They watched a movie.
I bought a car.

Each of these verbs (opened, watched, bought) needs an object to make sense.

2. What Are Intransitive Verbs?

An intransitive verb is a verb that does not take a direct object.
It expresses a complete action by itself.

Example:

John jumped.

There’s no object after jumped — and that’s perfectly fine! The verb jump is intransitive here because the action doesn’t affect anything directly.

Other examples:

The baby cried.
We arrived late.
She slept all day.

Tip: You can’t ask “cried what?” or “slept what?” — those sentences don’t make sense because these verbs don’t take objects.

3. Verbs That Can Be Both Transitive and Intransitive

Some verbs can be both transitive and intransitive depending on how they’re used.

Example:

John ate.
John ate a hamburger.

In the first sentence, ate has no object, so it’s intransitive.
In the second, ate has the object a hamburger, so it’s transitive.

Same verb — different function depending on whether it has an object!

More examples:

She reads before bed. (intransitive)
She reads the newspaper. (transitive)
They run every morning. (intransitive)
They run a small café. (transitive — meaning “manage”)

4. When a Verb’s Meaning Changes

Some verbs have different meanings depending on whether they are used transitively or intransitively.

Example:

I see you. → (My eyes are looking at you.) → Transitive
I see. → (I understand.) → Intransitive

Same verb, different meaning!

Other examples:

Run
- Transitive: They run a business.
- Intransitive: They run every day.
Change
- Transitive: She changed her clothes.
- Intransitive: The weather changed.

5. How to Identify Whether a Verb Is Transitive or Intransitive

Here’s a simple way to test it:

Ask “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb.

Does the sentence make sense if you add an object?
Does the action affect something directly?

If yes, the verb is transitive.
If no, it’s intransitive.

Examples:

Does he like something? → Yes → Transitive
Does he jump something? → No → Intransitive

6. Check the Dictionary

When in doubt, look it up!

In a good English dictionary, you’ll see abbreviations right under the pronunciation guide:

[T] = Transitive
[I] = Intransitive
[T/I] = Both

You’ll also see examples for each use and, sometimes, different meanings depending on whether the verb takes an object.

Example (from a dictionary):
run [I/T] — to move quickly on foot / to manage something

🧾 7. Quick Summary

Type	Definition	Example	Has Object?
Transitive Verb	Needs a direct object	She opened the door.	Yes
Intransitive Verb	No object needed	She arrived late.	No
Both	Can be either, depending on use	He runs every day. / He runs a company.	Sometimes

8. Practice Time

Try identifying whether the verbs below are transitive (T) or intransitive (I):

The sun rose at 6 a.m.
She plays the piano beautifully.
They laughed loudly.
He wrote a letter.
We slept for hours.

Answers:

I, 2. T, 3. I, 4. T, 5. I

In Summary

Understanding the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs helps you form complete and natural sentences.

Transitive verbs → need an object.
Intransitive verbs → stand alone.
Some verbs → can be both, depending on meaning.

Whenever you’re unsure, just check if the action affects something — or look it up in a dictionary. You’ll quickly see which type it is.

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/transitive-and-intransitive-verbs-in-english-grammar/

Oct 26

HAVE & HAVE GOT

26 de October de 2025

When we talk about possession, relationships, illnesses, or characteristics, English gives us two ways to express the same idea:
👉 HAVE and HAVE GOT

Both mean the same thing, but they’re used slightly differently in everyday English.

🧩 1. Meaning and Usage

Both HAVE and HAVE GOT are used to talk about things we own, relationships, personal characteristics, or temporary states like illnesses.

✅ They mean exactly the same thing.
✅ Both are present tense forms.
✅ HAVE GOT is not the present perfect of “get.”

❌ I have got my keys. → This does not mean “I have obtained my keys.”
✅ It means “I have my keys.” (possession)

💡 Tip:

HAVE is used more in American English and formal contexts.
HAVE GOT is more common in British English and informal conversation.

💼 2. Talking About Possession

We use have / have got to show ownership or possession.

✅ Examples:

I have / have got a brand new car.
She has / has got a big house near the beach.
They have / have got a lot of free time today.

💬 Both are correct — the difference is mainly in style and formality.

👨‍👩‍👧 3. Talking About Relationships

Use have / have got to describe family members or relationships.

✅ Examples:

Jimmy has / has got two brothers.
I have / have got a lot of friends at school.
We have / have got a great teacher!

Again, both versions are natural and correct.

🌈 4. Talking About Characteristics

We also use have / have got for describing personal features or qualities.

✅ Examples:

Maria has / has got blue eyes and long brown hair.
My dog has / has got short legs and a loud bark.
The house has / has got a big garden.

🤒 5. Talking About Illnesses and Temporary Conditions

We use have / have got to describe feeling sick or having a temporary condition.

✅ Examples:

I have / have got a terrible headache.
He has / has got a cold.
She has / has got the flu this week.

🧠 6. Making Questions and Negatives

Here’s where things get interesting!
The grammar structure changes depending on which one you use.

✅ With HAVE

We use do / does to make questions and negatives.

Questions:

Do you have a car?
Does she have any siblings?

Negatives:

I don’t have a car.
She doesn’t have any siblings.

Short answers:

Yes, I do. / No, I don’t.

✅ With HAVE GOT

We use have / has directly — no “do” needed.

Questions:

Have you got a car?
Has she got any siblings?

Negatives:

I haven’t got a car.
She hasn’t got any siblings.

Short answers:

Yes, I have. / No, I haven’t.

⚖️ 7. Quick Comparison Table

Function	HAVE	HAVE GOT
Formality	Neutral / Formal	Informal / Conversational
Use	American & International English	British & Informal English
Question Form	Do you have…?	Have you got…?
Negative Form	I don’t have…	I haven’t got…
Short Answer	Yes, I do. / No, I don’t.	Yes, I have. / No, I haven’t.

💬 8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ I’ve got not a car.
✅ I haven’t got a car.

❌ Do you have got a car?
✅ Do you have a car? / Have you got a car?

💡 Remember: never mix “do” with “have got.” Choose one structure and stay consistent.

✍️ 9. Practice Time!

Try completing these sentences with have or have got:

I _______ two sisters.
_______ you _______ a pen I can borrow?
He _______ a terrible headache today.
They _______ a beautiful apartment.

(Answers: 1. have / have got, 2. Have you got / Do you have, 3. has / has got, 4. have / have got)

🎯 In Summary

Both HAVE and HAVE GOT mean the same thing — the difference is style and form.
Use HAVE for more formal or American contexts, and HAVE GOT for more informal or British ones.

With this simple guide, you’ll never mix them up again!

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/have-vs-have-got-in-english-grammar/

Oct 25

GRAMMAR – Prepositions of Time

25 de October de 2025

DURING, UNTIL, SINCE, and FOR

Prepositions can sometimes be tricky to use correctly, especially when they refer to time. Let’s explore the nuances of DURING, UNTIL, FOR, and SINCE, along with deeper explanations and examples to make their usage clearer.

DURING

Definition: Refers to a specific period of time when something happens, or indicates that one event occurs simultaneously with another.

Key Points:

“During” is used to describe what happens in a particular time frame.
It often answers the question “When?”

Examples:

He slept during the meeting. (When did he sleep? During the meeting.)
She felt nervous during the interview. (When did she feel nervous? During the interview.)
Many animals migrate during the winter. (When do they migrate? During the winter.)

Additional Usage:

During the holidays, we visit family and friends.
The city was quiet during the storm.

UNTIL

Definition: Refers to an action or state that continues up to a specific time and stops at that point.

Key Points:

“Until” can be used with specific points in time (hours, days, events, etc.).
It indicates the endpoint of an action or state.
“Until” is often shortened to ‘’till’’ in informal writing or speech.

Examples:

I will stay up until midnight tonight. (The action of staying up ends at midnight.)
They will study until the day of the exam. (The studying continues up to the exam day.)
Wait here until I get back. (The waiting ends when I return.)

Additional Usage:

The store is open until 10 p.m.
He kept working until he finished the project.

FOR

Definition: Refers to a specific length of time, whether in the past, present, or future.

Key Points:

“For” indicates the duration of an activity or state.
It often answers the question “How long?”

Examples:

I have lived in Brazil for 17 years. (How long? For 17 years.)
They hadn’t seen each other for more than a year. (How long? For more than a year.)
We talked on the phone for two hours. (How long? For two hours.)

Additional Usage:

He waited for 30 minutes before leaving.
She worked on the project for six months.

SINCE

Definition: Refers to a specific point in the past from which an action or state continues up to the present.

Key Points:

“Since” is used with a specific starting point in the past.
It often pairs with the present perfect tense.
It answers the question “From when?”

Examples:

I have lived in Brazil since 2002. (From when? Since 2002.)
I haven’t been to NY since 2014. (From when? Since 2014.)
She’s been working here since March. (From when? Since March.)

Additional Usage:

He’s been playing soccer since he was 10 years old.
It hasn’t rained here since last summer.

Comparison Chart

Preposition	Describes	Key Question Answered	Example
During	Period of time when something happens	When?	He laughed during the movie.
Until	Time up to a specific endpoint	Up to when?	Stay here until 5 p.m.
For	Length of time	How long?	She stayed for a week.
Since	From a specific time in the past	From when?	I’ve been here since 2010.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Confusing “for” and “since”:
- Incorrect: I’ve been living here for 2010.
- Correct: I’ve been living here since 2010. (Since refers to the starting point.)
Using “until” instead of “during”:
- Incorrect: He slept until the meeting. (This implies he stopped sleeping when the meeting started.)
- Correct: He slept during the meeting. (This means he slept while the meeting was happening.)
Forgetting that “since” works with a point in time, not a duration:
- Incorrect: She’s been studying since two hours.
- Correct: She’s been studying for two hours.
Shortening “until” inappropriately:
- Informal: I’ll wait ‘till you get back. (Acceptable in casual speech.)
- Formal: I’ll wait until you get back. (Better for writing.)

By practicing these prepositions with a variety of examples, you’ll develop a clearer sense of how they function in English. Keep exploring different contexts and applying them to your sentences!

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Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/prepositions-during-until-for-since/

Oct 24

GRAMMAR – Order of Adjectives

24 de October de 2025

In English, when multiple adjectives are used to describe a noun, they typically follow a specific order. This order helps maintain clarity and natural-sounding language. The general order of adjectives is as follows:

Determiner: This includes articles (a, an, the), demonstratives (this, that, these, those), possessives (my, your, his, her, its, our, their), and quantifiers (some, any, many, few, several, etc.). Determiners specify the noun or indicate the amount or quantity.
Observation or opinion: Adjectives expressing opinions or observations about the noun, such as beautiful, lovely, interesting, strange, etc.
Size: Adjectives describing the size of the noun, such as big, small, large, tiny, etc.
Age: Adjectives indicating the age of the noun, such as old, young, new, ancient, etc.
Shape: Adjectives denoting the shape of the noun, such as round, square, rectangular, etc.
Color: Adjectives describing the color of the noun, such as red, blue, green, etc.
Origin: Adjectives indicating the origin or nationality of the noun, such as American, Japanese, French, etc.
Material: Adjectives specifying the material of which the noun is made, such as wooden, metallic, plastic, etc.
Qualifier or purpose: Adjectives that provide further detail or specify the purpose of the noun, such as sleeping (in sleeping bag), cooking (in cooking oil), etc.

Here’s an example sentence using multiple adjectives in their correct order:

“The beautiful small old wooden Italian music box.”

In this sentence:
“The” is the determiner.
“Beautiful” is an opinion.
“Small” describes size.
“Old” describes age.
“Wooden” describes material.
“Italian” indicates origin.
“Music” describes purpose.
“Box” is the noun being described.

Following this order helps ensure that the adjectives flow naturally and make sense in English sentences.

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Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/grammar-order-of-adjectives/

Oct 24

Mastering Possessive Nouns in English: A Complete Guide

24 de October de 2025

Possessive nouns can seem tricky at first, but once you grasp the rules, you’ll find them easy to use. In this post, we’ll explore how to form possessive nouns in different contexts, ensuring that you can confidently show ownership in your writing.

1. Singular Nouns

For most singular nouns, showing possession is straightforward. Simply add an apostrophe followed by the letter “s” (’s).

Examples:

We drove in John’s car.
That isn’t the dog’s bed.
Is that my mom’s purse?

This rule applies to any singular noun, regardless of what letter it ends with.

2. Singular Nouns Ending in S

When a singular noun ends in “s,” you still typically add ’s to show possession. However, in some cases, adding just the apostrophe (’) is also acceptable, especially in formal writing. Both forms are widely recognized, but consistency is key—stick to one style throughout your writing.

Examples:

That class’s teacher is good.
Her boss’s secretary is excellent.
The princess’s wedding was spectacular.

Alternatively:

The princess’ wedding was spectacular.

3. Plural Nouns

For plural nouns that do not end in “s,” you form the possessive by adding ’s.

Examples:

He always corrects people’s mistakes.
The women’s room is occupied.
The children’s program is over.

Notice that “people,” “women,” and “children” are irregular plurals that do not end in “s,” so the possessive is formed in the same way as for singular nouns.

4. Plural Nouns Ending in S

For plural nouns that do end in “s,” you simply add an apostrophe (’) after the “s.”

Examples:

Have you seen the boys’ dog?
My friends’ backpacks are new.
You don’t need your parents’ permission.

This rule helps to distinguish between the possessive form of singular nouns and plural nouns.

5. Names Ending in S

When it comes to names that end in “s,” you have two options. You can add either ’s or just the apostrophe (’). Both are correct, but again, be consistent.

Examples:

Carlos’s car is red.
Carlos’ car is red.

Whether you choose to add ’s or just the apostrophe may depend on your personal preference, the style guide you’re following, or the sound of the word when spoken aloud.

6. Possession Involving Two or More People

When two or more people share ownership of something, you add ’s (or ’ for plural nouns ending in “s”) to the last person’s name. If each person owns something separately, add ’s to each name.

Examples:

Tony and Tina’s wedding. (The wedding belongs to both Tony and Tina.)
Tony’s and Tina’s cars. (Tony has one car, and Tina has another.)

This distinction helps clarify whether the possession is joint or separate.

Final Thoughts

Mastering possessive nouns is essential for clear and precise writing. By following these simple rules, you can confidently form possessives in any context. Remember, the key to using possessive nouns correctly is understanding the relationship between the noun and what it owns. Practice these rules, and they’ll soon become second nature!

Now try the quiz!

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Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/mastering-possessive-nouns-in-english/

Oct 24

Understanding Participial Adjectives:

24 de October de 2025

The Difference Between -ed and -ing Forms

In English, many verbs that describe emotions or feelings can be transformed into adjectives by using their present or past participle forms. However, it’s important to note that these two forms convey different meanings. Let’s explore how to use these participial adjectives correctly.

Present Participle (-ing Form)

The present participle form of a verb (ending in -ing) is used to describe something or someone that causes a particular feeling. It tells us what effect something has on others.

Example:

The movie is boring.
(The movie causes people to feel bored.)

Past Participle (-ed Form)

The past participle form of a verb (usually ending in -ed) is used to describe how a person feels as a result of something. It reflects the emotion that is experienced.

Example:

I feel bored.
(I am affected by the boring movie.)

More Examples:

I’m interested because the speaker is interesting.
(The speaker causes interest, and I feel interested.)
He’s annoyed because the child is annoying.
(The child causes annoyance, and he feels annoyed.)
We’re shocked because the news was shocking.
(The news caused shock, and we feel shocked.)
The storm is frightening, so they’re frightened.
(The storm causes fear, and they feel frightened.)
She’s worried because the results are worrying.
(The results cause worry, and she feels worried.)

Important Note:

You cannot use the past participle (-ed form) with things because things do not have emotions. The past participle form is only used to describe how people (or sometimes animals) feel.

Common Verbs Used as Participial Adjectives:

Here’s a list of verbs that are commonly used as participial adjectives. Each verb can be turned into both -ing and -ed forms, depending on the context:

amaze
amuse
annoy
calm
confuse
disgust
distract
disturb
embarrass
encourage
entertain
fascinate
frighten
frustrate
infuriate
insult
please
refresh
relax
sicken
stimulate
surprise
terrify
thrill
worry

How about a Practice Exercise:

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Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/participial-adjectives-in-english/

Oct 23

VOCABULARY – Internet Abbreviations (with definitions)

23 de October de 2025

Common Internet Abbreviations in Everyday Use

With the rise of online communication, abbreviations have become a fast and convenient way to convey messages. Here are some common internet abbreviations you might come across:

SMH – “Shaking My Head”: Used to express disappointment or disbelief.
IMO/IMHO – “In My Opinion” or “In My Humble Opinion”: Used to share personal thoughts or beliefs.
TBH – “To Be Honest”: When someone is being straightforward or sharing their true feelings.
NVM – “Nevermind”: Used to tell someone to disregard a previous statement.

How Abbreviations Change the Way We Communicate

Internet abbreviations not only save time but also add a casual tone to conversations. They help people express emotions and responses quickly, making online chats more dynamic. However, using too many abbreviations can confuse new learners of English, so it’s important to know when to use them.

Tips for Learning and Using Internet Abbreviations

For ESL learners, here are some tips on how to master internet abbreviations:

Start small: Learn the most common ones like LOL, BTW, and OMG first. They are widely used and easy to remember.
Context is key: Try to use abbreviations in the right context. For example, “LOL” is mostly used for something funny, while “BTW” is more for adding information.
Stay updated: New abbreviations pop up frequently, so keep an eye on social media platforms or websites to stay current.

Fun Fact

Did you know? The abbreviation LOL (“Laughing Out Loud”) has been in use since the 1980s, and it’s one of the oldest internet abbreviations still widely used today!

AFAIK – As far as I know
b/c, bc – Because
B4 – Before
BAE – Before Anyone Else
BFF – Best Friends Forever
BRB – Be right back
BTW – By the way
DM – Direct Message
F2F – Face to face
FOMO – Fear of Missing Out
FYI – For your information
G2G – Got to to
Gr8 – Great
GTR – Got to run
IDC – I don’t care
IDK – I don’t know
IG – Instagram
IKR – I know, right?
ILY – I love you
IM – Instant message
IMHO – In my humble opinion
IMO – In my opinion
L8 – Late
L8r – Later
LMAO – Laughing my a** off
LMK – Let me know
LOL – Laughing out loud
LOLz – Laughing out loud (plural/sarcastic)
NSFW – Not safe for work
OMG – Oh my God
OMW – On my way
PM – Private message
PPL – People
ROFL – Rolling on the floor laughing
ROFLMAO – Rolling on the floor laughing my a** off
TBH – To be honest
TBT – Throwback Thursday
TGIF – Thank goodness it’s Friday
Thx – Thanks
TL;DR – Too Long; Didn’t Read
TMI – Too much information
TTYL – Talk to you later
TTYS – Talk to you soon
YOLO – You only live once

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Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/vocabulary-internet-abbreviations-with-definitions/

Oct 21

GRAMMAR – Tag Questions

21 de October de 2025

A tag question is a short question added to the end of a statement. They are used to confirm information, seek agreement, or invite a response from the listener. Tag questions are characterized by their structure: they typically consist of an auxiliary verb and a pronoun that matches the subject of the statement.

For example:

It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it? (Statement: It’s a beautiful day)
You like chocolate, don’t you? (Statement: You like chocolate)

How to Form Tag Questions:

Choose the Correct Auxiliary Verb: The auxiliary verb in the tag question should match the tense of the main verb in the statement. Common auxiliary verbs include “is,” “are,” “am,” “do,” “does,” “did,” “have,” “has,” “will,” and “can.”
Match the Pronoun: The pronoun used in the tag question should match the subject of the statement. For example, if the subject is “she,” the tag question should use the pronoun “she” as well.
Add the Negative or Positive Tag: Depending on the statement, the tag question can be positive or negative. If the statement is positive, the tag question is usually negative, and vice versa.

Examples:

He is coming, isn’t he? (Positive statement, negative tag)
She doesn’t like coffee, does she? (Negative statement, positive tag)

Common Tag Question Structures:

Positive Statement ➡️ Negative Tag
- It’s raining, isn’t it?
- You’re from Italy, aren’t you?
Negative Statement ➡️ Positive Tag
- They haven’t arrived yet, have they?
- You don’t speak Spanish, do you?

Using Intonation:

In spoken English, intonation plays a crucial role in conveying meaning. When using tag questions, rising intonation at the end of the statement suggests uncertainty or a genuine question, while falling intonation indicates more of a rhetorical question or an assumption.

For instance:

You’ve finished your homework, haven’t you? (Rising intonation – seeking confirmation)
She’s your sister, isn’t she? (Falling intonation – assuming agreement)

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Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/grammar-tag-questions/

Oct 19

GRAMMAR – Either & Neither

19 de October de 2025

GRAMMAR – Either & Neither

Either refers to one of two things or people. Either is always used with a singular verb. Either … or is a correlative conjunction used to connect two things which are the same types, phrases, clauses or words.

Either San Francisco or Kansas will win the Superbowl.
We can either walk or take a taxi.
“Which one do you want?” “Either one is fine.’

Neither makes a negative statement about two things or people. Neither is a conjunction. Neither … nor is a negative correlative conjunction used to connect two things which are the same types, phrases, clauses or words.

Neither New England nor Miami will win the Superbowl.
We neither drink nor smoke.
“Which one do you want, the red one or the blue one?”
“Neither one. I want to green one.”

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Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/grammar-either-neither/

Oct 18

Adjective + Preposition Combinations

18 de October de 2025

Mastering adjective + preposition combinations is an important step toward sounding natural and confident in English. These expressions—like interested in, good at, or afraid of—are common in everyday conversation, but they don’t always follow clear rules. That’s why it helps to learn them in groups. Below, you’ll find examples organized by preposition to help you understand how they work and remember them more easily.