Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.

How to use 'if so' and 'if not' in dialogue.

A conditional clause to refer a previous direct or indirect 'yes-no' question where the answer might be ‘yes’. 

Do you think we could study more grammar? If so, could you give us more help with tenses?

Is it possible to pay by credit card? If so, which card do you accept?

Does Mrs Smith like wine? If so, does she prefer white or red?

Could you tell me if she said anything about me? If so, what did she say?

I was wondering if we could meet one morning. If so, which day would you prefer?

Is this shirt your size? If not, we have plenty of other sizes.

Do you open at the weekend? If not, how can I pick up the vacuum cleaner I bought online?

I hope next Saturday is ok for you. If not, we can find another date for the excursion.

I'd like to know if we'll be going to the beach when I arrive. If not, what plans do you have?

See the transcript at: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-238.htm

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.

These are the four comprehension questions to read before you listen to the story.

1) What was the first thing Nigel did when he went into the shower?
2) What did Nigel decide not to have for breakfast that day?
3) Why did Nigel lose his job?
4) What reason did the doctor give for Nigel's death?

Answers are given at the end of the podcast

For complete transcript of the story, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-237.htm

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.

Structure Summary

Would like / want / ask
I would like you to come to a party on Saturday
Object Clause (noun clause): you to come to a party on Saturday
Subject + verb + [object = (object pronoun + verb + more information)]
I / would like / you to come to a party on Saturday. 

Other examples:
I would like you to come to a meeting on Monday to discuss the terms of the contract. 
My parents want me to go on holiday with them this summer. 
You asked me to tell you about the football match.

Make
(verb that follow are without ‘to’ in the infinitive)
She makes me smile
Subject: She.
Verb: makes
Object: me – the direct object of makes
Complement (Bare Infinitive Verb): smile – this is the bare infinitive (infinitive without "to") following the causative verb make.

Other examples:
She makes me laugh when I'm feeling sad.
She always makes me angry!

Let
(verb that follow are without ‘to’ in the infinitive)
Let me know if Monday is suitable for you.
You are eighteen now, your parents should let you do what you like!
I think you should talk with your parents and try to make them understand how you feel.
My parents are afraid of letting me go away by yourself, they still think I'm a baby.

Help
Help (verbs that follow are with or without ‘to’.
Please would you help me find something better?
Indirect Object: me – the person receiving the help.
Bare Infinitive Verb: find – after help, we use the bare infinitive (you can say "help me to find" too.).

Other examples:
I wanted to help him (to) make some friends.
I hope that it will help you (to) keep fit.
I hope my advice will help you (to) decide where to go on holiday.
This hotel is terrible and I hope you can help me (to) find a better one.

For transcripts of jokes see: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-236.htm

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.

LOOKING BACK FROM A POINT IN THE FUTURE - FUTURE PERFECT

I have studied / I have been studying English for/since...
(from the past to the present)

Next September, I will have studied / been studying English for ten years
(from the past to a moment in the future

I will have had this car for fifteen years next month.

I will have lived / been living in Seville for twenty-five years

This summer I will have been working for three years at the car factory.

The structure is the same for other verbs that use modal auxiliary verbs

I should study now
I should have studied in the past (but I didn't)
We call this the perfect infinitive.

I could work in the car factory
I could have worked in the car factory (but I didn't)

I might buy that sweater I saw in the shop window.
I might have bought that sweater I saw in the shop window. (but I didn't)

(Georgia on my Mind cover by M.A. Bilbrough)

Read the story transcript at my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-235.htm

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.

These are the B2 time adverbs you should learn for the speaking and writing of the Cambridge FCE exam. Listen for them in the podcast, and decide which I am referring to in the dialogue section at the end of the podcast. (B1 students also invited!)

firstly, etc. lastly, (often at the beginning of a sentence)
instantly (often at the end of a sentence)
temporarily (often at the end of a sentence)
currently (often before a verb)
sharp (at the end of a time phrase)
precisely / exactly (often before a time phrase)
increasingly (often before a verb)
roughly (often before a time phrase)
continuously (often before a verb)
constantly (often before a verb)
permanently (often at the end of a sentence)
gradually (often before a verb)
simultaneously (often at the end of a sentence)
eventually (often before a verb)
seldom (often before a verb)
shortly (often at the end of a sentence)

To see the transcript of the dialogues, go to my website: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-234.htm

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.

'Rather' and its uses

FORM/USE: 'RATHER THAN' + PHRASE
B1
Use a specialist book rather than the Internet. A book is more reliable.
Take the stairs rather than the lift. It’ll keep you fitter.

FORM: 'RATHER THAN' + NON-FINITE CLAUSE
B2
I’d prefer to go camping rather than stay in a hotel. It’s nice to be out in the fresh air.
Rather than sitting around doing nothing, why don’t you go and do some sport. (instead of)
I’d rather take the bus than get the car out. 

FORM: WITH 'RATHER A'
ADJECTIVES
B2
Actually, I’m rather bad/good at playing football. I’ve got two left feet.
She lives rather a long way from school, so she’s often late.

FORM: WOULD + RATHER + PAST
I’d rather + indirect object + past (but it’s not a past)
I’d rather you didn’t go to that concert next Saturday. I don’t think it’s suitable.
I’d rather you stayed at home and helped with the baby. I’ve got to catch up with some work.

See the transcript of the dialogue: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-233.htm

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.

Stative verbs

Thoughts and opinions

believe
know
understand
suppose
think
(I would sit and think about her every day.)
(People used to think that smoking was good for you.)  

Emotions

love
I used to love watching children's TV when I was a kid. TV programmes for kids used to be better then than they are now.
hate
dislike
detest
appreciate

Senses

see
(I used to see Jane every day as she walked past my house with the dog)
(I would go and see my grandmother every day at a café by the river)
hear (would listen to)
smell
(The bakery used to smell of delicious freshly baked bread)
(I would smell each flower as I walked through the field)
taste
(It used to taste like something out of this world)
(I would taste each wine and give my opinion)
feel (I used to feel upset every time my neighbour shouted at his dog)
notice
In the end, I never used to notice the planes flying over our heads.

Being

be
seem
appear
belong
have
(When I was a teenager, we used to have Dr Marten boots - it used to be the fashion)
(Every day my grandmother would have a bath, spending at least an hour in there.)
stand
(The castle used to stand by the river)
(He would stand by the door waiting for her to come home)
lie
(The cat would lie on the veranda enjoying the afternoon sun.)
(the village used to stand in the valley until it was flooded.)

Short story. Three hours between flights by F. Scott Fitzgerald (adapted to B1 level)
You can read the transcript here: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-232.htm

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.

Emphasis is used with lots of auxiliary verbs:
- I MUST get to the shop before it closes.
- You SHOULD try and finish the painting today. I'm fed up with smelling paint all over the house.
- I do like your new tie. It's so colourful!
- I do want to go and see that new film Anora. You know, the film that won all those oscars.
- Well, I saw it. I don't think it's suitable for you, if your favourite film is the Sound of Music.
- I do wish it would stop raining. I can't get out at the weekend.
Third person:
- Mary does like new job. She has chances of promotion now that she never had before.
2nd person
- You know, you do annoy me with all the regaton music you play at full volume in your bedroom.
Past tense
- I did want to go away last weekend, but we gave up the idea because of the rain.
In negatives:
- You helped yourself to my biscuits again, didn't you?
- I didn't, actually. I'm on a diet. It must have been Yvonne.
Questions:
- Where have you been all this time, Peter?
- I borrowed your car, Mum. Just went out for a short drive.
- You did, did you? And without my permission. Well, you're grounded for the rest of the week.

To read the dialogue, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-231.htm

Podcasts on intonation
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-43.htm
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-97.htm
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-103.htm
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-197.htm
https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-126.htm

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.

The Visitors

This is the full version of my story The Visitors recorded in October of last year. The level is B2, but my B1 students are also invited, of course! ;-) 

These are the comprehension questions: (the answers are further down - but don't look at those yet!!

1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why?

2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there?

3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it?

4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story?

Answers:

1) Who said he didn't want to be rescued and why?

‘Rescue mission!’ the admiral suddenly shouted and he looked irritated. ‘Who are they gonna rescue? I don’t need rescuing, thank you very much! I have a nice home and beautiful family right here on Honolulu Island. 

2) What is the bridge of a ship, and why did the scientists and naval officers all go there?

They hurried along the deck and in through a door that led to the bridge* - the highest part of the ship and the best place to get an all-round view of the surrounding darkening sea and sky.

3) Where was the alien ship when the ship's crew first detected it?

‘Sonar?’ interrupted Pierre. ‘Do you mean it’s under the water?’ The captain ignored him.

‘Estimated time of arrival?’

‘Four minutes, Captain! It’s incredible! There’s nothing that can travel that speed under water! I… I don’t get it!’

4) Why did Pierre Lafayette say "Merde!" at the end of the story?

‘Merde!’ said Pierre ('merde' is a swaer word in French) to anyone who might be listening to him. ‘They want nothing to do with us!’

(The alien spaceship had come to rescue the dolphins and whales of the ocean, and was not interested in making contact with the humans!)

Hope you enjoyed the story and learned some new language from it!

Mike.

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

Write to Mike Bilbrough to ask a question or give an opinion.

Adjectives with hyphen at B1 level

good-looking (only with hyphen) - attractive (for people, often men)

well-known - a lot of people have heard of it and know it/him/her

old-fashioned (only with hyphen) - (often criticising something) not new, not in fashion

well-dressed - dressed in attractive clothes, smart, elegant

up-to-date - (usually technology) the newest in software, hardware, computers etc.

middle-aged - around 50 years old

face-to-face (only with hyphen) (also adv. came face-to-face with the burglar) - talk to somebody while looking at them in the same room.

out-of-date - (fashion, technology) not new, there are more up-to-date versions, or a more recent fashion, or more modern.

hand-held  (only with hyphen) - held in the hand e.g. like a mobile phone. 

next-door (adv. next door) - referring to your neighbours. They live next to you. A house with is next to another.

full-time - (work) a complete schedule. 40 hours a week, for example. Compare with 'part-time'.

self-service  (only with hyphen) - (usually a restaurant) where you get your own food from the counter, no waiters or waitresses.

first-floor - on the first floor of a building.

second-hand  (only with hyphen) - not new, has been used before.

We can also invent words by putting the adjective and noun together to make another adjective: dark-haired, short-haired, short-sleeved shirt, long-sleeved shirt.

Young people's slang in Great Britain

Ace - really good

Bog off - go away and leave me alone.

Bonkers - crazy

Chippy - fish-and-chip shop

Chuffed - really pleased

Fancy - want to do something

Snog - kiss

dead wealthy / dead boring

go for a spin

To see the dialogue, go to: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-229.htm

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.

https://www.practisingenglish.com/english-grammar/

My novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!

Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)

At https://www.practisingenglish.com/ I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.
https://www.practisingenglish.com/

My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N
https://amzn.to/33Axu2N

Be back soon with another podcast!
Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)