xwordgrammar.pbworks.comxwordgrammar.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/76601237/Lydo… · Web viewLet’s look at number 3. In this lesson, you will learn how to use xwords to find the

Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart

ContentsLesson 1: Xwords...........................................................................................................................................................2

Lesson 2: Verbs and Verb forms....................................................................................................................................5

Lesson 3: The Relationship between xwords and verb forms........................................................................................7

Lesson 4: What is the difference between the BASE form and V/XO? Infinitives.......................................................9

Lesson 5: How to find the subject of a sentence...........................................................................................................11

Lesson 6: Negative Statements and Middle Words......................................................................................................13

Lesson 7: Yes/No questions..........................................................................................................................................18

Lesson 8: Information questions...................................................................................................................................20

Lesson 9: Do, does, did ................................................................................................................................................23

Lesson 10: Have, has, and had......................................................................................................................................30

Lesson 11: The future...................................................................................................................................................32

Lesson 12: Modals: Used to Vb, would Vb..................................................................................................................36

Lesson 13: Modals: Have to.........................................................................................................................................40

Lesson 14: Noun Boxes The main word of the subject................................................................................................42

Lesson 15: Noun Boxes Determiners...........................................................................................................................45

Lesson 16: NOUN BOXES Describers and Numbers.....................................................................................................47

Rev: BHart for ELS Jan 2014 Page 1

Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 1: Xwords

There is a group of very important words in English. They are called xwords. They are important in the language because they do so much work. Here are the things that xwords are used for:

1) they are used to ask questions,2) they are used to make negative statements3) they are used to find the subject of a sentence4) they are used to change tense5) they are used to add meaning

Xwords are also called auxiliary words orhelping verbs

Here are the 20 xwords:

The “have” group

The “do” group The “be” group

The “pairs” group The “m” group

havehashad

dodoesdid

amisarewaswere

canshallwill

couldshouldwould

mustmightmay

We can arrange the xwords any way we wish. I have put them this way because I think it is easier to remember them if I put them in groups.

The first group I call the “have” group. I call the next group the “do” group because it contains the words do,

does, and did. Then we have the “be” group (am, is, are, was, were). I remember the next six xwords by thinking of them as pairs. Last there are the three xwords that begin with the letter “m”

You can remember the xwords by singing them to the tune of Jingle Bells. Try it.

Let’s practice identifying X-Words in sentences.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 1: Exercise 1

Directions: Read the sentences below. There is at least one xword in each sentence. Some sentences have two xwords. Find the xword and place an X over it. X1. Students have travelled to other countries to study for hundreds of years.2. They might want a school that specializes in their field, like fashion, music,

or engineering.3. College is also an opportunity to learn about different kinds of people and

cultures.4. English is very useful right now, so lots of students are coming to the United

States to study.5. Students at this college can take a variety of different courses.6. Some students are taking intensive English courses.7. Other students are studying specialized English that prepares them for their

field.8. Do most students get homesick? Of course they do.9. Younger students may miss their parents.10.Familiar food is another thing that students are homesick for.11.Suddenly, they might want stinky tofu or their mother’s kimchi.12.Older students may leave a boyfriend or girlfriend at home.13.Yu-Cheng’s boyfriend is back in China. 14.If she had stayed there, she would probably be married now.15.Homesick students might form *cliques with friends from their native

countries. 16.Cliques can make students feel safer.17.Unfortunately, hanging out with people from your own country will make it

hard to learn English.

* clique /klIk/ a small group of people that doesn’t let other people in their group.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 1: Exercise 2: a. Label the columns b. Write the 20 xwords:

“Modals”

have group

_________ ________ pairs “M” group

_________________________________

_________________________________

_______________________________________________________

________ ________________ ________________ ________

_________________________________

Lesson 1: Exercise 3Directions: Mark the X-Words with an X. Write the most obvious use of the X-Word. The first one is done for you.

1 Find the subject

Students who hang out with people from other countries will learn English faster.

2 ________________ Yu-Cheng won’t speak her own language in class.

3 ________________ Do most students get homesick?

4 ________________Today we’re studying X-Words. Tomorrow we will study verb forms.

5 ________________If Sanguk passes grammar class, he can start Parsons in September. If he fails, he might start in December.

Lesson 1: Exercise 4 PreviewLook at the main verbs (the verbs that come after the X-Words) in Exercise 3. Write the main verbs after their X-Words below. What do you notice?1. will ____________ 4. are ____________


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart2.won’t ____________3. do ____________

will ____________5. can ____________ might ____________


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 2: Verbs and Verb forms

Verbs are words that express the action in a sentence. They are also the words that carry time meaning.

Example: Joe runs every day. The verb, runs, expresses the action. Joe ran yesterday. The verb, ran, tells us the action was in the past.

In English, every verb has six forms. Here are the six forms with examples.Can you fill in the missing verbs?Baseform

-ingform

past participle form

no” s”form

“s”form

pastform

going gone go wenttake taking takes tookeat eaten eat atewant wanting wants wantedstudy studying study studiedHave you noticed that the base form and the no “s” form are the same? They look the same, but they are really very different. I will explain this more later.

We will use these abbreviations to help us talk about the verb forms more easily.

VB Base formVING -ing formD-T-N Past participle

formV/XO Present no “s”

formV/XS Present “s” formV/XD Past form

Regular and irregular verbs.Look again at the verbs above. Clean and dance are regular verbs. Study the endings of clean and dance. What is the difference between regular and irregular verbs?

irregular means not regular

Rule: A regular verb adds –ed to the V/XD and the D-T-N does not change the spelling of the base

Lesson 2 Exercise 1Directions: Here are some regular verbs. Write the 6 verb forms of each. I have done the first one for you.

Vbase VING D-T-N V/XO V/XS V/XDRev: BHart for ELS Jan 2014 Page 6

Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Harthelp helping helped help helps helpedlive * * *designlistenstudy * * **Spelling note: 1) when a verb ends in silent e, drop the e before you add ing or ed;2) when a verb ends in a consonant + y, change the y to i, when you add es or ed

Exercise 2:Directions: Here are some irregular verbs that you should know. Write as many of the verb forms as you can.

Vbase VING D-T-N V/XO V/XS V/XDbringmakegethavedraw

A good English dictionary will help you with the forms of irregular verbs.

Remember: always look up the BASE form. Dictionaries usually provide the V/XD and D-T-N. The V/XD is listed first. A dictionary might also spell the ING form.

Here is an example:come v. came, come, coming

Review: Write the Rule:A regular verb____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 3: The Relationship between xwords and verb formsIn Lessons 1 and 2 we learned the 20 xwords and the 6 forms of every English verb. Now we will look at the VERY IMPORTANT relationship that exists between xwords and verb forms. That is:

Certain verb forms must always appear with certain xwords Certain verb forms must never appear with an xword.

It is necessary to understand these relationships. This chart shows which xwords and verb forms go together.

The have family always goes with D-T-N

The do family always goes with Vb

The be family has 3 possibilities

All modals go with Vb

have hashad

D-T-Ndodoesdid

BASEamisarewaswere

ING,D-T-N,orno verb

can / couldwill / wouldshall/should

BASE mustmightmay

BASE

Notice: 12 of the 20 xwords go only with BASE.

Lesson 3 Exercise 1Practice: The chart above is organized by xwords. Now write the same information organized by the six forms of the verb.

BASE goes with these xwords:

ING goes with these xwords:

D-T-N goes with these xwords:

V/XO goes with these xwords:

V/XS goes with these xwords:

V/XD goes with these xwords:

1 ______2 ______3 ______4 ______5 ______6 ______7 ______8 ______9 ______10 ______11 ______12 ______

1 ______2______3______4______5______

1______2______3______4______5______6______7______8______

(hidden do)

(hidden does) (hidden did)

These charts tell us that V/XS, V/XO, and V/XD never appear with visible xwords.

Good news! The six forms of the verb and the 20 xwords together,make all of the verb tenses in English.

Lesson 3 Exercise 2


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartDirections: In each of the sentences below, the main verb is in italics. Identify the form of each verb by placing the abbreviation of the form above it and place an X over the xword in each sentence. (Text adapted from The Week) X D-T-NExample 1: Erik has smoked for five years. X INGExample 2: He is trying to quit now.

1. The 100th anniversary of the cigarette has arrived. 2. Camel cigarettes have been on the market for 100 years.3. Is anybody celebrating this birthday?4. For 40 years, we have known that smoking causes cancer, heart disease, and

other fatal illnesses.5. Around 4 trillion Camels were sold in the last 100 years.6. Four million people have died from smoking them.7. These people were killed by the ingredients in cigarette smoke.8. Doctors are not celebrating the anniversary of cigarettes.9. The families and friends of the victims are not happy, either.10.Unfortunately, many young people will start smoking this year despite the danger.

Vocabulary: 4 trillion = 4,000,000,000,000; 4 million = 4,000,000.Lesson 3 Exercise 3 In these sentences the verbs are in italic print again, but notice that in these sentences, there are no visible xwords. That means that the verb forms are either V/XO, V/XS, or V/XD. Identify the verb forms.

1. Erik started smoking when he was 11 years old.2. His father and his older brother smoke.3. Erik thought that a cigarette made him look grown up.4. Now Erik wants to quit smoking.5. His girlfriend hates cigarettes.

Lesson 4: What is the difference between the BASE form and V/XO? InfinitivesV/XO and BASE look exactly the same, but they are used very differently in a sentence.

Remember: V/XO and V/XS make the simple present tense.The simple present talks about habits and truths.

We take the subway to work.He takes the subway to work.The sun rises in the east.

Note: Never use the infinitive after an xword.

Wrong: I can to dance.Right: I can dance.



Learn: BASE is used after most xwords.

Lesson 4 Exercise 1Directions: In each of the sentences below, the verb form is either BASE or V/XO. If you think the verb form in the sentence is the BASE FORM, put a circle around BASE. If you think the verb form is the no-s form of the simple present, put a circle around the V/XO.

BASE always appears with an xword.V/XO never appears with an xword.

1. BASE V/XO My father and mother live in Brooklyn.2. BASE V/XO My father may live to be 100 years old.3. BASE V/XO They might take a trip to Hawaii in June.4. BASE V/XO They usually take the subway into the city every

weekend.5. BASE V/XO They often go to a Broadway show.6. BASE V/XO They don’t go to musicals because they are too

expensive.7. BASE V/XO Students should try to enjoy the city.8. BASE V/XO Do you enjoy Broadway shows?9. BASE V/XO Students often think that they’re too busy or too poor,10. BASE V/XO but you can always find cheap and free things to do.

Lesson 4 Exercise 2Directions:Use these verbs to write 8 sentences: 4 sentences with the verb form V/XO and 4 sentences with BASE.

Remember: Use V/XO with I, We, You,

or They to talk about truths or habits in the “present tense”. I drink coffee.

BASE must always appear with one of its xwords.I might drink tea today.

Verb Form Sentence:

1. find BASE _______________________________________________

2. find V/XO _______________________________________________

3. go BASE _______________________________________________

4. go V/XO _______________________________________________


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart5. eat BASE _______________________________________________

6. eat V/XO _______________________________________________

7. take BASE _______________________________________________

8. take V/XO _______________________________________________

A little bit about infinitives The infinitive in English is the “to BASE” form: to go, to feel, to eat Infinitives are abbreviated Vinf Where? Why? Sometimes infinitives answer “Why?” I went to school to study marketing. Don’t confuse “to a place” with an infinitive. I went to school. Infinitives can follow certain verbs, such as want, like, and need.

She wants to go to college.We like to watch TV.I need to buy eggs at the store.

Remember: An infinitive never follows an xword.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 5: How to find the subject of a sentenceIn lesson 1, we said that xwords were important for five reasons1) they are used to ask questions,2) they are used to make negative statements3) they are used to find the subject of a sentence4) they are used to change tense5) they are used to add meaningLet’s look at number 3. In this lesson, you will learn how to use xwords to find the subject of a sentence. It’s really easy to find the of the sentence if you know the xwords. If you want to find the subject of any sentence, all you have to do is to find the xword. Everything between the beginning of the sentence and the X is the subject.

English is a word order language.

Example 1: --------------------------X

X The president’s office is located on the eighth floor of 66 West 12th.The president’s office is the subject of the sentence.Example 2 ------------------XX ESL students should try to find opportunities to practice English.ESL students is the subject of the sentence because it comes between the two positions of the X.

We can show the subject of the sentence by placing a box around it and by putting the letter S for subject over it. SESL students should try to find opportunities to practice English.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 5 Exercise 1Directions: Find the xword in each of the following sentences and place an X over it. Then place a box around the subject and put an S over the box. Try to mark the forms of the verbs, too. I have done the first one for you. (adapted from The Week)

“This is Why Birds Fly in a V” X Vb

1. Why do migratory birds like ducks and geese fly in the shape of a V?

2. Why don’t they fly in the shape of an I or a W?

3. Understanding this interesting habit could help us out with things like designing

better airplanes.

4. Previous studies have shown that the V shape helps birds see each other.

5. Each bird in the V is located just far enough back and to the side.

6. The next bird can see it in its peripheral (side) vision.

7. A recent study has discovered another reason for the V

8. Each of the birds was given a GPS.

9. Each bird was exactly 4 feet behind and at a

45 degree angle from the bird ahead,

10.so it could catch its rising air and save energy.

mi gra to ry; migratory animals live one place in the summer and travel to another place for the

winter.

Lesson 5 Exercise 2 Write three sentences with visible xwords. Make the subjects at least 3 words long. Mark the subjects, x-words and verbs.

1. ______________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________



Lesson 6: Negative Statements and Middle WordsIn lesson 1, we said that xwords were important for five reasons1) they are used to ask questions,2) they are used to make negative statements3) they are used to find the subject of a sentence4) they are used to change tense5) they are used to add meaning

Let’s look at number 2. You have learned that some sentences have xwords that you can see and some (V/XO, V/XS, V/XD) do not. In this lesson you will learn how to make negative statements in sentences with a visible xword.

The rule is simple.

Rule: to change an affirmative sentence to a negative sentence, just add the word “not” or its contraction “n’t” to the xword.

xword + not = negative.

Here are two examples: X X

It’s raining outside. It’s not raining outside. X X

The doctor can see you now. The doctor can not see you now.

Contractions of not. In everyday speech, we usually contract not . Here is a guide.

haven’thasn’thadn’t

don’tdoesn’tdidn’t

*am notisn’taren’twasn’tweren’t

*am not doesn’t contract. We usually contract the I am I’m not

*can’tshall shan’twill won’t

*can’t, cannot, and can not are all OK

couldn’tshouldn’twouldn’t

*must not*might not*may not

*contractions are OK but not common in American English.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart“N” wordsWe have been talking about not. There are other words used to make negatives in English, but they are much less common. Most of the time, we use not.

“N” wordsnotnevernonone

Rule: Never use more than one “N” word in a sentence. This is called a “double negative” .

Not so simpleI said that the rule for making negatives in sentences with visible xwords is simple. It is. Correcting bad habits with not and other “N” words is not simple. Here are some examples of common mistakes:Incorrect: Correct:I no can come to class next Wednesday. I can’t come to class next Wednesday.He can’t never get it right. He can’t ever get it right.You should no eat that. You should not eat that.He doesn’t live here no more. He doesn’t live here anymore.I can’t find my pen nowhere. I can’t find my pen anywhere.

Learn these pairs. We will practice with them in Exercise 2.no anynone anynever everno more anymorenowhere anywhereno place anyplaceno one anyonenobody anybodynothing anything

Lesson 6 Exercise 1Directions: Place an x over the xword in each sentence. Then, rewrite each sentence as a negative sentence. Use various “N” words

Bad Advice1. You should always lie to friends.2. Plagiarism is allowed in American colleges.3. Texting during class is a good way to make your teacher like you.4. Anybody can learn a language in two weeks.

5. You can have 5 absences and still pass this class.6. Studies have shown that people who don’t take notes in class get better grades.7. You must take the elevator in case of a fire.8. You should take lots of taxis to save money.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart9. If you eat lots of pastries, you will stay thin.10.Students should start smoking cigarettes when they are young.

Lesson 6 Exercise 2Replace the underlined word in each of these double negatives.

1. He doesn’t like nobody.2. I can’t do nothing right today.3. We can’t go nowhere this summer.4. She won’t eat nothing.5. She shouldn’t see him no more.6. I haven’t got no money.7. We won’t never go to that restaurant again.8. Doesn’t nobody have an eraser that I can borrow?

Lesson 6 Exercise 3Directions: Review the rules and correct these sentences.

1. The school no is closed on Monday.2. I can’t no come to class tomorrow, teacher.3. I have no received my assignment.

Lesson 6 Exercise 4Write the rules:1. Rule: to make a negative statement _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Rule for “n” words: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Word orderOn the lines below, write these sentence elements in the correct order.

verb xwordnot

subjectinformation

___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________1 2 3 4 5

Middle Words


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartThe “N” words not and never come between the Xword and the Main Verb. There are other words (adverbs) that can come in this sector. Because they can come in the middle of the verb phrase, we call them Middle Words.

A middle word is a word that goes in the middle of an xword and a verb.. Look at these examples. In each case the M-word is in italics. -------------predicate-------------- * X M d-t-nExample 1: I have always wanted to visit Spain. -------------predicate---------------- * X M VingExample 2: She is probably studying in the library. -------------predicate-------------------------------- * X M VbExample 3: We must sometimes wait for 15 minutes for a train.

Here is a list of common M-words. This list is not complete, of course, but it does give some of the more common ones. You should remember, however, that it is better to know the rule than it is to try to memorize a list of words. You should also remember that these words may appear in other places in a sentence in English. They are only Middle Words when they follow this rule.

If a word comes between an x and a verb, call it a Middle word.



Some words commonly used as Middle wordsnotneveralwaysusually

oftensometimesseldomreally

completelyalsojustonly

probablystillhardly everalmost

Lesson 6 Exercise 5 Write the sentence on the line

provided. Put the word in parenthesis in the M

position of the predicate. Then box the subject, and mark the

xword, M-word, and verb of each sentence.

Note: the order is Xword/M-word/Verb

X MShe is always nice.

M V/XSHe always walks.

X M d-t-nWe have always liked grammar.

A healthy man

--------------predicate---------------- Dt Ds * X M d-t-n Dt Ds Ds * My friend Joe has always been a very healthy man.

1. (usually) He eats fresh vegetables and fruits.

__________________________________________________________________2. (hardly ever) He drinks alcohol or coffee.__________________________________________________________________3. (never) Joe has smoked.__________________________________________________________________4. (always) He gets plenty of sleep.__________________________________________________________________5. (almost always) Joe is conscious of his health.______________________________________________________________



Lesson 7: Yes/No questions In lesson 1, we said that xwords were important for five reasons1) they are used to ask questions,2) they are used to make negative statements3) they are used to find the subject of a sentence4) they are used to change tense5) they are used to add meaning

Let’s look at number 1. You have learned that some sentences have xwords and some (V/XO, V/XS, V/XD) do not. In this lesson you will learn how to make yes/no questions in sentences that have an xword.Do you remember how to find the subject of a sentence? Just find the X. Everything between the beginning of the sentence and the X is the subject. To make a yes/no question, actually move the xword to the beginning of the sentence. ------------------ X ING

Jenny and Sam are getting married. X ING

Are Jenny and Sam getting married? Rule: to make a yes/no question in a sentence with an xword,1) move the xword to the front of the sentence and 2) change the period to a question mark.

Remember:An xword at the beginning of an English questions tells us that a question is coming.

Lesson 7 Exercise 1Find the xword in each of the following statements and place an X over it. Then, change each statement to a yes/no question by moving the xword to the front of the sentence.

“What do Weddings Cost Today?”1. The average American wedding cost $28, 427 last year.

________________________________________________________2. The average cost of a wedding in Manhattan was $76,687.

________________________________________________________3. That amount of money could pay for a year’s college tuition or a nice new car.

________________________________________________________4. It is more than many people make in a year.

________________________________________________________5. Most young couples and parents can’t afford an expensive wedding.

________________________________________________________Lesson 7 Exercise 2Directions: Here are five more sentences. They are already yes/no questions. Change them back to affirmative statements.1 Is the “wedding industry” to blame for these high costs?

________________________________________________________2 Are dressmakers, florists, reception halls, photographers, bands, and caterers Rev: BHart for ELS Jan 2014 Page 19

Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hartall part of the “wedding industry”?________________________________________________________

3 Do young couples feel pressure to keep up with friends and relatives?________________________________________________________

4 Were weddings simpler and less expensive in the past?________________________________________________________

5 Was there a change after the grand wedding of Diana and Prince Charles of England?________________________________________________________

to keep up with: to compete with; It was hard for Mary to keep up with her rich cousin.

Lesson 7 Exercise 3

Below, there are six affirmative statements. On the line under each statement, change the statement to either a negative (NEG) statement or a yes/no question (Y/N)

1 The royal couple’s wedding was like a “fairy tale.”(Y/N) ________________________________________________________2 The Prince and Princess were driven away in an old car.(NEG)

________________________________________________________

3 The Prince and Princess were driven away in a glass coach pulled by six horses.

(Y/N) ________________________________________________________4 Everyone has wanted a fairy tale wedding since then.(Y/N) ________________________________________________________5 Young people should go into debt to have a huge wedding.(NEG)

________________________________________________________

6 There are many ways to save money and still have the wedding of your dreams.

(Y/N) ________________________________________________________

Lesson 7 Exercise 4

Now write your own affirmative (AFF) sentence, then write it again as negative (NEG) sentence and as a yes/no (Y/N) question.(AFF) __________________________________________________________(NEG) __________________________________________________________(Y/N) __________________________________________________________

Lesson 8: Information questionsReview: Yes/No questionsA yes/no question can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”

Write the rule for forming Yes/No questions in English.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Rev: BHart for ELS Jan 2014 Page 20


Information questions

Where do you live?The answer to this question cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” It must contain some information. For example: I live in Queens.

Now we need the rule for asking information questions in English. If we want to ask an information question in English, we must first state the question word before the xwordHere are some examples:

Who will you ask to the party?

When is your next class?

How long have you lived in New York?

Common question words:whowhatwhenwherewhyhowhow muchhow manywhat timehow long

As you can see, the word order is:

Question word xword subject verb information ?

Rule: to make an information question, move the xword in front of the subject, write the question word in front of the xword, and add a “?”



A little more about word orderEnglish is a word order language. There is a typical order to all of the parts of the sentence. There is also a typical order within each part. You already know that the order of words in a verb phrase is 1) X-word 2) middle word 3) main verb

You also know that English is an “SVO” language, Subject Verb Object.

There is also an order to the extra information (ad-ver-bi-als) that can come after the verb and object: Where, When, Why, How

One way to remember is to chant “Who did What Where When Why How”(“Who” is the Subject and “Did” represents the Verb)Pay attention to the order of the parts of the sentence as we practice Information Questions.

Subject “Who” Verb “Did” What (object) Where WhenMitzi is riding her bike to school now. ?w X S Ving

What is Mitzi riding? her bike.Where is she riding? to school

When is she riding her bike to school? now

Lesson 8 Exercise 1: Study the order of the words in these sentences, then write the information questions.

Subject Verb What (object) WhenMy friend is having a huge wedding this June.

1. (what) ______________________________________________________

2. (when) ______________________________________________________

Subject Verb What (object) Where WhenHer boyfriend

has bought

a diamond engagement ring

at Tiffany’s already.

3. (what) _____________________________________________

4. (where) _____________________________________________

5. (when) _____________________________________________

Subject Verb Where? Why?Their reception

will be

on the roof at Rockefeller Center

because it’s beautiful.

6. (where) _____________________________________________

7. (why) _____________________________________________


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartSubject QuestionsQuestions about the SUBJECT are different.

Use Who or What Don’t move the x-word or hidden X-word If the question is in Present Time, use a singular “s” verb or X-word (has, does, is,

was, V/XS) even if the actual subject is plural.

Subject Verb WhatHer father is *paying for the wedding.

Subject question: Who is paying for the wedding? My friend’s father is.

Subject Verb WhatHer parents are *paying for the wedding.

The subject question, plural subject: Who is paying for the wedding? My friend’s parents are.

*pay for is a phrasal (two-word) verb.

Lesson 8 Exercise 2: Write the information questions for the underlined parts of this sentence.

The bride-to-be usually chooses the wedding cake at a bakery months before the wedding.

1. Who (subject) ____________________________________________________

2. What (object) ____________________________________________________

3. Where ____________________________________________________

4. When ____________________________________________________

Lesson 9: Do, does, did (sentences with hidden xwords)

Review: In the last three lessons, we’ve learned how to make negatives, yes/no questions, and information questions in sentences with visible xwords. Do you remember the rules?

Rule: In sentences with visible xwords, to make a negative __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rule: In sentences with visible xwords, to make a yes/no question ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rule: In sentences with visible xwords, to make an information question,


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Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you remember the six forms of a verb? Here are the six forms of “to remember.” Write the appropriate label above each form.

With Xwords that Show With Xwords that hide________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________remember rememberin

gremembered

remember remembers remembered

Three of these forms are never seen with an xword. Which three? 1) ___ 2) ___ 3) ____

Sentences with hidden xwords: In Lessons 6, 7, and 8, we learned that we need an xword to make questions and negatives. So what happens if we can’t see any xword in the affirmative sentence? Look at this V/XS sentence, for example: S V/XS

Maria takes the #5 train to school.

Where is the xword? I see only the V/XS, takes. So, how can we make the statement negative or ask a question?


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartIn V/XO, V/XS, and V/XD sentences, we must get help from do, does, or did. Some people call do, does, and did “hidden” xwords. They imagine them “hiding” behind the verb until they are needed. In this sentence, does is hiding behind takes. It is well-hidden. We can only see the “s” of does. If we want to change this statement to a yes/no question or a negative statement, we have to remove it from the place where it is hiding.

Affirmative: Maria takes the #1 train to schoolNegative: Maria doesn’t take the #1 train to school.Question: Does Maria take the #1 train to school?

does s s s s s s s s s s Marie takes the #1 train to school. Does she take the #1 train to school?

Changing the verb to BASEDid you notice that does takes the “s” along with it when it comes out of hiding? The third-person “s” is on the xword, and the main verb is left as a BASE.

It doesn’t matter if main verb is V/XO, V/XS, or V/XD. When we use do, does, or did the main verb always becomes BASE.

.

Rule: when xwords do, does, or did come out to make a question or negative, the main verb becomes a BASE.

V/XO do BASEV/XS does BASEV/XD did BASE

V/XO X BASE X BASEThey like chocolate. They don’t like chocolate. Do they like chocolate?

V/XS X BASE X BASE

She likes chocolate. She doesn’t like chocolate. Does she like chocolate?

V/XD X BASE X BASEShe liked chocolate. She didn’t like chocolate. Did she like chocolate?


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 9 Exercise 1

Let’s do some exercises for practice. Look at the pairs of sentences below. The first sentence is affirmative. The second sentence is a question or negative.

In column A, write the xword used. In Column B, write the verb forms of the first and second sentences.

what’s the

xword ?

main verb changesfrom ____ to ____

1 a. We eat dinner at 6:30.b. We don’t eat dinner at 6:30. do V/XO changes to BASE

2 a. Ana works at Starbucks.b. Ana doesn’t work Starbucks. _______ _______ changes to ______

3 a. Ming slept until 10 o’clock.b. Did Ming sleep until 10 o’clock? _______ _______ changes to ______

4 a. They like to go to the park on Sunday.b. They don’t like to go to the park on Sunday.

_______ _______ changes to ______

5 a. It rains a lot in April.b. Does it rain a lot in April? _______ _______ changes to ______

6 a. I went to California last summer.b. I didn’t go to California last summer. _______ _______ changes to ______

Here are the complete rules:

Rule: In sentences with hidden xwords, to make a question,

1) write do, does, or did before the subject.2) the main verb becomes BASE3) change the period to a question mark.

Rule: In sentences with hidden xwords, to make a negative statement,

1) write don’t, doesn’t, or didn’t before the main verb2) the main verb becomes BASE.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartV/XO do BASEV/XS does BASE

V/XO and V/XS are usually called the “present tense” They are used for habits (I drink coffee every morning.) and truths (The sun comes up in the morning.)

V/XO and V/XS for habits and truthsIf you see a V/XO, use do BASE

If you see a V/XS, use does BASESingular Plural

1st person I learn.I don’t learnDo I learn?

We learn.We don’t learn.Do we learn?

2nd person You learn.You don’t learn.Do you learn?

You learn.You don’t learn.Do you learn?

3rd person He/She/It learns.He/She/It doesn’t learn.Does he/she/it learn?.

They learn.They don’t learn.Do they learn?

Lesson 9 Exercise 3: V/XO and V/XS sentences:In these sentences the main verb will be V/XO or V/XS. Write the correct form of the verb in the affirmative sentence, then change each sentence to a negative (Neg) and a yes/no question (Y/N).

Example Barry (play) plays video games.(Neg) Barry doesn’t play video games.(Y/N) Does Barry play video games.1. He (spend) _________ all night playing.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________2 Barry (get) _________ enough sleep.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________3 He (finish) _________ his homework before he plays.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart4 His teachers (warn) _________ him.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________5 His parents (worry) _________.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________

V/XD did BASEV/XD is the past tense in English. It only has one form. It doesn’t change for he, she, it.The past in English usually has a d on the end—just like did .

Past tense (V/XD)If you see a V/XD, use did BASESingular Plural

1st person I learned.I didn’t learnDid I learn?

We learned.We didn’t learn.Did we learn?

2nd person You learned.You didn’t learn.Did you learn?

You learned.You didn’t learn.Did you learn?

3rd person He/She/It learned.He/She/It didn’t learn.Did he/she/it learn?.

They learned.They didn’t learn.Did they learn?

Lesson 9 Exercise 4: V/XD sentencesIn these sentences the main verb will be V/XD. Write the past form of the verb in the affirmative sentence, then change each sentence to a negative (Neg) and a yes/no question (Y/N).

Example

Barry’s grades went up last semester.

(Neg) Barry’s grades didn’t go up last semester.(Y/N) Did Barry’s grades go up last semester?1 My brother really (enjoy) _______________ video games.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________2 My brother (flunk out) _________ of school.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________3 He only (sleep) _________ for two hours a night.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________4 He (forget) _________ to eat.Rev: BHart for ELS Jan 2014 Page 28

Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________

Lesson 9 Exercise 5 Mixed sentences

1) Mark the xwords and main verbs in these sentences. 2) Then change them to questions or negatives as indicated.

1. Aggressive video games can make people short-tempered.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________2 Slow video games relax people..(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________3 People who play violent video games take more dangerous risks in life.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________4 They have shown less empathy.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________5 Nice games make you nicer.(Neg) _________________________________________________________(Y/N) _________________________________________________________

1) Do as a main verb

We know that do, does, and did are xwords and that they always appear with BASE. In addition, to do is a main verb. It has 6 forms just like any other verb:

BASE ING D-T-N V/XO V/XS V/XDdo doing done do does did

Do, not “make,” is used in these sentences. I do my homework. I do my hair every morning. (women) I do the laundry. I do my exercises. I do the grocery shopping. My son is doing well.

2) Do as a “general” verb:Do is also used when asking a very general question:

What do you do? I’m a teacher. What did you do last night? I slept. What will you do this summer? Work.



3) Occasionally, we add do to emphasize something:

Why don’t you like me? I do like you!This can result in sentences with more than one use of “to do”Example: Teacher: You didn’t do your homework.

Student: I did do it!

Lesson 9 Exercise 1Mark the verbs and the xwords in these sentences.

1. Did you do anything last night?

2. I did some housework, then I watched a video.

3. What do you usually do on Mondays?

4. I do my laundry.

5. Did you do your homework last night?

6. No, I didn’t. Did you do yours?

7. How do you do?

Lesson 10: Have, has, and hadLike do, does, and did, the words have, has, and had are used in different ways.They are used

1. as xwords to make the present perfect and past perfect tenses (I have lived here for 2 years.)

2. as main verbs meaning to possess, to eat or drink (She has two children. Did you have breakfast?)

3. to express obligation: (I have to go) We will learn more about “have to” for obligation in Lesson 13.

Reminder: As xwords, have, has, and had always go with V ___.

Note: sometimes you might hearsubject have/has got…Has got just means has (possesses)He’s got a new car.I’ve got a headache.

Lesson 10 Exercise 1In these exercises, is have, has, had an xword or a verb?

1. x-word verb We only have enough time to go to one more store.2. x-word verb They have left for vacation.3. x-word verb Her child has a bad cold.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart4. x-word verb The month of February has 29 days in leap year.5. x-word verb She has worked in Bloomingdales for 12 years.6. x-word verb I had already eaten when he asked me out to dinner.7. x-word verb The population of the United States has grown.8. x-word verb I have never been to South America.9. x-word verb Mariana has a new dress for the party.10. x-word verb He had been in the hospital for three weeks.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 10 Exercise 2Do you remember the rules for making negatives and questions in sentences with visible xwords? Write these sentences as negatives, then as Y/N questions.

“Experiences”1 Stan has been in college in Russia for three years.

(NEG) ________________________________________________(Y/N) ________________________________________________

2 Sandra has visited Taiwan and South Korea.(NEG) ________________________________________________(Y/N) ________________________________________________

3 At 20, Robin had already graduated from college.(NEG) ________________________________________________(Y/N) ________________________________________________

4 Maya and Richard have met the President of the United States.(NEG) ________________________________________________(Y/N) ________________________________________________

5 Aza had already won many piano competitions by the time he left high school.(NEG) ________________________________________________(Y/N) ________________________________________________

Lesson 10 Exercise 3Do you remember how to make questions and negatives in questions with hidden xwords?Mark any xwords and verbs in these sentences. Write each sentence as a negative and a yes/no question. How many meanings of “have” can you identify?1 My sister and her husband have three children.

(NEG) ________________________________________________(Y/N) ________________________________________________

2 My grandfather had a heart attack last week.(NEG) ________________________________________________(Y/N) ________________________________________________

3 Her husband had toast for breakfast yesterday.(NEG) ________________________________________________(Y/N) ________________________________________________

4 He has coffee every morning.(NEG) ________________________________________________(Y/N) ________________________________________________

5 They had a good time at the party last night.(NEG) ________________________________________________(Y/N) ________________________________________________

Lesson 11: The futureOK, it’s time to talk about THE FUTURE.

There are 3 main ways to talk about the future in English.1. will + BASE


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart2. be going to + BASE3. be going (to a place)

1. The future with willwill + BASE is the simplest.

Use Will is used especially for prediction. It’s often used with “probably”Example:

Will it rain tomorrow?It will not rain tomorrow.It will probably rain tomorrow.

Form will is an xword.Let’s review:

Will always occurs with the verb form _______ To make it negative, add _____ or use the contraction,

______ after it. To make it a question, move the xword in

__________of the subject and change the period to a ______________ ______________.

2. The be going to + BASE futureUse It is used for intentions and things that you know are going to occur. This

form is the most common.

Form You have to use the correct form of be (am, is, are, was, were)Complete these sentences with the correct form of be:

I _____ going to eat lunch at 12:30. You/We/They _____ going to eat lunch at 12:30. He/She/It _____going to eat lunch at 12:30. We/You/They __________ going to eat lunch yesterday, but there

wasn’t enough time. He/She/It__________ going to eat lunch yesterday, but there wasn’t

enough time.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartThe be going to +BASE future, form, continued

am, is, are, was, and were are xwordsComplete these rules

For negatives add ___________ or a contraction after the xword. For questions move the xword in front of the _____________ and

change the _____________ to a ____________ _________.Examples:

She isn’t going to pass this class if she keeps goofing off in class.Are you going to buy coffee at the break?

PronunciationIn spoken English, we usually use contractions with am, is, are, was, and were (I’m, You’re, We’re, They’re, He’s, She’s, It’s)going to sounds like “gonna”Examples:

I’m gonna go.He’s gonna stay.We’re gonna succeed.

Common mistakes Don’t write “gonna” It is only spoken. “gonna” includes “to” Don’t add “to” to the verb.

Correct: I’m gonna be a millionaire.Incorrect: I’m gonna to be a millionaire.

3. be going (to a place)Use it is used for certain plans (you’re absolutely sure, you have proof)

Example:I’m going to Florida tomorrow. (I have my ticket. My bags are packed)

Form be going (to a place) is the present progressive [am, is, are] + ING)You may hear verbs other than “going” used this way, but going (to a place) is the most common. Other verbs are still used for future plans that are certain.Example:

We’re having dinner at 8 o’clock. Don’t be late.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 11 Exercise 1Write these predictions as negatives and questions.

1 They’ll have a baby soon after they move to a bigger house.(neg) _______________________________________________________(Y/N) _______________________________________________________

2 She will be late again.(neg) _______________________________________________________(Y/N) _______________________________________________________

3 You’ll gain weight if you eat pastries.(neg) _______________________________________________________(Y/N) _______________________________________________________

Lesson 11 Exercise 2Write 3 predictions with will1. _______________________________________________________2. _______________________________________________________3. _______________________________________________________

Lesson 11 Exercise 3Write these intentions as instructed.

1 Laura isn’t going to run the marathon.(Aff) _______________________________________________________(Y/N) _______________________________________________________

2 Those cars are going to crash.(Neg) _______________________________________________________(Y/N) _______________________________________________________

3 Are you going to see a movie tonight?(Neg) _______________________________________________________(Aff) _______________________________________________________

Lesson 11 Exercise 4Write 2 intentions with be going to BASE1. _______________________________________________________2. _______________________________________________________Lesson 11 Exercise 5True or false?

________ The be going to future uses ING________ the future with will uses BASE________ be going is really the present continuous________ for predictions use will________ If you are absolutely certain about a future plan, use will Rev: BHart for ELS Jan 2014 Page 35

Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart________ always use an infinitive after “gonna”

Lesson 11 Exercise 6Correct these sentences

1. I going California next week.

2. He are going to visit relatives.

3. You are going to eat now?

4. I no coming to class tomorrow.

5. It will be warm this weekend?

6. It wont rain on her wedding day.

7. He going be a doctor.

8. You “gonna” to go to shopping?

9. She gets home at 6:30 and will eat dinner.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 12: Modals: Used to Vb, would VbAbout used to Vb …

Meaning

Used to Vb means you did something in the past, but not now.

Yu used to live in Beijing.Does Yu live in Beijing now? ______

Sanguk used to be in the army.Is Sanguk in the army now? _____

Form used to Vb is like an xword because it adds meaning to the verb (always BASE) that follows it…and because it give us a different feeling of time. It gives us a feeling of past vs. present.

used to Vb is like a V/XD because you need did to make questions and negatives.

Did you use to live in Brooklyn? She didn’t use to smoke.

Good news!!IWeYouHeSheItThey

used to BASE

Use used to Vb has the sense “not anymore” There is often a but or but now attached.

I used to smoke, but I quit.My grandmother used to have red hair, but now her hair is gray.

NOTE used to Vb is completely different from the verb to use.I use toothpaste when I brush my teeth.

NOTE used to Vb is completely different from “used to” meaning “accustomed to.”I’ll never get used to American food.

Lesson 12 Exercise 1

Complete these sentences:

1. I used to be thin, but now I’m _________________.2. She used to be poor, but now she’s ________________.3. We used to drink coffee, but now we drink ________________.4. They used to live in China, but now they live in ________________.


Answer these questions.

When you were a child….

1. Did you use to live in Los Angeles?


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart2. Did you use to be thinner than you are now?

3. Did you use to sleep late?

4. Where did you use to go to school?


Write 5 things that you used to do.Example: I used to visit my grandmother often.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartWould Vb Meani

ngWould Vb means something done repeatedly in the past.

When we were kids, my brother would tease me about my red hair.

Form Would is always followed by a Vb. It doesn’t matter that in this case it refers to past events. Negatives are usually formed by inserting n’t, not, or never after the x-word.

When I was young, I would never be rude to a teacher!

UseThere is usually a past time expression attached. There’s a slight sense of nostalgia.

When I was a child, my grandmother would bake my favorite cookies for me.(My grandmother often baked my favorite cookies when I went to her house. This is a happy memory for me. I miss her. I miss the cookies.)

When our country was young, its citizens would vote in every election. Nothing would stop them.(The writer is proud that everyone voted. The writer wishes that everyone voted now.)

NOTE would Vb has many uses. Look for the past time expression.

Lesson 12 Exercise 4 Add a TRUNK to each of thse time expressions. Make sure the TRUNK uses would Vb for a repeated action. These time expressions are all shifters. You can put them at the front or the end of your trunk.

when I was in elementary school in the 1960swhen my grandfather was a boy before there were automobileswhen my country was young,

1. ____________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________________________

5. ____________________________________________________________

Write a paragraph about a good time in your past. Use the past (V/XD), used to Vb, and would Vb in your paragraph.

______________________________________________________________Rev: BHart for ELS Jan 2014 Page 39

Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Lesson 13: Modals: Have toDo you remember the 5 things that xwords do?1) they are used to ask questions,2) they are used to make negative statements3) they are used to find the subject of a sentence4) they are used to change tense5) they are used to add meaning

In this lesson we will look at number 5. We will look at a “modal” xword (must) and it’s sister (have to). Modal xwords modify the meaning of the main verbs that follow them.

About “have to” …

Meaning: have to means must. Must is an xword that adds meaning to the main verb that follows it. Both add the meaning of obligation.

Examples:You must breathe. You have to breathe.You must pay taxes. You have to pay taxes.

Form: have to is like an xword because it, too, adds the meaning of obligation to the verb (always BASE) that follows it.

I learn English. I have to learn English, or I won’t get a good job.

But

have to is not like an xword because you need to add do, does, or did for negatives and questions.

Use Have to is used much more than must.Have to has a past tense (must does not have a past tense)Have to has a future tense (must doesn’t)Have to has a negative form that means no obligation.Examples:must not means prohibition You must not touch the stove, Junior!don’t have to means no obligation to We don’t have to take a test now.

Variation In the present tense only, sometimes we add “got”.Example: I have got to make dinner now.

Pronunciation

I have to go. “I hafta go”I have got to go. “I’ve gotta go.”

Lesson 13 Exercise 1Directions: Mark the verbs and xwords. Underline have to and have got to

X BASE

Example: I don’t have to go to school today.Rev: BHart for ELS Jan 2014 Page 41


Obligations1 You have to have more fun. You worry too much.2 She has to get a job so that she can pay her rent.3 I’ve got to go to the doctor because I need a checkup.4 Do we have to take a quiz today?5 She will have to buy new clothes for her son if he keeps growing.6 Yesterday, I had to go to Immigration because I have a problem with my visa.7 Julio had to take care of his sick father last week.8 We don’t have to pay for the University Learning Center.9 Did you have to pay sales tax on that coat?

10 You have to understand the 5 uses of xwords, or you won’t pass.

True or false

1 _____ Have to means “can”2 _____ Have to has a future tense.3 _____ Must has a future tense.4 _____ Have to has a past tense.5 _____ Must has a past tense.6 _____ “You must not speak Spanish in class,” means that speaking

Spanish in class is not an obligation.

Lesson 13 Exercise 3Directions: Write three things that you have to do tomorrow.

1 ___________________________________________________________2 ___________________________________________________________3 ___________________________________________________________



Lesson 14: Noun Boxes The main word of the subjectIn Lesson 5, we learned how to find the subject of a sentence. Do you remember?Write the rule here: Everything in between the ___________ of the sentence and the _____________ is the subject.

Now it is time to look more closely at the subject. Specifically, we want to know what we can find when we look inside the subject box. When we look inside the subject box, there are lots of things we can find, but the most important thing is the main word of the subject. We will often find lots of words in the subject box, but every subject must have at least one main word. Of course, there are times when the subject will contain only one word.

The main word of the subject is the word that the subject is actually about. We identify the main word of the subject by placing an asterisk (*) over it.

It is possible to have more than one main word in the subject box, but if we do, we must have the word and to connect them.

all noun boxes work the same way

The main word of the subject is the word that the subject is actually about.

Here are some examples: * V/XD The samurai used mental images to stay cool under pressure.

* V/XOBeing calm was more important than swords, fighting, or strategy.

Lesson 14 Exercise 1Directions: Mark X-words with an X. Mark verb forms. Identify the subject boxes in each of the sentences below by drawing a box around it. Then, identify the main word in each box by placing the main word symbol (*) over it.

1. Almost all of us have watched the great black and white Japanese samurai movies on TV or in the movies.

2. What is the biggest secret of the famous samurai warriors?3. History’s greatest warriors stressed that you should calm your own mind.4. The imperturbable mind is the secret of warfare. –Adachi Masahiro (1780-1800)

5. A noble man awaits action in a state of calm. – Kaibara Ekken (1630-1714)6. Both in fighting and in everyday life, you should be determined though calm. –

Miyamoto Musashi7. Nobody really needs to sell us on the value of calm.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart8. Calm people think clearly, don’t make poor decisions, and don’t get scared.

Note: A subject is always a noun. Sometimes we also use nouns as adjectives. Don’t be confused. The subject will come last.

Example: * noun noun A samurai warrior thought about death a lot.

samurai describes the type of warrior. warrior is the main word.

Lesson 14 Exercise 2Directions: Mark the x-words. Identify the subject in each of the sentences below by drawing a box around it. Then, identify the main word in each subject by placing the main word symbol (*) over it.

1. Our society is energy drinks, a 24-hour news cycle, Starbucks on every corner, and relentless social media feeds.

2. Every single one of these warriors thought about death a lot.

3. Each of them trained relentlessly to be prepared for the worst.

4. Thinking about the worst that can happen can give a person a sense of control.

5. Preparation reduces fear.

6. Those who prepare for the worst and practice ahead of time survive.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartSingular, plural, and non-count boxes

Look at the sentences in Exercises 1 and 2. Find 8 singular boxes, 5 plural boxes, and 1 non-count box. Copy them into the lists below like the example. Some may be pronouns.

Singular Plural1 12 23 34 45 56 ---------------------7 Non-count Box8 1

Subject/verb agreement:Look back at the exercises. What x-words or verb forms come after these main subjects?

Thinking ________ Preparation ________ You ______________

one _______ Nobody _________ Those _____________

Write these kinds of subjects over the verb forms and xwords that they agree with. singular subject plural subject non-count subjectnobody/anybody one gerund (ing)

____________________________________________________________

_____________ _______________________________________

_______________________________________

hasdoes

iswasV/XS

havedoare

wereV/XO

haddid

V/XD

can couldshall shouldwill would

mustmightmay



Lesson 15: Noun Boxes DeterminersIn Lesson 14 we found the main word (main noun) in the subject box) What are the other words in the box?In addition to main words, we can also find

determiners describers, numbers, and prepositional phrases.

One way to define determiners is to say that determiners are everything in the subject that is not a number, a describer, or a main word. This definition is pretty close, but not completely true. Actually determiners are words that tell us that a main word is coming. They may signal whether the main word is familiar to us. They may demonstrate which one, tell us about “possession” , or tell us in general about the quantity.

Look at these examples: I have marked each determiner Dt.What do the determiners signal?

How many? Are we familiar? Whose? (possession)

Which one?

_____________________ Dt Dt A man ran out of the store. The man wore a red jacket.

_____________________Dt DtThis coffee is good. That coffee is terrible.

_____________________DtHis brother is a teacher.

_____________________ DtSome students always come to class on time.

Here is a list of common determiners and what they are called in many grammar classes.

Common DeterminersArticles Demonstrative

pronounsPossessives Quantity words.

aanthe

thisthatthesethose

myyourhisheritsourtheirMaria’s

manysomeeacheverya fewalla lot oflots of


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartHelpful reminders:Possessives (my, our, Marina’s) can tie with any noun, singular, plural, or non-count. A singular noun must have a determiner! Lesson 15 Exercise 1Directions: Identify the xwords and verbs. Find the noun boxes, including subject pronouns, and mark the main noun (main subject) and the determiner (Dt).

“Raised in the Wild”Story adapted from The Week

Dt * X Dt *Example: Marina’s tale is an incredible true story.

1. Can children be raised by animals?

2. A British housewife, Marina Chapman, says that it happened to her.

3. Her story is an incredible tale of five years in the Colombian jungle.

4. A five-year-old girl was kidnapped and abandoned in the jungle.

5. A tribe of monkeys was nearby, so the girl joined it.

6. The monkeys ate and drank, and the girl ate and drank the same things.

7. The monkeys communicated, and the girl learned their language.

8. Marina’s monkey friends taught her how to catch birds and rabbits with her bare hands.

9. Marina Chapman has now written a book The Girl With No Name: The Incredible True Story of the Girl Raised by Monkeys.

10.The book tells her incredible story.

Lesson 15 Exercise 2Directions: Scrambled boxes. You’ve heard of scrambled eggs. Here are some scrambled noun boxes. Write the words in the boxes in the correct order.

1. Colombian the jungle is place dangerous a2. child young a helpless is not likely to survive.3. monkey The Capuchin group accepted the child as one of their own.4. This is not incredible first the tale of a child raised by animals.

Lesson 16: NOUN BOXES Describers and NumbersWhat else is in the subject box?


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartIn Lesson 14 we saw that there is at least one main word in very sentence. In some of the sentences, we saw that there was only a main word in the subject and nothing more. In other sentences, we saw that a subject can have many words in addition to the main word. In Lesson 15 we explored determiners. What are the other words in a noun box?

In addition to determiners and main words, we can also find determiners, describers, numbers, and prepositional phrases.

DescribersDescribers are words that describe or give more information about main words. Another word for describer is adjective. I use the abbreviation Ds to identify describers.

Note:describers are also called adjectives.

Look at the following examples: Dt Ds *Example 1: Nick’s old t-shirt looked terrible.

Dt Ds *Example 2: His job interview didn’t go well.

Lesson 16 Exercise 1Directions: In the following sentences, find the xwords and mark the verbs. Place a box around the subject of each sentence; if you see other noun boxes, mark them, too. Next, identify the main word of the subject by placing a * over it, and put Dt over the determiner if there is one. Finally, every subject has one or more describers. Write Ds over each describer.

“The Worst Job Interview Fashion Mistakes”Adapted from David Koeppel, The Fiscal Times

Dt Ds * X Vb Dt * Dt Ds *1. The wrong clothes can make or break your chances at a job interview.2. A job applicant has to do his or her homework.

3. A business suit used to be the only acceptable dress for a job interview.

4. Since the start of “casual Fridays” and Silicon Valley chic, casual clothes might be more appropriate.

5. Those long, glue-on fingernails may be trendy in some groups, but they aren’t good for a job seeker.


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/Hart6. A short-sleeved shirt on an arm covered with tattoos is not a good idea, even

though tattoos are very common today.7. A large number of studs and piercings may be beautiful to you, but to some

people they are horrifying. Take caution with the number of studs that you have in any earlobe, or in your eyebrows, nose, or tonge.

8. A too-sexy dress or style can ruin your job hopes.9. “Sexy, short skirts won’t get you a job,” said the CEO of Urban Planet Mobile.10.“Big brains are more important than shapely legs.”

NumbersNumbers are words that tell us how many of something there is (one, ten, forty-two, 115, etc.) I use the sign # to identify numbers in a subject.

Look at these examples:

Rule:Numbers are the words we use to count things (one, two three…)

Words like first, second, third, 149th, etc. are not numbers. They are describers.

#Example 1: Over 350 people applied for the job. # Example 2: The two finalists had identical skills. #Example 3: One applicant dressed and acted in a way that “fit in.”


Xword Grammar Exercises for Students of ESL ©Lydon/Gex/HartLesson 16 Exercise 2Directions: In each of the sentences below, mark the xword, verb, subject, main word, describers, and numbers.

1. The three software companies were looking for a new engineer.2. More than 100 applications and résumés were received by each company.3. Only three applicants will be accepted. 4. How can one applicant improve his or her chances of getting the job?

Lesson 16 Exercise 3 Remember, English is a word order language. Have you noticed that determiners usually come first in the subject box? Circle the correct answer below.

Circle the correct answer: The correct order of words in the subject box is usually….

a. # * Ds Dtb. Dt # Ds *c. Dt * Ds #

Lesson 16 Exercise 3 Look at the noun boxes below, then write two of your own.Determiner Number Describer Describer Main nounThe five lovely *designer dresses------------- Four really difficult questions

* have you noticed that you can use nouns as describers in English?


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xwordgrammar.pbworks.comxwordgrammar.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/76601237/Lydo… · Web viewLet’s look at number 3. In this lesson, you will learn how to use xwords to find the