Learning English with BBC

Here is a very interesting link to learning English. Easy to understanding, well explained and with words and expressions very useful. With Quizzes, Grammar lessons, Vocabulary lessons, Pronunciation lessons, and an interesting site about "Talking Sport" good to listen and later to make worksheets. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/

Thanks a lot to Marie for this info! ^_^

Daily Video Vocab.

Here is a very interesting link for videos on youtube. Easy to understanding, well explained and with words and expressions very useful.
(I put this link, but looking within the page you will be able to find other links to other lessons.)

http://www.youtube.com/channel/SW3RtKQOy0lLE

Thanks a lot to Paulo for this info! ^_^

Direct and reported speech

When reporting what someone has said or written we can use either direct speech or reported speech.
When we use direct speech we report the exact words which someone has used.
"I'm staying here tomorrow" said John.
When we use reported speech, changes may have to be made to verb tenses, pronouns and certain words indicating place and time.
John said she was staying there the next day.

- Reporting statements.

The following changes are usually made to verbs. In each case the verb "moves back" one tense.

Direct speech	Reported speech
Present simple	Past Simple
I work in an office, he said	He said he worked in an office
Present Continuous	Past Continuous
We are going away on holiday, she said.	She said they were going away on holiday.
Present Perfect	Past Perfect
I've known her for a long time, he said.	He said he'd known her for a long time.
Present Perfect Continuous	Past Perfect Continuous
He's been playing tennis, he said.	He said he had been playing tennis.
Past Simple	Past Perfect
I saw Nigel in town, he said.	He said that he'd seen Nigel in town.
Past Continuous	Past Perfect Continuous
We were trying to help him, she said.	She said they'd been trying to help him.
The modal verbs will, must, may and can change to would, had to, might and could.

No changes are made in the verb tense:
a) If the verb in the direct speech is in the past perfect.
He had never spoken about it before, he said.
b) If the direct speech contains one of the following modal verbs: would, might, could, should, ought to.
You should go to the doctor's, she said.
c) If the statement being reported is still true.
I like fish, she said.
d) If the reporting verb is in the present.
It's 40º in Athens at the moment. (Ron to his father on the phone)

Pronouns in direct speech may have to change when we use reported speech.
I'll see you soon, said Peter. - Peter said he would see me soon.

The following changes may also need to be made to words indicating place and time.

Direct speech	Reported speech
Now	Then
Today	That day
This morning	That morning
tomorrow	The next/Following day
Next week	The next/Following week
Yesterday	The day before, the previous day
Two days ago	two days before/earlier
Last week	The week before, the previous week
here	there
Come	Go

This, that, these and those may change to the.
That book you lent me is really boring, he said. - Ha said the book I had lent him was really boring.

- Reporting verbs for statements.

Tell is used with a direct object.
He told me he was getting married.

Say and explain are used without direct object.
He said he was ill. (not He told me)

Some reporting verbs can be used with an infinitive.
a) Verb + Object noun/pronoun + infinitive without to
advice, ask, encourage, invite, recommend, remind, urge, warn, ...
Don't forget to phone Jim. - He reminded her to phone Jim.
b) Verb + infinitive with to
offer, promise, refuse, threaten, ...
I'll help you mend the car if you like. - He offered to help me mend the car.

The following patterns can be used after both recommend and suggest:
He recommended/suggested (that) I (should) eat less sugar.
She recommended/suggested joining a youth club.
The infinitive with to can only be used after recommend.

- Reporting questions

When we report questions we make the same changes to verb tenses, pronouns and words indicating place and time as we do when we report statements. The following changes are also made:
Auxiliary verbs: auxiliary verbs do, does and did are ommited.
Word order: is the same as that of a statement.
Punctuation: question marks are not used.
Yes/No questions: if there is no question word (what, where, who, etc) in the direct question, we use if or whether. Does she smoke? He asked if/whether she smoke.

Ask and Tell
Each of these verbs can be used in two different ways in reported speech.
Ask:
a) Requests (ask + object + infinitive with to)
Can you help me, please? - She asked me to help her.
b) Questions
Can you ride a horse? - She asked me if I could ride a horse.
Tell:
a) Commands (tell + object + infinitive with to)
Put your coat on. - He told me to put my coat on.
b) Statement
I can't find my coat. - He told her he couldn't find his coat.

Conditionals

Conditional sentences contain a conditional clause (introduced by words such as if, as long as and unless) and a main clause.
If the conditional clause comes before the main clause, a comma is needed (as in this sentence).
A comma is not needed if the conditional clause comes after the main clause (as in this sentence).

Zero Conditional
if + present simple or imperative
We use the zero conditional to talk about situations which are always true. If has the same meaning as when, whenever or every time in such sentences.
Everyday situations: My eyes hurt if I spend too long on the laptop.
Scientific facts: If you mix blue and yellow, you get green.
Instructions (if+imperative): If you don't know the answer, make an intelligent guess.

First Conditional
if + present simple, will + infinitive without to
We use the first conditional to talk about possible situations and their probable results in the future.
She'll be very happy if you phone her.
It can be used for warning, promises and threats.
I'll send you to bed if you don't behave yourself.
Modal verbs can be used in the main clause in place of will. May, might and could, for example, introduce possible results if a conditional is met.
If I finish my homework early, I might call you.

Second Conditional
if + past simple, would + infinitive without to
We use the second conditional to talk about imaginary, unlikely or impossible situations in the present or future.
If I knew the answer to number six, I would tell you.
First or second conditional? Notice the difference in meaning between these two sentences:
1st Cond. If they give me a pay rise, I'll buy a new car. (I feel there is a real possibility that they will give me a pay rise.)
2nd Cond. If they gave me a pay rise, I'd buy a new car. (I feel it is less likely that they will give me a pray rise.)
The second conditional can also be used to give advice.
If I were you, I'd complain to the manager.
Both was and were are possible in the conditional clause after the subject pronouns I/he/she/it. Was is more common in spoken English.
If he were a little taller, he'd be an excellent goalkeeper.
The modals verbs might and could can be used in the main clause to indicate possible results.
If you worked a bit harder you might have more success.

Third Conditional
if + past perfect, would/might/could have + past participle
We use the third conditional to talk about imaginary situations in the past.
If we hadn't taken a map, we would have got lost. (we took a map, so we didn't get lost.)

Mixed Conditional
if + past perfect, would + infinitive without to
Mixed conditionals are a combination of a second and a third conditional. They can express an imaginary past event and a possible or probable present result.
If you'd listened to my advice, you would not be in this situation now.

Alternative words for if
As long as, provided (that), providing (that) and on condition (that) can be used in place of if to emphasize the condition.
I'll lend you 10€ as long as you give it back tomorrow.

Exercises (Listening)

Here are a lot of listening exercises with different levels.
I've put the link to listening exercises, but inside you'll be able to find A LOT OF exercises also about grammar, reading, links to full cartoon movies, etc.

http://www.agendaweb.org/listening/

Enjoy it!!

So, Neither, Nor

Use
To indicate that we have the same feelings, behaviour or abilities as others, we can use so (positive statements), and neither or nor (negative statements).

Form
so/neither/nor + (modal) auxiliary verb or the verb to be + subject noun or pronoun.
The rules for deciding which verb is used after so, neither or nor are the same as those for questions tags. The verb is always positive. The clause with so, neither or nor can appear in the same sentence as the main clause, or it can be said by a different speaker.
She can't play a musical instrument and nor can I.
I'll phone him tonight. So will I.
My mum isn't working tomorrow. Neither is mine.

If our feelings, behaviour or abilities are different from those of others, we use the following structure:
subject + (modal) auxiliary or the verb to be.
He doesn't eat meat but I do.
We're allowed to wear jeans to school. We aren't.

Past necessity

Needn't have + past participle
This structure is used to talk about an action which was unnecessary. It indicates that the subject performed the action.
I needn't have preparated so much food for the party; everyone had eaten before they came. (I prepared lots of food but I realized afterwards that it wasn't necessary)

Didn't need to + infinitive
This structure is used to talk about an action which was unnecessary. It usually indicates that the subject did not perform the action.
I didn't need to prepare very much food for the party; everyone said they would bring something to eat. (I didn't prepare lots of food as I knew it wasn't necessary)

The passive

Form
The verb to be + past participle.
Present Simple: Goods worth 750M. are stolen from shops each year.
Present Continuous: A man is being questioned in connection with the robbery.
Present Perfect: Photos of the suspects have been put up arround the town.
Past Simple: He was taken away in a van.
Past Continuous: The burglar didn't realize he was being filmed.
Past Perfect: Two people had been mugged there on the previous day.
Future simple: All football supporters will be searched at the airport.
Infinitive: He is hoping to be released from prison next month.
Gerund: I can't even remember being hit on the end.
Modal verbs: He should be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Use
The passive is used to focus attention on the person or thing affected by the action, rather than on the agent (the "doer" of the action). If we are interested in the agent, we used the preposition by.
Sue and Mark were brought up by their parents.
When we talk about the instrument used by the agent to do the action, we use the preposition with.
He was hit on the head with a vase.
The agent is not usually included when:
- It is clear from the context who the agent is.
Colin was arrested for dangerous driving.(by the police)
- We don't know who the agent is or was.
My car was stolen yesterday afternoon.
- When the agent is not important.
Stamps are often sold in supermarkets in England.
- The passive is also used in formal notices.
Food may not be consumed on the premises.

Passive constructions with the infinitive
The infinitive can be used after the passive of verbs such as: believe, consider, expect, know, say, think.
The president is expected to arrive at 9.30 pm.
The perfect infinitive (have+past participle) is used to refer to the past.
12 people are known to have died in the accident.

Question tags

Form:
Question tags are formed using either a modal verb, an auxiliary verb or the verb to be + subject pronoun. A negative tag is normally used with a positive statement, and a positive tag with with a negative statement.

- If the verb to be appears in the statement, it is repeated in the question tag.
He isn't married, is he?
I'm late again, aren't I?

- If an auxiliary verb or a modal verb appears in the statement, it is repeated in the question tag.
You've been to Poland before, haven't you?

- If the verb in the statement is a full verb, an appropiate form of the auxiliary verb do is required in the question tag.
You bought it last year, didn't you?

- "Will you?" and "can you?" are used with imperatives. "Would you?" and "could you?" are more formal alternatives.
Open the window, will/can/would/could you?
"Will you?" is used after a negative imperative.
Don't forget to write, will you?

- If let's appears in the statement, the question tag "shall we" is used.
Let's go home, shall we?

- If the statement contains negative words such as nothing or nobody, the question tag is positive.
Nothing frightens you, does it?
NB the pronoun they is used with nobody/no one, somebody/someone and everybody/everyone.

Use and intonation:
We can use question tags to ask a real question if we are unsure if the statement is true or not. In this case we say the question tag with rising intonation.
We can also use question tags when we expect someone to agree with a statement. In this case we say the question tag with falling intonation.

Linking ideas

You can use linking words to join different ideas together. Using linking words makes the presentation of your ideas more interesting and easier to understand. They have a number of different functions:

Addition: also, and, in addition, too
Cause and effect: as a result, because, so
Condition: if, unless
Contrast: although, but, however, though

You can use many of these linkers either at the start or the middle of sentences:
Only at the end of a sentence: too
In the beginning or in the middle of the sentence: also, and, because, so, if, unless, although, but
In the biginning, middle or the end of a sentence: though.

Qualifying adjectives

Very and Absolutely
You can qualify adjectives by using words like very and absolutely. Most adjectives can follow very. These are called gradable adjectives. Some adjectives can't follow very. You can use absolutely with these ungradable adjectives.

very+gradable adjectives: bad, big, good, important, interesting, nice, poor, rich, small.
absolutely+ungradable adjectives: enormous, extraordinary, fantastic, huge, perfect, terrible, tiny, vital, wonderful.

Quite
Quite has got two very different meanings. When you use it before gradable adjectives its meaning is similar to a bit. When you use it before ungradable adjectives its meaning is similar to absolutely.

Verb+Preposition

Many verbs are followed by a preposition:
hear of: Have you heard of Spice Girls?
read about: I read about the fight between the two families.
speak to: Camila won't speak to Daniel.

Most verbs can have more than one preposition. Usually this changes the meaning:
apologise for: I apologise for my behaviour last night.
apologise to: I apologised to John for swearing at his sister.
complain about: Leigh complained about the food.
complain to: Leigh complained to the waiter.

Sometimes using a different preposition after a verb doesn't change the meaning:
speak to/with: I need to speak to/with you.
think about/of: I'm thinking of/about you.

Sometimes using the same preposition after a verb can have more than one meaning:
She went through the park. (go through = go cross)
She went through the details (go through = to explain)

Giving advice

There are a number of ways to give advice:

- Could + infinitive
You could try phoning her.

- Should + infinitive
You should go on a long trip.

- If I were you I'd + infinitive
If I were you I'd complain to the manager.

- You might think about + -ing form
You might think about having a romantic weekend.

You use Could, If I were you I'd and You might think about when you want to be polite or formal. You can use Should to be more direct or to give stronger advice.

Degrees of politeness and formality

There are a number of ways of making requests more polite or formal in English:

- Use past tense verb forms.
Can you shut the door, please? - Could you shut the door, please?
Will you tidy your room, please? - Would you tidy your room, please?

- Use introductory phrases. This changes the word order in the request.
I'd be very grateful if you turn the radio off.
Is it allright if I close the window?
You can also use introductory phrases to apologise or explain something.
I'm sorry but Mrs Smith's not here today.
I apologise for arriving so late.

In the most polite and most formal requests you use the past tense forms and introductory phrases. but if you are too polite or formal with your friends they may think you are being unfriendly or insincere.
I was wondering if you would do me a favour, please.

Time words and phrases

Time words and phrases help tell us about when something happened or is happening. You use some time words and phrases with the past simple and others with the present perfect.

Normally used with the past simple: when I was, last year, ago.

Normally used with the present perfect: ever, just, since.

Used with the past simple and the present perfect: always, never, for.

David changed his job last year.
Eli's just arrived.
Paul studied medicine for four years.

Future Plans

- Verbs to talk about the future.

LESS SURE: Hope / Would like / Aim
MORE SURE: Intend / To be due / Expect

- All these verbs are followed by to + infinitive.

- Hope and Expect can also be followed by (that) + WILL

- Hope / Expect / Aim / Intend, can be used in Present Simple or Present Continuous
We're hoping to go to Spain this summer.

Hope http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=hope
Would Like http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=would%20like
Aim http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=aim
Intend http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=intend
To be due http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=due
Expect http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=expect

Modifying comparisons

You can compare things in several ways:

- You can compare two things which are different using the comparative forms of adjectives.
Although my house is smaller than Anna's house, it's more beautiful.

One syllable - double the consonant and add -er. 
big-bigger than
Two syllables ending in Y - change Y to I and add -er.
angry-angrier than
Two or more syllables (not ending in Y) - Use MORE.
famous-more famous than

- You can compare two things which are similar (or not) using as...as
The kitchen is as large as the lounge.
With big difference: nowhere near / not nearly + as+adj.+as
With small difference: not quite / nearly + as+adj.+as
I'm not nearly as good at tennis as my brother.

- You can use some structure to emphasise a strong or weak comparison.
Big difference: much/far - Small difference: a bit     +    COMPARATIVE
The kitchen is much bigger than the lounge.

- You can compare one thing which is different from the others in a group using the superlative form of adjectives.
This is the cheapest flat but it isn't in the best location.


One syllable - double the consonant and add -est. 
big-the biggest
Two syllables ending in Y - change Y to I and add -est.
angry-the angriest
Two or more syllables (not ending in Y) - Use MORE.
famous-the most famous


- You can use some structure to emphasise a strong difference using superlatives.
Big difference: by far     +    SUPERLATIVE
The kitchen is by far the biggest room in this house.


!!!!!!!IRREGULARS
good-better-the best
bad-worse-the worst
far-further-the furthset
well-better-the best
badly-worse-the worst
little-less-the least

Adverbs of frequency

You use adverbs of frequency to say how often you do something. The most common ones are:
never, seldom, rarely, occasionally, sometimes, frequently, often, usually, normally, always.

Adverbs of frequency usually appear between the subject and the verb.
We usually eat out on Friday evenings.

With the verb be the adverb of frequency appears after the verb.
I am sometimes late for my classes.

Occasionally, sometimes, frequently often, usually and normally can also appear at the beginning or end of sentences. When they appear at the beginning of a sentence we want to emphasise the frequency:
Occasionally she works until seven o'clock in the evening.

Never, seldom, rarely and always are not normally used at the beginning or end of sentences.

Afterwards / Beforehand

After: Después de... http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=after
Afterwards: Después de esto http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=afterwards

Before: Antes de... http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=before
Beforehand: Antes de esto http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=beforehand

Rules:

1- After & Before: are followed by a noun or verb.
2- Afterwards & Beforehand: replaces a noun or verb.
3- Earlier & Later: refer to time.
4- Before & After: refer to events.
5- After: después de
6- Afterwards: después de esto
7- Before: antes de
8- Beforehand: antes de esto

I went there and afterwards I went straight back home.
After I went there I went straight back home.

Before I came here I had had lunch on the tube.
I came here at 15:45, beforehand I had had lunch on the tube.
!!!! Beforehand with Past Perfect

OSHO - I Don't Have a Biography

A little bit of philosophy from Osho.

Movie Segments to Assess Grammar Goals

Excelent! blog with English exercices using movies segments.

http://moviesegmentstoassessgrammargoals.blogspot.com.es/

Modal verbs of speculation

Certainty
If we are fairly certain about something, must, can't and couldn't can be use to express this.
For present situations the model verbs must, can't and couldn't are followed by the infinitive without to.
I haven't slept for two days. You must be exhausted!
The continuous infinitive can also be used.
Why is he wearing his uniform? He couldn't be going to school. It's saturday today.
For past situations we use the same modal verbs + have + past participle.
I can't find my book. I must have left it at school.
This composition isn't very good. You can't have spent very long on it.
NB: mustn't is not normally used when speculating about present or past situations.

Possibility
If we are not certain about something but think it is possible, we use may (not), might (not) or could.
For present situations these modal verbs are followed by the infinitive without to. The continuous infinitive is also possible.
Moe's not answering my emails. He might be on holiday.
The continuous infinitive can also be used.For past situations we use the same modal verbs + have + past participle (the continuous form is possible).
I think we may have taken the wrong road. This doesn't look familiar.
NB It is not possible to use can when speculating about present or past situations.

Sports

athlete: atleta
baseball/basketball player: jugador
cyclist: ciclista
diver: buzo
golfer: golfista
gymnast: gimnasta
jogger: persona que hace footing
runner: corredor
skier: esquiador
snowboarder: surfista de nieve
swimmer: nadador
surfer: surfista
competitor: competidor
opponent: oponente/contrincante
participant: participant
referee: árbitro
runner-up: subcampeón
spectator: espectador
supporter: hincha
team: equipo
umpire: árbitro
winner: ganador
athletics/cycling track: pista
sports stadium: estadio
court: cancha
pitch: campo
golf course: campo de golf
gym: gimnasio
ice-skating rink: pista de hielo
motor-racing circuit: circuito de carreras
ski slope: pista de esquí
swimming pool: piscina
play/take part/compete in: participar en
a football match: partido de fútbol
a golf tournament: torneo de golf
a sporting event: evento deportivo
a swimming competition: competición de natación
the national/world championship: campeonato nacional/mundial
racket: raqueta
bat: bate
boots: botas
golf clubs: palos de golf
hockey stick: palo de hockey
tennis shoes: bambas de tenis
safety helmet: casco de seguridad
shin pads: canillera
shuttlecock: volante
skateboard: tabla de patinar
skiing goggles: gafas de esquí
skis poles: palos de esquí
sweatband: muñequera

Online Newspapers

Online British Newspapers on the Internet and International Newspapers with English Versions, News International and News Links/Sites/Websites.
It's a very useful website!
http://www.thebigproject.co.uk/news

The future

Predictions and expectations

Will + infinitive without to can be used to make predictions or talk about expectations for the future. These can be introduced by verbs such as believe, expect, hope, think. Adverbs such as definitely, (almost) certainly and probably may also used; they come after will and before won't.
Chelsea will probably win the league again this year.
He definitely won't pass his exams; he's too lazy.

Alternatives to will
The following structures can be used to talk about the probability of something happening in the future.
be (un)likely + infinitive with to
may/might/could well + infinitive without to
There may/could/ might well be a cure for cancer in the future. (= there will probably be)
NB may well is not usual in the negative.
May/might/could + infinitive without to can be used to talk about the possibility of something happening in the future.
We may/might/could see fewer cars in the future.
NB could not expresses impossibility.


Other future forms

In addiction to making predictions about the future, will is also used to talk about:
decisions made at the moment of speaking, including offers and requests.
We'll babysit for you if you want to go out.
future facts; events which the speaker knows or believes are certain to happen.
Summer will be here soon.

Going to + infinitive is used to talk about:
predictions based on present evidence.
Look at those clouds. It's going to rain soon.
intentions or plans.
I'm going to stay in tonight and read my book.
Modal verbs can be used to express possible intentions.
I may/might go walking in the montains tomorrow.

The present continuous is used to talk about the future arrangements which have already been made.
Sue and Paul are getting married on July 15th.

The present simple is used:
to talk about timetabled or scheduled events.
The films starts at 9.15, just after the news.
to refer to the future after time linkers such as when, before, after, until, by the time, as soon as.
Give me a call as soon as you arrive.

The future continuous, will + be + ing, is used to talk about actions or events which will be in progress at a certain time in the future.
This time next week I'll be lying on the beach.

The future perfect simple, will + have + past participle, is used to talk about actions and events that will be completed by a certain time in the future.
By the end of today we'll have driven over 240 km.

The future perfect continuous, will + have + been + ing, is used to talk about actions and events which continue to a certain time in the future.
On 22 May I'll have been living here for exactly 10 years.

Be about to + infinitive/be on the point of + gerund can be used to talk about the immediate future.
Can I phone you back? I'm just about to have lunch.
The police say they are on the point of solving the crime.

Expressing preferences

Prefer
Prefer+gerund+to+gerund
This is usually used to talk about general preferences.
I prefer playing basketball to watching it.
Would prefer+infinitive with to+rather than+infinitive without to
This is normally used to talk about preferences on a specific occasion.
I'd prefer to walk to school today rather than go by bus.

Would rather
Would rather+infinitive without to+than+infinitive without to (same meaning as would prefer to)
I'd rather not talk about it at the moment.


http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=rather

Contrasting ideas

But contrasts two ideas in the same sentence.
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=but
The weather was bad but she enjoyed the trip.

Although and though (informal) are also used to contrast ideas in the same sentence. They can go at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle.
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=although
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=though
Although the weather was bad, she enjoyed the trip.

However contrasts ideas in two different sentences. It often comes at the beginning of the second sentence and is followed by a comma.
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=however
The weather was bad. However, she enjoyed the trip.

Nevertheless is a more formal alternative to however.
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=nevertheless
The English aren't normally very emotional people. Nevertheless, they get very excited at sporting events.

In spite of and despite are both followed by a gerund or a noun. They can go at the beginning of the sentence or in the middle.
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=in%20spite%20of
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=despite
Despite the fact that the weather was bad, she enjoyed the trip.
If the subject of the verbs in the two clauses is the same, the gerund can be used immediately after despite or in spite of without a preceding noun/pronoun.
She played tennis despite feeling ill.

Whereas and while are used to contrast two ideas in the same sentence.
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=whereas
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=while
The first photo shows a child having fun whereas/while the second one shows a rather sad man on his own.

English Accents

Very funny video.

Thanks a lot Pablo! ^_^

Job links

Here you can find some links to search jobs in UK.

Eures: http://ec.europa.eu/eures/home.jsp?lang=en&langChanged=true
EURES has a human network of more than 850 EURES advisers that are in daily contact with jobseeker and employers across Europe.

Public Occupation Service:
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Jobseekers/index.htm

Searchers:
http://www.jobs.ac.uk
http://www.jobsearch.co.uk/
http://www.gumtree.com/
http://www.anyworkanywhere.com/
http://www.londonjob.net
http://www.theworkbank.co.uk
http://www.gapyearjobs.co.uk/
http://www.londonlanguagecentre.com/

Adele - Rolling In The Deep

Music

accordion: acordeón
cello: violonchelo/chelo
clarinet: clarinete
double bass: contrabajo
drum(s): tambor/batería
flute: flauta
guitar: guitarra
keyboards: teclado
organ: órgano
electric/grand piano: piano eléctrico/piano de cola
saxophone: saxófono
tambourine: pandereta
trombone: trombón
trumpet: trompeta
tuba: tuba
violin: violín
wind/stringed instrument: instrumento de viento/instrumento de cuerda

backing vocalist: vocalista de acompañamiento
concert audience: auditorio
DJ/disc jockey: pincha discos
lead singer/guitarist: cantante principal/guitarrista principal
rock/folk/rap: rock/flok/rap
band: grupo
singer: cantante (solista)
star: estrella
session musician: músico de sesión

a live:  en directo
a music festival: festival de música
have a record in the charts: tener un registro en las listas
be in tune: sintonizar
give a concert: dar un concierto
on tour: de gira
on stage: en escena
on radio: en la radio
play a tune/a record/a track: tocar una melodía/tocar un disco/tocar una pista
sing: cantar
perform: actuar
mime: imitar

The present perfect

The present perfect links past events and situations with the present.

The present perfect is used:
- to give news of recent past events which have some relevance to the present.
Be careful! I've just dropped a glass on the floor.
- to describe something that started in the past and continues to the present.
My wife and I have lived in the same house ever since we got married.
- to describe event which occurred at some time between the past and the present. Exactly when they happened is not known or not important.
I've been to Scotland three or four times.
- to talk about something which occurred in the past, but in a time period which includes the present.
Mary's boyfriend has phoned her three times this morning - and it's not even 11 o'clock!
- after the expression it/this/that is the first/second/third, etc time.
This is the first time I've seen this programme.

Time expressions
- The present perfect is commonly used with ever; never, just, recently, so far, still, yet and already when referring to a time period up to now.
They haven't booked their holidays yet.
- For is used with periods of time to show how long something has lasted.
I've known Eric for twenty years.
- Since is used with points in time to show when something started.
I've had this watch since 1985.

The present perfect continuous can be used:
- to emphasize the duration of a situation or activity.
It's been snowing all day.
- to suggest that a situation or activity is temporary.
My mum's not well, so I've been looking after her.
- to suggest a situation or activity is incomplete.
I've been painting the house - that's why it's in a mess.
- to focus on the repetition of a situation or activity.
He's been getting into trouble at school a lot recently.

The present perfect simple and continuous
- Both simple and continuous forms of the present perfect can be used to talk about the effects in the present of a past event.
Your new shoes are ruined! You've been playing football in them, haven't you? (an activity)
I can't do any sport for a few weeks; I've broken my arm. (a single action)
- The continuous form is not used if we talk about the number of things that have been completed or the number of times a thing has been done.
She's eaten six chocolate biscuits.
She's been eating chocolate biscuits.
- Stative verbs such as have (to possess/own), think (to have an opinion), be, like, believe, understand and know are not normally used in the continuous form.
We've known each other for a long time. We've been knowing each other for a long time.

Scottish Slang

Here is a very nice video, easy to understanding, very funny and well explained; and a dictionary about scottish slang (also a folder with scottish proverbs).

Enjoy the first delivery about slangs!

http://www.firstfoot.com/dictionary

Do you have any suggestion for the next one?

Relative clauses

Relative clauses give extra information about something or someone in the main clause.


Defining relative clauses

Defining relative clauses contain information which is essential for our understanding of the whole sentence.
The woman who normally comes to clean our windows is on holiday this month.
In each case, the relative clause identifies which person or thing is being talked about.

Features of defining relative clauses.
- No comas are required either at the beginning or the end of the relative clause.
- That can be used instead of who for people and which for things, particulary in spoken English.

	For people	For things
Subject	who/that	which/that
Object	who/that/whom	which/that
Possessive	whose	whose

*whom is more formal than who

- The relative pronoun can be omitted if it is the object of the verb in the relative clause.
I'm enjoying the book (which/that) you lent me.
- The realtive pronoun cannot be omitted if it is the subject of the verb in the relative clause.
That's the shop assistant who/that served me the last time I came here.


Non-defining relative clauses.

Non-defining relative clauses contain information which is not essential for our understanding of the sentence. We can identify which person or thing is being talked about without the information in the relative clause.
Their new palace, which has five bedrooms and a games room, is much larger than their previous one.

Features of non-defining relative clauses
- Commas are required both at the beginning and the end of the relative clause (except when the end of the relative clause is also the end of the sentence).
- That cannot be used in place of who or which.

	For people	For things
Subject	who	which
Object	who/whom	which
Possessive	whose	whose

- Relative pronouns cannot be omitted from non-defining relative clauses.
Her english teacher, who/whom everyone in the class adored, announced that he was leaving the school.
- Non-defining relative clauses are more common in written English.
- Which can be used in non-defining relative clauses to refer to a whole clause.
No one phoned him on his birthday, which made him feel rather depressed.


Relative clauses and prepositions

Prepositions usually come at the end of defining and non-defining relative clauses.
In defining relative clauses the relative pronoun is usually omitted.
The town I grew up in has changed a lot since I left.
In non-defining relative clauses the relative pronoun is never omitted.
Mark Ralf, who I used to work with, lives in Berlin now.

In more formal English, prepositions often come before the relative pronouns whom for people and which for things (in which case the pornoun cannot be omitted).
The head waiter, to whom we addressed our complaint, was not particularly helpful.


Relative adverbs: where, when and why.

Where, when and why can be used in relative clauses after nouns which refer to a place, a time or a reason.

Where has the meaning "in/at which"
Defining: They've booked a week in that campsite where we stayed last year.
Non-defining: He's in Southlands Hospital, where you were born.

When has the meaning "on/in which" and can be omitted in defining relative clauses.
Defining: Do you remember that day (when) we went to Berlin and it snowed?
Non-defining: I'm going on holiday in October; when most people are back at work.

Why has the meaning "for which" and can be omitted in defining relative clauses.
Defining: The reason (why) I'm phoning is to ask you for Anne's address.

Causative have: "to have something done"

The structure have+object+past participle shows that the action is done for the subject by someone else and not by the subject. The subject causes the action to be done. Compare the following:
I cut my hair. (= I did myself)
I had my hair cut. (= someone did it for me)
All tenses of have are possible, ex.:
We've just had our washing machine repaired.
I'm having my eyes tested tomorrow.

The same structure can also be used for events (usually unpleasant) which are outside of the speaker's control.
John had his car stolen last week.

Get can be used instead of have in this structure. It is slightly more informal.
Where did you get your photos developed?

How to learn English - Education Infographics and Data Visualizations

Some interesting infographics about education, especially with details from United States of America.

http://visual.ly/category/education


One of these infographics is "How to learn English", with good advices and statistics about the study and the improvement of English language.

http://visual.ly/how-learn-english

Education UK

Inside this web site you'll find all about all kind of studies in United Kingdom: institutions, universities and schools, scholarships, kind of qualifications, applications, ...

http://www.educationuk.org/

Rowan Atkinson Live - "In Hell" & "Elementary dating"

Too and enough

Too means "more than is necessary or desirable".

Too + adjective/adverb
This jumper's too big. Can I try a smaller size?

Too much/Too many (+noun)
I can't eat this. There's too much salt in it.
There are too many people there. Let's go outside.

Too + adverb/adjective (+ for + object) + infinitive
It's too cold to play football today.
He spoke too quickly for me to understand her.


Enough means "as much as is necessary"

Adjective/adverb + enough 
Are you warm enough or shall I turn the heating on?

Enough + noun
We'll have to stand because there aren't enough chairs.

Enough (+ for + object) + infinitive with to
I haven't got enough time to see you today.

Let and make

Both these verbs are followed by the infinitive without to.

Let is used to express permission. My dad never lets me watch this movie.


Let is not normally used in the passive. Be allowed to is used instead. I wasn't allowed to go to the party alone.

Make is used to express obligation. The teacher made her do some extra homework.

In the passive, make is followed by the infinitive with to. He was made to pay for the window he had broken.

Permission

To express permission it is possible to use can, may (more formal) or be allowed to. In the negative these express lack of permission, or prohibition.
You can order another drink but you can't have any more hamburgers. 
We aren't allowed to wear trainers to school.

May is not possible in the past. Could and be allowed to are possible for general permission.
In my last job we had flexitime so we could arrive more or less when we wanted to.

Could is not used when referring to a particular situation in the past. Only be allowed to is possible.
I was allowed to stay up late last night.

Obligation and necessity

Must/mustn't + infinitive without to

Must is used:
for strong obligations imposed by the speaker. The speaker uses must to express his/her authority. You must be here by 8 am.
to give strong advice. It's a great film. You really must go and see it.
to tell oneself what is necessary. I must remember to phone Tim.

Must not or mustn't is used:
to talk about something that is not permitted. Passengers must not smoke on the aircraft.
to give strong advice. You mustn't work too hard. You'll make yourself ill.

Past form
Must does not have past form. Had to is therefore used to refer to the past. We had to write a formal letter in the exam. 

Question form
Must is possible in question forms. Must you wear that horrible dress?
although have to is more common. What do we have to do for homework?


Have to/Don't have to

Have to is used to refer to strong obligations imposed by another person rather than by the speaker or writer. I have to be at work by 8 o'clock. The boss will get angry if I'm late.


Need to/Don't need to/Needn't 

Need to is used to express necessity. Can we go to the baker's next? I need to get some bread.


Should/Shouldn't + infinitive without to

Should and shouldn't are used to express obligation or give advice. Ought to can also be used with the same meaning as should. You ought to/should see a doctor about your headache.


Be supposed to/Had better

Be supposed to is used to talk about what you should do because of a rule or because it is expected. Come on, it's 10 o'clock. You're supposed to be in bed!

Had better + infinitive without to is used to talk about what you should do because you think it's a good idea. You'd better ask your dad before you borrow the car.

Do you speak English? - Big train - BBC

Hahahaha, Video without subtitles, but very easy to understand, and very funny!

Monty Python - Four Yorkshiremen

Past tenses

The Past Simple is used to refer to:

Completed actions which happened at a specific time. I went to the cinema last week.
Completed actions and simulations which happened over a specific period of time. I lived and studied in Germany for three years.
Habitual actions or behaviour in the past. We played basketball in the street when I was a child.
A series of consecutive events in the past. He kissed her, said goodbye and closed the door.


The Past Continuous is used to refer to:

Temporary activities or situations in progress at a particular moment in the past. This time last week we were sitting on the beach.
A past activity or situation which was already in progress when another action ocurred (the activity or situation in progress may or may not continue). I was reading to my daughter when the lights went out.
Activities or situations occurring at the same time. Ann was cutting the grass while I was cooking.
The background events in a narrative. It was snowing heavily and a cold wind was blowing. 


The Past Perfect is used to:

Show that a past action or situation occurred before another past action or situation. When I saw Tom, he had just passed his driving test.
We used the continuous form to enphasize the duration of the first past action or situation. She had been waiting  for over two hours when he phoned to say he couldn't come.


Time linkers:

The past perfect is often used with time linkers. ex: after, before, by the time, as soon as, once, when, until. I couldn't go out until I had done my homework.

The past simple can be used if the order of events is clear. He sold his house before he left the country. Or if the second event occurred as a result of the first. When I realized what time it was, I ran outside.

After/afterwards. 
After is used to show the order of two or more events in the same sentence. Afterwards means "after that" and can go at the beginning or the end of a clause.

At last/in the end/at the end.
At last suggest that something good happends after a long period of time or more than one attempt.
In the end has a similar meaning and may also suggest there have been one or more changes or problems. They result may be good or bad.
At the end means at the point when something finishes.

When/as/while.
These can all be used with the past continuous to introduce an action which was already in progress when another action occurred.

During/in/for.
These are all used as prepositions when referring to time, and are followed by a noun. During and in are used to say when something happened. For is used to say how long something took or lasted.

Articles

The definite article (the) is the most commonly used:

When there is only one of something, either in existence or in a particular context. I'd like to speak with the manager.
When something is mentioned again. I've read three novels and two plays by Camus. What did you think of the plays?
When both listener and speaker know what is being referred to. Hurry up! The film starts in 5 minutes.
When talking about a specific aspect of something, where the noun is followed by of. We're studying the history of architecture.
To speak generally about certain groups of singular countable nouns. Interventions: The mobile phone is thought to pose a serious threat to health. Animal species: The wale is still hunted by some countries such as Japan.
With adjectives referring to general classes of people, ex: the homeless, the blind, the rich, ...
With superlatives. Who is the greatest footballer in the world.
With musical instruments. I'd love to learn to play the piano.
With types of transport which have a fixed timetable. Shall we get the bus or take a taxi?
With some countries, ex: the USA, the UK.
With oceans, montain ranges, deserts, rivers, etc. The Atlantic, the Pyrenees, ...
With some geographical areas. We're going to the mountains rather than the coast.


The indefinite article (a/an) is most commonly used:

When a singular countable noun is mentioned for the first time. A man went into a bar with a fish.
When referring to any one of several things. It's quiet in here. Shall I put a record on?
When talking about a person's job. My father is a nuclear scientist.
With some numbers, ex: a hundred and one dalmatians, a thousand people, ...
When it means "per" in some expressions, ex: twice a day, 50 miles an hour, ...


No article is used:

When referring to nouns in a general sense. Plural countable nouns. Do you think computers will replace teachers? Abstract nouns. We sang songs of love and peace. Other uncountable nouns. Alan won't eat cheese or meat.
With most streets, towns, cities and countries. I went to Bond Street when I was in London.
When a town's name is used with a building, ex: Luton Airport, Cambridge University.
In many common expressions, ex: to go home, to go to work/school/..., to be at home/..., to be in hospital/...

Monty Python - Dead Parrot

Monty Python - Job Interview

Comparatives and Superlatives

FORMS

Regular one-syllable adjectives:
- add -er and -est to the adjective: cheap(Adjective)-cheaper(Comparative)-the cheapest(Superlative)
- add -r and -st to adjectives ending in -e: late(Adjective)-later(Comparative)-the latest(Superlative)
- double the consonant of adjectives ending in a short vowel and a consonant, and add -er and -est: thin(Adjective)-thinner(Comparative)-the thinnest(Superlative)

Regular adjectives with more than one syllable:
- use more and most in front of the adjective: sincere(Adjective)-more sincere(Comparative)-the most sincere(Superlative)
- change -y to -i and add -er and -est to adjectives ending in -y after a consonant: happy(Adjective)-happier(Comparative)-the happiest(Superlative)
- a limited number of two-syllable adjectives can form the comparative and superlative in two ways:  stupid(Adjective)-stupider/more stupid(Comparative)-the stupidest/the most stupidest(Superlative) 
- most adverbs form their comparative and superlative with more and most: quietly(Adverb)-more quietly(Comparative)-the most quietly(Superlative)

Irregular forms:
- adjectives: good/better/the best - bad/worse/the worst - far/further/the further - old/older/the oldest
- adverbs: well/better/the best - badly/worse/the worst - little/less/the least - much/more/the most
- determiners: little/less/the least - few/fewer/the fewest - much/more/the most


USE

To talk about people or things that are different in some way we use:
- Comparative forms of adjectives/adverbs + than: I think listening is more difficult than reading.
- Superlative forms of adjectives/adverbs: That's the nicest thing you've said to me all day.
- Less...than and the least: That's my least favourite track on the album.

As .. as
For people or things that are the same in some way we use as + adjective/adverb + as: She's as intelligent as her brother.
So can replace the first as in negative sentences: It's not so difficult as I thought it would be.
The same + noun + as: My mum's the same age as my dad.

The + comparative, the + comparative:
We use this structure for things which occur together: The more money I have, the faster I spend it.

Gerunds and Infinitives

The GERUND is used in the following cases:
- As
Subject: Reading in the car makes me feel sick.
Object: I find shopping for clothes really boring.
Complement of a clause or sentence: My favourite sport is swimming.
- After prepositions.
I'm not very good at making things.
NB: to is a preposition in the following verbs: look forward to; get used to.
- After certain verbs
Charles suggested going for a picnic.


The INFINITIVE with TO is used:
- To express purpose
I'm learning English to help me get a better job.
- After many adjectives: surprised, delighted, disappointed, easy, happy, important, lucky, necessary, normal, possible.
I was surprised to hear he had failed the exam.
- After certain verbs.
He offered to give her a lift, but she decided to go by train instead.

Gerunds and infinitive after verbs:
- Verb + gerund
The following verbs are normally followed by the gerund.
Certain verbs expressing likes and dislikes: adore, detest, dislike, enjoy, don't mind, can't stand.
Other verbs: admit, avoid, can't help, consider, delay, deny, feel like, forgive, give up, imagine, involve, keep, mind, miss, postpone, put off, practise, prevent, resist, risk, suggest.
- Verb + infinitive with to
The following verbs are normally followed by the infinitive with to: afford, agree, appear, arrange, ask, attempt, choose, decide, deserve, expect, help, hesiate, hope, learn, manage, offer, prepare, pretend, refuse, seem.
The infinitive with to is also used after: would like, would love, would hate, would prefer.
- Verb + gerund or infinitive
Like, love, hate and prefer are usually followed by the gerund. However, the infinitive is also possible with little, if any, difference in meaning.
Begin, start, continue and intend can be followed by gerund or infinitive with no change in meaning.
Forget, remember, go on, mean, need, regret, stop and try can be followed by the gerund or the infinitive; but with a change in meaning.
* remeber/forget + gerund: (not) to recall a previous action
   remeber/forget + infinitive: (not) to remember what you have to do
* go on + gerund: to continue with the same activity
   go on + infinitive: to change to a different activity
* mean + gerund: to involve
   mean + infinitive: to intend
* need + gerund (passive meaning)
   need + infinitive (active meaning)
* regret + gerund: to be sorry for a previous action
   regret + infinitive: to be sorry for what you are going to say
* stop + gerund: to stop an activity you are doing
   stop + infinitive: to stop doing one thing in order to do another
* try + gerund: to experiment in order to see what will happen
   try + infinitive: to make an effort; to attempt to do something.

Indirect ways of asking questions

A number of expressions can be used to ask questions in a more indirect way. Indirect questions can sound more polite than direct ones.
Could you tell me where she studies?
We'd like to know when you first started singing?
When asking indirect questions the same word order is used as when we make statements. The auxilary verbs, do, does and did, are omitted.
If or whether is used if there is no question word such as where, what, why, when, who and how.
Could you tell us if/whether you are married...

Be used to / Get used to + noun or gerund.

Be used to + noun or gerund means "be accustomed to"
She's a nurse so she's used to seeing sick people.

Get used to + noun or gerund means "become accustomed to"
I want to leave Athens; I can't get used to the heat.

Habitual behaviour in the past

The past simple is used for regular actions or habitual behaviour in the past, often with a frequency adverb:
I hardly ever went away on holiday when I was young.

Used to + infinitive is used to refer to past habits and situations which no longer occur or exist now:
We used to have a dog, but he died last year.

Note: the negative and question forms:
I didn't use to like pizza. Where did you use to study?

Note: use to cannot express present habitual behaviour. I usually (not use to) play basketball once a week.

Would + infinitive is used to refer to past habits, but not past situations:
Habit: My mother would often read to me when I was a young boy.
Situation: I used to (not would) have a bicycle.

Stative verbs such as have (possession), be, live, like, believe, think (= have an opinion), understand and know are not used with would to refer to the past.

Habitual behaviour in the present

The present simple is used for habitual actions or permanent situations in the present:
I go for a run twice a week.

Frequency adverbs are used to indicate how often an action occurs. They are usually placed:
Before the main verb. I never go to bed before midnight.
After the verb to be or an auxilary verb. She is very often early for work. They have rarely been seen together.
Usually, normally, frequently, sometimes, very/quite often and occasionally can also placed at the beginning of the sentence or clause. Occasionally we go out to the cinema. Note: always, rarely seldom, hardly ever and never cannot be used in the same way.

Variations:
The present continuous + always is used to talk about things which occur frequently and which the speaker finds annoying (fastidioso). He's always complaining about something!
Adjectives can be used as an alternative to rarely, normally and (not) usually. It's rare/normal/(un)usual for him to eat meat.
Tend to + infinitive is used to make general statements about the habitual actions and situations of groups of people or individuals. English people tend to drink tea rather than coffee.
Will + infinitive is used to talk about habitual behaviour. Frequency adverbs can also be added. She'll sometimes spend the whole day reading.
Keep (on) + gerund is used to talk about repeated actions, often annoying ones. Peter keeps on hitting me.

Sounds and spelling

Here are two files where you can see the 44 english phonemes. Then, I recommend you open the web site down here, write the different words from these files and finally listen the correct pronunciation.

http://www.howjsay.com/

Bad Pronunciation

Here are five sequences of celebrities speaking with bad pronunciation of English. Not for sensible people. With all my love, this is because I want to improve my, our and their English. This is for learn how we mustn't speak. :P Soon, some more! Enjoy it!

Emilio Botín

El príncipe gitano

Jesús Gil

Zapatero

Francesc Roses

Games

You will find free word games in these links, with different levels:

http://dictionary.reference.com/fun

http://www.learn-english-today.com/wordgames.html

http://www.shockwave.com/online/word-games.jsp?filter=online&col=releaseDate&dir=desc

http://www.stickyball.net/games-and-activities.html

http://www.eslgamesworld.com/

http://www.englishclub.com/esl-games/

http://gamestolearnenglish.com/

http://www.manythings.org/mq/

Dictionaries

Three dictionaries very complete...

http://dictionary.reference.com/
http://oxforddictionaries.com/
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/

Curriculum Vitae 2.0

Some links to make more interesting your CV...

http://cvgram.me/
http://re.vu/
http://vizualize.me/
http://kinzaa.com/

Personality

affectionate: cariñoso, afectuoso
aggressive: agresivo
ambitious: ambicioso
bossy: mandón
charming: encantador
competitive: competitivo
independent: independiente
jealous: celoso
manipulative: manipulador
moody: malhumorado
reliable: de fiar
funny: divertido
selfish: egoísta
sensible: sensible
sensitive: sensible
sociable: sociable
spoilt/spoiled: mimado
extrovert: extrovertido
self-confident: seguro de sí mismo
hard-working: trabajador
stupid: tonto
mean: tacaño, mezquino
talkative: hablador
clever: inteligente
generous: generoso
insecure: inseguro
lazy: vago
quiet: tranquilo
shy: tímido
friendly: amistoso
honest: honesto
imaginative: imaginativo
serious: serio
happy/glad: contento
kind: amable
organized: organizado
patient: paciente
responsible: responsable
tidy: ordenado