The Music of the World (H2)
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EN: Present Participle Phrases: The present participle phrase 'playing the flute' is used as an adjective phrase to post-modify (describe) the noun 'The girl'. It is a shortened form of the relative clause 'who is playing the flute'.
The boy kicking the ball is my brother.
EN: Direct Speech with Reporting Verb: When quoting someone directly, the spoken words are placed in quotation marks. If the reporting verb (e.g., 'says') comes after the quote, the subject and verb can be inverted (e.g., 'says Hana' or 'Hana says').
"I am tired," says John.
EN: The past participle 'sung' is used here as a reduced relative clause (short for 'which are sung') to modify the noun 'songs'. This is a common way to describe a noun with a passive action without using a full relative clause.
I bought a book written by a famous author.
EN: The preposition 'in' is used to express the medium or language in which something is spoken, written, or sung.
She wrote the letter in French.
EN: Past Participle as an Adjective Modifier: The past participle 'made' (from the verb 'make') is used here in a reduced relative clause ('made of wood', which is short for 'which are made of wood') to modify the noun 'drums'. It describes what material the drums are constructed from.
The table made of glass broke yesterday.
EN: Linking Verb 'sound': The verb 'sound' acts as a linking verb (copula) in this sentence, connecting the subject 'drums' with the subject complement adjective 'deep'. It is used to describe the auditory quality of the subject.
Her voice sounds very sweet.
EN: Present Participle as an Adjective Phrase: The present participle '-ing' form (dancing) can be used to modify a noun (People). It functions as a shortened relative clause ('People who were dancing...').
The boy playing the piano is my brother.
EN: Linking Verb 'look': The verb 'look' is a linking verb (copula) used to describe appearance. It is followed directly by an adjective (happy) rather than an adverb.
She looked tired after the long journey.
EN: Past participle phrases (e.g., 'written long ago') can be used as adjective phrases to modify a preceding noun. In this sentence, 'written' is a past participle modifying 'Music', indicating that the music was written in the past.
The book written by that famous author became a bestseller.
EN: The verb 'move' can mean to affect someone with strong emotion, especially sadness or sympathy. In this context, 'moves us' means touches our hearts or inspires us.
Her beautiful voice moved the entire audience to tears.
EN: Present Participle Phrases: The present participle phrase 'teaching guitar' (verb + -ing) is used as an adjective phrase to modify the noun 'the man'. It describes an ongoing action or a characteristic of the noun, functioning like a shortened relative clause ('who is teaching guitar').
The girl playing the piano is my sister.
EN: Subject-Verb Agreement with Modifiers: When a subject is followed by a modifying phrase (like 'teaching guitar'), the verb must still agree with the main subject noun ('the man', which is singular), not the noun inside the modifier ('guitar'). Therefore, the singular verb 'is' is used.
The books on the table are mine.
EN: Past Participle as an Adjective Modifier: The past participle 'shared' (derived from the verb 'share') is used here as a reduced relative clause ('which is shared') to modify the noun 'song'. It indicates a passive action that has been done to the noun.
The book written by the teacher is very popular.
EN: Linking Verb 'feel' with Comparative Adjective: The verb 'feel' acts as a linking verb (copula) describing the subject's state or quality, and is followed by the comparative adjective 'sweeter' (modified by the intensifier 'even') to show a heightened state.
The soup tastes even better when it is hot.
EN: Present Participle as an Adjective Modifier: The present participle '-ing' form ('wearing') can be used immediately after a noun ('the dancers') to function as an adjective phrase, describing what the noun is doing at that moment. It is a shortened form of a relative clause ('who were wearing').
The boy playing the piano is my brother.
EN: Direct Speech with Reporting Verb Inversion: In written English, when direct speech is quoted first, the reporting verb ('says') often comes before the subject ('Emma') if the subject is a noun. This is a common stylistic device in storytelling.
"I am ready," says John.
EN: The past participle (played) is used as a reduced relative clause (which was played) to modify the preceding noun (a tune). This passive modifier describes how the tune was performed.
I read a book written by a famous author.
EN: The verb 'hear' is a sensory verb. When followed by an object and a past participle, it indicates that the subject heard the object undergoing an action (passive voice).
She heard her name called in the crowd.
EN: Past participle as an adjective modifier: The past participle 'told' (from 'tell') is used here as a reduced relative clause (short for 'which are told') to modify the noun 'Stories'. It describes what kind of stories they are.
The book written by that famous author became a bestseller.
EN: Direct speech with reporting verb inversion: In English, when quoting someone directly, the reporting verb ('says') can be placed after the quote and can optionally precede the subject ('Leo'), especially in written or literary contexts.
"I will arrive tomorrow," says John.
EN: The quote highlights the universal nature of music. In many cultures, music is considered a 'universal language' that can convey emotions, history, and values without the need for translation, bridging gaps between different nationalities and backgrounds.
EN: Present Participle as an Adjective Phrase: The present participle '-ing' form ('singing together') can be used as an adjective phrase to modify a noun ('the children'). It functions like a shortened relative clause ('who were singing together') and describes an active action happening at that time.
The dog barking outside belongs to my neighbor.
EN: Direct Speech with Reporting Verb Inversion: In written English, when direct speech is placed at the beginning of a sentence, the reporting verb ('says') can come before the subject ('Hana'), especially when the subject is a noun rather than a pronoun.
"I am ready," says Tom.
EN: The past participle phrase 'loved by all' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'melody'. This is a reduced relative clause, shortened from 'which is loved by all'.
A book written by a famous author is on the table.
EN: The verb 'needs' is in the simple present tense and agrees with the singular subject 'A melody'. The word 'no' is used as a determiner meaning 'not any' to make the sentence negative.
A true friend needs no explanation.
EN: The past participle (V-ed) can function as an adjective to modify a noun. In this sentence, 'understood' is a past participle modifying the noun 'language', indicating a passive relationship (the language is understood by people).
This is a book written by a famous author.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'by people everywhere' acts as an adverbial modifier, specifying who understands the language and where they are located.
The song is loved by children everywhere.
EN: The quote expresses a universal sentiment that music transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, acting as a bridge that connects humanity. It is a common philosophical perspective in both Western and Eastern cultures.
EN: The past participle 'sung' (from the verb 'sing') is used here as a reduced relative clause (short for 'which is sung') to modify the noun 'song'. It describes a passive action happening to the noun.
The letter written by Mary made him happy.
EN: The modal verb 'can' is used to express ability or possibility, followed by the base form of the verb 'move' (which means to affect someone emotionally).
A simple gesture can change someone's day.
EN: The phrase 'from the heart' is a common English idiom meaning with sincere feeling or deep emotion. In many cultures, music is viewed as a universal language of emotion that transcends physical and linguistic barriers.
EN: Past Participle as Post-modifier: The past participle phrase 'played on a flute...' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'tune'. It describes what kind of tune it was, implying a passive meaning (the tune was played).
I bought a book written by a famous author.
EN: Reduced Relative Clause: The phrase 'made of bamboo' is a reduced relative clause (short for 'which was made of bamboo') modifying the noun 'flute'. 'Made of' is used when the original material (bamboo) is still recognizable in the finished product.
She wore a necklace made of silver.
EN: Present Participle Phrase as an Adjective: The phrase 'floating through the air' is a present participle phrase (starting with a verb-ing) used to describe the noun 'The notes'. It functions like an adjective clause ('which were floating through the air') but is shortened for a smoother flow.
The leaves, falling from the trees, covered the ground.
EN: Causative Verb 'Make': The verb 'make' is used as a causative verb meaning 'to cause someone to do something'. It is followed by an object ('everyone') and a bare infinitive (the base form of the verb without 'to', which is 'smile').
The funny movie made us laugh.
EN: Past Participle as an Adjective Modifier: The past participle phrase 'beaten by skilled hands' is used as an adjective to modify the noun 'Drums'. It describes what was done to the drums, functioning like a shortened relative clause ('Drums which are beaten by...').
The songs sung by the choir touched everyone's heart.
EN: Causative/Resultative construction 'set + Object + adjective': The verb 'set' combined with an object and the adjective 'free' means to release someone or something from a restriction, making them free.
The governor decided to set the prisoners free.
EN: Past participle phrases (e.g., 'written hundreds of years ago') can be used as adjective phrases to modify a noun. They have a passive meaning, indicating that the action was done to the noun.
The book written by that famous author became a bestseller.
EN: Linking verbs (like 'feel') are followed by adjectives (like 'alive') rather than adverbs, to describe the state of the subject.
After a long walk, the cold water made him feel refreshed.
EN: The past participle ('gathered') is used here as an adjective phrase (a reduced relative clause) modifying the noun 'People'. It is short for 'People who were gathered'.
The books left on the table belong to the teacher.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'to the steady beat' uses 'to' to indicate accompaniment or synchronization with music or rhythm.
They danced to the rhythm of the drums.
EN: Past Participle as Post-modifier: The past participle phrase 'shared between strangers' is used as an adjective to modify the noun 'melody' from behind. It indicates a passive action (the melody is shared).
The book written by the famous author became a bestseller.
EN: Metaphorical use of 'build a bridge': The phrase 'build a bridge' is a common idiom meaning to promote understanding, friendship, or connection between different people or groups.
We need to build a bridge between the two communities.
EN: Music is often described as a 'universal language' in Western culture. The metaphor of 'building a bridge' emphasizes music's power to overcome social, cultural, or linguistic barriers, connecting people who otherwise have nothing in common.
EN: The past participle phrase 'passed down through families' is used as an adjective (reduced relative clause) to modify the noun 'Songs'. It is equivalent to 'Songs that are/were passed down through families'.
The traditions kept by the villagers are very unique.
EN: The phrasal verb 'pass down' means to transfer or transmit something (like knowledge, traditions, or possessions) from one generation to the next.
These recipes were passed down from my grandmother.
EN: Present participle phrases (verb-ing) can be used as non-defining modifiers, set off by commas, to describe an action happening at the same time as the main verb or to provide additional information about the subject.
The children, laughing merrily, ran into the garden.
EN: The phrasal verb 'fill A with B' means to make A full of B, where A is the container or space and B is the substance or emotion filling it.
Her kind words filled my heart with warmth.
EN: Non-defining relative clauses (or parenthetical inserts) can be shortened using a past participle ('loved') to describe a noun ('Music') with a passive meaning. This structure is set off by commas and provides extra information.
The book, written by a famous author, became a bestseller.
EN: The word 'tongue' is used metaphorically here to mean 'language'. The phrase 'common tongue' refers to a shared language that people of different backgrounds use to communicate with each other.
English has become a common tongue for international business.
EN: The quote highlights the universal nature of music, a common theme in literature and anthropology. The use of 'tongue' to mean 'language' is slightly literary or poetic, elevating the tone of Hana's statement.
EN: The past participle 'shared' is used as an adjective modifying the noun 'song'. It indicates that the action of sharing has been performed on the song, giving it a passive meaning (a song that is shared).
A written agreement prevents future misunderstandings.
EN: The verb 'make' can function as a causative verb with the structure 'make + object + object complement (noun/adjective)'. Here, 'makes us one people' uses the noun phrase 'one people' (meaning a single united community) as the object complement to describe the state of the object 'us'.
The coach's speech made them a stronger team.
EN: In English, 'people' is usually the plural form of 'person'. However, when preceded by the indefinite article 'a' or 'one' (e.g., 'a people' or 'one people'), it functions as a singular countable noun meaning 'a nation', 'a tribe', or 'a distinct community'. Here, 'one people' emphasizes unity and a shared identity transcending individual differences.
EN: Direct Speech and Reporting Verbs: In English, when reporting what someone said directly, we use quotation marks. The reporting verb (e.g., 'asks') and the speaker (e.g., 'Sarah') can be placed after the quoted speech. In this position, the subject and verb can sometimes be inverted (e.g., 'asks Sarah'), which is a common literary style.
"I am ready," says John.
EN: Wh- Questions with 'Do': To form an open-ended question in the simple present tense with verbs other than 'be', we use the question word (What music) followed by the auxiliary verb 'do', the subject (you), and the base form of the main verb (love).
What books do you read?
EN: The past participle 'sung' (from the verb 'sing') is used here as a reduced relative clause (short for 'which are sung') to modify the noun 'songs'. This is a common way to describe a noun with a passive action without using a full relative clause.
I like books written in English.
EN: In direct speech, when the reporting verb (like 'says') comes after the quoted speech, the subject and verb can remain in the standard order (Subject + Verb, e.g., 'Emma says') or be inverted (Verb + Subject, e.g., 'says Emma'). Here, 'says Emma' is used to report who is speaking.
"I am ready," says Leo.
EN: Present Participle Phrases: The present participle phrase 'playing the flute' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'The girl'. It is a shortened form of the relative clause 'who is playing the flute'.
The boy holding the balloon is my brother.
EN: Direct Speech with Reporting Verbs: When reporting what someone said, the spoken words are enclosed in quotation marks, followed by a comma, and then the reporting verb (e.g., 'says') and the speaker.
"I love playing the piano," says Sarah.
EN: Past participle phrases used as adjectives: The past participle 'written' (from the verb 'write') introduces a reduced relative clause ('written long ago') that modifies the noun 'Music'. It is equivalent to 'Music which was written long ago'.
The book written by that famous author became a bestseller.
EN: The verb 'move' meaning 'to affect emotionally': In this context, 'moves' does not mean physical motion, but rather to touch someone's feelings or evoke a strong emotional response.
Her beautiful voice moved the entire audience to tears.
EN: The past participle phrase 'made of wood' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'drums'. 'Made of' is used when the original material (wood) is still recognizable in the finished product.
The table made of oak is very sturdy.
EN: The linking verb 'sound' is followed by the adjective 'deep' to describe the subject 'drums'. 'So' is an adverb used here to emphasize the degree of the adjective.
Her voice sounds so sweet.
EN: Present Participle Phrases as Adjective Modifiers: The present participle phrase 'dancing in the square' (verb-ing + prepositional phrase) is used as an adjective to modify the noun 'People'. It describes an ongoing action or state of the noun, functioning similarly to a relative clause ('People who were dancing in the square...').
The boy playing the piano is my brother.
EN: Linking Verbs (Copula) with Adjectives: The verb 'looked' is a linking verb (sensory verb) in this sentence. It connects the subject 'People' to the subject complement 'happy', which must be an adjective, not an adverb, to describe the state or appearance of the subject.
The soup smelled delicious.
EN: Past participle as an adjective modifier: The past participle 'shared' (from the verb 'share') is used here as an adjective modifying the noun 'song'. The phrase 'shared by friends' acts as a reduced relative clause (short for 'which is shared by friends') to describe the song.
A book written by a famous author is on the table.
EN: Linking verb 'feel' with an adjective: 'Feel' is a linking verb (copula) that connects the subject to a subject complement (an adjective, not an adverb) to describe the subject's state or quality. Here, 'sweeter' is the comparative form of the adjective 'sweet'.
The warm soup feels good on a cold day.
EN: The verb 'hear' is a sensory verb (verb of perception). It can be followed by an object and a past participle (V-pp) to describe an action that is done to the object, emphasizing a passive experience.
I heard my name called in the crowd.
EN: The past participle phrase 'played on a violin' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'tune'. It is a reduced relative clause, shortened from 'which was played on a violin'.
The book written by the famous author became a bestseller.
EN: Past Participle as Post-modifier: The past participle phrase 'told through music' is used as an adjective to modify the noun 'Stories' from behind. It indicates a passive action (stories that are told).
The songs written by Emma are very popular.
EN: Direct Speech with Inversion: In English, when reporting direct speech, the reporting verb (says) can optionally come before the subject (Hana) when the subject is a noun, though standard order (Hana says) is also common.
"I love music," says Leo.
EN: The phrase 'cross borders' metaphorically means to transcend cultural, geographic, or political boundaries, highlighting music as a universal language that connects people of different backgrounds.
EN: Past Participle as an Adjective Modifier: The past participle phrase 'loved by all' is used as an adjective to modify the noun 'melody'. It describes the state of the melody being loved, functioning like a relative clause 'which is loved by all' but in a more concise form.
The book written by the famous author became a bestseller.
EN: Direct Speech with Reporting Verb: In English, when reporting what someone said, the reporting verb (e.g., 'says') and the speaker (e.g., 'Leo') can be placed after the direct quote. In this structure, the subject and verb can sometimes invert (e.g., 'says Leo'), which is common in literary or narrative contexts.
"I will arrive tomorrow," says Sarah.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To go beyond national boundaries or limits; to be universally understood or accepted.
To promote understanding and cooperation between different groups of people.
To give or teach something to people who are younger than you or who will live after you.
A shared language that people from different backgrounds use to communicate with each other.