Were To

"Were to" in the Present

FORM

[If ... were to + verb ..., ...]

USE

"Were to" can be used in the present to emphasize that the conditional form is extremely unlikely or unthinkably horrible. Notice that this special form is only used in the if-clause.

Examples:

• If she were to be rich, she would be horribly obnoxious.
  It is very unlikely that she would be rich.
• If I were to have no friends, who would I spend my time with?
  Having no friends is a horrible thought.
• If Nathan were to be my boss, this job would be intolerable.
  Nathan's being my boss is a horrible concept.

"Were to" in the Future

FORM

[If ... were to + verb ..., ...]

USE

"Were to" can be used in the future to emphasize that the conditional form is extremely unlikely or unthinkably horrible. Notice that this special form is only used in the if-clause.

Examples:

• If I were to lose my job next year, I would probably not find a new one quickly.
  Loosing my job would be terrible.
• If he were to fail his driving test tomorrow, he would have to take it again.
  He is not likely to fail his driving test.
• If Sarah were to show up late to the birthday party, it would ruin the surprise.
  Sarah will surely come on time.

"Were to" in the Past

FORM

[If ... were to have + past participle ..., ...]

USE

"Were to" can be used in the past to emphasize that the conditional form is extremely unlikely or unthinkably horrible. Notice that this special form is only used in the if-clause.

Examples:

• If the fire were to have destroyed the building, it would have been a tragic cultural loss.
  The thought of such a loss is too horrible to consider.
• If the dam were to have burst, the entire town would have been destroyed.
  Such destruction is too horrible to consider.
• If Sarah were to have failed the final test, she would have lost her scholarship.
  She is an excellent student, and it is very unlikely that she would have failed the test.

EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS

• Conditional Exercise 11 Were To

Mixed Conditionals

Those of you who have been following the Conditional Tutorial should now be familiar with present, past and future conditional verb forms. Sometimes Unreal Conditional sentences are mixed. This means that the time in the if-clause is not the same as the time in the result. Study the examples below to learn how to mix conditional verb forms like a native speaker.

Verbs in green are in the Present Unreal Conditional.

Verbs in red are in the Past Unreal Conditional.

Verbs in purple are in the Future Unreal Conditional.

Mixed Conditional Patterns

PAST

PRESENT

Examples:

• If I had won the lottery, I would be rich.
  But I didn't win the lottery in the past and I am not rich now.
• If I had taken French in high school, I would have more job opportunities.
  But I didn't take French in high school and I don't have many job opportunities.
• If she had been born in the United States, she wouldn't need a visa to work here.
  But she wasn't born in the United States and she does need a visa now to work here.

PAST

FUTURE

Examples:

• If she had signed up for the ski trip last week, she would be joining us tomorrow.
  But she didn't sign up for the ski trip last week and she isn't going to join us tomorrow.
• If Mark had gotten the job instead of Joe, he would be moving to Shanghai.
  But Mark didn't get the job and Mark is not going to move to Shanghai.
• If Darren hadn't wasted his Christmas bonus gambling in Las Vegas, he would go to Mexico with us next month.
  But Darren wasted his Christmas bonus gambling in Las Vegas and he won't go to Mexico with us next month.

PRESENT

PAST

Examples:

• If I were rich, I would have bought that Ferrari we saw yesterday.
  But I am not currently rich and that is why I didn't buy the Ferrari yesterday.
• If Sam spoke Russian, he would have translated the letter for you.
  But Sam doesn't speak Russian and that is why he didn't translate the letter.
• If I didn't have to work so much, I would have gone to the party last night.
  But I have to work a lot and that is why I didn't go to the party last night.

PRESENT

FUTURE

Examples:

• If I didn't have so much vacation time, I wouldn't go with you on the cruise to Alaska next week.
  But I do have a lot of vacation time and I will go on the trip next week.
• If Cindy were more creative, the company would send her to New York to work on the new advertising campaign.
  But Cindy is not creative and the company won't send her to New York to work on the new campaign.
• If Dan weren't so nice, he wouldn't be tutoring you in math tonight.
  But Dan is nice and he is going to tutor you tonight.

FUTURE

PAST

Examples:

• If I weren't going on my business trip next week, I would have accepted that new assignment at work.
  But I am going to go on a business trip next week, and that is why I didn't accept that new assignment at work.
• If my parents weren't coming this weekend, I would have planned a nice trip just for the two of us to Napa Valley.
  But my parents are going to come this weekend, and that is why I didn't plan a trip for the two of us to Napa Valley.
• If Donna weren't making us a big dinner tonight, I would have suggested that we go to that nice Italian restaurant.
  But she is going to make us a big dinner tonight, and that is why I didn't suggest that we go to that nice Italian restaurant.

FUTURE

PRESENT

Examples:

• If I were going to that concert tonight, I would be very excited.
  But I am not going to go to that concert tonight and that is why I am not excited.
• If Sandy were giving a speech tomorrow, she would be very nervous.
  But Sandy is not going to give a speech tomorrow and that is why she in not nervous.
• If Seb didn't come with us to the desert, everyone would be very disappointed.
  But Seb will come with us to the desert and that is why everyone is so happy.

EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS

• Conditional Exercise 10 Mixed Conditionals

Continuous Conditionals

Those of you who have studied Englishpage.com's Verb Tense Tutorial should be familiar with continuous verb tenses such as Present Continuous, Past Continuous, Future Continuous, Present Perfect Continuous, Past Perfect Continuous, and Future Perfect Continuous. The Verb Tense Tutorial gives you all the information you need to create continuous Real Conditional sentences. But many English learners are not aware of the fact that we can use continuousness in imaginary situations as well. Study the examples below to learn how to create continuous Unreal Conditional sentences that will make you sound like a native speaker.

Present Unreal Conditional + Continuous

FORM

If-clause: [were + present participle]
Result: [would be + present participle]

USE

Present Unreal Conditional + Continuous is used to discuss imaginary situations which could be happening at this very moment.

Examples in the if-clause:

• If the sun were shining, I would go to the beach.
  Unfortunately, it is raining so I can't go.
• If Sam were sitting here, we would be able to ask him the question ourselves.
  But Sam is not sitting here. He is somewhere else.
• We would be able to go sailing if the wind were blowing.
  But there is no wind, so we can't go sailing.

Examples in the result:

• If I were in Hawaii, I would be lying on the beach.
  But I am not in Hawaii.
• If my grandfather were here, he would be talking about the war.
  But he is not here.
• I would be rafting down the Colorado River right now if my leg weren't broken.
  But my leg is broken, so I am not there.

Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous

FORM

If-clause: [had been + present participle]
Result: [would have been + present participle]

USE

Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous is used to discuss imaginary situations happening at a very specific time in the past or over a period of time in the past.

Examples in the if-clause:

• If I had been talking to him when he said that, I would have punched him in the face.
  But I wasn't talking to him when he said that.
• If he had been standing near the house when the wall collapsed, it would have killed him.
  Luckily, he moved away before the wall fell.

Examples in the result:

• If you had gone to his house last night, he would have been sitting on his couch in front of the TV.
  But you didn't go to his house, so you didn't see what he was doing.
• If she had missed her train, he would have been waiting for her at the station for hours.
  Luckily, she caught her train and he didn't have to wait.

NOTICE that the Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous can be used like the Past Continuous in imaginary situations to emphasize interruptions or parallel actions in the past.

Examples in the if-clause:

• If James had been crossing the street when the car ran the red light, it would have hit him.
• If Tom had been studying while Becky was making dinner, he would have finished his homework early and they could have gone to the movie.

Examples in the result:

• If James hadn't stopped to tie his shoe, he would have been crossing the street when the car ran the red light.
• If you had gone to their house last night, Bob would have been reading the newspaper, Nancy would have been talking on the phone and the kids would have been watching TV. They always do the same things.

NOTICE that Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous can also be used like Present Perfect Continuous or Past Perfect Continuous in imaginary situations to emphasize a duration of time.

Examples in the if-clause:

• Scott said he had been studying Greek for more than five years. If he had been studying the language that long, I think he would have been able to interpret for us at the airport.
• Sarah claimed she had been waiting in the rain for more than twenty minutes by the time we arrived, but she wasn't even wet. If she had been waiting that long, I think she would have been totally drenched by the time we arrived.

Examples in the result:

• Terry's plane arrived ahead of schedule. If I hadn't decided to go to the airport early, she would have been waiting there for more than twenty minutes before I arrived.
• At the travel agency yesterday, I waited for more than an hour for somebody to help me. Finally, I got up and left. If I hadn't decided to leave, I would have been sitting there forever.

Future Unreal Conditional + Continuous

FORM

If-clause: [were + present participle]
Result: [would be + present participle]

USE

Future Unreal Conditional + Continuous can be used like the Future Continuous in imaginary situations to emphasize interruptions or parallel actions in the future.
NOTICE The future form looks the same as the present form. The future is indicated with words such as "tomorrow," "next week" or "in a couple of days."

Examples in the if-clause:

• If I were waiting there next week when he gets off the plane, he would be totally surprised.
  But I will not be waiting there, so he won't be surprised.
• If he were staying in that hotel next week while the conference is being held, he might be able to meet some of the key speakers and tell them about our new product.
  I don't think he will be able to stay at the hotel, so he won't be able to meet anybody there.

Examples in the result:

• If I were able to go to the train station tonight to meet Sandra, I would be standing on the platform waiting for her when she arrives.
  I won't be able to go to the train station, so I will not be standing there when she arrives.
• If you went over to Paul's house after work, he would probably be sitting there at his computer surfing the Internet.
  But you won't go over.

EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS

• Conditional Exercise 9 Continuous Conditionals

Future Conditionals

Future Real Conditional

FORM

[If / When ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Future ...]
[... Simple Future ... if / when ... Simple Present ...]
Notice that there is no future in the if- or when-clause.

USE

The Future Real Conditional describes what you think you will do in a specific situation in the future. It is different from other Real Conditional forms because, unlike the present or the past, you do not know what will happen in the future. Although this form is called "real", you are usually imagining or guessing about the future. It is called "real" because it is still possible that the action might occur in the future. Carefully study the following examples and compare them to the Future Unreal Conditional examples further down the page.

Examples:

• If I go to my friend's house for dinner tonight, I will take a bottle of wine or some flowers.
  I am still not sure if I will go to his house or not.
• When I have a day off from work, I am going to go to the beach.
  I have to wait until I have a day off.
• If the weather is nice, she is going to walk to work.
  It depends on the weather.
• Jerry will help me with my homework when he has time.
  I have to wait until he has time.
• I am going to read if there is nothing on TV.
  It depends on the TV schedule.
• A: What are you going to do if it rains?
  B: I am going to stay at home.

IMPORTANT If / When

Both "if" and "when" are used in the Future Real Conditional, but the use is different from other Real Conditional forms. In the Future Real Conditional, "if" suggests that you do not know if something will happen or not. "When" suggests that something will definitely happen at some point; we are simply waiting for it to occur. Notice also that the Simple Future is not used in if-clauses or when-clauses.

Examples:

• When you call me, I will give you the address.
  You are going to call me later, and at that time, I will give you the address.
• If you call me, I will give you the address.
  If you want the address, you can call me.

Future Unreal Conditional

FORM 1 (Most Common Form)

[If ... Simple Past ..., ... would + verb ...]
[... would + verb ... if ... Simple Past ...]
Notice that this form looks the same as Present Unreal Conditional.

USE

The Future Unreal Conditional is used to talk about imaginary situations in the future. It is not as common as the Future Real Conditional because English speakers often leave open the possibility that anything MIGHT happen in the future. It is only used when a speaker needs to emphasize that something is impossible. Because this form looks like Present Unreal Conditional, many native speakers prefer Form 2 described below.

Examples:

• If I had a day off from work next week, I would go to the beach.
  I don't have a day off from work.
• I am busy next week. If I had time, I would come to your party.
  I can't come.
• Jerry would help me with my homework tomorrow if he didn't have to work.
  He does have to work tomorrow.
  

FORM 2

[If ... were + present participle ..., ... would be + present participle ...]
[... would be + present participle ... if ... were + present participle ...]

USE

Form 2 of the Future Unreal Conditional is also used to talk about imaginary situations in the future. Native speakers often prefer this form over Form 1 to emphasize that the conditional form is in the future rather than the present. Also notice in the examples below that this form can be used in the if-clause, the result, or both parts of the sentence.

Examples:

• If I were going to Fiji next week, I would be taking my scuba diving gear with me. In if-clause and result
  I am not going to go to Fiji and I am not going to take my scuba gear with me.
• If I were not visiting my grandmother tomorrow, I would help you study. In if-clause
  I am going to visit my grandmother tomorrow.
• I am busy next week. If I had time, I would be coming to your party. In result
  I am not going to come to your party.

FORM 3

[If ... were going to + verb ..., ... would be + present participle ...]
[... would be + present participle ... if ... were going to + verb ...]

USE

Form 3 of the Future Unreal Conditional is a variation of Form 2 which is also used to talk about imaginary situations in the future. Notice that this form is only different from Form 2 in the if-clause. Native speakers use Form 3 to emphasize that the conditional form is a plan or prediction in the same way "be going to" is used to indicate a plan or prediction.

Examples:

• If I were going to go to Fiji next week, I would be taking my scuba diving gear with me.
  I am not going to go to Fiji and I am not going to take my scuba gear with me.
• If I were not going to visit my grandmother tomorrow, I would help you study.
  I am going to visit my grandmother tomorrow.

IMPORTANT Only use "If"

Only the word "if" is used with the Past Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. "When" cannot be used.

Examples:

• I would buy that computer tomorrow when it were cheaper. Not Correct
• I would buy that computer tomorrow if it were cheaper. Correct
  

EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs

There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would + can = could
would + shall = should
would + may = might
The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would." Instead, they must be used in these special forms.

Examples:

• If I went to Egypt next year, I would can learn Arabic. Unfortunately, that's not possible. Not Correct
• If I went to Egypt next year, I could learn Arabic. Unfortunately, that's not possible. Correct

The words "could," should," "might" and "ought to" include conditional, so you cannot combine them with "would."

Examples:

• If I didn't have to work tonight, I would could go to the fitness center. Not Correct
• If I didn't have to work tonight, I could go to the fitness center. Correct
  

Future Real Conditional vs. Future Unreal Conditional

To help you understand the difference between the Future Real Conditional and the Future Unreal Conditional, compare the examples below:

Examples:

• If you help me move tomorrow, I will buy you dinner. Future Real Conditional
  I don't know if you can help me.
• If you helped me move tomorrow, I would buy you dinner. Future Unreal Conditional
  You can't help me, or you don't want to help me.

EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS

• Conditional Exercise 7 tests your knowledge of Future Real Conditional
• Conditional Exercise 8 tests your knowledge of Future Real Conditional vs. Future Unreal Conditional

Past Conditionals

Past Real Conditional

FORM

[If / When ... Simple Past ..., ... Simple Past ...]
[... Simple Past... if / when ... Simple Past ...]

USE

The Past Real Conditional describes what you used to do in particular real-life situations. It suggests that your habits have changed and you do not usually do these things today.

Examples:

• If I went to a friend's house for dinner, I usually took a bottle of wine or some flowers. I don't do that anymore.
• When I had a day off from work, I often went to the beach. Now, I never get time off.
• If the weather was nice, she often walked to work. Now, she usually drives.
• Jerry always helped me with my homework when he had time. But he doesn't do that anymore.
• A: What did you usually do when it rained?
  B: I usually stayed at home.
  

IMPORTANT Used to

The form "used to" expresses the idea that something was an old habit that stopped in the past. This form is commonly used in Past Real Conditional sentences to emphasize that something was a habit. The examples below have the same meaning as the examples above.

Examples:

• If I went to a friend's house for dinner, I used to take a bottle of wine or some flowers. I don't do that anymore.
• When I had a day off from work, I used to go to the beach. Now, I never get time off.
• If the weather was nice, she used to walk to work. Now, she usually drives.
• Jerry used to help me with my homework when he had time. But he doesn't do that anymore.
• A: What did you usually do when it rained?
  B: I used to stay at home.
  

IMPORTANT If / When

Both "if" and "when" are used in the Past Real Conditional. Using "if" suggests that something happened less frequently. Using "when" suggests that something happened regularly.

Examples:

• When I had a day off from work, I usually went to the beach.
  I regularly had days off from work.
• If I had a day off from work, I usually went to the beach.
  I rarely had days off from work.

Past Unreal Conditional

FORM

[If ... Past Perfect ..., ... would have + past participle ... ]
[... would have + past participle ... if ... Past Perfect ...]

USE

The Past Unreal Conditional is used to talk about imaginary situations in the past. You can describe what you would have done differently or how something could have happened differently if circumstances had been different.

Examples:

• If I had owned a car, I would have driven to work. But I didn't own one, so I took the bus.
• She would have traveled around the world if she had had more money. But she didn't have much money, so she never traveled.
• I would have read more as a child if I hadn't watched so much TV. Unfortunately, I did watch a lot of TV, so I never read for entertainment.
• Mary would have gotten the job and moved to Japan if she had studied Japanese in school instead of French.
• If Jack had worked harder, he would have earned more money. Unfortunately, he was lazy and he didn't earn much.
• A: What would you have done if you had won the lottery last week?
  B: I would have bought a house.
• A: What city would you have chosen if you had decided to move to the United States?
  B: I would have chosen Seattle.
  

IMPORTANT Only use "If"

Only the word "if" is used with the Past Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. "When" cannot be used.

Examples:

• I would have bought that computer when it had been cheaper. Not Correct
• I would have bought that computer if it had been cheaper. Correct

EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs

There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would have + can = could have
would have + shall = should have
would have + may = might have
The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would have." Instead, they must be used in these special forms.

Examples:

• If I had gone to Egypt, I could have learned Arabic.
• If she had had time, she might have gone to the party.

The words "could," should," "might" and "ought to" include Conditional, so you cannot combine them with "would have."

Examples:

• If I had had more time, I could have exercised after work.
• If he had invited you, you might have gone.

EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS

• Conditional Exercise 4 Past Unreal Conditional
• Conditional Exercise 5 Past Real Conditional vs. Past Unreal Conditional
• Conditional Exercise 6 Present Unreal Conditional vs. Past Unreal Conditional

Present Conditionals

Present Real Conditional

FORM

[If / When ... Simple Present ..., ... Simple Present ...]
[... Simple Present ... if / when ... Simple Present ...]

USE

The Present Real Conditional is used to talk about what you normally do in real-life situations.

Examples:

• If I go to a friend's house for dinner, I usually take a bottle of wine or some flowers.
• When I have a day off from work, I often go to the beach.
• If the weather is nice, she walks to work.
• Jerry helps me with my homework when he has time.
• I read if there is nothing on TV.
• A: What do you do when it rains?
  B: I stay at home.
• A: Where do you stay if you go to Sydney?
  B: I stay with my friends near the harbor.
  

IMPORTANT If / When

Both "if" and "when" are used in the Present Real Conditional. Using "if" suggests that something happens less frequently. Using "when" suggests that something happens regularly.

Examples:

• When I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
  I regularly have days off from work.
• If I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
  I rarely have days off from work.

Present Unreal Conditional

FORM

[If ... Simple Past ..., ... would + verb ...]
[... would + verb ... if ... Simple Past ...]

USE

The Present Unreal Conditional is used to talk about what you would generally do in imaginary situations.

Examples:

• If I owned a car, I would drive to work. But I don't own a car.
• She would travel around the world if she had more money. But she doesn't have much money.
• I would read more if I didn't watch so much TV.
• Mary would move to Japan if she spoke Japanese.
• If they worked harder, they would earn more money.
• A: What would you do if you won the lottery?
  B: I would buy a house.
• A: Where would you live if you moved to the U.S.?
  B: I would live in Seattle.
  

EXCEPTION If I were ...

In the Present Unreal Conditional, the form "was" is not considered grammatically correct. In written English or in testing situations, you should always use "were." However, in everyday conversation, "was" is often used.

Examples:

• If he were French, he would live in Paris.
• If she were rich, she would buy a yacht.
• I would play basketball if I were taller.
• I would buy that computer if it were cheaper.
• I would buy that computer if it was cheaper. Not Correct (But often said in conversation.)

IMPORTANT Only use "If"

Only the word "if" is used with the Present Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. "When" cannot be used.

Examples:

• I would buy that computer when it were cheaper. Not Correct
• I would buy that computer if it were cheaper. Correct

EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs

There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would + can = could
would + shall = should
would + may = might
The words "can," "shall" and "may" cannot be used with "would." Instead, they must be used in these special forms.

Examples:

• If I went to Egypt, I would can learn Arabic. Not Correct
• If I went to Egypt, I could learn Arabic. Correct

• If she had time, she would may go to the party. Not Correct
• If she had time, she might go to the party. Correct

The words "could," should," "might" and "ought to" include conditional, so you cannot combine them with "would."

Examples:

• If I had more time, I would could exercise after work. Not Correct
• If I had more time, I could exercise after work. Correct

• If he invited you, you really would should go. Not Correct
• If he invited you, you really should go. Correct

EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS:

• Conditional Exercise 2 Present Unreal Conditional
• Conditional Exercise 3 Present Real Conditional vs. Present Unreal Conditional
• Conditional Exercise 6 Present Unreal Conditional vs. Past Unreal Conditional

Christmas Vocabulary

a carol		N. a traditional Christmas song
a chimney		N. a part of a fire place which extends up through the roof and carries smoke out of the house
Christmas Eve		N. the night before Christmas
eggnog		N. a traditional Christmas drink made with milk, egg, vanilla and rum
a mass		N. the name of a service in certain churches (like the Catholic church)
mistletoe		N. a plant which is often hung from the ceiling at Christmas (When two people walk under the plant, they are supposed to kiss.)
an ornament		N. a decoration which is hung on a Christmas tree; any decoration
a reindeer		N. a type of deer from Northern Europe
a sleigh		N. a vehicle which travels on snow
stockings		N. knitted socks; traditional foot coverings

 
Click Here To Go To Exercise 1 

Christmas Adjectives

decorative		used as a decoration
festive		having a party-like atmosphere
frosty		cold, chilly, icy
holy		of special religious importance or significance
homemade		made or prepared in the home, not store bought
glistening		reflecting flashes of light; sparkling, glimmery
jingling		sounding like small ringing bells
jolly		very happy, joyful, fun-loving (used to describe people)
merry		full of happiness or enjoyment (mostly used with Christmas)
naughty		misbehaving, not well-behaved (We often say that Santa will not give gifts to naughty children.)

 

 Click Here To Go To Exercise 2

 

Thanksgiving Vocabulary

to commemorate	V. to be in memory of; to celebrate or mark a special event in history
controversy	N. much argument or debate
to cooperate	V. to work together
a dish	N. a particular food served during a meal
edible	Adj. able to be eaten
a feast	N. a huge meal in celebration of something
a legend	N. a traditional story passed from generation to generation
to live off	V. to survive from a particular source
persecution	N. being treated cruelly because of one's political or religious beliefs
a pilgrim	N. a person who travels a long way for religious purposes

Click to go to exercises

Halloween Vocabulary

Halloween N. a holiday celebrated on October 31 in which people dress in scary costumes to carve V. to cut with a large knife pumpkin N. a large, orange vegetable associated with Halloween  jack-o-lantern N. Americans traditionally cut out scary faces in pumpkins and put a candle inside. These pumpkins with faces are called "jack-o-lanterns." Jack-o-lanterns are made to scare away evil spirits on Halloween.  costume N. scary clothing or disguises worn on Halloween trick or treat On Halloween, children go from house to house and say "trick or treat." This phrase means "give me candy or I will play a trick on you." Families usually give the children candy. If the children don't get candy, they sometimes play mean tricks like breaking the house's jack-o-lantern or putting soap on its windows. a costume party N. a party where everyone dresses in scary costumes bobbing for apples This is a traditional Halloween game. You put apples in a barrel of water, and people try to take the floating apples out of the water using only their mouths. a skeleton N. a body of nothing but bones a ghost N. the spirit of a dead person which appears again a ghoul N. an evil spirit which takes bodies from graves and eats them a goblin N. an unkind spirit which plays tricks on people a witch N. a woman with magic powers (usually evil) a warlock N. a man with magic powers (usually evil)

Click Here To Go To Exercise 1         Click Here To Go To Exercise 2

Turn off the TV

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
a commercial	N. an advertisement on TV
a couch potato	N. a lazy person who sits around all day watching TV
a documentary	N. an educational TV program or movie usually describing nature or history
a drama	N. a serious TV program, movie or play that involves all the emotions
to kick back	V. to sit in a big comfortable chair or lie on a couch and relax
nope	this is an informal way of saying "no"
prime-time	A. between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM every night This expression is used when referring to the television schedule.
prime time	N. the time between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM every night  The most popular shows are shown during prime time.
a sitcom	N. a half-hour comedy show
trials and tribulations	N. problems and difficulties of life
trivia	N. unimportant or useless information

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Presidential Elections

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
to abandon	V. to leave something behind; to give something up
to back	V. to give support to
a ballot	N. the piece of paper you write your vote on
to campaign	V. to advertise oneself (or someone else) as a candidate in an upcoming election; to work towards getting oneself (or someone else) elected
a campaign	N. 1) the process of trying to get oneself (or someone else) elected 2) an attempt or series of attempts to achieve a goal
to cast (a ballot)	V. to put (your ballot) in the ballot box
connections	N. social relationships which allow you certain opportunities; the people you know who can help you (get a job, raise money, gain power, etc.)
to debate	V. to have a structured, formal argument about a controversial topic
a debate	N. a structured, formal argument on a controversial topic
to elect	V. to choose someone to be a leader through a democratic vote
an election	N. the process of choosing a leader through a democratic vote
to run for president	V. to campaign to be president, to try to become president
to vote	V. to formally express one's choice in writing or by raising one's hand; to make one's choice in an election
a vote	N. the act of formally expressing one's choice in writing or by raising one's hand

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

E-commerce

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
a cell phone	N. a wireless telephone based on cellular technology
to converge	V. to come together, to become one thing
a device	N. a small mechanical machine or instrument
to distribute	V. to divide among many people or places; to pass out, to hand out
distribution	N. the process of distributing among many people or places; the passing out or handing out of something
e-commerce	N. buying and selling things on the Internet
high bandwidth	N. fast connections (to the Internet)
high-bandwidth	A. related to fast connections (to the Internet)
a modem	N. a device which transfers information from your computer to a telephone or cable line
a network	N. an interconnected set of computers
portable	A. can be carried or moved
wireless communications	N. forms of electronic communication which do not use wires (such as cellular technology)

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Coffee Houses

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
to appeal to	V. to attract or interest (a certain group of people)
to blend	V. to combine, mix together
a blend	N. a combination, a mixture "Blend" is often used to refer to a special mixture of coffee beans.
to chat	V. to talk in a friendly, informal way; to discuss things for fun
a chat	N. an informal discussion
decaf	A. without caffeine, with reduced caffeine This is the short form of "decaffeinated."
a fad	N. a fashion, a trend, a short-term interest
to hang out	V. to spend time at a place (just relaxing or being with friends)
a hangout	N. a place where you spend much of your time
overpriced	A. costing too much money
to pop up	V. to suddenly appear
to sip	V. to slowly drink
trendy	A. 1) very fashionable, too fashionable 2) interested in extremely fashionable things This word is sometimes used in a negative way to express that something has become ridiculously fashionable.

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Hiking / Trekking

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
altitude sickness	N. an illness caused from being at high elevations
a canteen	N. a container used for carrying drinking water
dehydration	N. a physical condition caused by not drinking enough water; having the water removed from something
gear	N. equipment used for a particular purpose (camping, sports, fishing, etc.)
to hike	V. to go on a walk through nature for pleasure or exercise
a hike	N. a walk through nature for pleasure or exercise
a permit	N. written permission from a government office or other organization to do something
a porter	N. a person who carries gear and supplies on a trek
a ranger	N. a person who is employed to take care of a state park or a national park
a trail	N. a path (through forest, grass, sand) created when many people or animals walk back and forth over the same area Marked paths in natural parks and reserves are usually called trails.
to trek	V. to travel by foot over a great distance
a trek	N. a journey over a great distance We often use the word "trek" when a trip lasts several days and is quite challenging.

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Telecommunications

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
a carrier	N. a company which provides telephone service
competition	N. when several companies in an industry sell the same product or service resulting in lower prices and better customer support
deregulation	N. the act of taking a government-controlled industry and opening it up to private companies for the purpose of introducing competition
a fee	N. a charge for a professional service
to hook up	V. to make the electrical connections required for a machine or information service
to install	V. 1) to put in or add a piece of equipment or hardware 2) to add (new software or hardware) to a computer
a monopoly	N. when one company (or the government) has control over an industry and does not allow competition
to place a call	V. to make a telephone call
the suburbs	N. an area outside a city where people live rather than work
telecommunications	N. the industry or technology of sending and receiving messages by telephone (or other electronic devices)

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Humor

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
to crack up	V. to laugh uncontrollably, to laugh a lot
dry	A. not obvious, subtle (sense of humor)
to giggle	V. to laugh a little without opening your mouth very much
humorous	A. funny, amusing
an impression	N. the act of speaking or singing like a famous person
to kid	V. to make jokes, to joke with someone; to not be serious about something
a stand-up comedian	N. a person who entertains by telling humorous stories and jokes; a professional comedian who performs live
silly	A. funny in a slightly stupid way; funny in a way which is not really intelligent or sophisticated
twisted	A. 1) sick, disgusting, abnormal 2) using sick or disgusting things in a humorous way
witty	A. 1) funny in an intelligent way 2) full of fast, humorous responses

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Aerospace Industry

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
aerospace	N. 1) the science and technology of flying in the air and in outer space 2) the area including earth's atmosphere and outer space
aerospace	A. 1) related to the science and technology of flying in the air and in outer space 2) related to the area including earth's atmosphere and outer space
ambitious	A. having a strong desire for success
controversy	N. argument or debate about something
to coordinate	V. to bring people together so they can work more efficiently or effectively
to foster	V. to encourage (something) to grow or develop
a liaison	N. a person who works as a representative or connection between two or more companies, agencies, groups, countries, etc.
a mission	N. the purpose for which a person or thing is sent; a special military or technical project
a probe	N. a machine sent to explore or check an area
to probe	V. to search or explore with a probe
a stepping-stone	N. a way to get ahead, a way to advance
a venture	N. a project or course of action which involves risk or danger

CULTURAL NOTE: To find out more about current NASA projects, go to   CNN City in Space

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
to carve	V. to cut something into a special shape, to cut special designs or patterns into something
a craft	N. something handmade; a handmade piece of art
to devote	V. to focus something totally on a particular subject
to inhabit	V. to live in a place
locals	N. the people who have grown up in and continue to live in a particular area For example, if you are in Santa Fe and you refer to the locals, you are referring to the people who have grown up in and continue to live in Santa Fe.
Native American	A. the politically correct term for American Indian people
to resemble	V. to be like, to be similar to
a reservation	N. a piece of land given to an American Indian tribe
synonymous	A. being so strongly associated with something that it almost has the same meaning
a tribe	N. a distinct group of native people The Sioux, Apache, Maasai and Zulu are all famous tribes.

CULTURAL NOTE: In the United States, the word "pueblo" refers to a particular kind of traditional, native American community found in the Southwest. These communities are known for their adobe buildings, which are also sometimes called "pueblos."

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Returns and Refunds

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
to carry	V. to offer a particular item for sale; to have an item in the store
a defect	N. a technical problem, a flaw, a mistake in construction
to exchange	V. to change one item for another
irritating	A. annoying, upsetting, bothersome
a model	N. a particular type of a mechanical product
a policy	N. a plan or course of action in business or government which is regularly followed
to refund	V. to return money which a person paid for a product or service
to ship	V. to send something large through the mail
store credit	N. a credit given to a customer which can be used to buy a new product When customers return a product to a store, sometimes instead of cash, they are given a store credit which allows them to buy another product of equal or lesser value.
a warranty	N. This is a guarantee given by a company which ensures that the product they sell is well made. If it breaks too soon, they agree to repair it or replace it free of charge.

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Entertaining Films

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
alternative	A. something which is done in a different way, not done in the normal way In the U.S., alternative films are usually artistic films or foreign language films.
artsy	A. extremely artistic, overly artistic, too artistic This often suggests that someone tried too hard to make something artistic.
entertaining	A. something which entertains; amusing and interesting
hilarious	A. something which is very funny; something which makes you laugh
intense	A. 1) containing strong emotions or feelings 2) extreme An intense film is one which emotionally drains you or makes you tired. Intense is not necessarily negative, it just means that a movie is not light or relaxing.
light	A. relaxing, amusing, not too intense This is the opposite of "intense."
mainstream	A. something which is usual, or commonly done Mainstream films are those which are usually high-budget, popular, and made for entertainment. "Mainstream" is the opposite of "alternative."
superficial	A. 1) not deep or profound; lacking real content 2) only on the surface
suspenseful	A. something which makes you keep guessing or makes you question how something will end
thought-provoking	A. something which makes you think used to describe many different things, such as movies, books, conversations, ideas, issues, etc.

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Grocery Store Choices

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
to bill	V. to send a  request for payment
a bill	N. a request for payment
to come to	V. to equal (an amount of money), to add up to, to total
to deduct	V. to take away, subtract (an amount of money)
to discount	V. to reduce or lower the cost of a product
a discount	N. a reduction in the cost of a product
discount	A. costing less money
to enter	V. 1) to put in information electronically 2) to write in information
to issue	V. to officially give out or print
to pack	V. 1) to put things into a grocery bag 2) to put things into a box to move 3) to put things into a suitcase to take with you
pressed for time	IDM. in a hurry
to swipe	V. to put a card through a computerized machine quickly so it can scan the information We usually use this word with ATM cards, credit cards, debit cards, identification cards, etc.
to verify	V. to make sure that something is true

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

A Unique Circus

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
an act	N. 1) a short performance or skit in a circus 2) a part of a theater play
the audience	N. the people watching or listening to a performance
to celebrate	V. to recognize a special occasion or event with a fun activity or party
a costume	N. 1) clothes worn in a play, movie, circus, or other performance 2) clothes worn during a special holiday such as Halloween, Carnival or Mardi Gras
cruel	A. enjoying the pain and suffering of others, intentionally causing pain and suffering
to distinguish	V. 1) to set apart, to make the difference, to mark the difference 2) to see, hear, taste or smell the difference (between two or more things)
to juggle	V. 1) to keep many things in the air at the same time by throwing and catching them quickly 2) to do many jobs or activities at the same time This usually indicates that because you are doing many things at the same time, you are tired and overworked.
a magician	N. a person who performs magic tricks
mesmerizing	A. to be so beautiful or amazing that one becomes speechless and lost in a trance
to range	V. to vary from one extreme to another, to represent all types between two very different categories

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

States and Territories

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
to be classified	V. to be put into a category, to be arranged in classes or groups
a district	N. an area of land or political division used for official purposes
geographical	A. relating to geography
geographically	ADV. done in a way which is related to geography
New England	N. a cultural region in the United States known for its small towns, traditional culture, countryside and colored leaves in autumn
a region	N. a large area or part
self-governing	A. independently run, not controlled from the outside
a state	N. a smaller, partly self-governing division of certain countries
to stretch	V. to spread out, extend
tied	A. 1) connected with rope or string 2) connected (historically, politically, economically, etc.)
a territory (territories)	N. an area of land ruled by a government "Territory" often suggests that the area of land is not given full recognition or equal power in the political process.

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Getting an Apartment

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
an application	N. a written request for an apartment, a job or entrance into a school or an organization
a credit report	N. a complete history of a person's paying habits In the United States, detailed credit histories are kept on all Americans describing how they pay their credit card bills, rent payments, electricity bills, car payments, telephone bills, etc. People are given grades called "credit ratings" for how well they pay off their debt. When a person moves into an apartment, landlords often request credit reports to find out if a person regularly pays on time.
to deposit	V. to put money in a bank
a deposit	N. 1) money which is put in a bank 2) money which is given to ensure that something will be returned or remain in good condition For example, if you want to rent a bicycle, you might have to leave a deposit to ensure that you bring the bike back.
to fill out	V. to complete (a form) by writing in the information
furnished	A. having furniture used with apartments or rental properties
a landlord	N. the man who runs an apartment building or property
a landlady	N. the woman who runs an apartment building or property
non-refundable	A. cannot be returned (money)
a reference	N. 1) a person who will provide information about your character or ability 2) a written letter which will provide information about your character or ability When looking for an apartment in the United States, it is common to provide a landlord with references who will say that you are a good person who will not cause problems.
to sublet	V. to rent your apartment temporarily to someone else
a tenant	N. a person who is renting a room or apartment

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Changing Jobs

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
to be bought out	V. to be purchased, taken over by another company
to be laid off	V. to lose your job because the company wants to reduce the number of employees
competitive	A. 1) liking competition, always competing with other people used to describe personalities 2) having intense competition used to describe markets, industries or businesses
dedicated	A. 1) very loyal 2) working hard for a person, company or idea
to downsize	V. to reduce the number of employees in a company in order to lower costs
to get rid of	V. to throw away, remove, eliminate something or someone
outdated	A. too old, antiquated
to retrain	V. to reeducate someone for a job, train again
to streamline	V. 1) to form into a smooth shape which can easily move through air or water 2) to improve the performance of something 3) to simplify a process
to update	V. to make more modern
an update	N. the latest information or news

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Ordering in a Restaurant

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
an appetizer	N. a small dish at the beginning of a meal, a starter
a chef	N. a skilled cook
chives	N. a small onion-like herb commonly added to potatoes
chowder	N. a kind of soup usually containing fish and vegetables
to come with	V. to include (in a meal)
dressing	N. a sauce added to salads
an entree	N. a main dish
a menu	N. a list of dishes available in a restaurant
salmon	N. a large fish with silvery skin and pinkish meat
rare	A. very pink adjective used to describe a way of cooking meat
medium-rare	A. slightly pink adjective used to describe a way of cooking meat
medium	A. normally cooked adjective used to describe a way of cooking meat
well-done	A. fully cooked adjective used to describe a way of cooking meat

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Internet 101

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
a browser	N. a program used to view the Internet Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox are examples of popular Internet browsers.
to click	V. 1) to press the button on a computer mouse 2) to make a small, sharp sound
a click	N. 1) the pressing of the mouse button 2) a small, sharp sound
content	N. subject matter; the main idea of a book, a paper or a web page
to copyright	V. to legally protect content with a copyright
a copyright	N. the right in law to be the only producer, seller or distributor of a book, a play or a web page
to design	V. to artistically arrange the shape or layout of something
a design	N. 1) the artistic shape or layout of something 2) an architectural or technical plan for something
to format	V. to determine the size, shape and form of a written document
a format	N. the size, shape and form of a written document
infringement	N. breaking a law or rule, disregarding a legal protection
Internet (Net)	N. a series of interconnected computers and databases around the world
to lay out	V. to design the technical arrangement of a web page, building, garden, etc.
a layout	N. the technical arrangement of a web page, building, garden, etc.
World Wide Web (Web)	N. a series of commercial, educational and governmental web pages on the Internet

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Higher Education

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
apprenticeship	N. training in an art or a trade This word is also sometimes used to describe educational training programs, common in Europe and much of the world, in which young people learn their profession through on-the-job training in companies and organizations. Often this includes one or two days a week of in-class training. This kind of education is uncommon in the United States.
to be funded	V. to be paid for, to supply the money for
a degree	N. a title given by a university
facilities	N. services or conveniences
to major	V. to specialize in (a particular academic field)
a major	N. the main field of study in which a university student specializes
to minor	V. to have a secondary specialization in (a particular academic field)
a minor	N. the secondary field of study in which a student specializes
to stand for	V. to be the short form of, to represent, to mean
terminology	N. specialized words or expressions used in a particular field, activity, job, science, etc.
to transfer	V. 1) to change schools 2) to move from one place to another said of people or things
B.A.	N. Bachelor of Arts, an undergraduate degree in a humanities-related subject
B.S.	N. Bachelor of Science, an undergraduate degree in a science-related subject
master's	N. the graduate degree after a bachelor's and before a Ph.D. There are also different kinds of master's, including M.A. (Master of Arts), M.S. (Master of Science), M.B.A. (Master in Business Administration), etc.
Ph.D.	N. doctorate, highest graduate degree Although Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy, it is commonly used to refer to a doctorate in any field.

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up

Unique Personalities

Vocabulary

A. = Adjective   ADV. = Adverb   IDM. = Idiom   N. = Noun   V. = Verb
cynical	A. seeing little or no good in other people, believing that people do good things for bad reasons
eccentric	A. having strange, unusual or abnormal habits or tastes This term is less insulting than strange, weird or bizarre.
egotistical	A. thinking too highly of oneself, considering oneself better than others
imaginative	A. creative, having much imagination
indecisive	A. unable to decide quickly, not knowing what choice to make
picky	A. hard to please, too careful in choosing something
sensible	A. practical, reasonable, something that makes sense
sensitive	A. easily feels emotion, easily hurt emotionally can be positive or negative
sophisticated	A. representing high culture, very experienced in life
thoughtful	A. often doing things to make other people feel good

Exercises

• Vocabulary in Conversation
• Vocabulary Follow-Up