F2F Class Notes April 6th (Ben)

Grammar

when + short action, while + long action

I was playing tennis when a bird flew in. (OK)

A bird flew in while I was playing. (OK)

While I was playing, a bird flew in. (less common)

run (through) a red light

The driver ran the red light and drove in front of the train.

We were in the train when a driver drove in front of us and we crashed.

When I was a child, I had to emphasize that I was not alone to my parents when I travelled.

eat / ate / eaten

I have eaten, I have been eating

I had eaten = the past of the past (often used when telling a story)

When I arrived home, I realized I had forgotten my keys.

(I realized I forgot my keys = right now)

I had never seen such a place. (= I have seen it now)

I had never been to America (=I have been there now)

Last night, I had been waiting for 30 minutes when the food finally came.

Finally ! I had been waiting for this for a long time.

Mr. Bond, I had been expecting you.

Conditionals

If +PRESENT = possible, plausible

If + PAST = dream, implausible

(often used to dream about a perfect life)

If I was –> If I were

If I had a lot of money, I would travel around the world.

If I were really rich, I would travel around the world.

If I were you, I wouldn’t do that.

What would you do if you were me?

If I were you, I could have a lot free of time and I would use it to learn new things.

will –> would

can –> could

(shall) –> should

What’s the difference?

If I want to go to America, I will save money. (=it’s possible I go next year)

If I wanted to go to America, I would save money. (= I don’t want to)