ENGLISH NOTE 18 " COULD "

ENGLISH NOTE 18 "COULD "
1. In indirect speech, " could " takes the place of " can " .
He asked , " Can I take this book ? "
He asked if he could take this book.

2. " Could " is used for asking permission to do something .
Could I have the newspaper ?
Could we change the channel for the news ?

3. Expressing possibility
He could complete the job in ten minutes.
He couldn't have left his passport at home.

4. Suggestion
You could try Google Chrome browser.
We could take a taxi to Chennai.

5. Polite request
Could you lend your car for an hour ?

6. Used to express displeasure over what somebody did or did not do
She could have given me a warning before I started.

7. Expressing strong feelings ( informal)
He so much irritates me that I could strangle him.

8. Could do with something ( Informal ) - Idiom
It means that you like to have something which you specify
I am so tired after two hours of teaching . I could do with a strong cup of coffee.

9. Express possibility in the past
My daughter could read at the age of three.

10. After can and could , no verb can take an infinitive form.
Don't say " I could to speak Hindi .
But say,
I could speak Hindi .

11. " could " can be used along with certain verbs like , " see, hear, taste, smell,understand ,
remember and guess to express that somebody was able to do so something on
some occasions in the past.
From his conversation , I could understand what he was up to.
Even from a distance, I could hear the exchange of angry words of the occupants of the house.
I could smell something burning.

12. Conditional
You could get a good job, if you know Java Programming .
You could easily do it, if you follow my instructions.

13. " Could have " - unrealized possibility in the past
He could have easily cleared the maths paper , had he prepared on the lines
of my advice.
With his qualifications, he could have got whatever job he wanted.
I have fairly covered the use of " could ". You have to read good English texts of
different types to acquire a mastery. This note is just a guide. You have to do
hard work.
Happy Learning !
Sayee Jayaraman
11/04/2015
Bangalore

AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 

Mr. T K Jayaraman , IRS ( Retd)  and presently French Trainer will be conducting a Basic French Course at the Indian Institute of World Culture BP Wadia Road Basavangudi Bangalore -04 from 18/04:2015 to 19/05/2015 on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 30 am to 11 30 am for a total duration of 20 hours covering everyday French and basic grammar. The course fee will be ₹ 1050 / - only. Interested persons may please contact the Honarary Secretary of IIWC in the following numbers.

080-26678581

9036788567

My tutor profile

http://tutorindia.net/Tutor_Profiles-MjQ5MjA-Mr_T_K_Jayaraman

The above is my tutor profile. I teach French, English , Maths and Physics online. Learners who require coaching in these subjects may please contact me.   

My Skype id sayee49

tkjcustoms@gmail.com

00919538533363

ENGLISH NOTE.17 " CAN

In this note,let us study the use of modal verb, " CAN".

CAN is generally used with the infinitive form of a verb without. "to".

I can do
we can go there
1. Possibility

Can expresses the possibility of a person doing something.

I can translate from French into English well.

He can not speak English.

He can't speak English.
2. Williness to do something/offer
I can drive you to the railway station,if the taxi does not turn up on time.

She can't accompany you to the cinema. Her examination is tomorrow.

3. POLITE REQUEST

Can I come in?
We can use," may" also but it is more formal than, " can".

May I know who is on the line?

4. Expressing the likely truth of something.

Are you telling me that John demanded illegal gratification?
That can never be.

Don't think Jane is a very kind person. She can be cruel,at times.

5. Refusing permission to somebody.

The exam commences at 10 am. Be well in time. Even if you are late by 5 minutes,you can't write your paper.

6. Expressing doubt or surprise.

She left at 5pm. She has not yet arrived. What can she be doing something?I

7. SUGGESTION

It's boring. We can go to a film show.

8. Can is normally used with the verbs, " feel,hear,smell, taste, understand,follow, remember "

I can smell something fishy in this.

Can you follow what grandpa says?

I can't remember a thing now.

9. Can't help + gerund ( doing something )

When you say, you can't help doing something,it means that in spite of your best efforts not to do something,you are doing it.

I can't help laughing when the new teacher sings.

She can't help munching something every two hours.

10. An old fashioned use is

" can't help but do something"

I can't help but telephone my uncle every morning.

Peter can't help but do something foolish.

That is all for now.

Happy learning!

Sayee JAYARAMAN

01/03/2015

ENGLISH NOTE 16 " WOULD"

ENGLISH NOTE.  " WOULD"

Today I am discussing the use of " WOULD" another modal verb.

1. In high school , you have learnt to transform direct speech into indirect speech . While doing so, " will " is replaced by " would ".

He said," Tomorrow , I will return your book "

He said that he would return my book the next day.


2.  To express what one imagines, " WOULD" can be used.

I think that space travel would be very common in the next century.

On seeing what is happening in the present day India, Mahatma Gandhi would turn in his grave.

3. To express what something will happen if some other thing happens, WOULD is used.

If government rationalizes the tax rates, there would be an improvement in the buoyancy in revenue.

If Mr. X is elected as the Prime Minister of our country , it would be a great disaster.


4. To express past habits , we can use " WOULD"

When we were kids, mom would take us to the swimming pool everyday .

During my Pune days, I would never miss my evening French classes.

5. To express future in the past, we can use , WOULD.

Mahatma Gandhi would go to England to become a barrister. A man not given to prevarication, the profession of a  lawyer defending commercial firms would not suit him. However , he would take up legal profession in South Africa where he would have a firsthand  experience of racism . That would awaken his conscience and prepare him for a greater role in his country and in the world.

6. For polite requests, we can use , " WOULD"

Would you mind opening the window ?

Would you lend me your newspaper ?

7. Use of " Would rather" . This expression followed by an infinitive of a verb without " to" is used to express preference .

Would you come with me to watch a movie this evening ?

I would rather stay at home.


8.  Would rather+ subject + past tense

The above structure can be used when a person prefers another person  or other persons to do something . The following examples may be carefully noted.

Mother says , " I would rather John stayed at home. It is raining heavily ."
I'd rather John stayed at home . It is raining heavily .

I would rather you came next Sunday . You know , I am going to Delhi this Sunday .

Short form " I 'd".

Kindly note that even though in the above examples the verbs 6coming after " rather" have a past tense form , the action would either be in the present as in the first example or in future as in the second example.

Suppose the action is in past , then we may use " past perfect " after " rather".


I would rather he hadn't telephoned me.

I would rather John had not joined law college.

But in modern English , the above idea is expressed using " wish".

I wish John hadn't joined law college

He'd rather Alice married next year. ( Here the meaning is that he prefers Alice to get married next year . Future sense.)

He'd rather Alice had not married Martin.

The meaning is that Alice got married to Martin . But he does not like it. So the sense is past. Something happened . Fait accomplit. But he does not like what had happened.


That is all for now.

Happy learning .

Sayee Jayaraman

26/02/2015

ENGLISH NOTE. 15 " SHOULD"

In this post, let me take up the modal verb, " should ".

1.OBLIGATION.

"Should " is generally used for expressing obligation.  The following examples may be useful.

The professor tells his students, " Tomorrow,my class will commence at 9-30 am instead of 10 am. You should be present on time."

You should not talk in the library.  It disturbs others.

You should not throw letters in the office premises.  Use the dustbin.

2. Asking questions or advice

Should I join French class this summer?

Should I carry my identity card while traveling?

Should I get myself vaccinated before going abroad?

3. DEDUCING PROBABILITY

When something is normally expected to happen based on certain facts, one can use " should ". In other words,the probability of that event is higher according to the speaker.

Raja left Bangalore at 3pm. Now it is 6pm. He should be in Mysore now.

According to meteorological department, the cyclone should hit Vizag around 4am tomorrow.

3.CONDITIONAL SENTENCES

In British English, " should " is used in first person singular and plural for the past conditional. In other words,what you would do if something else happened first.

If I were rich, I should not be here.

If we had sufficient means,we should purchase this house.

4. INDIRECT SPEECH

" SHOULD " is used as the past form of that" shall" when reporting what somebody has said.

He said, " Shall I get you some coffee?"

He asked me if he should get me some coffee.

5. POLITE REQUESTS

In British English," should" is used with " I" and "we" for expressing polite requests.

I should like you to attend the meeting.

We should be grateful for the timely help.

6. FOR EXPRESSING SOMETHING EXPECTED WHICH HAD NOT HAPPENED

The Brindavan Express should have reached Bangalore by 1 pm.

I think that it is running late.

7. EXPRESSING ANNOYANCE, REFUSAL,SURPRISE AT A REQUEST.USED WITH INTERROGATE WORDS

Why should I give you money?

How should I treat you? Tell me.

Who should pay for all this extravaganza?

What should I tell your parents?  Your performance in the monthly test is so pathetic?

8. In modern English, " should " is not much used. " WOULD " is preferred.  There will be a separate note on " Would ". The main use of " should " in current usage is to express an obligation.  In other words,what one ought to do.

Advice

You should read good English texts to master the use of different expressions.  Listen to good programmes in tv and radio as often as possible. Mastering a language requires enormous efforts.

SAYEE JAYARAMAN

22/02/2015

LET US MASTER ENGLISH : ENGLISH NOTE 14 " What is all this fuss about ...

LET US MASTER ENGLISH : ENGLISH NOTE 14 " What is all this fuss about ...: In this post,I am taking up the use of " shall " and " will ". 1. I note that in North America " shall "...

ENGLISH NOTE 14 " What is all this fuss about " shall" and " will" ?

In this post,I am taking up the use of " shall " and " will ".

1. I note that in North America " shall " is not used at all.

2. Be that as may,  let us understand the traditional rules of British English for the use of" shall".

3. Kindly remember that the traditional rule is not normally followed in UK.

4. "I SHALL " and "WE SHALL" express simple future. But for all the other persons " WILL" expresses the simple future." You will "," he will "," they will " etc.

5. " I WILL" and " WE WILL" express intention or determination on the part of the speaker ( especially a promise made by him or her).

6. In respect of the other persons,

"SHALL" expresses intention or determination on the part of the speaker (especially a promise made by him or her) " You shall "," he shall", " they shall " etc.

7. But now the above difference is ignored by the British people. So we foreigners also can ignore that rule without feeling guilty about it. But in North America " SHALL " is not used at all.

8. In all legal documents," SHALL " is used especially in third persons to refer to obligations and duties.

Please note Article 74 of the CONSTITUTION OF INDIA.

" There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President who SHALL, in the exercise of his functions, act in accord with such advice."

Please note the use of " SHALL" in the above lines.  It expresses a legal obligation on the part of the President to accept the advice of his Council of Ministers and he has no choice.

Suffice it to say that "WILL" is more common than " SHALL " in modern usage of English.

Sayee Jayaraman

20/02/2015

I

ENGLISH NOTE 13 FUTURE TENSES

ENGLISH NOTE 13

FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE

An action which is progressive or continuous in a future period can be expressed in future continuous tense.

Subject + will + be + the relevant verb in gerund form.


Tomorrow , I will be jogging from 6am to 7 pm.

Next week at this hour,we will be traveling to Mumbai.


FUTURE PERFECT TENSE


An action that would have been completed at any point of time in future is expressed in Future Perfect Tense.

Subject + will + have + past participle of the relevant verb

Tomorrow at 11am , I will have reached Mysore.

Rajesh will have completed his report  around noon tomorrow .


FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE

An action which is in progress or continuous  upto a point in Future  is expressed in Future perfect continuous tense.

Subject + will have been + relevant verb in gerund form

Tomorrow by 11pm , I will have been approaching Mumbai.

Till 5pm tomorrow , Indian team will have been playing against Pakistan.

By next December , Peter and Alice will have been completing twenty years of their marriage.

I have dealt with Tenses elaborately in Active Voice.

Happy Learning !

Sayee Jayaraman

18/02/2015

ENGLISH NOTE 12 FUTURE SIMPLE

ENGLISH NOTE.12 FUTURE SIMPLE


In this note, we shall learn  about Future Simple.


Subject + will + infinitive of relevant verb

Future is what is going to happen. It is not yet a reality. You intend to do something after two hours or tomorrow . You are about to do something , but you have not yet done it. You are requesting somebody to do something. All these ideas can be expressed in Future simple and in some other ways. We shall do the entire gamut of Future tenses in few notes. You know already that future can be expressed by simple present and present continuous tenses.

Subject + will + infinitive of the relevant verb


1. About a decision that you make while speaking.

Children , you have to study now. I'll ( I will) switch off the tv .

I'll write to my mother.

2. To talk about what one expects to happen in future.

By 2020, India will achieve incredible things in Space Technology.

If technology is properly applied, there will be no more poverty in the world.

He never does any exercise. I don't think he will reduce his weight.

3. For making requests, promises, offers

Will you lend me your car for an hour ?

Surely , I will give you.  Here is the key.

I'll sell my car to you at half its cost price. It is used only for a year.


USE OF "GOING TO"

To express our intentions , we use the following expression

Subject+ am / is/are + going to + infinitive of the relevant verb

He is going to start his own business.

After completing his schooling, Peter is going to do medicine .

Today, I am going to have my dinner early.


USE OF ABOUT TO

If you are going to do something in the near future, you can use, the following structure.

Subject + am /is/are + about to + infinitive of the verb

I am about to leave for the airport . Fortunately , I received a message informing me of the cancellation of the flight.

Hi John, I am about to call you but you yourself rang me up.


That is all for now.

Let us continue in subsequent posts.

Read texts and identify the future simple and the other two usages discussed in this note.

Happy learning.

Sayee Jayaraman

18/02/2015

ENGLISH NOTE 11 PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

ENGLISH NOTE 11

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS


When an action continued to take place during a specified period in the past , we use past perfect continuous tense. That action no longer continues now. If it continues , we use present perfect continuous. Have you got the difference ?  Now go through the following examples.


During my twenties, I had been playing lots of tennis.

What does it mean ? When you were young and around twenty , you used to play tennis. Now you are not playing the game.

Take this sentence,

Since the age of twenty , I have been playing tennis.

In this case, you continue to play the game. So you are using present perfect continuous tense.

Have you understood the difference ?

When you use past perfect continuous tense, the entire action takes place during a past interval .

The pattern would be

Subject+ had + been + verb in gerund form.


More examples of past perfect continuous .

1. I had been slogging away
in this office for ten years before I started my own business.
2. She had been taking keen interest in the activities of our housing society before she was
hospitalized .
3. Children had been playing from morning till their parents took them back.
4. The previous government had been continuing in their mediocre governance till the elections.

Sayee Jayaraman
17/ 02/2015

ENGLISH NOTE 10 PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

ENGLISH NOTE 10

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE

To express a continuous action in the past and which action is still continuing , we use present perfect continuous tense.


I have been learning French since 1980.

What does it mean ?

You started learning French in 1980. That was the beginning. You continued to learn it . You did not stop it. Even now you are learning it . Is it clear ?

He has been swimming since his childhood .

Kids have been waiting for their father since 5pm. It is 9pm now. He has not yet come.

I think the above examples are sufficient .

How will you identify present perfect continuous tense ?

Subject + have/ has + been + the relevant verb in gerund form ( ending in - ing )

You know already when to use " have" and " has".

While reading English texts or listening to English programmes in TV or Radio,
identify the present perfect continuous and understand why it has been used in preference to any other tense.

In the next note, I shall take up PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS .

Happy learning !

Sayee Jayaraman
17/02/2015

ENGLISH NOTE 9 PRESENT PERFECT

ENGLISH NOTE 9  PRESENT PERFECT

The present perfect expresses actions in the past in three circumstances which are explained here. The pattern of the present perfect will be as follows.


Subject+ have/has + past participle


1. Actions which took place in the past when the time is uncertain or unspecified.


I have visited Paris .

You have done this job before.

John has designed many buildings .

Congress Party has ruled the country many times.

They have done a good job.


Kindly use " has" for all third person singular subjects. For the rest use, " have".


2.  Actions which took place in the past and continue in the present.

I have lived in this apartment for the last five years.

It means that you continue to live in the apartment even now.

He has taught English since his graduation .

It means that even now he teaches English.

3. Actions which never happened.

I have never travelled by air.

He has never seen a mountain.

His children have never taken part in sports.

The above sentences express actions which never took place and the present perfect is used appropriately.

Hope the use of present perfect is made clear now.

When you read an English text, keep identifying the different tenses used and find out why those tenses have been used in preference to some others. This is a good practice to improve your grammar.

Happy learning.

The next post will be an PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS .


Sayee Jayaraman
17/02/2015

ENGLSH NOTE 8 PRESENT CONTINUOUS

ENGLISH NOTE 8

PRESENT CONTINUOUS


The present continuous tense expresses action in progress in the present.  It's pattern in a sentence will be as follows


Subject +  appropriate form of the verb " be " + the relevant verb in gerund form ( ending in ing )


Subject +  am/ is/ are + relevant verb ending in - ing.


I am writing a letter now.

He is shouting .

You are playing when you are expected to study.

We are getting ready to go on a picnic.

My mother is preparing breakfast now.


Present continuous is also used sometimes to express a future action.



Tomorrow I am appearing for an interview.

Next week, my uncle is returning from London.


Hope you have grasped the use of present continuous tense.

In the next post , we shall learn the use of PRESENT PERFECT.

Sayee Jayaraman

17/02/2015

ENGLISH NOTE 7 USE OF SIMPLE PRESENT

ENGLISH NOTE 7


SIMPLE PRESENT

1. When you do certain things in a routine manner, or as a matter of habit  you use simple present.

I get up at 6 am.

It means normally you get up at 6 am. It is a habitual action.

I don't watch Bollywood movies.

It means , normally , you don't watch Bollywood movies. Today you were compelled by your children . To satisfy them, you are going to a Bollywood movie.

Ramesh  attends office in time.


Usually Ramesh is on time . He never comes late. But today , there is a bus drivers' strike. Therefore , he is not able to come on time.


2. All scientific facts are expressed in simple present.

The earth revolves around the sun.

According to science earth always revolves around the sun. This is an accepted scientific truth.  We state this truth in simple present.

The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons .


3. Philosophic truths, proverbs, sayings etc are expressed in simple present.

Man is mortal.

Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy , wealthy and wise.


4.  Sometimes we use simple present to express future.

Tomorrow , my father leaves at 6 am to catch a flight to Delhi.


5. For general facts.

Apples cost ₹ 200 a Kilo.

Have you understood the use of simple present ?

In the next post, we shall study the use of " PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE ".

Sayee Jayaraman

16/02/2015

ENGLISH NOTE 6 - SIMPLE PAST, PAST CONTINUOUS, PAST PERFECT

ENGLISH NOTE 6 

TENSES

As requested by Mr.Srinivasan Sankar,  I am explaining to you English Tenses. He has specifically asked me to clarify SIMPLE PAST,  PAST PERFECT and PAST CONTINUOUS . Further he wants to know how to identify. This post will focus on the queries raised by him.

SIMPLE PAST

Simple past as the name indicates  can be identified by just one word which indicates it. Simple past is used to express an action which happened in the past and is completed. Following examples will make it clear.

Rama went to school at 9am.

I finished my work.

My brother telephoned me yesterday .

In the above examples, please note that the verbs in Simple Past are  WENT, FINISHED, TELEPHONED etc.

In all these examples, action is in the past and it is completed.

I think I have made the point clear.

Another point to note is that when we express a simple past in a negative sentence , you actually require three words for that purpose.

Note the following examples.

Rama did not go to school today.

My brother did not call me today.

I did not finish my work today.

Therefore to express the action negatively in the past , we use the structure,

" did not go" , " did not call", " did not finish "

In general ,

Did + not +  simple present form of relevant verb.

Now I am sure , you are clear about simple past .

PAST CONTINUOUS 

As the name implies,  past continuous tense expresses an action in the past which was happening . In other words, that action in the past was not completed. Actually , an action was going on in the past . It was continuing . It is also called past progressive tense. Now observe the following examples.

Yesterday  , I was watching Cricket World Cup from 8AM to 1 PM.

Last Sunday , I was correcting answer books of my students.

During my last summer vacation , from 5am to 6am, I was practicing Yoga.

When you want to highlight the fact of an action which was going on, you can use past continuous .

How to identify past continuous ?

Was / were + verb in present form + ing

Remember past continuous requires two words to express it.  It has two parts. The first part will be either " WAS " or " WERE". The second part is a GERUND form , which ends in - ing.

Have you understood ?

PAST PERFECT.

When two actions happen in the past, surely one action happens before the second action. We use past perfect for the action which happened prior to the second action. The following

examples will make it clear.

When I reached my friend's place, he had already left for office.

In the above sentence , two actions have been expressed.

1. Reached

2. Had left

Both the actions took place in the past . But the act of leaving his place was prior to your reaching . So the prior action is in the past perfect tense. " HAD LEFT". 

Reaching his place is expressed in Simple past . " REACHED".

How to identify PAST PERFECT?

HAD + Past participle of the relevant verb.

In the above case  ,the past participle of " leave " is left.

Hope it is clear.

All queries are welcome.

I shall continue my posts for all the other tenses.

Sayee Jayaraman 

16/02/2015

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Sayee Jayaraman 
14/02/2015

A REQUEST

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Sayee Jayaraman
13/02/2015

ENGLISH NOTE 5 " MAKE " CONTINUATION

English note 5

"MAKE". Continuation

This will be the last post on the word " make ".

1. " MAKE" can be used as a noun.

A product or any equipment may be manufactured by a company in a particular country.  To emphasise either of them, we use the noun " make"

My watch is of Swiss Make.

This machine is German Make.

Nano car is a make of Tatas.

What make is your car?

It is Toyota.

2. MAKE-BELIEVE

It means "imaginary " or " fantasy". The compound word can be used both as a noun and an adjective.

Are you hoping for a high growth economy? If yes, you are living in a world of make-believe.

3.MAKE OVER

This is a typical American English. It means improving the appearance of a person or place or changing the impression that something gives. Means " to alter"

John made over his old house. Now it looks very grand.

I made over my old blazer. Now it fits me perfectly.

3. MAKER

The word " Maker " in combination with other words is used in many circumstances.

A group of three ministers are the real policymakers in the government.

Leaders should be decision makers.

Nowadays some men assume the charge of home-makers while their spouses go for work.

Men of experience and knowledge should be policy makers.

Lawmakers should take social realities and should not be sitting in an ivory tower.

4. MAKE- SHIFT

This means temporary. Some provisional arrangements to meet urgent needs which can not wait.

During disasters, the administration should create make-shift arrangements for quick relief.

I started my business. Now I have a make-shift office in my own house.

5. MAKING

There are several expressions with the word " making "

It means the process of changing or transformation.

In the Indian Institute of Management, furure business leaders are in the making.

History is in making with the successful launch of Indian spacecraft in Mars in the very first attempt.

Proverbs / Sayings where the word " make appears.

1. MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES.

A simple proverb, easy to understand. It means that you should take advantage of favourable circumstances.

2.ONE SWALLOW DOES NOT A SUMMER MAKE.

It means that you should come to a general conclusion from a single incident.

3.YOU CAN TAKE A HORSE TO WATER BUT CAN NOT MAKE IT DRINK.

It is impossible to persuade a person to do a thing when he is very stubborn.

4. ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER

You are more eager to see your dear ones after a long absence.

5. YOU CAN NOT MAKE AN OMELETTE WITHOUT BREAKING IT.

It means that you should be prepared to spend money or other resources to achieve something.

6.EMPTY VESSELS MAKE MORE NOISE.

People who have not much stuff or talent show off much.   But a really capable person keeps quite and shows his ability in action rather than mere words.

7. POLITICS MAKES STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

It means that politicians who were enemies once will join together for selfish ends. It is normally used in a derogatory way.

With this note my discussion on " make" is over.

My next post will follow soon. I have to decide on what topic, I should prepare.  There are so many things.

Learners are welcome to give their suggestions.

Sayee Jayaraman

09/02/2015

ENGLISH NOTE 4 - MAKE

ENGLISH NOTE 4. " MAKE"


1. MAKE UP. - To complete a number or amount required

He required only one more run to make up a century.

Another hundred members are required to make up a group of thousand.

2. MAKE UP FOR SOMETHING - Compensate

None can make up for the loss of Dr. Alfred who quit our research team.

Ramesh , you had absented many days for the class. You should make it up by attending special classes.

3. MAKE IT UP WITH SOMEBODY - to become friends after a quarrel

It appears that Sharu Khan has now made it up with Aamir Khan.

4. MADE FOR EACH OTHER

The couple , Raju and Gita are made for each other.

It means that the couple are compatible.

5.TO MAKE ...... KM/HR

My car hardly makes 60km / hr.

6.TO MAKE MERRY

Kids make merry during the vacation.

7. TO MAKE AFTER. - TO PROCEED IN A PARTICULAR DIRECTION

The detectives made after the suspect nearly a month after the crime was committed.

8. TO MAKE ON ( Chiefly in Pennsylvania ) - to turn on light or fire.

I am going to sleep. Please don't make the light on.

9. MAKE UP - to apply cosmetics

He has made up to look like a King for the play.

Strangely , Clara never likes to make up.

10. MAKE UP TO - flirt with

A veritable Casanova , he tries to make up to every girl whom he meets.

11. MAKE A PLAY FOR - to try to get

The Front National made a play for several seats in the European Parliament .

She makes a play for her friend's brother.

12. MAKE AS IF / THOUGH- to act as if / to pretend

She makes as if to be sick to avoid attending the meeting . Obviously, she is not well prepared.

13. MAKE AWAY WITH - Steal

These boys are not good. They made away with the rare CDs in the library.

14.MAKE AWAY WITH - to kill

The action of the security guards in making away with terrorists before they could attack the Presidential Palace is widely appreciated.

15. MAKE AWAY WITH - to consume , drink or eat completely

Just in two hours, my friends made away with all the whiskey I had.

16. MAKE WATER. - to urinate


This is enough for the time being. The next post will cover rest of the expressions. Then we shall switch over to  a new topic.

Learners may be interested in my other blogs whose links are given below.

amazingvocabulary. blogspot.com
sayee- straythoughts.blogspot.com

Please subscribe . Leave your comments and suggestions. Tell your friends to visit the blogs.

Sayee Jayaraman

07/02/2015

ENGLISH NOTE 3 " MAKE " - EXPRESSIONS

ENGLISH NOTE 3 - " MAKE"  EXPRESSIONS


Let us continue from where we left in the previous post.


1. MAKE DO WITH SOMETHING

My car is under repair. I have to make do with my two wheeler to reach my office.

Breakfast is not yet ready. Mom, I can made do with some biscuits as it is getting late for school.

When there is deficiency in the thing which you need, you are satisfied with or manage with a substitute. In such circumstances,you may use the above expression.


Two wheeler is not good enough. But car is under repair. Little choice for you.
You make do with your two wheeler .


Biscuits alone are poor substitute for a regular breakfast. Not good enough. But you have little choice. Mom has not prepared it yet.

Hope you got the point.

2. Make good

I informed the supplier that two articles have been received in damaged condition. He promised me to make good the loss by refunding me the cost of the two articles.

Here the sense is that of compensation.

3. Make it

He was battling for life. All gave up hope. A miracle indeed, that he made it.

In the above sentence, " make it " is used in the sense of " surviving a serious illness.

4. Make it with somebody

This is an American slang expression . I request you not to use it. Perhaps you may come across in American Movies.

It means " to have sex with somebody "

5. Make the most of

I made most of my stay in France by picking up spoken French .

A discount sale is going on. I made the most of it by purchasing all dress items I need.

We always make most of a situation .

The sense of the phrase is " to take advantage of "

6. Make much of

John , you were in the wrong. Dad , rightly , rebuked you. Why do you make much of it ?
Can't you accept your mistakes?

He got a first class in just one subject. He makes much of it.

The sense of the above expression is " to treat something as very important "

7. Make or break something

The passing of IAS exam will make or break his career.

Getting appointed to the post of High Court Judge will make or break his standing in legal circles.

The above expression  is about a decisive event which determines success or failure.

8.Make something of yourself

Peter, complete your medical course. You will make something of yourself.

The sense of the expression is that " of success in life"

9. Make for something

A spirit of give and take  , surely, will make for a successful marriage.

With regular exercise, one can make for a healthy life.

In the above sentences, the expression has the sense of " heading to "

10.make off

Alfred has no great liking for Thomas. When mom told him uncle Thomas is visiting them,
he made off on pretext of some urgent work.

The sense of the expression is " to hurry away in order to escape "

11, make off with something

That scoundrel might have made off with my cell phone.

The sense of the expression is " to steal something and hurry away

12. Make out - manage ( informal use)

She made out well even when her husband was abroad for a month.

13.  Make with somebody

The above is an American slang expression. The sense is " to have sex with somebody ."
Kindly avoid all slang expressions. I give them here so that you know what it is. When they use it in films , you can understand . Slang has that much value.

14. Make out - claim

He is not as intelligent as made out by his parents.

She is not very rich as people make out.

He made out that he had owned half of Bangalore , once upon a time.
I can't believe it.

15. Make something out - write out a document

After examining me, the doctor made out a prescription.

He is ailing for long. The lawyer advised him to make out a will.

16. Make something over to somebody

The above expression has the sense of " to legally hand over a responsibility to another person "

On my promotion to the rank of Commissioner of Customs, I made over my charge of Additional Commissioner to Mr. Jacob .

17. Make towards something

The above expression has the sense of " to start moving towards something "

The first scene of the film shows two men making towards a lonely house

18. Make something up - to constitute

Muslims make up for 30% of the population of India .

19. Make up of - to consist of

Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of 1: 8 by weight.

20. Make up - invent a story

Don't believe what he tells you . He has made it up.


That's all for now.

I shall continue in the next post. I request the learners to subscribe and leave their comments. I also invite suggestions for improvement of the blog. Even if few students benefit from these posts, my purpose will be served.

Happy Learning !

Sayee Jayaraman
06/02/2015

ENGLISH NOTE 2 " TO MAKE "

ENGLISH NOTE 2.    " MAKE"


1. Today we shall discuss the use of the English verb ," MAKE". It is a very frequently used English verb. It is worthwhile to study the various ways in which this verb is employed. I hope such a study should interest all learners  . It appears that this word has its origin in an Indo European base "mag-" denoting " kneading ". Don't worry much about it. The origin of words is in itself a vast subject . It is known as " Etymology ". When you get time , you can explore it for the sheer pleasure of it.


2.  Let us enumerate the most common uses of this verb . " Make " means " Create". You can combine several things and make a new thing. This is the primary meaning of the word.
One can make something out of some other things.

Alice, what are the ingredients for making a cake ?

Here is the recipe in my cookery book. You may go through it.

Make a table, make a doll, make cement , make paper, make a work of art,make breakfast,

3.  The past tense of make is " made". The past participle is " made".  The phrase " made of "  is frequently used.

This ring is made of gold.
The doll is made of clay

We use the phrase " made of something " , when that " something " is the major ingredient of the thing we are speaking of.

Remember,

Wine is made from grapes.
We don't say, " wine is made of grapes ".

But,

Grapes are made into wine.

My shirt is made in China.
I prefer goods made in Japan.

She made lunch for us.
Mother made cakes for children .

4. To make + somebody / something + adjective

Learn to use the above pattern  of usage. Study the following examples.

When dad takes us to cinema, he makes us happy.

When you cry you make me sad.

Your meddling makes my task very difficult.

5. When something causes the happening of some other thing , we use the  verb " to make ".
During an experiment in the chemistry laboratory , some acid spilled on my clothes and it made  a hole .

The prime minister's speech made a great impression on the people.

The meteorite made a big crater when it fell.

Kids, don't make noise. Grandpa is sleeping.

Helen , why do you make your baby cry ?  Please make him stop crying.

Speak clearly to make yourself understood .

Don't whisper . Speak louder to make yourself heard.

The minister made it public that hoarders would get harsh punishment .

Don't make an issue of petty matters and quarrel with others.

6.  One can make a decision, a comment , a guess etc.

You made a good decision by accepting this job.

He made a very nasty comment on my appearance .

Do you know how much this shirt costs ?
No  , tell me.
Make a guess .

7. Make can be used in the sense of " forcing somebody ".

The sergeant made the cadets run five times around the ground by way of punishment.

The maths teacher made us do hundred problems today. We are all very tired.

8. This verb can be used in the sense of " to appoint "

The President made Peter James a judge of the Supreme Court .

The prime minister made my uncle his secretary.

He was made a Knight by the queen.

9.  The verb can be used in the sense of , " to be suitable ".

Alfred would make an excellent police officer.

This building would make a good office.

I have seen her in school programs. She would make a good actress.

10. This verb can be used in the sense of " Equal ".

Two and five make seven.

Sixty rupees make one US dollar .

11. This verb can be used in the sense of " To Earn "

He makes five thousand Euros a month.

Making money is the main purpose of doing business.

Surprisingly , he made a fortune in gambling .

12.  This verb can be used in the sense of  " To Reach "/ " to keep an appointment "

My car broke down on the way. I can't make it to the airport on time.

Krishna , you are busy, I know it. But kindly try to make it to my daughter 's wedding.

13. We use this verb  in the sense of " being successful "

In spite of a very modest background , Narendra Modi made it to the top. Today, he is the Prime Minister of India.


I have not yet completed. There are several idioms using the verb " make". Further , the meaning of "make"with prepositions changes according to what preposition you use. Perhaps , at least two more posts may be needed.

Kindly read some English passage of your choice , no matter from which source, and study the sense in which the verb " make " is used.

Happy learning !

Sayee Jayaraman

05/02/2015
Bangalore

ENGLISH NOTE 1 INTRODUCTION

LET US MASTER ENGLISH

ENGLISH NOTE 1

Welcome to my English Blog.  Each blog post will be called " ENGLISH NOTE " with appropriate serial number on the lines of my FRENCH BLOG. Several aspects of English language will be discussed in each note. There is no need for me to emphasize the importance of English in the modern world. Beyond doubt , English is the most important international language . Consequently , many of us want to attain a good mastery of this language. You can survive in the world without a knowledge of English. But if you have a good knowledge of the language , you stand to gain by that and you will have an edge over those who are less proficient than you.Why don't you take a pragmatic stand ? Please do not attach emotions to a language . In my view , the primary aim of a language is effective communication. Nothing more than that. No fanaticism over it. If someday it so happens that Chinese is used by majority of the countries, you may have to learn it to survive and thrive. Fortunately , we are not likely to face such a situation in the near future.

This blog will not teach you English from the beginning. It is assumed that you have basic knowledge of the language . What is presented here will help you to perfect your competence in the language. Incidentally , it may help all aspirants appearing for IELTS/ TOEFL and other entrance examinations. Therefore , there will be discussion on different aspects of the language . The ultimate aim would be effective communication. If you are an effective communicator in English, you can be considered to have mastered it.


Apart from native speakers, English is used by people of different countries in their day-to-day life. Are you in a position to understand English when it is spoken to you , irrespective of the nationality of the speakers. If you can , then you have adequate LISTENING COMPREHENSION .  A shopkeeper and a university professor would not use the language in the same way. But if you have a good command, you would understand both. You can easily follow BBC or CNN news bulletin. You can follow the daily newspaper . When announcements are made in English in airport , you won't be taken by surprise.

SPEAKING COMPREHENSION is a must. You must be in a position to tell others what you want. When others talk to you, you must respond adequately. If you have not practised
speaking , you will be dumb and will use only signs and gestures for communication. Without practice, you can't communicate effectively even in your mother tongue , not to speak of English .

An illiterate has no place these days. If you don't know reading / writing , you will be excluded from several activities . Hence READING COMPREHENSION is very necessary.
You have to understand newspapers. You will be receiving several official / personal letters. Is it not necessary for you to read and understand such communications ?

The real test comes when you are expected to write a report or any other thing. By going through what you have written , very many facts about you can be inferred. I am not alluding to the science of deciphering you character from handwriting . Not that ! Your style of writing is a revelatory mirror about you  to one who reads it .

It was Francis Bacon, who said,

" Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man ; and writing an exact man "



I shall continue in the next post .

English learners may please identify the nouns , pronouns, verbs, adjectives , prepositions, adverbs  and conjunctions used in the above note. They may write them in the comments.

Happy learning !

Sayee Jayaraman
04/02/2015
Bangalore