Present simple for timetables and plans. Did you know that English does not have a future tense? It’s true! However, we have lots of different ways to talk about the future. Today we are looking at how to use Present Simple for future events.
Timetables
I may be talking about a plane leaving next month or about a class I am taking next semester, but I use Present Simple because it is a set timetable.
Use the Present Simple to talk about set timetables
The meeting starts at noon.
The bus leaves at 8 AM tomorrow morning.
In both examples above we are talking about a time in the future, but since these are set times, we use Present Simple.
Set plans
Set future plans are a lot like timetables because they are not going to change.
Use Present Simple to talk about set plans
Dinner is at 8:00.
We leave home at 7:45 every day.
Again, these are set plans so we use Present Simple.
Other ways to talk about timetables and plans
‘Will’ is another way to speak about the future in English.
Note that we can also use ‘will’ in these sentences and the meaning does not change.
The plane will leave at 5PM
We will leave home at 7:45 every day.
Also note that we say 5PM and not 17:00.
Common Mistakes
Knowing when to use Present Simple or Present Continuous can be confusing. It can be even more confusing for the person you are speaking to if you mix them up.
Remember, if we use Present Simple to talk about timetables and plans, it means that these are set times.
The meeting starts at noon every Tuesday.
If we use Present Continuous in this sentence, it means that the time is a temporary time for one meeting.
The meeting is starting at noon this Tuesday.
English Grammar
Now that you have seen Present simple for timetables and plans, take a look at our other Grammar Posts: Grammar: Already vs Yet Grammar: Like vs As
It is quite difficult to know when to use already vs yet. Here are some simple examples to help you use them correctly.
ALREADY
First let’s look at when to use Already.
Already – use
Use refers to how we use the word.
Use already to:
1. talk about something that happened before you expected it to happen.
Has she already left?
Carrie has already bought some flowers.
2. talk about something that happened before now.
I’ve already finished the exam.
He’s taken the car to the garage already.
Already – form
Form refers to the sentence structure. It’s important to know where to put the word already in the sentence. If we put the word in the wrong place it may cause confusion and is grammatically incorrect.
Use already between have/has and the past participle.
Have/has + already + past participle
They have already arrived.
Paul has already bought the book.
Already can also go at the end of a sentence
They have arrived already.
Paul has bought the book already.
YET
Let’s now take a look at how and where to use the word yet.
Yet – use
Use yet in the oppostite way of already.
Use yet:
to talk about something that you will do but have no done.
He hasn’t called me yet.
They haven’t arrived yet.
in negative sentences and in questions
Jenny hasn’t picked up the clothes yet.
Has Fred cleaned his bedroom yet?
Yet – Form
Now let’s look at where to use yet in the sentence
Always use yet at the end of a sentence.
Has Lucia started working yet?
I haven’t found the street yet.
Notice that in an answer, we say ‘no, not yet‘. It can only be used in the negative.
In the positive, we say, ‘Yes, they have seen it already.’
Common mistakes with already and yet
Most mistakes happen with ‘form’, meaning where the word is placed in the sentence.
Already she has arrived.
She has arrived already.
Paul hasn’t yet called.
Paul hasn’t called yet.
It’s important to remember that:
a negative answer to a question with already, will be answered with yet.
Have they already called?
Yes, they’ve already called.
No, they havent’s called already.
No, they haven’t called yet.
A positive answer to a question with yet, will be answered with already.
In today’s post we are describing the Differences between travel trip and journey. One of the main things that we need to consider is whether the noun is countable or uncountable.
TRAVEL
travel is an uncountable noun. We cannot say ‘three travels’.
Use travel to talk about the act of travelling.
Travel can be both exhilarating and exhausting
His job requires frequent travel to Asia.
Travel is most commonly used as a verb
We travelled to Egypt last year.
It can also be used as an adjective
There is a travel ban in place and we cannot leave.
TRIP
Trip is a countable noun.
Use trip to talk about a specific journey where you visit someone or something and return home.
He went on three trips this year!
When was the last time you took a trip and just got away from everything?
JOURNEY
Journey is a countable noun.
Use it to talk about the physical travel from one place to another.
I’m looking forward to the trip, but not the journey there. It’s very long.
We take advantage of the journey to watch movies or listen to audio books.
Common Mistakes
I had a great travel trip to Paris.
Remember that travel is uncountable and refers to the general concept of travel.
Trip is countable and is used to speak about specific trips, like a trip to Paris.
The travel journey from Madrid to Chicago is long.
Use journey to tal about the physical act of travelling.
English Grammar: like vs as. It’s true that sometimes we can interchange ‘like’ and ‘as’, but there are other times where the meaning can change quite a bit and can even cause confusion.
LIKE VS AS – CONJUNCTIONS
What’s a conjunction? Conjunctions are words used to connect clauses or sentences, such as: and, but, like and as.
Use
as/like + subject + verb (clause)
Examples
Nobody knows how to make him feel better like/as his parents do.
Like/as she said, few people are interested in art these days.
LIKE VS AS – PREPOSITIONS
When ‘like’ and ‘as’ are used as prepositions, they have different meanings and use.
MEANING
Like
similar to or the same as
Like a coach, I try to motivate the kids. (I am not a coach)
As
in the role/function of
As a coach, I am responsible for motivating the kids and teaching them how to play. (I am the coach)
USE
Like
like + noun (phrase) / pronoun
He sounds like a native speaker.
Your daughter looks exactly like you.
As
as + noun(phrase)
Sometimes, students like to use their teachers as a translator.
Kelly got a new job as a Personal Assistant.
COMMON MISTAKES
It’s quite easy to mix up ‘like’ and ‘as’ and sometimes it may not cause too much confusion, other times it may. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid.
LIKE
Use ‘like’ for:
appearances and behaviour
That dark spot looks like a shadow, but it’s a stain.
It looks like rain.
comparing two things
He has a cold, like me.
Like my colleagues, I am not happy about the changes.
AS
Use ‘as’ to speak about your profession
He works as a doctor in the Emergency Room.(He is a doctor)
You can use ‘like’ but it will have a different meaning
She’s a nurse, but her 13-hour shifts are like the doctor’s in the Emergency Room (She is a nurse and her shift has similarities to a doctor’s shifts)
English: By vs till / until. It can be quite confusing when we are writing work emails to know if we should use by or until. It’s true that until can often be translated as ‘hasta‘ in Spanish, but not always.
BY
Meaning
When ‘by’ is used to indicate time, it means:
something can be done between now and the time indicated.
not after the time indicated.
includes the day or time mentioned.
Examples
I’ll call you back by 3:00.
(I’ll call you between now and 3:00)
Please respond by Friday at the latest.
(Respond between now and Friday)
By what time do you need the payment?
What time do you need the payment by?
(When is the latest time for me to pay this?)
TILL / UNTIL
Meaning (positive)
When till or until are used to indicate time, it means:
the duration of a situation
when the event ends
till and until have the same meaning.
till is more informal and not used in formal writing.
Examples
I will be in the office until 6 o’clock to answer any of your questions.
(I will not be here to answer you at 6 or later).
We have until next month to pay the bill.
(we can pay it any time this month)
How much time do we have until they call?
(How much time do we have to prepare before the phone rings)
Meaning (negative)
In a positive statement, until means when something ends. However, in a negative statement, it usually means when something will begin.
Examples (negative)
We can not get any information from them until we provide all the necesarry documents.
(First the documents need to be turned in, then we will get the information)
The results will not be listed until everyone has voted.
(First all the votes take place. Then we get the results)
Common Mistakes
It is quite common for Spanish speakers to mix up by and until as they both are indicating a time when something ends. Take a look at some of these common errors.
INCORRECT: You have by Tuesday to respond.
CORRECT: You have until Tuesday to respond.
Practice
Fill in the blank space with by or until. Check your answers at the bottom of the post.
Please, respond to this email ____ Thursday.
I have to leave today ____ noon. I have a doctor appointment.
I am requesting time off, from June 10th ____ the 16th.
____ Friday at the latest.
____ June, we will not have any results for you.
The summer discount is available ____ September.
____ 5 o’clock the office is closed and everyone has gone home.
____ 5 o’clock the office is open and full of people.
You should have the asnwer ____ Monday at the latest.
____ we find a solution, we are unable to check out databases.
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English Writing: notifying errors. Communicating an error or mistake can be a delicate matter, especially in emails. So, make sure that your language is clear, not aggressive and is focused on the solution.
NOTIFYING AN ERROR
Here are some of the basic rules for making complaints or for telling someone they have made a mistake.
Don’t use language that accuses someone. Don’t be aggressive. Identify the mistake
Stay polite by using indirect language.
Mistake is a broad term that can be applied to anything. Learn the correct terminology for each situation and your message will be clearer, hence you will have better results.
By doing the first three rules, you have a better opportunity for maintaining a good working relationship with your colleagues
HOW TO SOUND MORE POLITE
STOP SAYING ‘YOU’
Try to avoid saying ‘you’
Use ‘we’ to share responsibility
We should review the numbers again.
Replace pronouns with There is, there seems to be, It looks like…
There’s seems to be a problem.
There is a inconsistancy here.
It looks like the price was overvalued.
USE POSITIVE STATEMENTS
Avoid negatives
Rephrase things in a positive way
I think we need to rethink the figures.
Maybe we need to look at the prices again.
USE THE CORRECT VOCABULARY
Discrepancy – when two numbers are different but should be the same.
Mix up – a mistake that causes confusion
Oversight – a mistake because someone didn’t see something.
EXPLAINING THE ERROR
It’s also important to be clear about what the exact error is. Here are some examples:
There was a discrepancy in the numbers. I noted that we have 4,300 pieces in the wearhouse and your document states that there is 4,200.
There’s seems to have been a mix-up. We were charged $2,000 this month, but that was last month’s order size. This month we only ordered half, so the price should be $1,000.
I’m sure it was just as oversight, but I believe the building has been undervalued by 10,000€. Can you please look into it for me?
CLOSING THE EMAIL
Always remember to close your email in a polite manner. Some examples are as follows:
Stative Verbs in English. Stative verbs (or State verbs) refer to verbs that describe a state, not an action. These are verbs that we rarely use in the Present Continuous form since they do not show actions. Having said that, this is changing, as languages often do. Below you can learn about how to use Stative Verbs and how to use some verbs as Stative and Dynamic (verbs that show action).
STATIVE VERBS
Remember that a Stative verb means that there is not an action happening. It is only a ‘state’.
Examples
In the context of the examples to the right, we would not be able to use the Present Continuous because the verbs represent a state, not an action.
List of Stative verbs
There are 4 general categories of Stative Verbs but remember that some of these verbs can be used in both Stative and Dynamic form. What makes them stative is that they are explaining a state, not an action.
So, now we know that Stative verbs only show a ‘state’, so Dynamic verbs show ‘action’. Some examples of Dynamic verbs are: run, dance, shower, play, etc. We can see the action occuring. Some verbs can be used both as a state and as an action. Here are some examples.
Examples
Think as a stative mental state
I think she is right.
He thinks the meeting is on Monday. I think it’s on Tuesday.
Think as an action in progress with Present Continuous
Please turn down the music. I’mthinking.
He’s thinking of having the meeting on Monday.
to be as a state of someone’s personality
Jim is such a nice guy
She’s always fair.
to be as a temporary action that is happening right now
He‘s not being very friendly at all today.
I don’t think she’s being very fair to you.
to have as a state of posession
We have a house in Malaga
She has a lot of friends.
to have as an activity that is taking place now or soon.
I’m having a party this weekend.
She’s having some friends over tonight to watch a movie.
OTHER VERBS THAT CAN BE BOTH STATIVE AND DYNAMIC
Remember that when you want to use a verb in a Stative form it is a ‘state’
The dinner tastes great!
But when it is in a dynamic state, there is action.
We are tasting each wine.
Cursos Inglés
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English Grammar: Present Continuous. Both Spanish and English have a Present Continuous verb tense (I’m working / Estoy trabajando) and although their form is similar (verb to be + gerund), they are used differently. In English, we use the Present Continuous for: (1) things happening in the moment, (2) ongoing actions that are happening around the current time (3) annoying habits and (4) future plans.
FORM
The form of Present Continuous is the same in Spanish and English
Positive statements
Subject + verb to be + gerund
Negative statements
Subject + verb to be + not + gerund
Questions
Verb to be + subject + gerund
USES
THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN THE MOMENT
Use present continuous to talk about something you are doing at the moment that you are saying it.
I’m writing this blog post right now.
I’m looking out the window.
NOTE: in Spanish you say ‘te escribo‘ in an email, but in English we say ‘I’m writing…‘ because for us it is something we are doing in that very moment. Learn more here.
ONGOING EVENTS / TEMPORARY SITUATIONS/HABITS
Present Continuous is also used for ongoing events or temporary situations. I may not be doing them at this very moment, but at this time in my life.
I’m learning to paint. (not right now, but I go to a class twice a week)
She’s not going to class this month. (She’ll go again next month)
ANNOYING HABITS
Use Present Continuous to show you are annoyed with someone’s habit.
You are always watching the TV!
He’s always complaining.
DEFINITE FUTURE PLANS
For definite future plans, we also use present continuous
After work I’m going to the gym.
Next month we are going to Malaga
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPANISH AND ENGLISH
There are times when in English we use present continuous but in Spanish you use Present Simple.
In addition to the examples in the photo on the right, we have the following:
What time are you going? ¿A que hora vas?
Who are you going with? ¿Con quien vas?
I’m attaching the document you requested. Adjunto el documento que me hayas pedido.
No tengas miedo de la palabra condicional. No es TAN complicado y no es tan diferente en Castellano. Vamos a repasar la forma (la estructura de la frase Second Conditional), el uso (cómo usarla) y algunos ejemplos.
Don’t be afraid of the word conditional. It’s not THAT complicated and it’s not that different than Spanish. Let’s go through the form (the structure of the a Second Conditional sentence), the use (how to use it) and some examples.
FORM
Como puedes ver en la foto, utilizamos la cláusula If/Unless con el pasado simple/continuo seguido de una cláusula que utiliza would/could/might + infinitivo.
También podemos cambiar el orden de las cláusulas.
Making requests in English. It’s true that us Americans are very direct giving answers and advice, however, when we need to request something, we usually take the indirect, more polite route. In Spanish, you would call this ‘haciendo pelota’ (kissing ass in English) but I promise it’s just built into us since childhood.
MAKING SIMPLE REQUESTS
A simple request means you ask someone to do something they are expected to complete. The reader needs to comply with the request.
Can you call Carol and cancel tomorrow’s meeting please?
Would you mind picking Lucia up from school today?
Sometimes a simple request is more like a reminder.
Could you please send me that report I asked for?
So, can you drop by after work?
Form
You have decided to use these phrases as they are the most appropriate for the situation. Now, let’s use them properly.
CAN / COULD
Remember that ‘could’ is more polite than ‘can’. This is the only difference between the two words.
Can + subject + please + infinitive without to + object
Can we please call him?
Can + subject + infinitive without to + object + please
Can John look for the cat please?
Could + subject + please + infintive without to + object
Could you pease tell me you name?
Could + subject + infinitive without to + object + please
Could she stop singing please. I can’t concentrate.
WOULD YOU MIND
To learn more about the different uses of the phrase ‘Would you mind?, click here.
Would + subject + mind + gerund (+object)
Would you mind going? I’m very busy.
Would he mind finishing up early tonight?
ASKING FOR FAVORS OR MAKING BIG REQUESTS
When we ask people for favors or big requests, remember to use more polite language or they are less likely to say yes.
Asking for favors and big requests means that the reader does not need to comply with your request.
I was wondering if I could take the day off tomorrow.
Do you think Clare might be able to cover me?
I was hoping she could give three classes.
FORM
As was the case previously, it is important to know how to properly use these expressions.
Was/were wondering if…
Here we are using an indirect question to request something. To learn more about indirect questions, click here.
Subject + was/were wondering + if + request (could + infinitive without to + object)
I was wondering if you could help me with this project.
I was wondering if Joe could take my place.
Paul was wondering if Ann could purchase the materials.
We were wondering if your team could give us a hand.
Do you think …
Here there are two versions. ‘Do you think you could‘, which is less polite than ‘Do you think you might be able to‘. However, both are good options. Since you are asking someone directly, we always start with ‘Do YOU think…’. If you ask ‘Does Carol think … ‘, we are asking someone for their opinion and it is no longer a request.
Do you think + person + could + infintive without to (+ object)
Do you think you could come over?
Do you think that Jennifer could finish my part?
Do you think + person + might be able to + infinitive without to (+object)
Do you think I might be able to take Monday off?
Do you think Martin might be able to do it?
I was hoping…
Here we can make a request for ourselves or for someone else. Since this is not a direct question, it may be unclear sometimes that this is a request, but it is!
Subject + was hoping (+that) + person + could + infintive without to (+object)
I was hoping I could leave early today.
Emma was hoping that you could send her the homework.
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English writing: Formal and informal. Truth be told, we are not as formal as you think, especially Americans. Not only that, but if you are still using very formal language with me after we have known each other for some time, I may feel offended. Formal language can be seen as cold and distant. So, I’m not saying forget everything your teachers have taught you, if you need to write a cover letter, a formal complaint or a first email to a new client, formal language is the way to go. But, once you have a relationship, lighten up.
REASON FOR WRITING
Formal: In relation to our previous email…
In relation to our previous email, we are willing to reduce the shipping charges.
Informal: Just to follow up on our chat…
Just to follow up on chat, we are happy to reduce the shipping charge.
Formal: I’m writing to inform you…
I’m writing to inform you that you have been accepted into the University of Chicago.
Informal: Just to let you know…
Just to let you know – I got in! I’m going to UofC!
Formal: We are delighted to inform you that.
We are delighted to inform you that your request has been accepted.
Informal: Guess what…
Guess what! We just got your package today.
ATTACHMENTS
Formal: Please find attached
Please find attached the documents you requested.
Informal: I’m attaching / I’ve attached
I’m attaching the documents to asked for.
I’ve attached the documents here.
REQUESTS
Formal: Please take into account…
Please take into account that the meeting starts at 10 am.
Informal: Don’t forget to…
Don’t forget to join the meeting at 10.
CLOSING AN EMAIL
Formal: I look forward to seeing you on Monday.
Informal: See you on Monday. Hope to see you on Monday.
English: Regret + gerund or infinitive. Again we are reviewing a word whose meaning changes depending on the use of the gerund or infinitve following it. Since regret is a word were we are already sorry about something, we don’t want to use it incorrectly.
REGRET + GERUND
Use regret + gerund to express that you are sorry about something you have said or done.
He really regrets not calling you. (He wishes he had called)
My daughter regrets telling her best friend her secret. (She wishes she didn’t tell her)
REGRET + INFINITIVE
Use regret + infinitive (without to) before giving someone bad news.
I regret to tell you that your sister didn’t make it out of surgery. (I’m sorry, but…)
We regret to inform you that your payment has not been accepted. (We have bad news…)
Practice
Now that you have read through the explanations, try answering the following sentences with the correct form of the verb. Check your answers at the bottom of the post
We really reget ____ (tell) her that she was sick. I think she would have been better off not knowing.
They regret ____ (lie) about the case because now they can be sued, not because they feel sorry.
I regret ____ (inform) you that your payment is overdue.
The letter stated, ‘We regret ____ (tell) you that you have not been accepted.’
I don’t regret ____ (tell) her the truth. She deserved to know.
Why do you regret ____ (move) here?
On behalf of the airline, I regret ____ (inform) you that this flight is overbooked.
She told me that she regrets ____ (be) my friend.
I don’t regret ____ (inform) them about what happened on the trip.
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Giving advice in English. There are only a few occasions when you should be using ‘have to’ with someone.
You are a parent and you are telling your children what to do (and this concept is debatable)
You have to clean your room before you leave this house.
You are telling your friend in an exaggerated way what they need to do because it was fun, exciting, entertaining, etc.
You HAVE TO see the last season of Stranger Things!
You are seriously concerned about someone.
We have to go to the emergency room now!
If you are not in one of these three situations, then stop telling people in English what they ‘have to do’. This is a strong statement for us and is usually used for children. So, when speaking or writing to adults, employees, etc, I soften my advice by using some of the following phrases. Why? Because they are adults and can make the best decisions for themselves. And yes! This included employees.
I RECOMMEND / SUGGEST…
A polite way of giving advice to someone
1 Form: Person + recommend/suggest + gerund
They recommend printing the file instead of sending it by email.
She suggests charging them before sending anything out.
2 Form: Person + recommend/suggest + noun
My doctor doesn’t recommend those pills for pain.
Lucia suggests the white one because it is lighter.
I WOULD RECOMMEND / SUGGEST…
A more polite way to give advice.
1. Form: Person + would recommend/suggest + gerund
I would suggest calling the store first to see if it’s still open before you take a ride over there.
I wouldn’t recommend eating there. It hasn’t got very good reviews.
2. Form: Person + would recommend/suggest + noun
I wouldn’t recommend the beef to anyone. It was not their best dish.
I think a doctor would suggest time off for that type of injury.
Use the adverbs highly or stongly to give strength to your statement.
I would highly recommend checking with your doctor before trying that medication.
She would strongly recommend Paul’s garage for any problems you may have with your car.
IF I WERE YOU…
A way of giving advice based on what you would do if you were in their situation.
Form: If I were you + I + would + infintive (without to)
If I were you, I would finish send the email out before the end of the day.
If I were you, I would talk to my boss before jumpling to any conclusions.
HAVE YOU TRIED…
An inoffensive way of asking what someone has already done.
Form: Have you tried + gerund
Have you tried turning it on and off again?
Have you tried calling their main line and asking to speak to him directly?
Remember + gerund or infinitive. Remember can be followed by either a geruna or an infinitive, but the meaning changes. It’s important to know the difference
REMEMBER + GERUND
Use a gerund after remember to talk about memories or to recall someone or something
He remembers wearing a suit but that really all he remembers from that day. (He can recall the memory of wearing the suit).
I don’t remember talking to her, but I could be wrong. (Maybe I just forgot that we talked)
REMEMBER + INFINITIVE
Use remember + infinitve to express that you have not forgotten to do something
I didn’t remember to pay the fee, so we lost the membership. (I forgot to pay the fee).
Many times we use remember + infinitive to give a stong suggestion to someone who should not forget to do something.
Remember to take an umbrella. It’s going to rain later. (don’t forget your umbrella)
PRACTICE
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of the verb in parentasis. Then check your answers at the bottom of the post
Did you remember _______ John back about the meeting tomorrow? (call)
I don’t remember ever _______ this city before? (visit)
Doesn’t she remember _______ together as kids when they were younger? (play)
I’m really sorry but I didn’t remember _______ the box from the office. (pick up)
Why doesn’t she ever remember _______ her homework on time? (finish)
Julie doesn’t remember _______ him at the fair. (meet)
Remember _______ your driver’s license this year! (renew)
I remember _______ to the store, but I don’t remember _______ the apples (go, buy)
George, did you remember _______ the paper for the office? (order)
I will always remember _______ it in the future after getting in so much trouble. (buy)
English emails: I’m writing. When writing emails in Spanish, it’s quite common to use Present Simple: I write… However, in English we use Present Continuous to write about something that is happening in the moment. I’m writing this blog post right now, so I use Present Continuous.
EMAILS
Starting emails
Since I am writing an email in the moment, we use Present Continuous. To start the email, say:
I’m writing you in reference to the conference that is taking place next month.
I’m writing you in response to your questions about the fair.
Attachments
We can also use the present continuous to talk about an attachment to an email:
I’m attaching the documents you requested earlier today.
As requested, I’m attaching a copy of the budget.
Talking about yourself
Remember, we use Present Continuous to talk about things we are doing in the moment, so if you are talking about something happening now in your life, use present continuous:
I’m working a lot right now since I just started a new job.
I’m living in a nice apartment about 15 minutes from the center.
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