The Stories We Tell (H1)
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EN: Subject Relative Clauses (Adjective Clauses): The relative pronoun 'that' acts as the subject of the relative clause 'that touches the heart' and modifies the noun 'A story'. This clause describes what kind of story we are talking about.
The movie that won the award was very moving.
EN: Subject-Verb Agreement with Relative Pronouns: When a relative pronoun (like 'that' or 'who') is the subject of a relative clause, the verb that follows must agree in number with the antecedent. Here, 'A story' is singular, so the verb 'touches' is also singular.
People who live in this city are very friendly.
EN: The idiom 'touch the heart' is a common English expression meaning to cause someone to feel a strong, usually warm or sympathetic, emotion. It highlights the cultural value placed on emotional connection and empathy in storytelling.
EN: Relative Clause with 'who': A relative clause is used to give more information about a noun. When the noun is a person (in this case, 'a writer') and acts as the subject of the relative clause, we use the relative pronoun 'who'.
I know a teacher who speaks four languages.
EN: Preposition 'for' indicating purpose: The preposition 'for' followed by a noun ('ideas') is used to express the purpose of an action (why the writer travels).
She went to the store for some milk.
EN: The relative pronoun 'which' is used to introduce a relative clause (adjective clause) that describes a non-human noun ('the book'). In this sentence, 'which' acts as the object of the verb 'read' in the relative clause 'which I read last week'.
The movie which we watched yesterday was exciting.
EN: The simple past tense is used to describe completed actions in the past. Here, 'read' (pronounced /rɛd/ in past tense) and 'changed' indicate actions that occurred and were completed in the past (specifically, 'last week').
She visited her grandmother last month.
EN: The relative adverb 'where' is used to introduce an adjective clause (relative clause) that modifies a noun of place (the antecedent, 'the village'). It functions as an adverbial of place within the clause, meaning 'in/at which'.
This is the restaurant where we first met.
EN: The demonstrative pronoun 'this' is used as the subject to point out a specific thing nearby or just mentioned, followed by the linking verb 'is' and a subject complement ('the village').
This is the book I told you about.
EN: The relative pronoun 'whose' is used to show possession. It replaces possessive adjectives (like 'his', 'her', 'their') and is followed by a noun ('courage') without an article. It introduces a relative clause that describes the noun before it ('A hero').
I know a writer whose books are very famous.
EN: Subject-Verb Agreement with Relative Clauses: The verb inside the relative clause ('inspires') must agree in number with the noun that 'whose' modifies ('courage', which is singular). Similarly, the main verb of the sentence ('dies') must agree with the main subject ('A hero').
A teacher whose lessons are interesting always attracts students.
EN: This sentence reflects a common theme in Western literature and mythology: the idea of immortality through legacy and inspiration. In classical storytelling, a hero's physical death is secondary to the eternal impact of their virtuous deeds on future generations.
EN: Relative Clause (Adjective Clause): The relative pronoun 'that' introduces a relative clause ('that teach us about kindness') to modify the plural noun 'tales'. Since 'tales' is plural, the verb in the relative clause 'teach' is also in the plural form (no '-s').
I like books that inspire people to dream.
EN: The verb 'teach' can take a double object (teach + someone + about + something) to express instructing someone on a particular topic or value.
My parents taught me about honesty.
EN: Subject Relative Clauses: The relative pronoun 'who' is used to introduce a relative clause (adjective clause) that describes a person. In this sentence, 'who wrote this' modifies the subject 'The author'. Since 'who' acts as the subject of the relative clause, it cannot be omitted.
The teacher who helped me is very kind.
EN: Prepositional Phrase for Origin: The prepositional phrase 'from [place]' is used with the linking verb 'be' (is/am/are) to indicate a person's country of origin, hometown, or where they come from.
My new classmate is from Japan.
EN: The relative adverb 'where' is used to introduce an adjective clause (relative clause) that modifies a noun of place (the antecedent, 'a place'). In this clause, 'where' functions as an adverbial of place, meaning 'in/at that place'.
This is the house where I was born.
EN: The simple present tense is used here to express a general truth or permanent state. The adverb 'forever' modifies the verb 'live' to indicate an action that continues without end.
True friendship lives forever.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, libraries are highly valued not just as buildings with books, but as community hubs and sacred spaces for preserving human imagination, history, and diverse voices.
EN: Adjective Clause (Relative Clause) with 'that': The relative pronoun 'that' introduces an adjective clause ('that she told us') that modifies the noun 'the myth'. In this clause, 'that' acts as the direct object of the verb 'told'. Since it is an object relative pronoun, it can optionally be omitted.
The story that he wrote became famous.
EN: The Past Simple Tense: The verbs 'told' (past of 'tell') and 'was' (past of 'be') are used here to describe an action and a state that occurred and were completed in the past.
She told me a secret yesterday.
EN: Subject Relative Clause (who): The relative pronoun 'who' is used to introduce a relative clause that modifies a person (in this case, 'a girl'). In the relative clause, 'who' acts as the subject of the verb 'reads'.
I met a writer who travels for new ideas.
EN: Simple Present Tense for Habits: The simple present tense ('reads') is used with the adverbial phrase of frequency 'every day' to express a regular habit or routine.
He drinks a cup of coffee every day.
EN: Relative clauses with 'which' are used to provide additional information about a non-human noun (in this case, 'the poem'). 'Which' acts as the relative pronoun, and since it functions as the object of the verb 'studied' in the relative clause, it can optionally be omitted in informal English.
The book which you lent me was fascinating.
EN: The preposition 'about' is used to indicate the subject matter or theme of something (e.g., a poem, a book, a conversation).
This movie is about friendship.
EN: The pronoun 'one' is used as a substitute to avoid repeating the noun 'story'. In this sentence, 'one' refers back to 'a good story'.
I don't have a pen. Can you lend me one?
EN: The relative clause 'that we never forget' modifies the pronoun 'one'. 'That' acts as the relative pronoun representing the object of the verb 'forget'. In defining relative clauses, 'that' can be omitted when it functions as an object.
This is the movie that I watched yesterday.
EN: The relative pronoun 'that' introduces a relative clause (adjective clause) modifying the noun 'stories'. In this clause, 'that' acts as the subject of the verb 'shape'.
I love books that inspire me to travel.
EN: The noun clause 'who its people are' acts as the direct object of the verb 'shape'. It uses indirect question word order (subject + verb) rather than question order.
Do you know who that writer is?
EN: This sentence reflects the universal human tradition of storytelling. In many cultures, oral histories, myths, and legends are not just entertainment, but are fundamental to cultural identity and preserving history.
EN: Relative Clause with 'which': A relative clause is used to give more information about a noun (the antecedent). 'Which' is used as a relative pronoun to refer to things or concepts (in this case, 'a tale'). It acts as the subject of the relative clause 'which explains the world in old ways'.
This is the book which inspired me to become a writer.
EN: Prepositional Phrase 'in ... ways': The preposition 'in' is used to describe the manner or method in which something is done. 'In old ways' means using ancient methods or perspectives.
They solved the problem in different ways.
EN: In English literature and anthropology, 'myths' are distinguished from 'legends' or 'folktales'. A myth typically explains natural phenomena, origins of the world, or religious beliefs, often involving gods or supernatural forces, which is why the sentence highlights that it 'explains the world in old ways'.
EN: The relative pronoun 'whose' is used to show possession. It replaces a possessive adjective (like 'their') and connects a relative clause to the noun it modifies ('The heroes'). In this sentence, 'whose deeds we admire' describes the heroes.
I met a writer whose books are famous worldwide.
EN: The verb 'teach' can take a double object structure: 'teach + someone (indirect object) + about something (prepositional object)'. It is used to explain the subject matter being taught.
Our parents teach us about honesty.
EN: The relative pronoun 'that' introduces a defining relative clause ('that opened my eyes to new lands') which modifies the noun 'book'. In this clause, 'that' acts as the subject of the verb 'opened'.
I bought a laptop that works very fast.
EN: The idiom 'open one's eyes to (something)' means to make someone realize or experience something for the first time, often broadening their perspective.
Travel can open your eyes to different cultures.
EN: The relative adverb 'where' is used to introduce a relative clause (adjective clause) that modifies a noun of place (in this case, 'a village'). It functions as an adverbial of place within the relative clause, meaning 'in which'.
This is the library where I study every weekend.
EN: The verb 'seem' is followed by a to-infinitive ('to stand') to express an impression or appearance. 'Stand still' is an idiom meaning to stop moving or making progress, often used metaphorically to describe time.
She seemed to know the secret.
EN: A relative clause (adjective clause) introduced by 'who' is used to modify a person (the subject of the relative clause). In this sentence, 'who wrote it' describes 'The author'.
The teacher who helped me yesterday was very kind.
EN: The past perfect tense ('had' + past participle) is used to describe an action that was completed before another action or point in the past. Here, the traveling ('had traveled') happened before the writing or the reference point in the past.
She had already left when I arrived at the station.
EN: A defining relative clause (adjective clause) starting with 'that' is used to identify or define the noun before it ('Stories'). Here, 'that are passed down' specifies which stories we are talking about.
The books that are written by her are very popular.
EN: The verb 'keep' can be followed by an object and an adjective (keep + object + adjective) to describe causing someone or something to remain in a particular state.
Regular exercise keeps your body healthy.
EN: The phrase 'passed down' refers to oral tradition, which is the primary way history, values, and lessons were preserved in many cultures before writing became widespread. It highlights the communal and historical value of storytelling.
EN: The relative adverb 'where' is used to introduce an adjective clause (relative clause) that modifies a noun of place (in this case, 'a place'). Inside the clause, 'where' functions as an adverbial of place, meaning 'in/at that place'.
This is the restaurant where we first met.
EN: The passive voice is formed with 'be + past participle' (heard). Here, it is combined with the modal verb 'can' ('can be heard') to express possibility or ability, indicating that every voice has the opportunity to be listened to.
The music can be heard from a distance.
EN: This sentence reflects the modern democratic ideal of a library. In Western culture, libraries are not just quiet places to read books, but are increasingly viewed as community hubs that promote free speech, inclusivity, and equal access to knowledge for all individuals, regardless of their background.
EN: The relative pronoun 'whose' is used to show possession. It replaces a possessive adjective (like 'their') and introduces a relative clause that describes the noun before it (in this case, 'people').
I know a writer whose books are very popular.
EN: The phrase 'be different from' is used to contrast two things or people. 'Ours' is a possessive pronoun meaning 'our lives', used here to avoid repeating the noun 'lives'.
Their culture is different from ours.
EN: The relative pronoun 'which' is used to introduce a relative clause (adjective clause) that describes a non-human subject ('a tale'). In this sentence, 'which' acts as the subject of the relative clause 'which moves us'.
The book which inspired me is on the table.
EN: The noun clause 'how we think' functions as the object of the transitive verb 'change'. It is introduced by the question word 'how' followed by subject-verb word order (how + subject + verb).
She explained how she solved the problem.
EN: The pronoun 'ones' is used as a substitute to avoid repeating the plural noun 'stories'. It is followed by a defining relative clause ('that we share...') which specifies which 'ones' are being referred to.
I don't like scary movies; I prefer funny ones.
EN: The relative pronoun 'that' introduces an adjective clause (relative clause) modifying the pronoun 'ones'. In this clause, 'that' functions as the direct object of the verb 'share'.
The books that we read in class were very interesting.
EN: Relative clauses (adjective clauses) with omitted relative pronouns. When the relative pronoun (such as 'that' or 'which') acts as the object of the relative clause, it can be omitted. In this sentence, 'we tell' modifies 'the stories' (the stories [that] we tell), and 'we build' modifies 'the world' (the world [that] we build).
The book we read yesterday was very inspiring.
EN: The introductory transitional phrase 'In the end'. It is used to introduce a final result, conclusion, or a fundamental truth after considering everything.
In the end, love conquers all.
EN: Wh-questions with 'what' as a determiner: 'What' can be placed directly before a noun (e.g., 'what story') to ask for specific information about that noun. In this structure, an auxiliary verb like 'do' is required before the subject to form the question.
What book do you want to borrow?
EN: Direct address with a comma: When addressing someone directly by name (vocative case) at the end of a sentence, a comma must be placed before the name to separate it from the main clause.
Where are you going, John?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, addressing someone by their first name (like 'Emma') is very common and friendly, even in casual or semi-formal conversations. Placing the name at the end of a question makes the interaction feel warm and personal.
EN: The relative pronoun 'that' is used to introduce a defining relative clause (adjective clause) that describes a noun (in this case, 'a tale'). It acts as the subject of the relative clause.
I met a writer who travels for new ideas.
EN: The verb 'teach' can be followed by an indirect object (us) and a prepositional phrase starting with 'about' to indicate the subject matter being taught.
She teaches children about nature.
EN: The subject relative pronoun 'who' is used to introduce a relative clause (adjective clause) that describes a person (the writer). In this sentence, 'who' acts as the subject of the verb 'travels'.
I know a teacher who speaks five languages.
EN: The preposition 'for' is used here to express purpose or reason, meaning 'with the object or purpose of obtaining something' (new ideas).
She went to the store for some milk.
EN: The relative pronoun 'which' is used to introduce a relative clause (adjective clause) that describes a non-human noun (the book). In this sentence, 'which' acts as the object of the verb 'read' in the relative clause 'which I read last week'. Since it is an object relative pronoun, it can optionally be omitted in informal English.
The movie which we watched yesterday was very exciting.
EN: The verb 'amaze' is a transitive verb meaning 'to fill someone with surprise or wonder'. In the past tense ('amazed'), it takes the object 'me' to show the emotional effect the book had on the speaker.
The magician's tricks amazed the entire audience.
EN: The relative adverb 'where' is used to introduce an adjective clause (relative clause) that modifies a noun of place (in this case, 'the town'). It functions as an adverbial of place within the clause, meaning 'in/at which'.
This is the restaurant where we first met.
EN: The simple past tense ('began', the past form of 'begin') is used to describe an action that started and finished in the past.
The movie began ten minutes ago.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, local legends and folklore are often deeply tied to specific historical towns or landmarks (e.g., Sleepy Hollow or Nottingham). Pointing out a specific place where a story 'began' evokes a sense of mystery and historical depth.
EN: The relative pronoun 'whose' is used to show possession. It replaces a possessive adjective (like 'his', 'her', or 'their') and introduces a relative clause that describes the noun before it.
I met a writer whose books are very famous.
EN: The verb 'inspires' is in the simple present tense and agrees with the singular subject 'A hero'. The relative clause 'whose heart is brave' acts as an adjective modifying the subject, but does not change the subject-verb agreement.
A teacher who loves teaching inspires the students.
EN: Subject Relative Clause: The relative pronoun 'who' is used to introduce a relative clause that describes a person ('a girl'). In this clause, 'who' acts as the subject of the verb 'writes'.
I met a writer who travels the world for ideas.
EN: Reflexive Pronoun as Determiner: 'Own' is used after a possessive determiner (like 'her') to emphasize that something belongs to the person mentioned and no one else.
He wants to build his own house.
EN: The relative pronoun 'that' introduces a defining relative clause ('that explains the stars') to modify the noun 'myth'. It acts as the subject of the relative clause.
The book that sits on the table is mine.
EN: Subject-Verb Agreement with Relative Clauses: The verb in the relative clause ('explains') must agree in number with its antecedent ('A myth', which is singular).
The stories that inspire us are often simple.
EN: The relative adverb 'where' is used to introduce an adjective clause (relative clause) that modifies a noun of place (in this case, 'a place'). It functions as an adverb of place within the relative clause, meaning 'in or at that place'.
This is the restaurant where we first met.
EN: The subject-verb agreement for singular nouns. 'A library' is a singular countable noun, so it takes the singular linking verb 'is'. Similarly, 'dreams' is a plural noun, so it takes the plural verb 'begin' without an '-s'.
A dog is a loyal pet.
EN: The structure 'noun + worth + V-ing' is used to describe something that is deserving of a particular action. Here, 'worth telling' acts as an adjective phrase modifying the noun 'tale'.
A book worth reading is worth buying.
EN: The word 'one' is a dummy pronoun used to avoid repeating the noun 'tale'. It is followed by a contact clause (a relative clause with the relative pronoun 'that' or 'which' omitted) 'we never forget' which modifies 'one'.
The movie we watched yesterday was a good one.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To cause someone to feel a strong, usually warm or sympathetic, emotion.
To make someone realize the truth about something or experience new things.
To stop moving or progressing; to remain in the same place or state.
To give or teach something to people who are younger than you or who will live after you.