Mila's English

Verb 1

to be

For names, descriptions and states. I am, you are, she is…

• I am Octave.
• You are Mila.
• It is made of wood.
• They are studying English.

Verb 2

to have

For possession — what you own or hold. Only he / she / it changes to “has”.

• I have a table.
• I have two hands.
• He has a table.
• It has a beautiful color.

Actions in progress

be + -ing

Take the verb be, then add a verb ending in -ing. Change only be to move in time.

writing · drinking · studying

Talking about time

since & for

Two little words, one difference: a starting point vs. a length of time.

• I have lived in Paris since 2016.
• I lived in Paris for 10 years.

Finished past

past simple

For actions that are over. Most verbs just add -ed.

• I lived in Paris.
• I studied every day.
• I completed my studies in fashion.

Everyday habits

present simple

For habits and things that are always true. I work, you work, she works…

• I work every day.
• You speak English well.
• We live in Paris.
• They study together.

The little -s

he / she / it + s

With he, she or it, add -s to the verb. A few verbs change spelling.

• She works in an office.
• He goes to school.
• It watches the birds.

Saying no

don't & doesn't

To make a negative, add don't — or doesn't for he / she / it. The main verb goes back to its base form.

• I don't like coffee.
• She doesn't live here.
• They don't watch TV.

Asking

do & does ...?

To ask a question, start with Do — or Does for he / she / it. The verb stays in its base form.

• Do you speak English?
• Does he like tea?
• Do they live in Paris?

Question words

wh- words

Put a question word first to ask for details.

• Where do you live?
• What do you want?
• When does it start?

Ability

can & can't

For what you are able to do. can never changes, and the verb after it stays in its base form.

• I can speak English.
• She can play the guitar.
• He can't swim.
• Birds can fly.

can't = cannot

Asking

Can ...?

Start with Can to ask about ability, or to ask politely for something.

• Can you help me, please?
• Can she drive a car?
• Can I have some water?

Where things are

prepositions of place

Small words that say where something is.

• The book is on the table.
• The cat is under the chair.
• The keys are in the box.
• The lamp is next to the bed.

Describing

adjectives

An adjective goes before the noun and never takes an -s. Size comes before colour.

• I have a small white house.
• She has a big black dog.
• The coffee is hot.

Pointing

this / that / these / those

Use them to point at things — near or far, one or many.

• This book is mine.
• That car over there is fast.
• These shoes are new.
• Look at those mountains.