Grammar Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Topics discussed in class:
  • Prepositions
  • Basic grammar rules
  • Articles ("a" vs. "the")
  • Time in English

Prepositions

At vs. In

• In: Used with large/wide areas (countries, cities, continents).
  • Example: "I was born in Europe."
• At: Used with small, unimportant places (buildings).
  • Example: "I am at the farmer's market."

All vs. All of

• All of: Used with pronouns.
  • Example: "All of us are going to Malibu."
• All: Used with nouns.
  • Example: "All people had to stay home."

In vs. On vs. At (Time)

• In: General measurements.
  • Example: "I'll be there in two days."
• On: Specific dates.
  • Example: "Class starts on September 21."
• At: Specific time.
  • Example: "See you at 12 noon."

Beside vs. Besides

• Beside: Next to.
• Besides: In addition to.

Among vs. Between

• Among: Group of objects/people, usually more than two.
  • Example: "He is popular among his classmates."
• Between: Two objects.
  • Example: "I can't choose between going to the movies and staying home."

On vs. Upon

• Interchangeable but "upon" is more formal.

To vs. Than

• Followed by words like senior, prefer, etc.
  • Example: "He is senior to me."

In vs. Into

• In: Location.
• Into: Movement towards something.

For vs. Since

• For: Duration.
• Since: Starting date.

Agree With vs. Agree To

• Agree with: Agree with someone.
• Agree to: Agree to a plan.

To vs. For

• To: Destination, time, comparison, recipient, reason.
• For: Benefit, duration, schedule, reason, purpose.

Wait For vs. Wait To

• Wait for: Waiting for something/someone.
• Wait to: Waiting to do something.

Ask For vs. Ask To

• Ask for: A request.
• Ask to: Permission.

Basic Grammar Rules

Parts of Speech

• Noun: Object/subject.
• Pronoun: Replaces a noun.
• Verb: Indicates action.
• Adjective: Describes a noun.
• Adverb: Describes action or adjective.
• Preposition: Modifies a sentence.
• Conjunction: Connects sentences.
• Article: "a", "an", "the".

Articles

• A/An: Used to mention an object for the first time.
• The: An object known specifically.

Time

Present Simple

• Habits, schedules, general truths.
  • Example: "Ice is cold."

Past Simple

• Actions in the past.
  • Example: "He went home."

Future Simple

• Future actions, not 100% certain.
  • Example: "I will arrive in an hour."

Present Progressive

• Actions happening now.
  • Example: "Look, they are fighting."

Present Perfect

• Actions with ongoing results.
  • Example: "I have lost my keys." (focus on result)