Summary of English Grammar: Adjectives, Modals, Questions
English Grammar: Master Adjectives, Modals, Questions
Introduction
This English study material for high school students covers basic vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar (can / could, 'how...?' questions), comparison of adjectives, and units of measurement. The material is divided into clear sections with examples and exercises so that students can quickly practice using them in context.
Basic Vocabulary and Pronunciation
- The dictionary contains nouns, verbs, and adjectives, along with their phonetic transcription. Use them when forming sentences and for reading aloud.
Tip: Practice saying the words aloud, pay attention to the word stress, and notice word combinations (e.g., "user guide").
Examples of words (selected):
- physics /'fi:zi:ks/ — physics
- player /'plei:ə(r)/ — player
- pressure /'preʃə(r)/ — pressure
- scientist /'saɪəntɪst/ — scientist
- programmer /'prəʊɡræmə(r)/ — programmer
How...? Questions (Frequency, Quantity, and Qualities)
We use 'how' + often / much / many / adjective to ask for information about frequency, quantity, or a quality.
- How often do you go shopping?
- How much coffee do you drink?
- How many cousins have you got?
- How high is that mountain?
Practical Examples and Exercises:
- How far can you swim?
- How strict are your teachers?
- How many cousins have you got?
- How much tea do you drink?
Definition: Questions beginning with HOW are used to find out about frequency, quantity, degree, or a quality.
Abilities: can and could
- can describes a present ability: I can speak German now.
- could describes a past ability or polite requests: She could ride a horse when she was six.
Table: Using can / could
| Form | Affirmative | Negative | Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| can (present) | I can swim. | I can't swim. | Can you swim? | Yes, I can. / No, I can't. |
| could (past) | I could dance. | I couldn't dance. | Could you dance? | Yes, I could. / No, I couldn't. |
Practical Tips:
- After can/could, we use the base form of the verb (without 'to'): can swim, could run.
- In spoken English, contracted forms can't and couldn't are used.
Examples:
- My little sister can't write yet, but she can read easy sentences.
- We couldn't play tennis when we were ten, but now we're good at it.
Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
Rules for Formation:
| Adjective Type | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| One-syllable | add -er (old → older) | add -est (old → oldest) |
| One-syllable ending in CVC | double the consonant + -er (big → bigger) | double the consonant + -est (big → biggest) |
| Ending in -e | add -r (nice → nicer) | add -st (nice → nicest) |
| Two or more syllables ending in -y | remove -y, add -ier (easy → easier) | remove -y, add -iest (easy → easiest) |
| Two or more syllables (not ending in -y) | more / most (careful → more careful / the most careful) | |
| Irregular | good → better → the best; bad → worse → the worst |
Exercise: Fill in the correct form
- This book is the most expensive (expensive) in the shop.
- Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most intelligent (intelligent) people of all time.
- Maths is easier (easy) than French.
Definition: A comparative adjective compares two things; a superlative adjective compares more than two things and indicates the highest degree of a quality.
Common Mistakes (Things to watch out for):
- Do not use "more" with one-syllable adjectives that form their comparative with -er (e.g., "more big" is incorrect).
- Don't forget to double the consonant with short one-syllable words (e.g., big → bigger).
Units of Measurement and Numbers (in Context)
Common units and their usage in questions and answers:
- kilometre — How far is the station? About one kilometre.
- kilo — We need about a kilo of sugar.
- second / minute / hour / day / week / month / year — How long? I ran 100 metres in
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English — Fundamentals and Grammar
Klíčové pojmy: Using how + often/much/many/adjective in questions, Can = ability in the present; Could = ability in the past, After can/could, use the base form of the verb (without 'to'), Comparative: -er or more; Superlative: -est or most, Doubling the consonant for short one-syllable adjectives (big → bigger), Irregular comparisons (good → better → best), Units: kilo, kilometer, second, minute, million, Read the context to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words, Use the contracted forms can't and couldn't in spoken English, Forming HOW questions for frequency, quantity, and degree