GRAMMAR – Collocations with off

The English preposition “off” has a variety of meanings and uses, often forming part of idiomatic expressions and collocations. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common expressions with “off,” provide clear definitions, and share examples for each. Let’s dive in!

1. Off Color

Definition: Something that is somewhat indecent, inappropriate, or in poor taste.
Examples:

  • “That joke you told at the dinner party was a little off color; some people seemed uncomfortable.”
  • “His remarks during the meeting were slightly off color and didn’t sit well with the team.”
  • “The comedian apologized after his off-color comments upset the audience.”

Additional Collocations:

  • Off-color humor
  • Off-color remarks

2. Off Duty

Definition: Not working; no longer on a shift.
Examples:

  • “What time does the doctor go off duty? I need to speak to her before she leaves.”
  • “The police officer was off duty but still helped control the situation.”
  • “We saw a firefighter enjoying his day off duty with his family at the park.”

Additional Collocations:

  • Off-duty hours
  • Off-duty conduct

3. Off Guard

Definition: Unprepared or surprised by something.
Examples:

  • “He was caught off guard by her unexpected question during the interview.”
  • “The sudden announcement caught everyone off guard.”
  • “I didn’t study for the pop quiz, so I was completely off guard when the teacher handed it out.”

Additional Collocations:

  • Catch someone off guard
  • Be off guard

4. Off-Road

Definition: Refers to vehicles or transport that is designed to handle rough or all-terrain environments.
Examples:

  • “He bought an off-road motorbike for his weekend adventures in the mountains.”
  • “The SUV’s off-road capabilities are perfect for exploring unpaved trails.”
  • “They went on an off-road trip through the desert last summer.”

Additional Collocations:

  • Off-road vehicle
  • Off-road racing

5. Off Season

Definition: A period when an activity, business, or tourist destination is less busy or popular.
Examples:

  • “You can get some great hotel discounts if you visit during the off season.”
  • “The beach was almost empty because we traveled in the off season.”
  • “Many attractions are closed in the off season, so plan your trip carefully.”

Additional Collocations:

  • Off-season prices
  • Off-season travel

6. Finish Off

Definition: To complete or end something.
Examples:

  • “We finished off the meal with a delicious chocolate mousse.”
  • “He decided to finish off his work before heading out for the evening.”
  • “The movie finished off with a dramatic twist no one saw coming.”

Additional Collocations:

  • Finish off a project
  • Finish off the day

7. Break Off

Definition: To end a relationship, agreement, or negotiation.
Examples:

  • “After the heated argument, they decided to break off their engagement.”
  • “The company broke off negotiations with the supplier after months of discussion.”
  • “She had to break off her friendship with him because of constant disagreements.”

Additional Collocations:

  • Break off talks
  • Break off a friendship

8. Give Off

Definition: To emit something, often a smell, light, or heat.
Examples:

  • “That fish I made last night gave off a horrible smell; I had to throw it away.”
  • “The candle gave off a soft glow, creating a cozy atmosphere.”
  • “The flowers in the garden give off a pleasant fragrance every morning.”

Additional Collocations:

  • Give off a scent
  • Give off heat

Final Thoughts

The preposition “off” is versatile and packed with meaning. From describing smells to discussing relationships and work shifts, these expressions highlight the richness of English vocabulary. As you continue to learn and practice, try incorporating these phrases into your conversations or writing.

What other expressions with “off” do you know? Share them in the comments below!

Multiple-Choice Exercise: Expressions with "Off"

1 / 12

If someone is "off duty," what are they doing?

2 / 12

What does "off color" mean?

3 / 12

Which of the following best describes "caught off guard"?

4 / 12

What does "off-road" refer to?

5 / 12

When is it typically "off season"?

6 / 12

What does it mean to "finish off" something?

7 / 12

What does "break off" mean in the context of a relationship?

8 / 12

If something "gives off" a smell, what does it do?

9 / 12

If you buy something "off season," what are you doing?

10 / 12

"The movie finished off with a dramatic twist."
What does "finished off" mean here?

11 / 12

Which of these is an example of something that could be described as "off-road"?

12 / 12

If someone "gives off" a bad smell, what are they doing?

Your score is

The average score is 83%

0%

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/grammar-collocations-with-off/

GRAMMAR – Collocations with AT

The preposition “at” is used in many common expressions in English, each with unique meanings. Below, you’ll find clear explanations and examples to help you understand and use these expressions confidently. Let’s explore!

1. At First = In the beginning

This expression describes the initial phase of something, often followed by a change.

Examples:

  • At first, I couldn’t understand my teacher, but then the lessons became easier.
  • At first, she didn’t like her new job, but now she loves it.
  • At first, we thought the movie was boring, but it got exciting halfway through.

2. At Hand = Nearby or available

This phrase refers to something that is close by and ready to use.

Examples:

  • I always keep an eraser at hand just in case.
  • Make sure you have all the documents at hand before the meeting.
  • With my phone at hand, I never miss an important call.

3. At Home = When you are in your house

This phrase refers to the comfort or state of being in your own living space.

Examples:

  • I can relax when I’m at home.
  • Is your brother at home, or has he gone out?
  • At home, we usually eat dinner together as a family.

4. At Large = Not yet captured

This expression is often used in reports about someone, usually a criminal, who hasn’t been caught.

Examples:

  • Police say that the robbers are still at large.
  • The escaped prisoner is still at large and considered dangerous.
  • Several suspects remain at large following the bank robbery.

5. At (Long) Last = Finally

Use this expression to express relief or happiness when something you’ve been waiting for happens.

Examples:

  • We’re on vacation at last!
  • At last, the construction of the new library is complete.
  • After years of hard work, she achieved her dream at long last.

6. At Least = To add a positive comment about a generally negative situation

This phrase highlights a small benefit in an otherwise disappointing scenario.

Examples:

  • It’s not everything we wanted, but at least it’s a start.
  • The weather isn’t great, but at least it’s not raining.
  • We didn’t win the game, but at least we tried our best.

7. At Once (1) = Immediately

This version is used to demand or describe immediate action.

Examples:

  • We need you to start at once.
  • Call an ambulance at once—this is an emergency!
  • The manager asked them to fix the issue at once.

8. At Once (2) = At the same time

This version describes multiple actions or events happening simultaneously.

Examples:

  • You shouldn’t try to do everything at once!
  • It’s hard to focus when too many people are talking at once.
  • The children started shouting and laughing at once.

9. At Risk = When there may be a negative result

This expression describes situations where danger, harm, or loss is possible.

Examples:

  • How many jobs are at risk if the pandemic continues?
  • The company’s reputation is at risk after the scandal.
  • Without proper safety measures, workers are at risk of injury.

10. At School = When someone is studying or teaching at a school

This phrase refers to being physically present at an educational institution.

Examples:

  • Is your daughter at school this morning?
  • The kids are at school until 3 p.m.
  • At school, we learned about different cultures and traditions.

11. At the Moment / At Present = Now, but with a temporary meaning

These phrases are used to describe a current situation that is likely to change.

Examples:

  • At the moment, I’m staying with friends.
  • We’re not hiring at present, but check back next month.
  • At the moment, they’re renovating their house, so it’s a bit chaotic.

12. At Work = When you are at the place where you work

This phrase indicates that someone is physically present at their job or workplace.

Examples:

  • I’m at work now.
  • She’s always very busy when she’s at work.
  • At work, we’re preparing for a big presentation next week.

Final Thoughts

Expressions with “at” are incredibly versatile and useful in everyday English. By practicing these phrases in context, you’ll not only expand your vocabulary but also sound more fluent and natural.

Which of these expressions do you find the most challenging or useful? Share your thoughts and examples in the comments below!

Multiple-Choice Exercise: Common Expressions with "At"

1 / 12

What does "at hand" mean in this sentence:
Make sure you have your tools at hand during the project.

2 / 12

Which sentence correctly uses "at first"?

3 / 12

Which of the following sentences uses "at home" correctly?

4 / 12

What does "at large" mean in this sentence:
The suspect is still at large.

5 / 12

Choose the sentence that correctly uses "at last."

6 / 12

In which sentence does "at least" indicate a positive side of a negative situation?

7 / 12

What does "at once" mean in this sentence:
The manager asked us to complete the task at once.

8 / 12

Which sentence correctly uses "at once" to mean "at the same time"?

9 / 12

What does "at risk" mean in this sentence:
Many wildlife species are at risk due to deforestation.

10 / 12

Which sentence uses "at school" correctly?

11 / 12

What does "at the moment" mean in this sentence:
At the moment, I’m working from home.

12 / 12

Which sentence uses "at work" correctly?

Your score is

The average score is 91%

0%

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GRAMMAR – HEAR & LISTEN

One of the most common questions English learners ask is: “What is the difference between ‘hear’ and ‘listen’?” These two verbs may seem similar, but they are used in different ways and convey distinct meanings. Let’s dive into the nuances of these two words to help you use them confidently in your conversations.

Hear

We use hear to describe sounds that come to our ears naturally, without us actively trying to perceive them. Hearing is a passive activity. It happens automatically as long as your ears are functioning and there is sound around you. You don’t need to focus or make an effort to hear; it just happens.

Examples:

  • They heard a strange noise in the middle of the night.
    (The noise came to their ears unexpectedly.)
  • Can you hear the birds outside?
  • I heard the phone ring while I was in the shower.

In all these examples, the action of hearing is unintentional and requires no effort.

Listen

On the other hand, listen is used when we actively focus our attention on a sound or series of sounds. Listening is intentional and often involves some level of effort or concentration. When you listen, you make a conscious choice to pay attention to the sound.

Examples:

  • Last night, I listened to my new Post Malone CD.
    (The speaker chose to focus on the music.)
  • Could you listen to what I’m saying, please?
  • She likes to listen to podcasts while commuting.

In these examples, the action of listening is deliberate and purposeful.

Key Difference

To summarize:

  • Hear refers to sounds that you perceive without trying. It’s passive.
  • Listen refers to actively paying attention to sounds. It’s active.

Practical Use in Conversation

Understanding the difference between “hear” and “listen” is essential for clear communication. Imagine the following exchange between a couple:

Partner 1: “Did you hear what I just said?”
Partner 2: “No, sorry, darling, I wasn’t listening.”

In this example:

  • The first speaker uses “hear” to ask if the sound of their words reached the other person’s ears.
  • The second speaker apologizes, explaining that they weren’t paying attention (“listening”) to the words, even though they might have heard the sound.

Tips to Practice

Here are some exercises to help you master the difference:

  1. Identify the Verb: Listen to a recording or watch a short video and decide whether the action described is “hearing” or “listening.”
    • Example: A car horn sounds while you’re walking. Are you hearing it or listening to it?
  2. Make Sentences: Practice creating sentences for each verb.
    • Use “hear” for unexpected or passive situations. (I heard thunder during the storm last night.)
    • Use “listen” for situations requiring focus. (I listened to my teacher explain the homework instructions.)
  3. Role Play: Pair up with a friend and act out scenarios where one person “hears” something and the other “listens.”

Final Thoughts

Remember, the key to using “hear” and “listen” correctly is understanding the level of intention involved. If it’s passive and just happens, use “hear.” If it’s active and focused, use “listen.” With practice, these words will soon become second nature in your everyday English.

Do you have a sentence in mind but are unsure which verb to use? Share it in the comments, and we’ll help you figure it out!

Multiple-Choice Exercise: Hear vs. Listen

Choose the correct verb (hear or listen) to complete each sentence. The answers are provided at the end.

1 / 12

Can you _______ to the instructions carefully? This is important.

2 / 12

I didn’t _______ the alarm clock this morning, so I woke up late.

3 / 12

While walking in the park, I _______ birds chirping in the trees.

4 / 12

Please _______ to me when I’m talking.

5 / 12

We _______ a loud bang outside, but we don’t know what caused it.

6 / 12

She loves to _______ to classical music while studying.

7 / 12

I didn’t _______ what you said because I was distracted.

8 / 12

Did you _______ the thunderstorm last night? It was so loud!

9 / 12

It’s hard to _______ to a podcast when there’s so much noise around.

10 / 12

He _______ a strange sound coming from the basement and decided to check it out.

11 / 12

The teacher asked us to _______ carefully to her instructions.

12 / 12

I can _______ someone playing the piano next door.

Your score is

The average score is 100%

0%

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GRAMMAR – Either & Neither

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.”

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

GRAMMAR – SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

The SIMPLE PRESENT is probably the most used tense in English. First, we’ll look at when it’s used then we’ll see how it’s used.

When to use the SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

1. When things are always (or generally) true.
It usually snows in NY at Christmas.
People need food to live.
One plus one equals two.

2. When things are permanent.
I live in Brazil.
I work in an English School.
She loves broccoli.

3. When talking about habits or habitual actions.
I usually wake up early on weekdays.
Does he play tennis every weekend?
They travel every summer.

4. When telling stories, especially jokes.
A guy walks into a bar. …
When I walk into the room, I see him there.
What do you call a dancing sheep? A Baaaaa-larina

How to use SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE (other verbs)

1. POSITIVE SENTENCES
FORM: Subject + VERB + object

I like coffee.
People need food.
It snows in NY in winter.
He reads books all the time.

Conjugation:

3rd person singular gets an S

I read
You read
He/she/it READS
We read
You read
They read

2. NEGATIVE SENTENCES

FORM: Subject + don’t/doesn’t + VERB + object

I do not (don’t) like tea.
People do not (don’t) need beer.
It does not (doesn’t) snow in NY in summer.
He does not (doesn’t) read magazines all the time.

3. QUESTIONS

FORM: Do/does + subject + VERB + Object

Do I like coffee?
Do people need water?
Does it snow in NY in winter?
Does he read books all the time?

The Simple Present Tense

1 / 10

It _______  (not / be) cold today.

2 / 10

I _______  (not / play) the piano often.

3 / 10

Why _______  (he / be) in France?

4 / 10

Lucy _______ (ride) her bicycle to work.

5 / 10

_______  (they / be) on the bus?

6 / 10

_______  (you/find) the weather here cold?

7 / 10

_______  (she / be) a singer?

8 / 10

They _______  (go) to the cinema every Wednesday.

9 / 10

_______  (she / play) tennis every week?

10 / 10

_______ (be) in a café now.

Your score is

The average score is 65%

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DESPITE vs. IN SPITE OF

Both “in spite of” and “despite” mean that something happens even though there is something that might prevent it. They are used to express a contrast between two ideas.

Structure

  1. Despite
    • “Despite” is always followed directly by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (the -ing form of a verb).
    • Example:
      • Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
      • Despite her illness, she completed the marathon.
      • Despite studying hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
  2. In Spite Of
    • “In spite of” is also followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund, but it is a phrase with three words.
    • Example:
      • In spite of the rain, we went for a walk.
      • In spite of her illness, she completed the marathon.
      • In spite of studying hard, he didn’t pass the exam.

Key Points to Remember

  • Length: “Despite” is shorter (one word) compared to “in spite of” (three words).
  • Formality: Both can be used in formal and informal contexts, but “despite” may sound slightly more formal or concise in some cases.
  • No ‘of’ after Despite: Never use “of” after “despite.” It’s always just “despite.”
    • Correct: Despite the cold weather.
    • Incorrect: Despite of the cold weather.
  • Same meaning: Both expressions convey the same meaning and are interchangeable in most contexts.

Examples with Explanations

  1. Despite
    • Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
      • (We arrived on time even though there was heavy traffic.)
    • Despite being tired, she finished her homework.
      • (She finished her homework even though she was tired.)
  2. In Spite Of
    • In spite of the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
      • (We arrived on time even though there was heavy traffic.)
    • In spite of being tired, she finished her homework.
      • (She finished her homework even though she was tired.)

Practice Exercise

Ask your students to rewrite sentences using “in spite of” and “despite”:

  1. It was raining. We went out.
    • Despite the rain, we went out.
    • In spite of the rain, we went out.
  2. He was ill. He went to work.
    • Despite his illness, he went to work.
    • In spite of his illness, he went to work.

Visual Aid

Create a simple chart or visual aid to illustrate the structure differences:

ExpressionExampleStructure
DespiteDespite the rain, we went outside.Despite + noun/gerund
In Spite OfIn spite of the rain, we went out.In spite of + noun/gerund

This visual aid can help students quickly grasp the differences in structure and usage.

Conclusion

By practicing these structures and understanding that “despite” and “in spite of” are interchangeable with slight differences in form, your students should be able to use both expressions correctly and confidently.

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/despite-vs-in-spite-of/

The Difference Between “Used to” and “Would”

When talking about past habits or repeated actions, learners of English often encounter two phrases: “used to” and “would.” While these two expressions have similarities, they are not interchangeable in every context. Let’s explore their meanings, uses, and differences in detail.

What Does “Used to” Mean?

“Used to” refers to habits, actions, or states that were true in the past but no longer happen or exist. It is particularly useful for emphasizing the contrast between the past and the present. Importantly, “used to” can describe both actions and states.

Examples:

  • Past actions:
    • I used to ride my bike to school every morning. (This was a habit in the past, but I don’t do it anymore.)
  • Past states:
    • She used to live in New York. (This was true in the past, but it’s not anymore.)
    • There used to be a coffee shop here. (The coffee shop existed in the past, but it has since closed.)

What Does “Would” Mean?

“Would” is used to describe repeated actions or routines in the past, often in a storytelling or nostalgic context. Unlike “used to,” it cannot describe states or conditions; it is strictly for actions.

Examples:

  • Past actions:
    • Every summer, we would visit our grandparents in the countryside. (This was a repeated action.)
    • After dinner, my father would read us a bedtime story. (This was a habitual action.)

When “would” is used in this way, it often adds a sense of nostalgia or emotional reflection, especially when recounting memories.

Key Differences Between “Used to” and “Would”

FeatureUsed toWould
Describes actionsYesYes
Describes statesYesNo
Contrast with presentImplies the action/state no longer happensDoes not imply contrast
ToneNeutral, matter-of-factNostalgic or reflective

When to Use “Used to”

Use “used to” when:

  1. You want to emphasize that something happened in the past but does not happen anymore.
  2. You are describing states or conditions that existed in the past.

Examples:

  • I used to have long hair, but now it’s short. (State)
  • He used to work in a factory, but now he’s a teacher. (Action)

When to Use “Would”

Use “would” when:

  1. You are talking about repeated actions or routines in the past.
  2. You want to create a nostalgic or storytelling tone.

Examples:

  • On weekends, we would go to the beach and spend hours swimming. (Action)
  • During the holidays, my grandmother would bake the most delicious cookies. (Action)

Important Note: Avoid using “would” with states or conditions. For instance, you cannot say, “She would live in New York” to mean a past state. Instead, use “used to”:

  • Correct: She used to live in New York.
  • Incorrect: She would live in New York.

Combining “Used to” and “Would”

In some contexts, both “used to” and “would” can be used to describe repeated actions in the past. However, “used to” emphasizes the contrast with the present, while “would” often creates a more reflective tone.

Examples:

  • When I was a child, I used to play in the park every afternoon. (Focus on the change between past and present.)
  • When I was a child, I would play in the park every afternoon. (Focus on the repeated nature of the action, often in a storytelling tone.)

You can even use both in a sentence to provide additional detail:

  • When I was young, I used to have a dog, and we would go for long walks together every evening.

Quick Summary

ExpressionUseExamples
Used toPast actions or states no longer trueI used to live in Paris. She used to love chocolate.
WouldRepeated past actions, storytellingHe would read to us every night. We would swim every summer.

Understanding the subtle differences between “used to” and “would” will help you express yourself more clearly and effectively when talking about the past. Keep practicing, and soon these expressions will become second nature!

Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/used-to-vs-would/

GRAMMAR – (be) used to

In English, expressions like “used to” and “be used to” can be confusing because they look similar but have distinct meanings and uses. This guide will help you understand the difference and use them correctly.

What Does “Used To” Mean?

“Used to” is used to talk about habits, actions, or states that were true in the past but are no longer true. It highlights a contrast between the past and the present.

Structure:

  • Used to + base verb (infinitive without “to”)

Examples:

  • I used to play soccer every weekend, but now I don’t.
  • She used to live in London, but now she lives in Paris.
  • There used to be a cinema in this area, but it was demolished.

Key Point: “Used to” can describe past habits (repeated actions) or states (conditions).

What Does “Be Used To” Mean?

“Be used to” means being accustomed to something or finding it familiar, usually through experience. It does not refer to the past but rather describes a state of familiarity in the present.

Structure:

  • Be used to + noun/gerund (verb + ing)

Examples:

  • I am used to cold weather because I grew up in Canada. (Noun)
  • He is used to waking up early for work. (Gerund)

Why Gerunds? When “be used to” is followed by an action, the verb must be in gerund form because “to” functions as a preposition in this expression.

What Does “Be Used To” Mean?

“Be used to” means being accustomed to something or finding it familiar, usually through experience. It does not refer to the past but rather describes a state of familiarity in the present.

Structure:

  • Be used to + noun/gerund (verb + ing)

Examples:

  • I am used to cold weather because I grew up in Canada. (Noun)
  • He is used to waking up early for work. (Gerund)

Why Gerunds? When “be used to” is followed by an action, the verb must be in gerund form because “to” functions as a preposition in this expression.


Key Differences Between “Used To” and “Be Used To”

FeatureUsed ToBe Used To
Describes actionsYesNo
Describes statesYesYes
FocusPast habits or states no longer trueFamiliarity or adaptation
StructureUsed to + base verbBe used to + noun/gerund
ExampleShe used to live in New York.She is used to living in New York.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Confusing the Two Expressions:
    • Incorrect: I used to waking up early.
    • Correct: I am used to waking up early.
  2. Using “Would” Instead of “Used To” for States:
    • Incorrect: She would live in London.
    • Correct: She used to live in London.

Here are a few exercises to test your understanding:

  1. Fill in the blanks with the correct expression (used to or be used to):
    • When I was a child, I ______ (ride) my bike to school every day.
    • He ______ (live) in a small town, so he finds city life overwhelming.
    • We ______ (study) late at night, so staying up doesn’t bother us now.
  2. Identify whether the sentence refers to the past or present:
    • She is used to spicy food.
    • They used to go camping every summer.

Quick Summary

ExpressionUseExample
Used toPast habits or states no longer trueI used to drink coffee every day.
Be used toFamiliarity or adaptationI am used to drinking tea now.

Understanding and practicing these expressions will help you express yourself more clearly and confidently in English. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find them second nature!

USED TO vs BE USED TO

"Used to" is used to talk about past habits or situations that are no longer true.
"Be used to" means to be familiar with something or accustomed to it.

1 / 9

Jack ___________ the noise of the traffic outside his apartment because he grew up in a quiet village.

2 / 9

We ___________ go camping every summer when we were kids.

3 / 9

Mary has been living in France for three years now. She ___________ speaking French.

4 / 9

Tom ___________ stay up late studying for exams when he was in university.

5 / 9

When I first started my new job, I ___________ the long working hours, but now I'm used to them.

6 / 9

Sarah ___________ play the piano when she was a child, but she doesn't anymore.

7 / 9

John has recently moved to a big city. He _______________ the fast-paced lifestyle yet.

8 / 9

I ___________ walk to school every day when I was younger.

9 / 9

Lisa ___________ living in a small town, so she found it difficult to adjust to city life.

Your score is

The average score is 88%

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PREPOSITIONS: of Time – In, on, at

Prepositions of Time IN-ON-AT

Understanding prepositions of time can be tricky, but they’re essential for clear and accurate communication. Let’s break down the use of “in,” “on,” and “at” with examples to make them easier to grasp.

1. IN

Use “in” for longer periods of time, such as months, years, centuries, and long periods:

  • Months:in January, in May
    • Example: I was born in January.
  • Years:in 1995, in 2020
    • Example: We moved to this city in 2020.
  • Centuries:in the 21st century
    • Example: Many technological advancements occurred in the 21st century.
  • Periods of the day:in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening
    • Example: She likes to jog in the morning.

2. ON

Use “on” for specific days and dates:

  • Days of the week:on Monday, on Friday
    • Example: Let’s meet on Monday.
  • Dates:on July 4th, on December 25th
    • Example: The event is on July 4th.
  • Specific day + part of day:on Monday morning, on Friday night
    • Example: We have a meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

3. AT

Use “at” for precise times and specific points in the day:

  • Clock times:at 5:00 PM, at midnight
    • Example: The movie starts at 7:30 PM.
  • Specific periods:at noon, at night, at dawn
    • Example: He works best at night.

Summary Chart

PrepositionUse ForExamples
INMonths, years, centuries, long periodsin April, in 2021, in the evening
ONDays, dateson Tuesday, on March 3rd
ATPrecise times, specific points of dayat 6 PM, at midnight, at noon

Prepositions of Time - in, on, at

1 / 12

We always have a family dinner ___ Thanksgiving.

2 / 12

She wakes up early ___ the morning.

3 / 12

My birthday is ___ June.

4 / 12

The movie starts ___ 7:30 PM.

5 / 12

He was born ___ 1995.

6 / 12

We have a meeting ___ Monday.

7 / 12

She usually visits her grandparents ___ the weekend.

8 / 12

The concert is ___ Friday night.

9 / 12

I have an appointment ___ the afternoon.

10 / 12

They are going on vacation ___ the summer.

11 / 12

The store closes ___ midnight.

12 / 12

We always go skiing ___ January.

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The average score is 84%

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WORD FORMS

Welcome to our guide on how words can take different forms as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs! Many words in English change form depending on their role in a sentence, and understanding these transformations is key to mastering grammar and building vocabulary. Here you’ll find tables that show how specific words change across these categories, making it easier to identify and use them correctly. Whether you’re learning how to describe actions, qualities, or ideas, these tables provide a clear and practical reference to help you improve your English. Let’s explore how these forms work and discover their role in communication!

NOUNVERBADJECTIVEADVERB
laughterlaughlaughable laughably
criticismcriticize criticalcritically
griefgrieve grievingN/A
heatheathot hotly
darkness darkendarkdarkly
drama dramatizedramaticdramatically
terror/terrorism/terroristterrorize terrified/terrifyingterrifyingly
varietyvaryvarious variously
advice/advisoradvise advisableadvisably
life livelivingN/A
sharpnesssharpensharp sharply
originoriginate originaloriginally
agreement agreeagreeableagreeably
povertyimpoverishpoorpoorly
numbernumber numerousnumerously
additionadd additional/addedadditionally
weaknessweakenweak weakly
guide guideguidedN/A
mix/mixturemix mixedN/A
congratulation congratulatecongratulatoryN/A
continuationcontinue continued/continuouscontinuously
denialdenydeniable deniably
argument argueargumentative/arguablearguably
failurefail failed/failingN/A
observation/observerobserve observed/observantobservantly
possessionpossesspossessivepossessively
NOUNVERBADJECTIVEADVERB
creation / creativity create creativecreatively
satisfaction satisfy satisfactory / satisfiedsatisfactorily
application apply applicableapplicably
excitement excite excited / excitingexcitedly / excitingly
preparation prepare prepared / preparatorypreparedly
imagination imagine imaginativeimaginatively
pay / payment pay payableN/A
explanation explain explanatoryN/A
industry / industrialisation industrialize industrial industrially
response respond responsiveresponsively
prevention prevent preventive preventively
embarrassment embarrass embarrassing / embarrassed embarrassingly
threat threaten threateningthreateningly
security secure securesecurely
protection protect protectiveprotectively
theory theorize theoreticaltheoretically
completion complete completed completely
symbol symbolize symbolicsymbolically
communication communicate communicative communicatively
appreciation appreciate appreciative appreciatively
end / ending end endlessendlessly
note / notice notice noticeablenoticeably
identification identify identifiableidentifiably
profit profit profitableprofitably
confirmation confirm confirmed / confirmativeN/A
defense defend defensivedefensively
NOUNVERBADJECTIVEADVERB
weaknessweakenweakweakly
descriptiondescribe descriptivedescriptively
competition/competitorcompetecompetitivecompetitively
persuasionpersuadepersuasivepersuasively
appreciationappreciateappreciativeappreciatively
marriagemarrymarriedN/A
reactionreactreactive / reactionaryreactively / reactionarily
strengthstrengthenstrongstrongly
suspicion / suspectsuspectsuspicioussuspiciously
educationeducate educationaleducationally
apologyapologizeapologeticapologetically
sympathy sympathizesympatheticsympathetically
depth deependeepdeeply
conclusionconcludeconclusiveconclusively
warmth warm warmwarmly
sweetnesssweeten sweet sweetly
preferenceprefer(un)preferablepreferably
explosionexplode explosiveexplosively
discouragement discouragediscouragingdiscouragingly
shortage shortenshortshortly
closurecloseclosedclosely
attention / attentiveness attendattentiveattentively
discovery / discoverer discoverdiscoveredN/A
powerempower powerful / powerlesspowerfully/powerlessly
reliabilityrely reliablereliably
speciality specialize specialspecially

Notes:

For terms like congratulatory or grieving, adverbs may exist but are rare and not frequently used in modern English.

Some words do not naturally have a commonly used adverb form (e.g., discover or living).

Word Forms

Multiple-Choice Quiz: Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, and Adverbs

1 / 12

Which of the following is only a noun?

2 / 12

Which word is a verb?

3 / 12

Which word is an adjective?

4 / 12

What is the adverb in this sentence: "She sings beautifully"?

5 / 12

Choose the sentence with the correct use of an adjective:

6 / 12

Which of the following is NOT a verb?

7 / 12

What is the noun in this sentence: "The dog barked loudly"?

8 / 12

Which sentence contains an adverb?

9 / 12

What is the adjective in this sentence: "The tall tree fell during the storm"?

10 / 12

Which of the following is both a verb and a noun?

11 / 12

Choose the sentence with the correct use of an adverb:

12 / 12

What part of speech is the word 'quickly' in the sentence: "He ran quickly to catch the bus"?

Your score is

The average score is 96%

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Permanent link to this article: https://englishyourway.com.br/noun-verb-adjective-adverb/

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