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The simple past: B2- intermediate:

 Simple past tense: At B2 level, you're expected to use the simple past tense to talk about completed actions in the past. Here are some key points: 1. *Completed actions*: Use the simple past to describe actions that started and finished at a specific time in the past. Example: I went to the movies last night. 2. *Specific time*: Often, you'll use the simple past with specific times or dates in the past. Example: She visited Paris in 2019. 3. *Sequence of events*: You can use the simple past to describe a series of events that happened in the past. Example: I woke up, had breakfast, and then went to work. 4. *Past habits (with frequency adverbs)*: Although "used to" is more common for habits, simple past can be used with frequency adverbs like "often," "usually," or "always." Example: We often went to the beach during summer. 5. *Questions and negatives*: Remember to use "did" for questions and negatives. Example: Did you finis...
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The present perfect progressive: B2 intermediate:

Let's explore the present perfect progressive at the B2 level. *Forming the Present Perfect Progressive* - Use "have/has been" + present participle (verb + -ing). Examples: - I have been studying English for three years. - She has been working on her project all day. - They have been traveling around Europe since June. *Using the Present Perfect Progressive* - To talk about actions that started in the past and continue up to now:     - I have been reading this book for a week. - To talk about actions that have been in progress recently:     - She has been feeling tired lately. - To emphasize the duration of an action:     - They have been waiting for the bus for 20 minutes. *Common phrases and adverbs* - For, since, all day/morning/week:     - I have been writing emails all morning.     - She has been living in Paris since 2018.     - They have been working on the project for months. *Present Perfect Progressive vs. Present Per...

The present perfect simple: B2- intermediate:

 Let's dive into the present perfect simple at the B2 level. *Forming the Present Perfect Simple* - Use "have/has" + past participle of the verb. Examples: - I have visited Paris. - She has finished her project. - They have eaten breakfast. *Using the Present Perfect Simple* - To talk about experiences in your life up to now:     - I have traveled to many countries. - To talk about actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past:     - She has read that book. - To talk about actions that started in the past and continue up to now:     - They have lived in this city for five years. *Common phrases and adverbs* - Already, just, yet, ever, never:     - I have already eaten lunch.     - She has just arrived.     - Have you ever been to London?     - I have never tried skydiving. *Present Perfect Simple vs. Past Simple* - Use the present perfect simple for actions that have a connection to the present:  ...

Expressing opinions and feelings: B1- intermediate:

 To express an opinion at the B1 level, use simple phrases like "I think...", "I feel...", and "In my opinion...".  You can also start with expressions such as "Personally, I think..." or "From my perspective..." to make your view clear. To agree, use phrases like "I agree" or "That's true", while to disagree politely, try "I see your point, but..." or "I'm not so sure about that".  Phrases for Giving Your Opinion  * "I think...": or "I don't think..." * "I feel (that)..." * "In my opinion..." * "Personally, I believe..." * "From my perspective..." * "It seems to me that..." * "The way I see it,..." Phrases for Stronger Opinions  * "I'm convinced that..." * "I'm sure that..." * "I have no doubt..." * You can also add adverbs like "honestly" or adjectives to sh...

Real and unreal conditionals: B1- intermediate:

 *Real Conditionals* Real conditionals talk about situations that are possible or likely to happen. We use the present simple in the if-clause and the future simple in the main clause. Example: "If it rains, I'll take an umbrella."  Here are a few more: - If I finish my homework, I'll watch TV.  - If she calls, I'll answer.  - If it's sunny, we'll go to the beach.  *Unreal Conditionals* Unreal conditionals talk about situations that are unlikely or impossible. We use the past simple in the if-clause and would + base form of the verb in the main clause. Example: "If I won the lottery, I'd buy a house."  Here are a few more: - If I were you, I'd take the job.  - If it snowed in Santo Domingo, we'd be surprised!  (Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic, and it doesn't snow there) - If I had more time, I'd learn to play the guitar.  Real conditionals, also known as first conditionals, refer to situations that are l...

Use of used to: to talk about emotions and feelings. B1 english level.

  Let's talk about using "used to" for emotions and feelings at the B1 English level. *"Used to" for past emotions and feelings* - We can use "used to" to describe emotions or feelings that we experienced in the past but don't feel the same way now. Examples: - I used to be afraid of spiders, but now I'm not scared. - She used to love playing alone, but now she enjoys playing with friends. - They used to feel anxious about public speaking, but now they're more confident. *Talking about past emotional states* - Use "used to" + verb (e.g., feel, be, enjoy) to describe past emotional states. Examples: - I used to feel nervous before exams, but now I'm more prepared. - He used to be shy around strangers, but now he's more outgoing. - We used to enjoy going to the beach, but now we prefer hiking. *Contrasting past and present emotions* - Use "used to" to contrast past emotions with present emotions. Examples: - I used...

Using would and used to in past repeated actions. B1- intermediate:

  Let's break it down. At B1 level, you're expected to understand and use "would" and "used to" correctly.  Here's a quick rundown: *Used to* - *Past habits or states*: "Used to" talks about past habits or states that don't happen now.     - Example: "I used to play football every weekend, but now I'm too busy." - *Past repeated actions*: It's also for actions that happened regularly in the past but don't anymore.     - Example: "She used to live in Santo Domingo, but now she lives in Santiago." *Would* - *Past habits*: "Would" can also talk about past habits, often in a more formal or narrative context. It's a bit more literary than "used to."    - Example: "Every summer, he would visit his grandparents in the countryside." - *Conditional*: Don't forget "would" is also used for conditionals (not the main topic here, but worth mentioning).     - Example: "I...