Grammar Mechanic

The Problem…: It is not so difficult for students to understand the meaning of adverbs of frequency as they can easily be translated and can be taught on a scale to demonstrates use. However, the position of an adverb in relation to the AUXILIARY VERB and the MAIN VERB of a sentence can be problematic. Example Errors: • I have lunch normally at 2pm near work....

ADVERBS OF FREQUENCY(POSITION) The Problem…: It is not so difficult for students to understand the meaning of adverbs of frequency as they can easily be translated and can be taught on a scale to demonstrates use. However, the p…

The Problem…: It can be difficult for learners to use FOR and SINCE correctly because a time reference may not be needed in the learner’s L1. Also, the difference between a specific time and a period of time may not be easy to understand conceptually. For example, explaining to a learner that 1999 is a specific time can be confusing. For the learner, it is hard not to view 1999 as a period of time (i.e., a year)....

FOR & SINCE (+ time references) The Problem…: It can be difficult for learners to use FOR and SINCE correctly because a time reference may not be needed in the learner’s L1. Also, the difference between a specific time and a peri…

The Problem… Prepositions IN, ON & AT are notoriously difficult for learners because they rarely translate correctly into a their L1, meaning that there is a lot of potential for translation errors that, if not corrected, can • The year that I went to the concert, it was in July 27th.• A: What were you doing at 9am this morning?...

IN, ON & AT (prepositions of time) The Problem… Prepositions IN, ON & AT are notoriously difficult for learners because they rarely translate correctly into a their L1, meaning that there is a lot of potential for translation er…

The Problem…: It is very common for learners to confuse the verbs make and do. Especially as in some languages make and do translate as the same word. For example, they both mean hacer in Spanish. Example Errors: • I never do my bed.• I haven’t done lunch yet.• I have found a new company to make business with....

MAKE & DO(COLLOCATIONS) The Problem…: It is very common for learners to confuse the verbs make and do. Especially as in some languages make and do translate as the same word. For example, they both mean hacer in Spanish. …

The Problem…: AS & LIKE have a wide variety of uses in English; more than the examples covered in this worksheet. The meanings dealt with here are some of the more common errors for learns with a B1 / B2 level. Typically, the problem relates to an overuse of AS. A possible reason for this is that AS and LIKE can translate into a learner’s L1 as the same word....

AS & LIKE (similarity / function / speculation / example) The Problem…: AS & LIKE have a wide variety of uses in English; more than the examples covered in this worksheet. The meanings dealt with here are some of the more common errors for learns with…

The Problem…: There are a wide range of problems in relation to the GO collocations. Ultimately, these collocations and grammar patterns do not translate easily into a learner’s first language. Example Errors: I went to home at 6pm. We went to have dinner in a restaurant. I have only been in one festival. Have you ever been in a concert?...

GO TO + PLACE, GO + PLACE & GO + -ING The Problem…: There are a wide range of problems in relation to the GO collocations. Ultimately, these collocations and grammar patterns do not translate easily into a learner’s first language. Exa…