Curso de Inglês - 1 - Gramática

VICTORIA VARGA
Aulas de Inglês - Grammar

1
ARTICLES
DEFINITION OF ARTICLES
English has two types of articles: definite (the) and indefinite (a, an) The use of these articles depends
mainly on whether you are referring to any member of a group, or to a specific member of a group.
1. INDEFINITE ARTICLES: A AND AN

A and an signal that the noun modified is indefinite, referring to any member of a group. These indefinite
articles are used with singular nouns when the noun is general; the corresponding indefinite quantity word
some is used for plural general nouns. The rule is:
• a + singular noun beginning with a consonant: a boy
• an + singular noun beginning with a vowel: an elephant
• a + singular noun beginning with a consonant sound: a user (sounds like 'yoo-zer,' i.e. begins
with a consonant 'y' sound, so 'a' is used)
• some + plural noun: some girls
If the noun is modified by an adjective, the choice between a and an depends on the initial sound of the
adjective that immedately follows the article:
• a broken egg
• an unusual problem
• a European country (sounds like 'yer-o-pi-an,' i.e. begins with consonant 'y' sound)
Note also that in English, the indefinite articles are used to indicate membership in a profession, nation, or
religion.
• I am a teacher.
• Brian is an Irishman.
• Seiko is a practicing Buddhist.
2. DEFINITE ARTICLE: THE
The definite article is used before singular and plural nouns when the noun is particular or specific. The
signals that the noun is definite, that it refers to a particular member of a group. Compare the indefinite
and definite articles in the following examples:
Indefinite (a or an) Definite (the)

a dog (any dog) the dog (that specific dog)
Singular
an apple (any apple) the apple (that specific apple)
some dogs (any dogs) the dogs (those specific dogs)
Plural
some apples (any apples) the apples (those specific apples)
The is not used with non-countable nouns referring to something in a general sense:
• [no article] Coffee is a popular drink.
• [no article] Japanese was his native language.
• [no article] Intelligence is difficult to quantify.
The is used with noncountable nouns that are made more specific by a limiting modifying phrase or
clause:
• The coffee in my cup is too hot to drink.
• The Japanese he speaks is often heard in the countryside.
• The intelligence of animals is variable but undeniable.
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The is also used when a noun refers to something unique:

• the White House
• the theory of relativity
• the 1999 federal budget
Note: Geographical uses of THE

Do not use the before:
• names of countries (Italy, Mexico, Bolivia) except the Netherlands and the US
• names of cities, towns, or states (Seoul, Manitoba, Miami)
• names of streets (Washington Blvd., Main St.)
• names of lakes and bays (Lake Titicaca, Lake Erie) except with a group of lakes like the Great
Lakes
• names of mountains (Mount Everest, Mount Fuji) except with ranges of mountains like the Andes
or the Rockies or unusual names like the Matterhorn
• names of continents (Asia, Europe)
• names of islands (Easter Island, Maui, Key West) except with island chains like the Aleutians, the
Hebrides, or the Canary Islands
Do use the before:

• names of rivers, oceans and seas (the Nile, the Pacific)
• points on the globe (the Equator, the North Pole)
• geographical areas (the Middle East, the West)
• deserts, forests, gulfs, and peninsulas (the Sahara, the Persian Gulf, the Black Forest, the Iberian
Peninsula)
FURTHER USES OF ARTICLES

In addition, use of a, an, and the also depends on whether the noun following the article possesses one of
these paired qualities:
• Countable vs. noncountable
• First vs. subsequent mention
• General vs. specific
1. COUNTABLE VS. NONCOUNTABLE
A and an are used if the noun can be counted.
I stepped in a puddle. (How many puddles did you step in? Just
one. Therefore, use a.)
I drank a glass of milk. (Glasses of milk can be counted)
I saw an apple tree. (Apple trees can be counted)

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The must be used when the noun cannot be counted.
I dove into the water. (How many waters did you dive into? The
question doesn't make any sense because water is noncountable.
Therefore, use the.)
I saw the milk spill. (How many milks? Milk cannot be counted)
I admired the foliage. (How many foliages? Foliage cannot be

counted)
2. FIRST VS. SUBSEQUENT MENTION
A or an is used to introduce a noun when it is mentioned for the first time in a piece of writing. The is
used afterward each time you mention that same noun.
An awards ceremony at the Kremlin would not normally have attracted so much attention. But when it
was leaked that Soviet President Konstantin Chernenko would be presenting medals to three cosmonauts,
interest in the ceremony intensified. Time, Sept. 17, 1984.
Note: There is and there are can be used to introduce an indefinite noun at the beginning of
a paragraph or essay.
There is a robin in the tree outside my window. When my cat jumps up on the desk, the robin flies
away.
3. GENERAL VS. SPECIFIC
A, an, and the can all be used to indicate that a noun refers to the whole class to which individual
countable nouns belong. This use of articles is called generic, from the Latin word meaning "class."
A tiger is a dangerous animal. (any individual tiger)

The tiger is a dangerous animal. (all tigers: tiger as a generic category)
The difference between the indefinite a and an and the generic a and an is that the former means any
one member of a class while the latter means all of the members of a class.
The omission of articles also expresses a generic (or general) meaning: no article with a plural noun:
Tigers are dangerous animals. (all tigers);no article with a noncountable noun: Anger is a destructive
emotion. (any kind of anger)
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OMISSION OF ARTICLES
While some nouns combine with one article or the other based on whether they are countable or
noncountable, others simply never take either article. Some common types of nouns that don't take an
article are:
1. NAMES OF LANGUAGES AND NATIONALITIES

• English
• Chinese
• Spanish
• Russian
2. NAMES OF SPORTS
• hockey
• volleyball
• baseball
3. NAMES OF ACADEMIC SUBJECTS

• biology
• history
• computer science
• mathematics
PREPOSITIONS
Mary was born IN the morning, ON a summer day, AT Santa Isabel hospital downtown.
The books were all INSIDE the bag.
I must go OUT of the house to breathe some fresh air.
They are standing OUTSIDE your window.
May I sit BESIDE you ?
I am waiting BEHIND you in line.
She came running TOWARDS him.
The bird came flying THROUGH the open window.
They looked at each other ACROSS the room.
We must finish the project WITHIN a year.
They lived together DURING twenty years.
I have worked here SINCE the beginning of last year.
She came FROM Germany.
We plan to travel TO Europe next year.
She works from early morning UNTIL late at night.
Leave your keys ON the table.
Meet him AT five o’clock tomorrow at the usual place.
They threw the ball OVER the roof of the neighbour’s house.
The picture is hanging ABOVE the couch.
The cat is sleeping UNDER the bed.
In winter, temperatures in Europe drop BELOW zero degrees.
Tom lives NEAR Jim.
Rio de Janeiro is a city built BETWEEN the mountains and the ocean.
Mogli was a boy who grew up in the jungle AMONG animals of all types.
That girl is a native OF China.
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PRONOUNS
OBJECT POSSESSIVE
SUBJECT FORM FORM FORM POSSESSIVE
PRONOUN PRONOUN PRONOUN ADJECTIVE
I ME MINE MY
YOU YOU YOURS YOUR
HE / SHE / IT HIM / HER / IT ITS HIS / HER / ITS
WE US OURS OUR
YOU YOU YOURS YOUR
THEY THEM THEIRS THEIR
ADJECTIVE FORMS
DE- QUAN- DISTRI- …ING or
MONS- TITA- ORIGINAL COMPARATIVE SUPERLATIVE BUTIVE …ED
TRATIVE TIVE
THIS SOME GOOD BETTER THE BEST ALL FRIGHTENING
THAN FRIGHTENED
THAT ANY STRONG STRONGER THE EACH INTERESTING
THAN STRONGEST INTERESTED
THESE FEW HONEST MORE HONEST THE MOST EVERY BORING
THAN HONEST BORED
THOSE NO PRETTY PRETTIER THAN PRETTIEST EITHER CONFUSING
CONFUSED
LITTLE BAD WORSE THE WORST NEITHER AMAZING
THAN AMAZED
MANY UGLY UGLIER THE UGLIEST BOTH TIRING
THAN TIRED
MUCH INTERESTING MORE THE MOST AND FASCINATING
INTERESTING INTERESTING FASCINATED
THAN
PHRASAL VERBS
They can be (a) separable, (b) inseparable or (c) intransitive
Many verbs in English are followed by an adverb or a preposition (also called a particle), and these two-
part verbs, also called phrasal verbs, are known as phrasal verbs. The particle that follows the verb
changes the meaning of the phrasal verb in idiomatic ways:
VERB MEANING EXAMPLE

drop off decline gradually The hill dropped off near the river.
drop off(2) fall asleep While doing his homework, he dropped off.
stop and give something to
drop off(3) Would you drop this off at the post office?
someone
drop out cease to participate After two laps, the runner dropped out.
Some particles can be separated from the verb so that a noun and pronoun can be inserted, and some
particles can't be separated from the verb. In addition, some phrases are intransitive, meaning they
cannot take a direct object.
add up (meaning: to
Separable Correct: She added up the total on her calculator.
add)
Correct: She added it up on her calculator.

Inseparable get around Correct: She always gets around the rules.
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Incorrect: She always gets the rules around (This construction

makes no sense in English.)
catch on (meaning: Correct: After I explained the math problem, she began to catch
Intransitive
to understand) on.
Incorrect: She began to catch on the math problem. (catch on
cannot take a direct object in this meaning.)
Correct: She began to catch on to the math problem. (the word to
makes the math problem an indirect object, which is acceptable in
this meaning.)
Unfortunately, there is usually no indicator whether an idiomatic phrase is separable, inseparable, or

intransitive. In most cases the phrases must simply be memorized. Below is a partial list of each kind of
phrase.
Separable
add up - add
back up - cause to move backwards; support; blow up; cause to explode; destroy by explosives
break down - analyze; list the parts of separately
break into - go into a house or room forcibly; suddenly; begin; bring about - cause to happen
bring off - accomplish
bring on - cause
bring out - publish; emphasize
bring over - bring
bring to - revive
bring up - raise; care for from childhood
brush out - brush the inside of
burn down - destroy by burning
burn up - consume by fire
buy out - by the other person's share of a business
buy up - buy the whole supply of
call off - cancel; order away
call up - telephone; summon for military service
calm down - become calm
carry on - continue
carry out - fulfill; complete; accomplish; perform
carry over - carry; continue at another time or place
cheer up - cause to become cheerful
chew up - chew thoroughly
chop up - chop into small pieces
clean off - clean the surface of
clean out - clean the inside of
clean up - clarify; tidy
clear out - clear the surface of
clear up - clear the inside of
close down - close permanently
close up - close temporarily
count in - include
count out - exclude
count up - calculate; count; add to a total
cross out - eliminate
cut off - interrupt; sever; amputate
cut out - eliminate; delete
cut down - reduce in quantity
draw up - write; compose (a document)
dress up - put clothes on; adorn
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eat up - eat completely

figure out - interpret; understand
figure up - compute
fill in - complete (a printed form)
fill out - complete (a printed form)
fill up - fill completely (a container)
find out - discover
fix up - repair; arrange in a suitable manner
get across - cause to be understood
give back - return
give out - distribute; announce
give up - surrender something
hand down - deliver; pronounce formally; leave as an inheritance
hand over - yield control of
hang up - suspend
have on - be dressed in
have over - entertain someone informally at one's home
hold off - delay; restrain
hold up - delay; rob; threaten with a weapon
keep up - continue; keep the same pace
leave out - omit
let down - disappoint
let out - release from confinement; make larger (in sewing)
light up - light; illuminate thoroughly
live down - live in such a way as to cause something to be forgotten
make over - remake
move over - move to the side
pass out - distribute
pass up - not take advantage of (as an opportunity)
pass on - transmit
pay back - repay
pay off - discharge a debt completely; give someone his final pay
pick up - come to meet an escort; lift with hands or fingers; learn casually;
initiate an association publicly
play down - minimize
play up - emphasize
point out - indicate
pull down - pull in a downward direction; raze
push across - cause to be understood or accepted
put off - postpone
put on - dress in; deceive or fool
put up - preserve (food); receive as an overnight guest
quiet down - be quiet
ring up - the telephone
rinse off - rinse the surface of
rinse out - rinse the inside of
rule out - eliminate
run down - trace; disparage; hit with a vehicle
run off - cause to depart; reproduce mechanically
save up - accumulate
see through - complete; in spite of difficulties
see off - accompany someone to the beginning of a trip
send back - send to a place where formerly located
send over - send to where someone is
set up - arrange
show off - exhibit ostentatiously
shut off - cause to cease functioning
slow up - cause to move more slowly
spell out - enumerate; state in detail
stand up - fail to keep an appointment with
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sweep out - sweep the inside of

take back - return; retract a statement
take down - remove from a high position; write from dictation
take in - understood; fool; deceive; make smaller (in sewing)
take over - take command of
tear down - destroy
tear up - tear into small pieces
tell off - scold; reprimand
think over - consider
think through - consider from beginning to end
think up - create; invent
throw away - discard
throw over - reject
tie up - tie securely or tight
tire out - cause to be exhausted
touch up - repair
try on - put on a garment to verify the fit
try out - test
turn down - refuse; lower the volume
turn out - produce; force into exile, extinguish (a light)
wash off - wash the surface of
wash out - wash the inside of
wear out - use until no longer usable; tire greatly
wind up - finish, tighten the spring of a watch or machine
wipe off - wipe the surface of
wipe out - wipe the inside of; decimate
work out - solve
write down - record
write out - write down every detail; spell out
write up - compose; prepare (a document)
Inseparable
back out of - desert; fail to keep a promise

bear down on - lean on; browbeat
bear on - have to do with
bear up under - endure
break in on - interrupt
break into - interrupt
call for - come to get; require
care for - like; guard; supervise; maintain
carry on with - continue
catch up with - cover the distance between oneself and
check up on - examine; verify
come across - find accidentally
come along with - accompany; make progress
come by - find accidentally
come down with - become ill with
come out with - utter; produce
come up with - utter; produce
count on - rely on
cut in on - interrupt
disagree with - cause illness or discomfort to
do away with - abolish
do without - deprive oneself of
drop in at/on - visit casually without planning
drop out of - leave; quit
face up to - acknowledge
fall behind in - lag; not progress at required pace
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fall back on - use for emergency purpose

fall out with - quarrel with
fill in for - substitute for
get ahead of - surpass; beat
get around - evade; avoid
get away with - do without being caught or punished
get by with - manage with a minimum of effort
get down to - become serious about; consider
get in - enter (a vehicle)
get off - descend from; leave
get on - enter (a vehicle); mount
get on with - proceed with
get through with - terminate, finish
go back on - desert; fail to keep (a promise)
go for - like a great deal
go in for - be interested in; participate in
go on with - continue
go over - review
go with - harmonize with; look pleasing together
go without - abstain from
hang around - remain idly in the vicinity of
hear from - receive a communication from
hear of - learn about (sometimes accidentally)
hit on - discover accidentally
hold on to - grasp tightly
hold out against - resist
keep at - persevere at
keep to - persist in; continue
keep up with - maintain the pace of
lie down on - evade; fail to do
live on - support or sustain oneself by means of
live up to - maintain the standard demanded of
look after - take care of
look back on - remember nostalgically
look down on - feel superior to
look forward to - anticipate
look up to - respect; admire
make up for - compensate for
pass on - transmit
pick on - tease; bully
play up to - flatter for personal advantage
put up with - tolerate
read up on - search out information on
run against - compete against in an election
run away with - leave; escape from
run for - campaign for
see about - consider; arrange
see to - arrange; supervise
settle on - decide on; choose
stand for - represent; permit
stand up for - support; demand
stand up to - resist
stick to - persist
stick up for - support; defend
take after - resemble
talk back to - answer impolitely
talk over - discuss
tell on - report misbehavior to authority
touch on - mention briefly
turn into - become
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wait on - serve
wait up for - not go to bed while waiting for
watch out for - be careful for
Intransitive
back down - retreat from a position in an argument

back out - desert; fail to keep a promise
back up - move backwards
bear up - endure
blow in - drop in to visit unexpectedly
blow over - pass without doing harm
blow up - explode; lose one's temper
call up - telephone
calm down - become calm
carry on - continue as before; misbehave
catch on - understand
catch up - cover the distance between oneself and a moving goal
check up - investigate
check out - leave; pay one's bill
cheer up - become cheerful
clear out - leave
clear up - become clear
close down - close permanently
close up - close temporarily
came about - happen
come along - accompany; make progress
come back - return
come by - visit someone in his home
come out - appear; make a social debut
come over - come to someone's house, to where someone is
come through - succeed
come to - regain consciousness
cut in - interrupt
die away - fade; diminish
die down - fade; diminish
die off/out - disappear; become extinct
dress up - don fancy or unusual clothes
drive back - return by car
drop in - visit someone casually without planning
drop out - abandon some organized activity; leave; quit
drop over - visit someone casually
fall behind - not progress at required pace
fall off - decrease; lose weight
fall through - fail; not be accomplished
fill in - substitute
find out - learn
fly back - return by air
fly over - fly to where someone is
get ahead - make progress
get along - have a friendly relationship
get around - circulate; move about
get away - escape
get by - manage; either just barely or with a minimum of effort
get in - enter
get off - descend from leave
get on - enter (a vehicle); mount (a horse, etc.)
get on/along - progress; be compatible
get up - rise
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get through - finish

give out - become exhausted
give up - surrender; fail to finish
go back - return
go off - explode
go on - happen; continue
go out - stop burning; leave one's residence
go over - go; succeed
grow up - mature
hang around - remain idly; dawdle
hang up - replace a telephone receive on its hook
hold on - grasp tightly; persevere; wait while telephoning
hold out - continue to resist; persevere; persist
keep on - continue
keep up - maintain the required pace or standard; continue
let up - diminish in intensity
lie down - recline
look on - be a spectator
make out - progress; succeed
make up - become reconciled
move over - move to the side
pan out - turn out well; be successful
pass out - become unconscious
pass on - die
pick up - grow; increase
pull in - arrive
pull out - deport
pull through - survive (barely)
ride over - ride to where someone is
run away - escape; leave; leave quickly without permission
run down - slowly lose power so as to stop functioning
run off - depart running; drain
sell out - sell the ownership or responsibility
settle up - pay one's bills or debts
show off - boast by words or actions
show up - arrive; appear unexpectedly
shut up - stop talking
slow up - reduce speed
stand by - wait; be prepared to assist
stand up - stand; rise from sitting; last; endure
stay over - remain at someone's house overnight or longer
step aside - move to one side
take off - leave the ground
take over - take command of
talk back - answer impolitely
throw up - vomit
turn around - turn so that one is facing another direction
turn in - go to bed
turn out - succeed; come; appear, as at a public meeting
turn up - arrive; be found unexpectedly
wait up - remain awake in anticipation
wake up - awaken
walk back - return on foot to where one was
walk over - walk to where someone is
wash out - fade or disappear from washing
watch out - be careful
wear off - fade; disappear through use or time
wear out - become unusable through use; become used up
work out - be successful, do exercise
WHILE DOING HIS HOMEWORK HE DROPPED OFF.
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EXAMPLES
AFTER TWO LAPS THE RUNNER DROPPED OUT OF THE COMPETITION.
YOU MUST GIVE UP SMOKING BEFORE IT MAKES YOU SICK.
AFTER A LONG ARGUMENT HE FINALLY GAVE IN TO ME.
WILL YOU PLEASE GIVE ME BACK MY BOOK ?
EVERYBODY BE QUIET !! THIS IS A HOLD UP !!
THE FLIGHT WAS HELD OFF BECAUSE OF THE STORM.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, CHILDREN, AND SANTA CLAUS WILL REMEMBER YOU.
WE HAVE FINALLY PAID OFF THE HOUSE INSTALLMENTS.
I WISH THAT MAN WOULD STOP SHOWING OFF HIS LANGUAGE SKILLS !!
TAKE YOUR TIME TO THINK OVER THE PROPOSAL WE JUST MADE TO YOU.
SHE STOOD HIM UP AND HE WAS FURIOUS.
SHE WAS RULED OUT OF THE COMPETITION.
WILL YOU COME TO THE AIRPORT TO SEE ME OFF ?
THIS SITUATION CALLS FOR OUR GREATEST EFFORTS.
YOU KNOW YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON ME.
THEY DROPPED IN ON US YESTERDAY DURING LUNCH TIME.
IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO EAT BUTTER, YOU JUST HAVE TO DO WITHOUT IT.
COULD YOU HELP ME GO OVER MY HOMEWORK ?
YOU HAVE SET STANDARDS WHICH ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO LIVE UP TO.
I REALLY LOOK FORWARD TO MY NEXT HOLIDAYS.
HE IS ALWAYS PICKING ON YOU.
I WILL NOT ACCEPT YOU TALKING BACK TO ME.
FOR SOME STRANGE REASON YOUR FATHER JUST BLEW UP ON ME.
IN SPITE OF ALL THE SECURITY AT THE OFFICE, HE GOT AWAY WITH TWO BOXES.
YOU MAY BE SURE THAT ONE FINE DAY HE WILL SHOW UP.
WHEN THE PRESIDENT DIED, THE VICE-PRESIDENT TOOK OVER THE COMPANY.
I AM VERY TIRED, SO I SHALL CALL IT A DAY AND TURN IN EARLY.
WATCH OUT !! THERE IS A BOMB RIGHT BESIDE YOU !!
KINDLY FILL OUT THIS APPLICATION FORM.
VERB TENSES
SIMPLE PRESENT
Habitual, permanent or repeated action; general statement or proverb, where no particular time is
thought of.
I come to class every day.
The Earth moves around the sun.
SIMPLE PAST
Action totally completed at some point or during some time in the past; conditional sentences or
sentences expressing supposition.
Peter arrived late from work today.
If you worked hard you would have a raise in salary.
They act as if they were more important than we are.
SIMPLE FUTURE
Action in the future. The expression “going to” is also used to express futurity.
I will be home after eight o’clock.
You will not disobey your parents.
I am going to arrive late tomorrow.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Action which began in the past and will end in the future; expression of futurity, specially with verbs of
movement. To express immediate present actions. Not to be used with perception verbs unless in very
special cases.
Simple present of TO BE + present participle
The sun is shining.
John is coming here tomorrow.
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The children are just waking up.

I am not feeling well today.
PAST CONTINUOUS
Expression of two actions in the past, one as a background (past continuous) and the other as a
foreground (simple past).
Simple past of TO BE + present participle
While I was eating lunch, he arrived.
If stress is desired on both actions (because they are happening at the same time) they may both be used
in the past continuous.
While I was laughing you were crying.
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
Future activity beginning before and ending after some given time in the future; future plans already
decided on; casual future action.
Simple future of TO BE + present participle
At this time next year I shall be flying to Miami.
The Silvas will be spending the day with us next Sunday.
If all turns out well, we shall be meeting for lunch tomorrow.
PRESENT PERFECT
Action just concluded when the resulting state is still present; action begun in the past and continuing into
the present; indefinite time of action.
Simple present of TO HAVE + past participle
I have lost my pen, so I cannot write any more letters.
I have not visited my family for two years.
I have seen this film before.
PAST PERFECT
Action concluded before a certain time in the past or before the time of occurrence of another action into
which it continued; action lasting up to a certain time in the past; in indirect speech, to express an idea
which, in direct speech, had originally been in the present perfect or the simple past; expressing a
condition or supposition with an implied negative; expressing a past wish or hope which was not fulfilled;
expressions of comparison using “as if”.
Simple past of TO HAVE + past participle
Roberta had learned English before she came to England.
By the time you arrived I had waited for three hours.
He said he had sent her flowers.
She said they had gone for a walk.
If you had told me you would be late I would have waited longer.
They now wished they had listened to our advice.
He spoke as quickly as if he had been in a hurry.
FUTURE PERFECT
Action which will be completed before a certain time or another action in the future; duration up to a
certain time in the future; expression of possibility or assumption.
Simple future of TO HAVE + past participle
By the time you finish dressing the party will have ended.
On August 15th, you will have been our employee for ten years.
I expect you will have met Mr. Robinson at our recent party.
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

Expression of duration of an action beginning in the past and continuing up to the present, generally used
with “for” or “since”.
Present perfect of TO BE + present participle
I have been living in Petrópolis since 2002.
We have been working for you for 6 months.
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

Duration of an action from one moment to another in the past; expression of the present perfect
continuous in indirect (reported) speech.
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Past perfect of TO BE + present participle

The phone had been ringing for 3 minutes before it was answered.
She said she had been waiting for an opportunity to see me.
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

Expression of the duration of an action into a certain time in the future.
Future perfect of TO BE + present participle
Next month you will have been working here for two years.
GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES

Some situations will only accept gerunds, others only infinitives, and others may accept either.
Expressions and verbs followed ONLY by GERUNDS: enjoy, mind, stop, avoid, consider, finish, appreciate,
deny, admit, risk, dislike, “fond of” and other expressions ending in prepositions, “to be worth”, “no use”.
Situations which will ONLY accept INFINITIVES: to complete the meaning of a verb, in which case the
infinitive will stand for a direct object; to complete the meaning of an adjective or an adverb; to express
the idea of purpose, either alone of after the expression “in order”.
Cases in which we may use both GERUNDS and INFINITIVES: after the verbs: attempt, continue, hate,
love, propose, bear, dislike, like, prefer, start, begin, fear, intend, omit, learn
They have been living here since they were born.

By this time next year you will have finished college.
I always eat lunch with my friends at school.
It is impossible to live here with all this pollution.
I love going to the beach in the afternoon.
I like to play the piano.
I dislike having dinner alone.
Mary is fond of driving at night.
When John called you I was taking a shower.
While you were crying he was having a good time.
She said I had been rude to you.
If we had known you were sick we would have postponed our visit.
It will be cold tomorrow.
He is going to help me study for the exam.
We are just leaving the house.
I have missed the flight, so my arrival in Rio will be delayed.
They came here in order to meet you.
He went there to rescue his friend.
I will continue to search for you. He will continue studying every day.
MODAL VERBS
In the English language, a modal verb is an auxiliary verb that can be used to change the grammatical
mood of a sentence. The key way to identify a modal verb is by its defectiveness (they have neither
participles nor infinitives). Modal verbs in English are as follows, paired as present and preterite forms
(where applicable):
• shall and should
• will and would
• may and might
• can and could
• must (no preterite form)
The following are not modal verbs but may be used for a similar purpose:
• ought to and had better
• used to
VICTORIA VARGA
15
• dare and need (Archaic use)

• do
Although historically referring to past time, the preterite forms have come to be used in many cases with
no such meaning.
I SHALL BE AT THE OFFICE FROM NINE TO FIVE.

I SHOULD BE AT THE OFFICE IN THE AFTERNOON, BUT I MAY NOT ARRIVE ON TIME.
I WILL INFORM YOU OF THE DECISIONS MADE DURING THE QUARTERLY MEETING AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE.
I WOULD ACCOMPANY YOU TO THE DOOR IF THE TELEPHONE WERE NOT RINGING.
I MAY HAVE TO WORK OVERTIME THIS WEEK.
I MIGHT HAVE PICKED YOU UP FROM SCHOOL HAD I KNOWN (IF I HAD KNOWN) YOU NEEDED A
RIDE.
CAN I HELP YOU IN ANY WAY ?
I COULD HAVE HELPED YOU HAD YOU TOLD ME (IF YOU HAD TOLD ME) YOU HAD A PROBLEM
WITH YOUR COMPUTER SETTINGS.
YOU MUST STOP SMOKING BEFORE YOU GET SERIOUSLY ILL !
YOU OUGHT TO STUDY IF YOU WISH TO PASS THAT EXAM.
THEY HAD BETTER ARRIVE ON TIME TO WORK TOMORROW OR THEY SHALL (WILL) BE FIRED.
THE CHILDREN USED TO PLAY OUTDOORS WHEN I WAS YOUNG – NOW THEY SPEND ALL THEIR
TIME IN FRONT OF THEIR COMPUTERS.
I DARE NOT SPEAK TO YOU WHEN YOU ARE BUSY – IT SCARES ME TO THINK YOU MAY GET
ANGRY.
YOU NEED NOT SHOUT AT ME – I HEAR PERFECTLY WELL.
DO YOU NEED ANY HELP ?
IRREGULAR VERBS LIST

This is a list of some irregular verbs in English. Of course, there are many others, but these are the more
common irregular verbs.
BASE FORM
(INFINITIVE) SIMPLE PAST PAST PARTICIPLE
AWAKE AWOKE AWOKEN
BE WAS, WERE BEEN
BEAT BEAT BEATEN
BECOME BECAME BECOME
BEGIN BEGAN BEGUN
BEND BENT BENT
BET BET BET
BID BID BID
BITE BIT BITTEN
BLOW BLEW BLOWN
BREAK BROKE BROKEN
BRING BROUGHT BROUGHT

VICTORIA VARGA
16
BROADCAST BROADCAST BROADCAST
BUILD BUILT BUILT
BURN BURNED/BURNT BURNED/BURNT
BURST BURST BURST
BUY BOUGHT BOUGHT
CATCH CAUGHT CAUGHT
CHOOSE CHOSE CHOSEN
COME CAME COME
COST COST COST
CUT CUT CUT
DEAL DEALT DEALT
DIG DUG DUG
DO DID DONE
DRAW DREW DRAWN
DREAM DREAMED/DREAMT DREAMED/DREAMT
DRINK DRUNK DRUNK
DRIVE DROVE DRIVEN
EAT ATE EATEN
FALL FELL FALLEN
FEED FED FED
FEEL FELT FELT
FIGHT FOUGHT FOUGHT
FIND FOUND FOUND
FLY FLEW FLOWN
FORBID FORBADE FORBIDDEN
FORGET FORGOT FORGOTTEN
FORGIVE FORGAVE FORGIVEN
FREEZE FROZE FROZEN
GET GOT GOT / GOTTEN
GIVE GAVE GIVEN

VICTORIA VARGA
17
GO WENT GONE
GROW GREW GROWN
HANG HUNG HUNG
HAVE HAD HAD
HEAR HEARD HEARD
HIDE HID HIDDEN
HIT HIT HIT
HOLD HELD HELD
HURT HURT HURT
KEEP KEPT KEPT
KNOW KNEW KNOWN
LAY LAID LAID
LEAD LED LED
LEARN LEARNED/LEARNT LEARNED/LEARNT
LEAVE LEFT LEFT
LEND LENT LENT
LET LET LET
LIE LAY LAIN
LOSE LOST LOST
MAKE MADE MADE
MEAN MEANT MEANT
MEET MET MET
PAY PAID PAID
PUT PUT PUT
QUIT QUIT QUIT
READ READ READ
RIDE RODE RIDDEN
RING RANG RUNG
RISE ROSE RISEN
RUN RAN RUN

VICTORIA VARGA
18
SAY SAID SAID
SEE SAW SEEN
SEEK SOUGHT SOUGHT
SELL SOLD SOLD
SEND SENT SENT
SHAKE SHOOK SHAKEN
SHINE SHONE SHONE
SHOW SHOWED SHOWED/SHOWN
SHUT SHUT SHUT
SING SANG SUNG
SIT SAT SAT
SLEEP SLEPT SLEPT
SPEAK SPOKE SPOKEN
SPEND SPENT SPENT
SPRING SPRANG SPRUNG
STAND STOOD STOOD
STEAL STOLE STOLEN
SWIM SWAM SWUM
SWING SWANG SWUNG
TAKE TOOK TAKEN
TEACH TAUGHT TAUGHT
TEAR TORE TORN
TELL TOLD TOLD
THINK THOUGHT THOUGHT
THROW THREW THROWN
UNDERSTAND UNDERSTOOD UNDERSTOOD
WAKE WOKE/WAKED WOKEN/WAKED
WEAR WORE WORN
WIN WON WON
WRITE WROTE WRITTEN

VICTORIA VARGA
19
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE
Active Voice
In sentences written in active voice, the subject performs the action expressed in the verb; the
subject acts.
In each example above, the subject of the sentence performs the action expressed in the verb.
Passive Voice
In sentences written in passive voice, the subject receives the action expressed in the verb; the
subject is acted upon. The agent performing the action may appear in a "by the . . ." phrase or
may be omitted.
(agent performing action has been omitted.)

VICTORIA VARGA
20
Active Voice Agent Changed to Passive Voice
The
presiding
officer
The
leaders
The
scientists
The active voice is the "normal" voice. This is the voice that we use most of the time. You are probably
already familiar with the active voice. In the active voice, the object receives the action of the verb
We use the passive when:
• we want to make the active object more important
• we do not know the active subject
Note that we always use by to introduce the passive object (Fish are eaten by cats).
We can form the passive in any tense. In fact, conjugation of verbs in the passive tense is rather easy, as
the main verb is always in past participle form and the auxiliary verb is always be. To form the required
tense, we conjugate the auxiliary verb. So, for example:
• present simple: It is made
• present continuous: It is being made
• present perfect: It has been made
Here are some examples with most of the possible tenses:
INFINITIVE TO BE WASHED
PRESENT IT IS WASHED.
PAST IT WAS WASHED.

SIMPLE
FUTURE IT WILL BE WASHED.
CONDITIONAL IT WOULD BE WASHED.
PRESENT IT IS BEING WASHED.
PAST IT WAS BEING WASHED.

CONTINUOUS
FUTURE IT WILL BE BEING WASHED.
CONDITIONAL IT WOULD BE BEING WASHED.
PERFECT SIMPLE PRESENT IT HAS BEEN WASHED.
PAST IT HAD BEEN WASHED.
FUTURE IT WILL HAVE BEEN WASHED.

VICTORIA VARGA
21
CONDITIONAL IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WASHED.
PRESENT IT HAS BEEN BEING WASHED.
PAST IT HAD BEEN BEING WASHED.

PERFECT CONTINUOUS
FUTURE IT WILL HAVE BEEN BEING WASHED.
CONDITIONAL IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BEING WASHED.
ACTIVE & PASSIVE EXAMPLES
I ate a piece of chocolate cake. ACTIVE

ACTIVE
The librarian read the book to the students. ACTIVE
The money was stolen. PASSIVE
They are paid on Fridays. PASSIVE
The movie is being made in Hollywood. PASSIVE
I washed my car three weeks ago. ACTIVE
His hair was cut by a professional. PASSIVE
I will introduce you to my boss this week. ACTIVE
It would have been fixed on the weekend. PASSIVE
The national anthem is being sung by Jason this time. PASSIVE

VICTORIA VARGA
22
SENTENCE STRUCTURES
STRUCTURES
AFFIRMATIVE
WHO WHO
WHEN WHICH HOW ACTION WHICH HOW WHERE WHEN
WHAT WHAT
1 2 3 4 5 3 6 1
Yesterday I enjoyed the film.
NEGATIVE
WHO WHO
WHICH HOW AUX. VB. WHICH HOW WHERE WHEN
WHAT WHAT
WHEN ‘NOT’
MAIN VB.
1 2 3 4 5 3 6 1
di d n ot
Yesterday I enjoy the film.
INTERROGATIVE
WHO HOW or WHO
WHICH NEG. MAIN VB. WHICH HOW WHERE WHEN
WHAT TERM WHAT
AUX.
VB.
1 2 6 or 3 4 5 6 7 8
Did you (not) enjoy the film yesterday ?
QUESTION TAGS
1 AFFIRMATIVE STRUCTURE + auxiliary verb + NOT (+ principal verb) + subject ?
2 NEGATIVE STRUCTURE + auxiliary verb (+ principal verb) + subject ?
EXAMPLES
Henry is an architect, isn’t he ?
Lucy doesn’t like rock music, does she ?
VICTORIA VARGA
23
EXERCISES – SENTENCE STRUCTURES
1) THE FILM / I / ENJOYED / YESTERDAY.
2) THE NEWS / LISTENED TO / I / CAREFULLY.
3) WELL / THE PIANO / THE MAN / PLAYED.
4) LEFT / HE / IMMEDIATELY.
5) A TREE / IN THE GARDEN / HE PLANTED / LAST SUNDAY.
6) MUSIC / I / VERY MUCH / LIKE.
7) A NEW SCHOOL / BUILT / THEY / IN OUR VILLAGE / LAST YEAR.
8) THE MATCH / AT FOUR O’CLOCK / ENDED.
9) SHE / A LETTER / FROM HER BROTHER / LAST WEEK / RECEIVED.
10) WE / AT HOME / STAY / ON SUNDAYS.
11) LOUDLY / THE TWO BOYS / WERE TALKING.
12) HAS BEEN SHINING / THE SUN / FOR THREE DAYS RUNNING.
13) WENT / LAST SATURDAY / TOM AND JANE / TO THE BEACH / VERY EARLY.
14) IS / TIRED / MARY.
15) TO THE THEATER / GOES / EVERY DAY / MY BROTHER.
16) TALKS AND SNORES / DURING THE WHOLE NIGHT / MY FATHER.
EXERCISES – QUESTION TAGS
HELEN IS NOT BRAZILIAN, …………………………….. ?

MICHAEL LIKES COUNTRY MUSIC, ……………………………. ?
JANET WENT SHOPPING, ………………………………… ?
CHRISTOPHER PLAYS TENNIS VERY WELL, ………………………… ?
JANAÍNA DOES NOT LIVE FAR FROM YOU, …………………….. ?
PETER HAS NOT BEEN TO CLASS FOR OVER A WEEK, ……………………….. ?
THOSE CHILDREN ARE NOT YOUR STUDENTS, …………………………. ?
DAVID AND PETER WILL NOT COME HOME EARLY TODAY, …………………….. ?
ANNE HAS NOT EXERCISED RECENTLY, ……………………… ?
MICHAEL DOES NOT APPRECIATE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, ……………….. ?
YOU WILL NOT BE ANGRY IF I DO NOT JOIN YOU FOR DINNER, ……………….. ?
I AM NOT LATE FOR CLASS TODAY, …………….. ?
WE WILL NOT BOTHER YOU IF WE STAY FOR LUNCH, ……………… ?
THEY WERE NOT ABSENT FROM WORK YESTERDAY, ………………. ?
YOU WILL COME TO MY BIRTHDAY PARTY,…………………………. ?
VICTORIA VARGA
24
SIMILES
HE IS AS SLY AS A FOX.
SHE’S AS WISE AS AN OWL.
HE’S AS QUIET AS A MOUSE.
HE IS AS STRONG AS A BULL.
HE’S AS HUGE AS A HIPPO.
SHE’S AS BLIND AS A BAT.
HE’S AS FREE AS A BIRD.
SHE’S AS HUNGRY AS A WOLF.
SHE’S AS PROUD AS A PEACOCK.
HE’S AS PLAYFUL AS A KITTEN.
HE’S AS GENTLE AS A LAMB.
HE’S AS HAIRY AS A BEAR.
HE’S AS STUBBORN AS A MULE.
IT IS AS WHITE AS SNOW.
SHE’S AS SLOW AS A SNAIL.
IT IS AS BLACK AS COAL.
SHE’S AS RED AS A BEET.
SHE’S AS BUSY AS A BEE.
HE’S AS SLIPPERY AS AN EEL.
HE’S AS TOUGH AS NAILS.
SHE’S AS COOL AS A CUCUMBER.
SHE IS AS LIMP AS A RAG.
SHE IS AS PRETTY AS A PICTURE.
SHE IS AS WICKED AS A WITCH.
HE’S AS SOBER AS A JUDGE.
SHE’S AS DEAF AS A DOOR.
IT’S AS EASY AS PIE.
SHE IS AS THIN AS A RAKE.
HE IS AS HIGH AS A KITE.
SHE IS AS SHARP AS A KNIFE.
SHE IS AS TOUGH AS LEATHER.
SHE IS AS FRESH AS A DAISY.
HE IS AS OLD AS THE HILLS.
HE IS AS FIT AS A FIDDLE.
SHE’S AS UGLY AS SIN.
HE’S AS GOOD AS GOLD.
SHE IS AS SILLY AS A GOOSE.
SHE IS AS SMOOTH AS SOAP.
FALSE COGNATES
MEANING IN CORRECT
ENGLISH COMMON
PORTUGUESE USE
WORD MISTAKES
(SIGNIFICADO EM
(PALAVRA EM INGLÊS) (ERROS COMUNS) (USO CORRETO)
PORTUGUÊS)
ACCENT SOTAQUE ACENTO STRESS
ACTUAL REAL ATUAL CURRENT
ACTUALLY NA VERDADE ATUALMENTE AT PRESENT, NOWADAYS. TODAY
ALIAS COGNOME ALIÁS BY THE WAY
ANTHEM CÂNTICO, HINO ANTENA ANTENNA
APPAREL VESTUÁRIO APARELHO DEVICE, GADGET
APPLICATION INSCRIÇÃO APLICAÇÃO INVESTMENT

VICTORIA VARGA
25
ARGUMENT DISCUSSÃO ARGUMENTO POINT
(TO) ASSESS AVALIAR ACESSE ACCESS
(TO) ASSIST AJUDAR ASSISTIR A TO WATCH
(TO) ASSUME PRESUMIR ASSUMIR TO TAKE OVER
(TO) ATTEND COMPARECER ATENDER TO HELP, ASSIST, ANSWER
AUDITION TESTE AUDIÇÃO HEARING
BALCONY SACADA BALCÃO COUNTER
BATON BASTÃO BATOM LIPSTICK
BATTERY PILHA BATERIA DRUMS
BEEF CARNE DE BOI BIFE STEAK
APARELHO (DENTAL OU
BRACES BRAÇOS ARMS
ORTOPÉDICO)
BRAND MARCA, TIPO, MARCAR BRANDO BLAND, MILD
CAFETERIA REFEITÓRIO CAFETEIRA COFFEE-POT
CARTON PAPELÃO CARTÃO CARD
CASEMENT BATENTE DE JANELA CASAMENTO MARRIAGE, WEDDING
CHORE TAREFA CHORAR (TO) CRY
COLLAR COLARINHO, GOLA COLAR NECKLACE, (TO) GLUE / STICK
COLLEGE FACULDADE COLÉGIO SCHOOL, HIGH-SCHOOL
COMPETITION CONCORRÊNCIA COMPETIÇÃO CONTEST
COMPREHENSIVE ABRANGENTE COMPREENSIVO UNDERSTANDING
(TO) COMPROMISE COMPROMETER-SE COMPROMISSO COMMITMENT, APPOINTMENT
(TO) CONCEAL OCULTAR CONSELHO COUNCIL
CONVENCIMENTO
CONCEIT CONCEITO CONCEPT
(ARROGÂNCIA)
CONFIDENT CONFIANTE CONFIDENTE CONFIDANT
GLAD, HAPPY, CONTENTED,

CONTENT CONTEÚDO CONTENTE
PLEASED
CONTENTED, GLAD, HAPPY,

CONTEMPT DESPREZO CONTENTE
PLEASED
COSTUME TRAJE COSTUME HABIT, CUSTOM

VICTORIA VARGA
26
DATA DADOS DATA DATE
DEGREE GRAU DEGRAU STEP
DEPENDABLE CONFIÁVEL DEPENDENTE DEPENDENT
DEPUTY DELEGADO DEPUTADO CONGRESSMAN
DESENCORAJAR,
(TO) DETER DETER (TO) STOP, IMPEDE
DISSUADIR
DISCUSSION DEBATE DISCUSSÃO ARGUMENT
DISMAY DESÂNIMO DESMAIAR (TO) FAINT
DIVERT DESVIAR A ATENÇÃO DIVERTIR (TO) ENTERTAIN
CADUCO, SENIL; AMAR,

DOTE DOTE ENDOWMENT, (TO) ENDOW
ADORAR
ECSTATIC EMPOLGADO ESTÁTICO STATIC, IMMOBILE
EDUCATED INSTRUÍDO EDUCADO POLITE
(TO) IRRITATE, AGGRAVATE,

(TO) ENERVATE ENFRAQUECER ENERVAR
EXASPERATE
ENGAGED* NOIVO(A) ENGAJADO COMMITTED, ENGAGED*
INSCREVER-SE
(TO) ENROLL ENROLAR (TO) ROLL UP
ALISTAR-SE
ENVY INVEJA ENVIAR (TO) SEND
ESTATE IMÓVEL ESTADO STATE
EVENTUALLY FINALMENTE, POR FIM EVENTUALMENTE OCCASIONALLY
EXIT SAÍDA ÊXITO SUCCESS
EXPERT PERITO, EXPERTO ESPERTO SMART
EXQUISITE REFINADO, RARO ESQUISITO STRANGE, WEIRD, ODD
EXTENUATING ATENUANDO EXTENUANTE STRENUOUS
FABRIC TECIDO FÁBRICA FACTORY
DEPENDÊNCIAS,
FACILITIES FACILIDADE EASINESS
INSTALAÇÕES
FIGURE ALGARISMO, SILHUETA FIGURA PICTURE
(TO) FIGURE CALCULAR FIGURAR (TO) APPEAR
FRACAS BRIGA BARULHENTA FRACO(A) WEAK, FEEBLE

VICTORIA VARGA
27
BONDOSO(A),
GRACIOUS GRACIOSO GRACEFUL
GENEROSO(A)
GRIP APERTO GRIPE FLU, COLD
SCREAM, YELL (TO) SCREAM,

GRIT BRITA GRITO, GRITAR
YELL
HAZARD PERIGO AZAR BAD LUCK
HELPING PORÇÃO DE ALIMENTO AJUDA HELP, AID
IDIOM EXPRESSÃO VERBAL IDIOMA LANGUAGE
INGENIOUS CRIATIVO(A) INGÊNUO(A) NAÏVE
INJURY FERIMENTO INJÚRIA INSULT
JOURNAL DIÁRIO, AGENDA JORNAL NEWSPAPER
LARGE GRANDE LARGO(A) WIDE
LECTURE PALESTRA LEITURA READING
LEGEND LENDA LEGENDA SUBTITLE
LIBRARY BIBLIOTECA LIVRARIA BOOKSTORE
MANCAR: VACILANTE,
LIMP LIMPO CLEAN
FRACO, SEM ENERGIA
LUNCH ALMOÇO LANCHE SNACK
LUXURY LUXO LUXÚRIA LUST
(TO) MAR DANIFICAR, ESTRAGAR MAR SEA
MAYOR PREFEITO MAIOR BIGGER
MEDICINE* REMÉDIO MEDICINA MEDICINE
MOISTURE UMIDADE MISTURA MIXTURE, MIX, BLEND
MOROSE CARRANCUDO MOROSO SLOW, DEFAULTING
(TO) ANNOUNCE, PUBLISH,

(TO) NOTICE PERCEBER NOTICIAR
REPORT
NOTICE AVISO NOTÍCIA NEWS
NOVEL ROMANCE NOVELA SOAP OPERA
ORDINARY COMUM ORDINÁRIO VULGAR, CHEAP
PANEL PAINEL PANELA PAN
PARENTS PAIS PARENTES RELATIVES

VICTORIA VARGA
28
PARTICULAR ESPECÍFICO PARTICULAR PRIVATE
PASTA MASSA (ALIMENTO) PASTA FOLDER ou BRIEFCASE
PETROL GASOLINA PETRÓLEO OIL
POLICY POLÍTICA ou APÓLICE POLÍCIA POLICE
PONDEROUS PESADO PONDERADO SENSIBLE
PORT PORTO PORTA DOOR
PRECARIOUS PERIGOSO, INSEGURO PRECÁRIO POOR
PRESERVATIVE CONSERVANTE PRESERVATIVO CONDOM
(TO) PRETEND FINGIR PRETENDER (TO) INTEND
PRINCIPAL* DIRETOR DE ESCOLA PRINCIPAL MAIN, CHIEF, PRINCIPAL
OBTER, CONSEGUIR,
(TO) PROCURE PROCURAR (TO) SEARCH
ALCANÇAR, COMPRAR
(TO) PULL PUXAR PULAR (TO) JUMP
(TO) PUSH EMPURRAR PUXAR (TO) PULL
RANGER GUARDA FLORESTAL RANGER (TO) GRIND, CREAK, SQUEAK
(TO) REALIZE PERCEBER REALIZAR (TO) ACCOMPLISH
(TO) RECORD GRAVAR, REGISTRAR RECORDAR (TO) REMEMBER, REMINISCE
RELAPSE RECAÍDA RELAPSO CARELESS, SLOPPY
REQUIREMENT REQUISITO REQUERIMENTO REQUEST
(TO) RESUME RETOMAR RESUMIR (TO) SUMMARIZE
RESUMÉ CURRÍCULO RESUMO SUMMARY
(TO) RETIRE APOSENTAR-SE RETIRAR-SE (TO) LEAVE, DEPART
RETIRED APOSENTADO RETIRADO REMOVED
RIM BORDA, BEIRA RIM KIDNEY
SEDULOUS ESFORÇADO SEDUTOR SEDUCTIVE
SENIOR IDOSO, SUPERIOR SENHOR SIR
AJUIZADO,
SENSIBLE SENSÍVEL SENSITIVE
PONDERADO(A)
SERVICE ATENDIMENTO SERVIÇO JOB, TASK
SORT TIPO SORTE LUCK

VICTORIA VARGA
29
(TO) SORT SELECIONAR - -
STRANGER DESCONHECIDO ESTRANGEIRO FOREIGNER, ALIEN
SUPPER CEIA, JANTAR SUPER SUPER
(TO) SUPPORT APOIAR, SUSTENTAR SUPORTAR (TO) BEAR
TAX IMPOSTO TAXA FEE, RATE
TEMPER TEMPERAMENTO TEMPERO SPICE, SEASONING
TOQUE TOUCA TOQUE TOUCH
TRAINER PREPARADOR FÍSICO TREINADOR COACH
TREPIDATION* MEDO, INSEGURANÇA TREPIDAÇÃO TREMOR, TREPIDATION*
TURN VEZ, VOLTA TURNO SHIFT
UNION* SINDICATO UNIÃO TOGETHERNESS, UNION*
VEGETABLES LEGUMES, VERDURAS VEGETAIS PLANTS
VILE VIL VILA VILLAGE
TRICKY WORDS IN ENGLISH

ENGLISH
WORD IN UNUSUAL MEANING
EXAMPLE
ENGLISH (IN PORTUGUESE)
CHINA jogo de pratos em porcelana I use my china and glassware everyday.
HELPING porção (de comida) Give me another helping of ice cream please.
preciso (em medidas, por

NICE This micrometer gives nice measures.
exemplo)
HOLD compartimento; perfuração Drill a small hold in the front of the bird house.
desejar fortemente; sentir Jessica Lynch says she longs for normal life after she
LONG
saudades became a celebrity.
SPELL significar, representar That guy spells trouble.
VIEWING velório The viewing will be followed by a religious service at 1pm.

VICTORIA VARGA
30
MASS missa On Sunday I attended a Latin mass.
pessoa/entidade que apóia ou

CHAMPION The HR department is championing that project.
patrocina
sistemático, obsessivo com My boss is too anal about deadlines.

ANAL
detalhes ("Anal" is a common abbreviation for "anal retentive".)
BALLPARK estimativa pouco precisa I am ballparking a couple of hours to be done.
WELL poço The first oil well was drilled in Pennsylvania in 1859.
LISTS OF PLURALS AND COLLECTIVE NOUNS

ANIMALS
ALLIGATOR +S CONGREGATION
ALPACA ..
ANTELOPE HERD
ANT +S ARMY, COLONY, SWARM
APE +S SHREWNESS
ASS +ES HERD, PACE
BABOON +S RUMPUS
BACTERIUM BACTERIA CULTURE
BADGER +S CETE
BASS SHOAL
BAT +S CLOUD
BEAR +S SLEUTH, SLOTH
BEAVER +S COLONY, LODGE
BEE +S HIVE, GRIST, SWARM
BEETLE +S .
BIRD +S CONGREGATION, FLOCK, DISSIMULATION, VOLARY
BITTERN +S SEDGE, SLEDGE
BLACKBIRD +S .
BOAR +S PACK, SINGULAR, SOUNDER
BUCK +S BRACE, CLASH
BUFFALO HERD
BULL +S .
VICTORIA VARGA
31
BUTTERFLY -Y + IES FLUTTER
BUZZARD +S WAKE
CALF -F + VES .
CAMEL +S FLOCK
CAT +S CLOWDER, CLUTTER
CATERPILLAR +S ARMY
CATTLE DROVE, HERD
CHICKEN +S BROOD, PEEP
CHICK +S CHATTERING, CLUTCH
CHIMPANZEE +S CARTLOAD
CLAM +S BED
COBRA +S QUIVER
COCK(EREL) +S .
COCKROACH +ES INTRUSION
CODFISH. .
COLT +S RAG
COOT +S COVER
CORMORANT +S GULP
COW +S KINE, HERD
COYOTE +S BAND, PACK, SHIFT, WILIENESS
CRANE +S HERD, SEDGE, SLEDGE
CROCODILE +S BASK, CONGREGATION, FLOAT
CAWCUS, HOARD, MURDER (GATHERING); CAWROBOREE (IN

CROW +S
FLIGHT)
CUB +S LITTER
CUCKOO +S .
CURLEW +S HERD
CUR +S COWARDICE
DEER HERD
DOG +S PACK
DOLPHIN +S POD
DONKEY -EY+ IES DROVE, HERD
DOVE +S DULE
DUCK +S FLOCK (IN AIR), PADDLING (ON WATER), TEAM

VICTORIA VARGA
32
EAGLE +S CONVOCATION
EEL SWARM
EGG +S CLUTCH
ELEPHANT +S HERD, PARADE
ELEPHANT SEAL +S POD
ELK . GANG
EMU +S MOB
FALCON +S .
FERRET +S BUSINESS, FESNYNG
FINCH +ES CHARM
FISH
FISH CATCH, DROUGHT, HAUL, RUN, SCHOOL, SHOAL
FISHES
FLAMINGO +S STAND
FLY FLIES BUSINESS, SWARM
FOX +S LEASH, SKULK
FROG +S ARMY
GIRAFFE +S CORPS, HERD, TOTTER, TOWER
GNAT +S CLOUD, HORDE
GOAT +S FLOCK, TRIBE, TRIP
GOLDFINCH +S CHARM
GOOSE GEESE GAGGLE ON WATER/LAND; SKEIN WHEN IN FLIGHT
GORILLA +S BAND
GRASSHOPPER +S .
GREYHOUND +S LEASH
GROUSE DRUMMING
GUANACO +S .
GUINEA FOWL . ..
GUINEA PIG +S .
HAG MOTH . .
HARE +S DOWN, HUSK
HAWK +S CAST, KETTLE
HEDGEHOG +S ARRAY
HEN +S BROOD
HERON +S SIEGE, SEDGE
HERRING +S SHOAL
VICTORIA VARGA
33
HIPPO +S BLOAT
HOG +S DRIFT, PARCEL, PASSEL
HORNET +S NEST
HORSE +S HARRAS, HERD, RAMUDA, STRING
HOUND +S CRY, MUTE, PACK
HUMMINGBIRD +S CHARM
HYENA +S CACKLE
INSECT +S SWARM
JACKRABBIT +S HUSK
JAY +S .
JELLYFISH SMACK
KANGAROO +S MOB, TROOP
KITTEN +S KINDLE, LITTER
LAPWING +S DECEIT
LARK +S ASCENSION, EXALTATION
LEOPARD +S LEAP, LEEP
LINNET +S .
LION +S PRIDE
LLAMA +S .
LOCUST +S PLAGUE
LOUSE LICE COLONY
LOON +S .
MACKEREL .
MAGPIE +S TIDING
MALLARD +S SORD
MAN MEN BAND
MARE +S STUD
MARTEN +S RICHNESS
MOLE +S LABOR
MONKEY +S TROUP
MOOSE HERD
MOSQUITO +ES SWARM
MOUSE MICE HOARD, MISCIEF
MULE +S BARREN, SPAN

VICTORIA VARGA
34
NIGHTINGALE +S WATCH
OWL +S PARLIAMENT
OX OXEN DROVE, HERD, TEAM, YOKE
OYSTER =S BED
PARROT +S COMPANY, FLOCK
PARTRIDGE +S COVEY
PEACOCK
+S MUSTER, OSTENTATION
PEAFOWL
PEEP +S LITTER
PEEWIT +S .
PELICAN +S RAFT (ON WATER?), SQUADRON (IN FLIGHT?)
PENGUIN +S ROOKERY
PHEASANT +S BOUQUET, NIDE, NYE
PIG +S LITTER
PIGEON +S FLIGHT, FLOCK
PILCHARD +S SHOAL
PLOVER +S CONGREGATION, WING
POLAR BEAR +S PACK
PONY -IES STRING
PORCUPINE +S PRICKLE
PORPOISE +S HERD, POD
PRAIRIE DOG +S COTERIE
QUAIL BEVY, COVEY
RABBIT +S NEST, WARREN
RACCOON +S NURSERY
RAT +S HOARD, MISCHIEF, PACK, SWARM
RATTLESNAKE +S RHUMBA
RAVEN +S UNKINDNESS
REGAL MOTH . .
RHINO +S CRASH
ROEBUCK +S BEVY
ROOK +S BUILDING, CLAMOR
ROOSTER .. ..
SALMON ..
SANDPIPER +S .
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35
SEA GULL =S COLONY
SEAL +S COLONY, HERD, POD
SHARK +S SCHOOL, SHIVER
SHEARWATER +S .
SHEEP FLOCK
SKUNK +S SURFEIT
SNAKE +S BED, NEST, PIT, RAVE
SNIPE WALK, WISP
SPARROW +S FLIGHT, HOST
SPIDER +S CLUTTER, CLUSTER
SQUIRREL +S DRAY, SCURRY
STAG +S .
STARLING +S MURMURATION
STORK +S MUSTERING
SWALLOW +S FLIGHT
SWALLOWTAIL
. .
BUTTERFLY
SWAN +S BEVY, HERD, LAMENTATION, TEAM, WEDGE
SWIFT +S FLOCK
SWINE DRIFT, SOUNDER
TEAL SPRING
THRUSH +ES MUTATION
TIGER +S AMBUSH, STREAK
TOAD +S KNOT
TORTOISE +S .
TROUT HOVER
TURKEY +S FLOCK, GANG, RAFT, RAFTER
TURTLEDOVE +S DULE, PITYING
TURTLE +S BALE
VICUNA .
WALRUS POD
WHALE +S GAM, SCHOOL, POD
VIPER +S GENERATION, NEST
WOLF WOLVES HERD, NEST, ROUTE
WOODCOCK +S FALL
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36
WOODPECKER +S DESCENT
ZEBRA +S DAZZLE
OBJECTS
AIRCRAFT +S WING
ARROW +S QUIVER
ASTEROID +S BELT
BANANA +S HAND
BEAN +S HILL
BOOK +S LIBRARY, PILE
BORG COLLECTIVE, HIVE
BREAD BATCH
BRUSHWOOD BAVIN
CARD +S DECK
CIRCLE +S CROP
COLLECTIVE NOUN +S CATCH
COMPUTER +S NETWORK
EGG +S CLUTCH
FLOWER +S BED, PATCH, BOUQUET
GRAPE +S BUNCH, CLUSTER
HAIR +S LOCK
HOMEWORK SLEW
INFORMATION WEALTH
ISLAND +S CHAIN, ARCHIPELAGO
JEWEL +S CACHE
KEY +S RING
LORRIE +S CONVOY, FLEET
MONEY ROULEAU
NOUN +S COLLECTIVE
PEARL OR BEAD +S STRING
PEA +S POD
POEM +S ANTHOLOGY
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37
REED +S CLUMP
SATELLITE +S CONSTELLATION
SHIP +S FLEET, ARMADA, FLOTILLA
STAR +S GALAXY, CONSTELLATION
TASK +S AGENDA
TREE +S STAND, CLUMP, FOREST
PEOPLE
ACADEMIC +S FACULTY
ACTOR +S CAST, COMPANY
ANGEL +S CHORUS, HOST
ATHLETE +S TEAM
BANKER +S WUNCH
BEAUTY -Y+ IES BEVY
BUREAUCRAT +S SHUFFLE
+S
CAR DEALER LOT
+S
CAR MECHANIC CLUTCH
COMPUTER
+S ASYLUM, BLOAT
PROGRAMMER
+S
DIRECTOR BOARD
+S
EMPLOYEE STAFF
+S
EXPERT PANEL
+S
HOODLUM GANG
+S
IDIOT THICKET
+S
JUDGE BEVY
+S
KNIGHT BANNER
+S
LAWYER HUDDLE
+S
LEPER COLONY
+S
LICHENOLOGIST HUDDLE
+S
MAGISTRATE BENCH
+S
MATHEMATICIAN NUMBER
VICTORIA VARGA
38
MAN MEN BAND

+S
MONK ABOMINATION
+S
NATIVE TRIBE
+S
NUDIST HANGOUT
+S
ONLOOKER CROWD
PERSON PEOPLE CROWD

+S
PERFORMER TROUPE
+S
PHILOSOPHER PONDER
+S
RELATIVE DESCENT
+S
SAILOR CREW
+S
SENATOR HOUSE
+S
SOLDIER SQUAD
+S
STUDENT CLASS
THIEF -F+VES DEN

+S
TOURIST FLOCK
+S
TROOP PAREL
+S
WIDOW AMBUSH
WITCH +ES COVEN
WORSHIPPER +S CONGREGATION
VICTORIA VARGA
39
ROOTS, PREFIXES AND SUFFIXES

Latin was the language spoken by the ancient Romans. As the Romans conquered most of Europe,
the Latin language spread throughout the region. Over time, the Latin spoken in different areas developed
into separate languages, including Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. These languages are
considered “sisters,” as they all descended from Latin, their “mother” language.
In 1066 England was conquered by William, duke of Normandy, which is in northern France. For
several hundred years after the Norman invasion, French was the language of court and polite society in
England. It was during this period that many French words were borrowed into English. Linguists estimate
that some 60% of our common everyday vocabulary today comes from French. Thus many Latin words
came into English indirectly through French.
Many Latin words came into English directly, though, too. Monks from Rome brought religious
vocabulary as well as Christianity to England beginning in the 6th century. From the Middle Ages onward
many scientific, scholarly, and legal terms were borrowed from Latin.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, dictionary writers and grammarians generally felt that English
was an imperfect language whereas Latin was perfect. In order to improve the language, they deliberately
made up a lot of English words from Latin words. For example, fraternity, from Latin fraternitas, was
thought to be better than the native English word brotherhood.
Many English words and word parts can be traced back to Latin and Greek. The following table lists
some common Latin roots.
Latin
Basic meaning Example words
root
-dict- to say contradict, dictate, diction, edict, predict
to lead, bring,
-duc- deduce, produce, reduce
take
-gress- to walk digress, progress, transgress
-ject- to throw eject, inject, interject, project, reject, subject
-pel- to drive compel, dispel, impel, repel
-pend- to hang append, depend, impend, pendant, pendulum
-port- to carry comport, deport, export, import, report, support
-scrib-, - describe, description, prescribe, prescription, subscribe,

to write
script- subscription, transcribe, transcription
to pull, drag,
-tract- attract, contract, detract, extract, protract, retract, traction
draw
-vert- to turn convert, divert, invert, revert

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From the example words in the above table, it is easy to see how roots combine with prefixes to
form new words. For example, the root -tract-, meaning “to pull,” can combine with a number of prefixes,
including de- and re-. Detract means literally “to pull away” (de-, “away, off”) and retract means literally
“to pull back” (re-, “again, back”). The following table gives a list of Latin prefixes and their basic
meanings.
Latin
Basic meaning Example words
prefix
co- together coauthor, coedit, coheir
away, off; generally indicates reversal or deactivate, debone, defrost, decompress,

de-
removal in English deplane
disbelief, discomfort, discredit, disrepair,

dis- not, not any
disrespect
international, interfaith, intertwine,

inter- between, among
intercellular, interject
nonessential, nonmetallic, nonresident,

non- not
nonviolence, nonskid, nonstop
post- after postdate, postwar, postnasal, postnatal
preconceive, preexist, premeditate,

pre- before
predispose, prepossess, prepay
rearrange, rebuild, recall, remake, rerun,

re- again; back, backward
rewrite
submarine, subsoil, subway, subhuman,

sub- under
substandard
trans- across, beyond, through transatlantic, transpolar
Words and word roots may also combine with suffixes. Here are examples of some important
English suffixes that come from Latin:
Latin
suffix Basic meaning Example words
-able, forms adjectives and means

likable, flexible
-ible “capable or worthy of”
creation, civilization, automation, speculation,

-ation forms nouns from verbs
information
-fy, - forms verbs and means “to

purify, acidify, humidify
ify make or cause to become”
-ment forms nouns from verbs entertainment, amazement, statement, banishment
-ty, - forms nouns from adjectives subtlety, certainty, cruelty, frailty, loyalty, royalty;
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41
ity eccentricity, electricity, peculiarity, similarity,

technicality
The following table lists some common Greek roots.

Greek
root Basic meaning Example words
-
human misanthrope, philanthropy, anthropomorphic
anthrop-
anachronism, chronic, chronicle, synchronize,

-chron- time
chronometer
democracy, demography, demagogue, endemic,

-dem- people
pandemic
-morph- form amorphous, metamorphic, morphology
-path- feeling, suffering empathy, sympathy, apathy, apathetic, psychopathic
-pedo-, -
child, children pediatrician, pedagogue
ped-
-philo-, - having a strong affinity or love

philanthropy, philharmonic, philosophy
phil- for
-phon- sound polyphonic, cacophony, phonetics
The following table gives a list of Greek prefixes and their basic meanings.
Greek prefix Basic meaning Example words
a-, an- without achromatic, amoral, atypical, anaerobic
anti-, ant- opposite; opposing anticrime, antipollution, antacid
auto- self, same autobiography, automatic, autopilot
bio-, bi- life, living organism biology, biophysics, biotechnology, biopsy
geo- Earth; geography geography, geomagnetism, geophysics, geopolitics
hyper- excessive, excessively hyperactive, hypercritical, hypersensitive
micro- small microcosm, micronucleus, microscope
mono- one, single, alone monochrome, monosyllable, monoxide
neonatal, neophyte, neoconservatism, neofascism,

neo- new, recent
neodymium
pan- all panorama, panchromatic, pandemic, pantheism

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thermo-,
heat thermal, thermometer, thermostat
therm-
Words and word roots may also combine with suffixes. Here are examples of some important
English suffixes that come from Greek:
Greek
suffix Basic meaning Example words
forms nouns and means “the act, state, or

-ism criticism, optimism, capitalism
theory of”
forms agent nouns from verbs ending in -

-ist ize or nouns ending in -ism and is used like conformist, copyist, cyclist
-er
formalize, jeopardize, legalize, modernize,

-ize forms verbs from nouns and adjectives emphasize, hospitalize, industrialize,
computerize
-gram something written or drawn, a record cardiogram, telegram
something written or drawn; an instrument

-graph monograph, phonograph, seismograph
for writing, drawing, or recording
-logue, -
speech, discourse; to speak monologue, dialogue, travelogue
log
discourse, expression; science, theory,

-logy phraseology, biology, dermatology
study
-meter, spectrometer, geometry, kilometer,

measuring device; measure
-metry parameter, perimeter
forms adjectives and nouns and means

-oid humanoid, spheroid, trapezoid
“like, resembling” or “shape, form”
one that loves or has a strong affinity for;

-phile audiophile, Francophile
loving
-phobe, one that fears a specified thing; an intense agoraphobe, agoraphobia, xenophobe,
-phobia fear of a specified thing xenophobia
sound; device that receives or emits sound; homophone, geophone, telephone,

-phone
speaker of a language Francophone
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43
MORE SUFFIXES
Function or Characteristic Usage Notes in this
column refer to common functions of these suffixes.
Suffix Meaning Examples
However, these are generalizations only, and you will find
exceptions to many of them.
able, ible able, can do capable, agreeable, visible verb => adjective
ade result of action blockade, lemonade verb or noun => noun
age act of, state of, salvage, storage, forage added to root words (often French) to form a noun
collection of
al relating to sensual, gradual, manual, verb or noun => adjective
natural
algia pain neuralgia Noun
an, ian native of, American, Martian, Noun => adjective
pertaining to antediluvian
ance, ancy action, process, assistance, allowance, verb => noun
state defiance
ant performing, assistant, servant verb => noun
agent
ary, ery, ory relating to, dictionary, bravery, noun or adjective
quality, place dormitory, aviary, ordinary
where adjective => noun
adjective or noun => noun

ate cause, make liquidate, segregate noun or adjective => verb
cian having a specific magician, optician, Noun
skill physician
cule, ling very small molecule, miniscule, noun or adjective
cy action, function advocacy, hesitancy, Noun
prophecy, normalcy
dom quality, realm, freedom, kingdom, Noun
office wisdom, thralldom
ee one who receives employee, nominee, Noun
the action refugee
en made of, make silken, frozen, oaken, adjective or verb (ex: widen)
wooden, lighten
ence, ency action, state of, difference, conference, Noun
quality urgency
er, or on who, that baker, carpenter, brewer Noun
which
escent in the process of adolescent, obsolescent, adjective or noun
convalescent
ese a native of Javanese, Vietnamese noun or adjective
esis, osis action, process, genesis, hypnosis, Noun
condition neurosis, osmosis
ess female poetess, goddess Noun
et, ette small one, group midget, octet, baronet, Noun
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fic making, causing scientific, specific adjective

ful full of frightful, beautiful, helpful adjective
fy make fortify, simplify verb
hood order, quality neighborhood, motherhood Noun
ic nature of, like metallic, heroic, poetic adjective
ice condition, state, justice, malice Noun
quality
id, ide something fluid, fluoride, torrid, canid noun or adjective
connected to or
belonging to
ine having the nature feminine, masculine, adjective or noun
or characteristic medicine
of
ion, sion, act of, state of, contagion, infection, Noun
tion result of aversion
ish origin, nature, Spanish, foolish, noun => adjective (however, often the adjective is
resembling used as a noun. ex: "The Spanish" meaning the
people of Spain)
ism system, manner, alcoholism, feminism, Noun
condition heroism, communism
ist one who, that pianist, elitist noun
which
verb => noun
ite nature of, quality dynamite, graphite, sulfite, noun or adjective
of neophyte
verb or adjective => adjective or noun
ity, ty state of, quality captivity, clarity Noun
ive causing conclusive, festive, restive, adjective or nouns derived from adjectives
abusive
ize to make (like) emphasize, verb
anthropomorphize
less without worthless, mindless, adjective
guileless
ly like clearly, fearlessly adverb
ment act of, result contentment, amendment noun
verb => noun

ness state of carelessness, uselessness adjective => noun
oid like (often asteroid, tabloid, noun or adjective => noun or adjective that is
suggests flawed anthropoid, rhomboid, similar to or has the qualities of the original word
or partial ovoid
resemblance)
(o)logy study, science, biology Noun
theory
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45
DO and MAKE
When 'do' or 'make' are used as main verbs it can be confusing English students. The verb 'make' goes
with some words and the verb 'do' with other words.
Do
We use the verb 'do' when someone performs an action, activity or task.
do a crossword
do the ironing
do the laundry
do the washing
do the washing up
'Do' is often used when referring to work of any kind.
do your work
do homework
do housework
do your job
NOTE - these activities do not usually produce a physical object.
'Do' for General Ideas
Use the verb 'do' when speaking about things in general. In other words, to describe an action without
saying exactly what the action is. This form is often used with the words 'something, nothing, anything,
everything, etc.'
I'm not doing anything today.

He does everything for his mother.
She's doing nothing.
Important Expressions with 'Do'
There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'do'. The best solution is to try to learn
them.
do badly
do business
do the dishes
do a favour
do good
do harm
do time - (to go to prison)
do well
do your best
do your hair
do your nails
do your worst
Make
Make
We use the verb 'make' for constructing, building or creating
make a dress
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46
make food
make a cup of tea / coffee
'Make' is often used when referring to preparing food of any kind.
make a meal - breakfast / lunch / dinner
NOTE - these activities usually create something that you can touch.
Important Expressions with 'Make'
There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'make'. The best solution is to try to learn
them.
make amends
make arrangements
make believe - (to pretend)
make a choice
make a comment
make a decision
make a difference
make an effort
make an enquiry
make an excuse
make a fool of yourself
make a fortune
make friends
make a fuss
make a journey
make love
make a mess
make a mistake
make money
make a move
make a noise
make a phone call
make a plan
make a point
make a profit
make a promise
make a remark
make a sound
make a speech
make a suggestion
make time
make a visit
make your bed - (to prepare the bed for sleeping in)
TAKE, MAKE, GET and DO
MAKE, DO, TAKE e GET are the four verbs most used in English. They are multifunctional, and can be
compared to fazer and ficar in Portuguese.
Note that MAKE and DO are often synonyms in meaning, but not in usage. In other words, the
expression which uses one will not take the other. The meaning each of these verbs takes depends on the
expression in which they are used. Each of these expressions should be considered as a vocabulary unit –
a new word to be learned.
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47
MAKE EXPRESSIONS
make an agreement - fazer um acordo

make an announcement (to) - fazer uma comunicação oficial
make an appointment (with) - marcar uma hora
make arrangements (for) - fazer preparos
make an attempt (to) - fazer uma tentativa
make it back - retornar ao ponto de partida
make the bed - fazer a cama
make believe - fazer de conta
make breakfast (dinner, a sandwich) - preparar o café da manhã (a janta, um sanduíche)
make a choice - fazer uma escolha
make a clean copy - passar a limpo
make it clear (to) - deixar claro
make a complaint (about) - apresentar queixa, reclamar
make a date (with) - marcar um encontro
make a deal (with) - fazer um negócio, negociar
make a decision (about) - decidir, tomar uma decisão
make a (any, no) difference (to) - fazer diferença
make do with - contentar-se com o que tem
make a down payment - dar de entrada, dar um sinal
make an effort (to) - fazer um esforço
make an excuse (for) - arranjar uma desculpa
make a face (at) - fazer careta
make a fool of someone - fazer alguém de bobo
make for - dirigir-se a
make friends (with) - fazer amizade
make fun of - ridicularizar
make a fuss (about, over something) - criar confusão devido à preocupação excessiva
make a fuss (over someone) - dar atenção afetuosa, mimar
make good - cumprir com o prometido
make a good/bad impression (on) - causar boa/má impressão
make someone happy - fazer ficar feliz, deixar feliz
make an investment - investir, fazer um investimento
make a list (of ) - fazer uma lista
make a living - ganhar a vida
make love (to) - manter relações sexuais
make mistakes (in) - cometer erros
make money - ganhar dinheiro
make the most of (something) - aproveitar ao máximro
make someone nervous - deixar alguém nervoso
make noise - fazer barulho
make an offer - fazer uma oferta
make out - entender o significado; beijar, namorar; sair-se; preencher (um cheque)
make a payment - fazer um pagamento, pagar uma conta
make a phone call (to) - telefonar, dar um telefonema
make plans - fazer planos
make a point - fazer uma observação, apresentar um ponto de vista
make a point of (doing something) - não deixar de, fazer questão de
make a presentation - fazer uma apresentação
make a profit - lucrar, ter lucro
make progress (in) - progredir
make a promise (to) - fazer uma promessa, prometer
make public - divulgar
make a reservation (for) - fazer uma reserva
make a resolution - fazer uma promessa, tomar uma decisão importante
make a scene - fazer uma cena, agir histericamente
make sense (to) - fazer sentido
make something of (oneself) - tornar-se alguém
make a speech (to) - fazer um discurso
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48
make sure (about) - certificar-se

make trouble - criar problemas ou confusão
make up - inventar, improvisar, compensar, maquiar, reconciliar
make up your mind - tomar uma decisão
make use of - utilizar
make war - guerrear, entrar em guerra
make way - abrir caminho, dar passagem, progredir
make yourself at home - sinta-se à vontade
DO EXPRESSIONS
do the (my, your, ...) best (to) - fazer o melhor possível

do business (with) - trabalhar em negócios com
do the cleaning (for) - fazer limpeza
do damage/harm (to) - prejudicar, ferir
do a deal (predominantly in the expression "it's a done deal") - negócio fechado
do some dictation - fazer um ditado
do the dishes - lavar a louça
do drugs - usar drogas
do your duty - cumprir com suas tarefas
do an exercise - fazer um exercício
do an experiment - fazer uma experiência
do a favor (for) - fazer um favor
do good - fazer bem
do a good/bad job - fazer um bom trabalho
do harm (to someone) - prejudicar ou machucar alguém
do your homework - fazer o seu tema
do the housework - fazer os trabalhos domésticos
do the laundry - lavar a roupa
do an operation (on) - operar
do (something) over again - fazer de novo
do overtime - fazer hora extra
do a poll - fazer uma pesquisa (de opinião)
do a problem/a puzzle - resolver um problema (em matemática, por exemplo), um quebra-cabeça
do a project - fazer (desenvolver) um projeto
do research (on) - pesquisar, fazer uma pesquisa (investigação científica)
do the right thing - ter uma atitude correta
do the shopping - fazer compras
do someone - transar, ter relações sexuais com alguém
do something - fazer algo
do time in prison - cumprir pena carcerária
do a translation - fazer uma tradução
do well/badly (in) - sair-se bem/mal
to be done - estar pronto
to have nothing to do with ... - não ter nada a ver com ...
to have your hair done - arrumar o cabelo
that will do it - isto será suficiente
TAKE EXPRESSIONS
take advantage - levar vantagem

take advice - aceitar conselhos
take (something) apart - separar, desmontar
take back - levar de volta
take the blame - assumir, levar a culpa
take a break - fazer uma pausa, dar uma folga
take care - cuidar-se, tomar cuidado, ser cuidadoso
take care of - cuidar de
take a chance - arriscar
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49
take a course (lessons) - fazer um curso

take it easy - acalmar-se
take effect - vigorar a partir de
take an injection - tomar (levar) uma injeção
take into consideration - levar em consideração
take it as ... - crer, supor, entender, aceitar como ...
take it or leave it - é pegar ou largar
take a leak - urinar
take lessons - tomar aulas
take liberties - tomar liberdades
take a look (at) - dar uma olhada
take medicine - tomar remédio
take a nap - tirar uma sesta
take notes - fazer anotações
take off - decolar, ir embora
take (something) off - tirar (casaco, óculos, etc.)
take the opportunity - aproveitar a oportunidade
take (somebody/something) out - levar alguém para sair, remover algo
take over - assumir controle, tomar conta
take part - fazer parte, participar
take a piss - mijar
take personal offense - ofender-se
take place - acontecer, ocorrer
take pride - orgulhar-se, ter orgulho
take a poll - fazer uma pesquisa de opinião
take the responsibility - assumir a responsabilidade
take a rest - fazer um descanso
take a shower - tomar banho
take steps - iniciar preparativos
take a taxi (bus, plane) - pegar um taxi
take the temperature - tirar a febre
take a test - fazer um exame
It takes time - leva tempo
take one's time - tomar seu tempo, não ter pressa
take a trip - fazer uma viagem
take up something - começar a estudar ou praticar algo
take a walk - dar uma caminhada
take your time - não se apresse
GET EXPRESSIONS
meaning of become: ficar

It’s getting dark. - Está ficando escuro.
We got tired yesterday. - Ficamos cansados ontem.
I’m getting confused. - Estou ficando confuso, estou fazendo confusão.
I’m getting accustomed/used to working hard. - Estou ficando acostumado a trabalhar muito.
meaning of receive: ganhar, receber

She got a nice present for her birthday. - Ela ganhou um presente legal de aniversário.
Language teachers get about R$15 an hour in Brazil. - Professores de línguas ganham cerca de R$15 por
hora no Brasil.
I hope to get better news tomorrow. - Espero receber notícias melhores amanhã.
I got a postcard from Germany. - Recebi um cartão postal da Alemanha.
meaning of obtain/buy: arranjar, conseguir, comprar

He’s going to get a job after college. - Ele vai arranjar um emprego depois da faculdade. (conseguir,
arranjar emprego)
I got a promotion. - Eu consegui uma promoção. (ganhar, conseguir)
He got $800 for his old car. - Ele conseguiu 800 dólares pelo seu velho carro (conseguir dinheiro pela
venda de algo)
VICTORIA VARGA
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You can get cheap things in Hong Kong. - A gente consegue comprar coisas baratas em Hong Kong.
I'm planning to get a new car soon. - Estou planejando comprar um carro novo em breve.
meaning of fetch/pick up: pegar, trazer, buscar

Go and get the newspaper. - Vái lá e pegue o jornal.
Shall I get you a book from the library? - Você quer que eu traga um livro da biblioteca para você?
Stay here. I’ll get you some slippers. - Fique aqui. Vou buscar (arranjar) uns chinelos para você.
meaning of arrive at/reach: chegar, ir

I got home late last night. - Cheguei em casa tarde ontem de noite.
We got to the airport by taxi. - Fomos ao aeroporto de taxi.
Can you get to the roof of the house? - Você consegue chegar (trepar) no telhado da casa?
meaning of have (possession): ter

I haven’t got much time. - Não tenho muito tempo.
Have you got enough money? - Você tem dinheiro que chegue?
meaning of have to (obligation, same as need and must): ter que

I’ve got to go now. - Tenho que ir agora.
You’ve got to study harder. - Você tem que estudar mais.
meaning of catch (illness, vehicle, thief): pegar

I don’t want to get a cold. - Não quero pegar um resfriado.
I hope you get on a train before midnight. - Espero que você consiga pegar um trem antes da meia-noite.
The thief ran away but the police got him. - O ladrão fugiu correndo mas a polícia o pegou.
meaning of prepare/make: preparar

I’ll get some coffee. - Vou preparar (pegar, buscar) um café.
She’s getting dinner for her family. - Ela está preparando o jantar para sua família.
meaning of be (as passive auxiliary): ser

She got hit by a car. - Ela foi atropelada.
The robber got killed by the police. - O assaltante foi morto pela polícia.
He got robbed last night. - Ele foi assaltado ontem à noite.
meaning of persuade/convince: convencer

He got his father to buy him a car. - Ele convenceu o pai a dar-lhe um carro.
I got him to help me. - Consegui convencê-lo a ajudar-me.
meaning of have something done, order something: mandar

He got his car fixed. - Ele mandou consertar o carro.
I got my hair cut. - Ele cortou o cabelo. (mandou cortar, foi ao barbeiro)
meaning of understand: entender

I got you. - Entendi o que você quer dizer.
Did you get the idea? - Você entendeu a idéia?
Don't get me wrong. - Não me interprete mal.
other meanings and in combination w/prepositions:

get across - comunicar, esclarecer, convencer
get along (with) - dar-se, relacionar-se com
get away – escapar
get back – recuperar
get back from - retornar de
get something back - reaver algo
get by - sair-se, virar-se
get a chance - ter uma oportunidade
get a cramp - dar uma câimbra
get somebody down - deprimir alguém
get down to - concentrar-se em
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get even - acertar contas, ficar quites, vingar-se

get a flat tire - furar o pneu
get a haircut - cortar o cabelo
get ...ing! - usado em comandos imperativos
get in – entrar
get into - entrar, envolver-se com
get in touch (with) - fazer contato, manter contato com
get in trouble - meter-se em confusão, dar-se mal
get laid - ter relações sexuais
get lost! - te some!
get married - casar-se
get something off - remover algo
get off - descer de um ônibus ou trem
get on - produzir efeito indesejável; embarcar (em veículo)
get on with someone - relacionar-se com alguém
get out - sair, partir
get over - curar-se, recuperar-se; transmitir
get ready - aprontar-se
get rid of - livrar-se de, dar um sumiço em
get there - chegar ao destino
get through with something - terminar algo
get to a place - chegar a algum lugar
get to someone - afetar ou irritar alguém
get together (with) - reunir-se com
get something under way - pôr a caminho, pôr em execução
get up - levantar de manhã
get upset - irritar-se, descontrolar-se
TO, FROM, OF and FOR

To
preposition
1 expressing direction or position in relation to a location, point, or condition.
chiefly British (in telling the time) before (the hour specified).
2 identifying the person or thing affected.
3 identifying a relationship between one person or thing and another.
indicating a rate of return: ten miles to the gallon.
4 indicating that two things are attached.
5 governing a phrase expressing someone's reaction: to her astonishment, he smiled.
6 used to introduce the second element in a comparison.
7 placed before a debit entry in accounting.
infinitive marker
1 used with the base form of a verb to indicate that the verb is in the infinitive.
(about to) forming a future tense with reference to the immediate future.
2 used without a verb following when the missing verb is clearly understood: she said she didn't want to.
For
preposition
1 in favour of.
2 affecting or with regard to.
3 on behalf of or to the benefit of.
4 having as a purpose or function.
5 having as a reason or cause.
6 having as a destination.
7 representing.
8 in exchange for. charged as (a price).
9 in relation to the expected norm of.
10 indicating the extent of (a distance) or the length of (a period of time).
11 indicating an occasion in a series.
VICTORIA VARGA
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conjunction
literary because; since.
PHRASES
be for it British informal be about to be punished or get into trouble.
oh for I long for.
Of
USAGE
It is a mistake to use of instead of have in constructions such as you should have asked.
PHRASES
be of - possess intrinsically or give rise to: this work is of great value.
preposition
1 expressing the relationship between a part and a whole.
2 expressing the relationship between a scale or measure and a value. expressing an age.
3 indicating an association between two entities, typically one of belonging.
4 expressing the relationship between a direction and a point of reference.
5 expressing the relationship between a general category and something which belongs to such a
category.
6 expressing the relationship between an abstract concept and a noun denoting the subject or object of
the underlying verb.
7 indicating the relationship between a verb and an indirect object.
8 indicating the material constituting something.
9 North American expressing time in relation to the following hour.
From
preposition
1 indicating the point in space or time at which a journey, process, or action starts.
2 indicating source or provenance. indicating the raw material of manufacture.
3 indicating the starting point of a specified range.
4 indicating separation, removal, or prevention.
5 indicating a cause.
6 indicating a distinction.
PHRASES
from day to day (or hour to hour etc.) daily (or hourly etc.).
from time to time occasionally.

Curso de Inglês - 1 - Gramática

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VICTORIA VARGA

Aulas de Inglês - Grammar

1. INDEFINITE ARTICLES: A AND AN

2. DEFINITE ARTICLE: THE

Indefinite (a or an) Definite (the)

The is also used when a noun refers to something unique:

Note: Geographical uses of THE

Do use the before:

FURTHER USES OF ARTICLES

1. COUNTABLE VS. NONCOUNTABLE

A and an are used if the noun can be counted.

I drank a glass of milk. (Glasses of milk can be counted)

I saw an apple tree. (Apple trees can be counted)

The must be used when the noun cannot be counted.

I admired the foliage. (How many foliages? Foliage cannot be

2. FIRST VS. SUBSEQUENT MENTION

3. GENERAL VS. SPECIFIC

A tiger is a dangerous animal. (any individual tiger)

1. NAMES OF LANGUAGES AND NATIONALITIES

3. NAMES OF ACADEMIC SUBJECTS

VERB MEANING EXAMPLE

Correct: She added it up on her calculator.

Incorrect: She always gets the rules around (This construction

Unfortunately, there is usually no indicator whether an idiomatic phrase is separable, inseparable, or

eat up - eat completely

sweep out - sweep the inside of

back out of - desert; fail to keep a promise

fall back on - use for emergency purpose

back down - retreat from a position in an argument

get through - finish

The children are just waking up.

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

Past perfect of TO BE + present participle

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES

They have been living here since they were born.

• dare and need (Archaic use)

I SHALL BE AT THE OFFICE FROM NINE TO FIVE.

IRREGULAR VERBS LIST

AWAKE AWOKE AWOKEN

BE WAS, WERE BEEN

BEAT BEAT BEATEN

BECOME BECAME BECOME

BEGIN BEGAN BEGUN

BEND BENT BENT

BET BET BET

BID BID BID

BITE BIT BITTEN

BLOW BLEW BLOWN

BREAK BROKE BROKEN

BRING BROUGHT BROUGHT

BROADCAST BROADCAST BROADCAST

BUILD BUILT BUILT

BURN BURNED/BURNT BURNED/BURNT

BURST BURST BURST

BUY BOUGHT BOUGHT

CATCH CAUGHT CAUGHT

CHOOSE CHOSE CHOSEN

COME CAME COME