EN: The correlative conjunction 'both... and...' is used to join two grammatical elements of equal importance (nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.), emphasizing that both options are included.
She likes both apples and oranges.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'in the morning' acts as an adverbial modifier of time, indicating when the action of liking or consuming these drinks takes place.
I usually exercise in the morning.
EN: In Western culture, breakfast drinks are a significant part of the morning routine. While coffee is traditionally associated with a quick energy boost, tea is also highly popular, especially in British culture. Saying you like 'both' shows a flexible and appreciative attitude towards morning beverage rituals.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'but' is used to connect two independent clauses that show contrast. It is preceded by a comma when connecting complete sentences.
I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
EN: The infinitive 'to join' acts as the direct object of the transitive verb 'want'. The pattern 'want + to-infinitive' is used to express a desire to perform an action.
She wants to learn how to play the piano.
EN: In schools and universities, popular extracurricular activities or clubs (like the art club) often have limited capacity. Saying 'it is full' is a common way to express that registration is closed because the maximum number of members has been reached.
EN: The modal verb 'can' is used to express possibility or ability. It is followed by the base form of the verb (bare infinitive) without 'to'.
We can meet at the library tomorrow.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'or' is used to connect two alternatives or choices. In this sentence, it connects two parallel verb phrases: 'take the bus' and 'ride our bikes'.
You can have tea or coffee.
EN: In many English-speaking countries, cycling (riding bikes) and taking public transit (the bus) are highly encouraged as eco-friendly and healthy commuting alternatives, especially in bike-friendly cities.
EN: The Past Continuous tense (was/were + verb-ing) is used to describe an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past.
It was snowing when we left the house.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'so' is used to connect two independent clauses, where the second clause is the result of the first.
I was tired, so I went to sleep.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a clause of reason. It connects the main result clause ('I study hard') with the cause or reason ('I want to pass'). Unlike in Chinese, we do not use 'so' (所以) in the main clause when 'because' (因為) is used.
She stayed home because she was sick.
EN: The verb 'want' is a transitive verb that is commonly followed by a to-infinitive (to + base verb) acting as its direct object, expressing a desire to perform an action.
They want to play soccer after school.
EN: Using coordinate adjectives (kind and helpful) linked by 'and' to describe a subject. This structure allows you to provide multiple descriptions of a person or thing efficiently.
The teacher is patient and knowledgeable.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'to everyone' functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the target or recipient of the qualities (kind and helpful).
He is always polite to his customers.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, describing someone as 'helpful' and 'kind to everyone' is a high compliment, reflecting valued social traits of empathy, community support, and friendliness.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'so' is used to connect two independent clauses, where the second clause is the result or consequence of the first clause. A comma is typically placed before 'so'.
It was raining, so we stayed inside.
EN: The verb 'feel' is a linking verb (copula) that is followed by an adjective (tired) to describe the subject's physical or emotional state. The past tense of 'feel' is 'felt'.
She felt happy after hearing the good news.
EN: The phrase 'go to bed' is a common English idiom meaning to sleep. Note that there is no article ('a' or 'the') before 'bed' in this idiomatic expression.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'or' is used to connect two choices in a question, presenting alternatives to the listener.
Do you want to go to the park or the beach?
EN: Yes/No questions in the simple present tense use the auxiliary verb 'do' (or 'does' for third-person singular) followed by the subject and the base form of the main verb.
Do you like coffee?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, offering a guest a choice of drinks (like juice or water) is a standard gesture of hospitality. Using 'or' allows the guest to choose comfortably without feeling pressured.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'but' is used to connect two independent clauses that show contrast. In writing, a comma is typically placed before 'but' when it connects two complete sentences.
I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
EN: The word 'more' is used as an adverb here to modify the verb 'love', indicating a higher degree of preference. It is placed at the end of the clause.
She likes tea, but she enjoys coffee more.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, expressing personal preferences clearly and contrasting different interests (like science vs. art/music) is a common way to share one's personality and engage in small talk.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a clause that states the reason for something. It connects an independent clause (the result) with a dependent clause (the cause).
She stayed at home because it was raining.
EN: The phrasal verb 'wake up' means to emerge or cause to emerge from sleep. In the past tense, 'wake' becomes 'woke'. When combined with the adverb 'late', it describes the action of waking up after the usual or planned time.
I woke up early to catch the train.
EN: The modal verb 'can' is used to express possibility or to make suggestions. It is followed by the base form of the verb (bare infinitive) without 'to'.
We can go to the beach tomorrow.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'or' is used to connect two alternatives or choices. In this sentence, it connects two parallel verb phrases: 'watch a movie' and 'play a game'.
You can have tea or coffee.
EN: The structure 'Let's + base verb' is a common way to make suggestions or proposals, meaning 'Let us'. It is followed directly by the infinitive form of the verb without 'to'.
Let's go for a walk in the park.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a clause of reason, explaining why the action in the main clause ('Let's relax') is happening.
We stayed home because it was raining.
EN: In English-speaking workplaces and academic environments, acknowledging hard work before suggesting a break (using phrases like 'Let's relax' or 'Let's take a break') is a common way to build team morale and show empathy.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'so' is used to connect two independent clauses, where the second clause represents the result or consequence of the first clause.
The weather was beautiful, so we decided to go for a walk.
EN: The simple past tense is used to describe completed actions that happened at a specific time in the past. Here, 'had' (past of 'have') and 'made' (past of 'make') indicate past events.
She had a busy morning, but she finished all her work.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, having a 'free afternoon' is highly valued as a time for self-care, hobbies, or spontaneous socializing. 'Making plans' doesn't always imply formal appointments; it often refers to casual, fun activities with friends or family.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'but' is used to connect two independent clauses that show contrast. In this sentence, it connects the speaker's initial intention ('I wanted to read or draw') with an interrupting action ('my friends called me').
I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'or' is used to present choices or alternatives. Here, it connects two infinitive verbs 'read' and 'draw' (with 'to' shared from 'wanted to') to show the options the speaker was considering.
You can study in the library or work in the cafe.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'and' is used to connect two independent clauses (complete sentences) of equal importance. When connecting two independent clauses, a comma is typically placed before 'and'.
She finished her homework, and she watched a movie.
EN: Adverbs of manner (like 'happily') describe how an action is performed. They are often formed by adding '-ly' to an adjective and typically place before the main verb or after the object to add descriptive detail.
He quietly opened the door.
EN: The modal verb 'could' is used here to make a polite or tentative suggestion, presenting possibilities rather than a firm decision.
We could try that new Italian restaurant tonight.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'or' is used to connect two alternatives. In this sentence, it links two parallel verb phrases: 'go to the park' and 'visit the library'.
You can study now or watch TV later.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, suggesting plans with 'could' rather than 'should' or 'must' is a common way to show politeness and flexibility, leaving room for the other person to express their preference.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a dependent clause (adverbial clause of reason) that explains the cause or reason for the action in the main clause.
We stayed home because it was raining.
EN: The simple past tense ('chose', 'was') is used to describe completed actions or states in the past. 'Chose' is the irregular past tense form of 'choose'.
She chose the red dress for the party.
EN: Coordinating Conjunctions (and): Used to connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank. In this sentence, 'and' connects the verbs 'played' and 'talked', and then connects two independent clauses with a comma.
We cooked dinner and watched a movie, and the evening was perfect.
EN: Idiomatic Phrasal Verb (fly by): 'Fly by' is an idiom meaning to pass very quickly, commonly used to describe time.
The summer holidays always fly by too quickly.
EN: The expression 'time flies' (or 'time flew by') is a very common idiom in English, originating from the Latin phrase 'tempus fugit'. It is universally used to express how quickly time seems to pass when one is having fun or is very busy.
EN: The verb 'feel' is a linking verb (copular verb) that is followed by an adjective (tired) to describe the subject's state, rather than an adverb.
She felt happy after hearing the good news.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'but' is used to connect two independent clauses that show a contrast or conflict.
He wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a clause of reason. It connects the main action (buying ice cream) with the cause or reason (the hot afternoon). When the 'because' clause comes second, no comma is needed before it.
We stayed indoors because it was raining.
EN: The simple past tense ('bought', 'was') is used to describe completed actions and states in the past. 'Bought' is the irregular past tense of 'buy', and 'was' is the past tense of the linking verb 'be' for singular subjects.
She sold her car because she needed money.
EN: The subject of this sentence is 'A simple day with friends'. The core noun is 'day' (singular), which is modified by the adjective 'simple' and the prepositional phrase 'with friends'. Because the core noun 'day' is singular, it takes the singular verb 'is', despite the plural noun 'friends' appearing right before it. This is a key rule of Subject-Verb Agreement.
A basket of fresh apples is on the kitchen table.
EN: The verb 'is' acts as a linking verb (copula) connecting the subject to the subject complements 'special' and 'sweet'. Subject complements are adjectives that describe or define the subject. Here, the coordinating conjunction 'and' links the two adjectives together.
The weather today is warm and sunny.
EN: The structure 'want to + verb' (infinitive) is used to express desire or intention. In questions, the auxiliary verb 'do' is placed at the beginning of the sentence for simple present tense.
Do you want to watch a movie tonight?
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'or' is used to connect two alternatives. In this sentence, it connects 'chess' and 'cards' as choices for the game.
Would you like tea or coffee?
EN: In Western culture, board games like chess and card games are very common social activities for friends and family to bond. Asking 'Do you want to play...?' is a standard, friendly way to suggest a casual activity.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'but' is used to connect two independent clauses that show contrast. It is preceded by a comma when connecting two complete sentences.
I want to go to the party, but I have to study.
EN: The phrase 'be good at' is used to express proficiency in an activity. In negative sentences, 'not very good (at...)' is a polite and common way to say one lacks skill in something, often omitting 'at' when the context is clear.
She is not very good at cooking.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, saying 'I am not very good' is a common, polite, and humble way to accept an invitation to play a game or sport without setting expectations too high. It invites encouragement from the other person.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'and' is used to connect two independent clauses (complete thoughts) that are closely related, showing addition or a logical sequence of events.
She studied hard, and she passed the exam easily.
EN: The modal verb 'can' is used here to express ability or possibility in the present or future, followed by the base form of the verb (bare infinitive).
We can help you with your homework tomorrow.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, offering encouragement like 'you will learn fast' is a common way to build confidence and show hospitality to beginners, emphasizing that the activity is accessible and welcoming.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'so' is used to connect two independent clauses, showing a cause-and-effect relationship. The first clause ('I am hungry') is the cause, and the second clause ('let's make some snacks') is the result.
It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
EN: 'Let's' is a contraction of 'let us', which is followed by the base form of a verb (bare infinitive) to make a suggestion or proposal to a group that includes the speaker.
Let's go for a walk in the park.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, 'snacks' often refers to small portions of food eaten between meals, such as cookies, chips, fruit, or toast. Suggesting to 'make some snacks' is a very common, casual way to show hospitality or share a quick bite with friends.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'or' is used to connect two independent clauses (complete thoughts) to present an alternative or choice. When connecting two independent clauses, a comma is typically placed before 'or'.
We can watch a movie at home, or we can go to the theater.
EN: The modal verb 'can' is used here to express possibility or to make a suggestion. It is followed by the base form of the verb ('order').
You can borrow my book if you like.
EN: In Western culture, 'bread and jam' is a very common, simple, and quick snack or breakfast option found in almost every household. Ordering pizza, on the other hand, is a popular, casual social food often chosen when people want to relax and avoid cooking.
EN: The subordinating conjunction 'because' is used to introduce a clause that gives the reason for something. It connects the main clause ('I want pizza') with the subordinate clause ('I am really hungry') to show cause and effect.
She stayed at home because it was raining.
EN: The adverb 'really' is used as an intensifier before adjectives (like 'hungry') to emphasize the degree or strength of the feeling, meaning 'very' or 'extremely'.
I am really tired after the long walk.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'but' is used to connect two independent clauses (complete sentences) that show contrast. It is preceded by a comma when connecting two independent clauses.
I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
EN: The adverb 'still' is used to describe an ongoing situation that has not changed, often placed before the main verb or after the 'be' verb.
She is still working on her project.
EN: The structure 'Let's + base verb' (short for 'Let us') is used to make a suggestion or proposal that includes the speaker. It is followed by the base form of the verb without 'to'.
Let's grab a cup of coffee before the meeting starts.
EN: The coordinating conjunction 'and' is used here to connect two sequential actions in the imperative form: 'finish this round' and 'then go home'. 'Then' acts as an adverb indicating sequence.
Clean your room and then you can play video games.
EN: In board games, sports, or video games, the word 'round' refers to a single stage or game cycle. Using 'Let's finish this round' is a polite and common way to signal that you want to stop playing soon without abruptly quitting in the middle of the activity.
EN: The phrase 'because of' is a compound preposition used to introduce the reason for something. Unlike 'because' (which is a conjunction followed by a subject and a verb), 'because of' must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund.
We cancelled the picnic because of the rain.
EN: The phrase 'you all' (or 'all of you') is used to address a group of people. It clarifies that the pronoun 'you' is plural rather than singular.
Thank you all for coming to my party.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, expressing gratitude to a group after an event or gathering is highly valued. Using 'you all' (or the colloquial 'y'all' in the Southern US) makes the appreciation feel warm, inclusive, and personal.
EN: The verb 'make' can be used as a causative verb in the structure 'make + object + adjective'. This indicates that the object is caused to enter the state described by the adjective. Here, 'better and brighter' function as object complements describing the state of 'every game'.
Music makes me happy.
EN: The word 'every' is a determiner used before singular countable nouns ('game') to refer to all members of a group. Even though it refers to multiple things collectively, it always takes a singular noun.
Every student has a book.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, the word 'bright' is often used metaphorically to mean cheerful, promising, or full of hope and joy, rather than just emitting light. Saying a game is 'brighter' means it becomes more lively, fun, and memorable.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
Time passed very quickly.
To stop sleeping and become aware.
To return to one's house or place of residence.
To enjoy oneself very much.