In English, the subjunctive is used to talk about hypothetical situations or desires.
“If only I were 3 years older”. If only I were 3 years older.
“She may not come.” She may come.
We can also use it to explain recommendations:.
“The doctors recommend that we avoid certain types of substances to be healthier.” Doctors recommend avoiding certain substances in order to be healthier.
How to form the subjunctive
In English the subjunctive does not have a specific formThe verb is a verb with a pattern to be studied, so it can be confused with other verb forms with an established structure. However, in these small confusions, we can sometimes detect the subjunctive mood with ease.
One trick is found when we see a subject with the verb be “incorrectly”.
“I wish I were tall ” I wish I was tall.
Knowing the verb To Bewe know that the subject in the first person I, is followed by was, if we were to speak in Past Continous.This is where we understand that it is expressed with the imperfect subjunctive, and it is not a mistake, but a wish.
Remember that to speak in the subjunctive you have to change the form of the verb be, from I was… to I were … This way you will avoid this common mistake.
The next trick is the absence of the “-s” in the third person, when it normally appears. Let’s see it in the following example;
“It is advisable that she practice Yoga regularly.” It is advisable that she practice yoga regularly.
Possible subjunctive conjugations
The verb TO BE has explicit forms for the present subjunctive, although its use is not very frequent. We simply use “BE”: I be, you be, he/she be.
“Daniel claims that Clara be promoted at work.” Daniel supports Clara being promoted at work.
In the third persons in the subjunctive we do not add the -s:
“I recommend every person here wear a mask”. I recommend each person to wear the mask.
In its refusal, no auxiliary is not used DO.
“It was advised that schools not spend more money on new uniforms”. It was recommended that schools not spend more money on new uniforms.
It usually appears in sentences with “that” before verbs to express insistence, recommendations, or demands, among others.
“It is crucial that he be here one hour before the driving exam.”
The guard insisted that he leave the establishment immediately.
As you may have already guessed, it is very common to use the subjunctive in subordinate clauses, in which we have already talked about with conditionals with the following structure;
It + To Be + Adj + That
“ It is necessary that she eat more fruit”. It is necessary that she eat more fruit.
“It is advisable that he spend more time studying. It is advisable to spend more time studying.
In all languages we find words that are similar to those of our own language, which can lead us to confuse or assume meanings and, consequently, make mistakes when speaking or writing. In English we can find a great variety of words that are familiar to us and confuse the meaning, and sometimes they can even mean the complete opposite of what we wanted to express. These words are called False friends or false friends.
Main false friends in English
When we are learning a new language, such as English, our linguistic intuition can play a trick on us. This happens when we make a literal translation of the English word, obtaining totally erroneous translations that, for us, are totally correct. In the great majority of languages that have a more or less close relationship or that come from the same language, there are these words that at first glance are similar to some existing words in our language.
It is important to detect these false friends and to know their real meaning to avoid confusion. Let’s take a look at some examples to better understand what we mean and to see how similar some English words can be to Spanish words:
Advice means an advice and we think of it as a advice which in English translates to Warning .
Abstrac t means abstractbut could be confused by Abstract which in English is Abstract art .
Actually means in fact and could be confused with Actually which is actually Nowadays .
Bank means banking institutionbut we could think of it as a public public seatwhich translates as Bench .
Billion means billioneven if it looks like a billion. To talk about the billion we would say Trillion .
Date means a date, but it is confused with datum, which in English is Data .
Library is a library, but it is mistaken for a book store which in this case is bookshop.
As you can guess, the list can be really long, but a trick that will help you to avoid this mistake is to be able to contextualize the words when we learn them.This will help us to avoid mistakes and, with practice, it will be easier to assimilate. Let’s take a look at some more examples.
In a job interview you need to talk about your professional career, so the right word to use is “carrer”. . University studies are called degree.
If you want to ask someone if they have a cold coldyou should use “ to have a cold”. . Otherwise you are going to be asking him if he is constipated by using “constipated”.
In case you want to complain about someone that is bothering you, you have to be very clear that you can’t say it as you think it, as you could make strong accusations. “Molest” in this case means harassment or aggression. Remember that the correct word in this case is “annoy” o “upset“ and avoid misunderstandings.
When you want to explain the help you have received from someone or offer your own, you have to use “to assist”. “to assist. << The doctor assisted me in the morning>>. The doctor visited me this morning.
The first or FCE is a language accreditation that allows us to demonstrate our level, in this case the B2 level of English. It is one of the most sought-after language accreditations in the labor and educational fields.
To obtain this certificate you must pass a four-part exam: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking.
It is very important to practice what we are learning in order to gain confidence and assimilate what we have learned. In this article we will see what vocabulary and expressions you need to know in order to pass the exam without any difficulty.
How vocabulary is tested
In the FCE there is no specific part on vocabulary, but it is true that in all areas you will need it. In the case of listening and reading, it will be necessary for the correct understanding and development of the activities. On the other hand, writing and speaking are two of the parts in which you will be evaluated in a non-explicit way. It is therefore important to avoid repetition and to use a wide range of vocabulary.
Use phrasal verbs
Make use of some phrasal verbs during speaking or writing, to avoid repetition of more typical verbs and use richer vocabulary. Here are some examples:
Pick up
Carry out
Set up
Look after (care)
Give up
Connectors
There are an infinite number of connectors in English. Therefore, we suggest that you make a list of those that you can use especially for writing. Remember that you may be asked to write different types of essays, such as an essay or a formal letter, so these connectors can help you better structure and organize your ideas:
Firstly
Furthermore (in addition)
However
On the one hand, on the other hand
In order to
To conclude
To sum up
Expressions to give an opinion
Usually, there is a part of the speaking where you will be asked for your opinion on different topics. This is also common in writing, especially when it is a formal letter or email. Therefore, you should be clear about some expressions beyond the typical ones:
From my pont of view
In my opinion
I am strongly convinced
As far as I am concerned (as far as I am concerned)
Although many people think that
Vocabulary
There are different vocabulary lists that are likely to be included in the exam. However, in the academy it is introduced progressively during all previous courses so that more than half of the students already know it in advance. The following is a list of the most common topics that you should know for speaking and writing:
In English we use conditionals to talk about probable situations triggered by other situations. We have four different conditionals and we will use one or the other in relation to the certainty of the conditional and the temporality in which they happen or we want to express.
Zero conditional: to speak of certain facts with the same result, such as scientific, chemical or imperative facts.
“If I press that button, the light comes on“. If I press this button, the light comes on.
“If you heat ice, it melts” If youheat ice, it melts.
First conditional: for concrete situations that are very probable, but not certain. It is mainly used to refer to the present or the future when talking about a real situation, such as a warning or a threat.
“If you don’t study, you won’t pass your exam“. “If you don’t study, you won’t pass the exam.If it rains, we will go inside” If it rains, we will go inside.
Second conditional: for situations that are not real, i.e. hypothetical.
“If I were rich, I would be happier “. If I were rich, I would be happier.
“If I got that job, I will move to Barcelona again“Siconseguiera ese trabajo, me mudaría nuevamente a Barcelona.
Third conditional: it is used to refer to a time located in the past and to situations contrary to reality, that is to say, facts that are opposite to what is expressed.
“If I had known, I would have worn something more comfortable“. If I had known, I would have worn something more comfortable.
“I would’ve gone, if you had called me” Hubiera ido si me hubiera hubieraieras llamado.
How to use the first conditional?
The first conditional is used to talk about situations that lead to certain consequences, usually very probable, but without having absolute certainty about the future. We will use it in cases such as future plans, warnings, threats, promises or even to convince someone of something. Let’s look at the following examples;
“If I see him, I tell him your opinionabout the car.” If I see him, I will tell him your opinion about the car.
“If I leave work early today, we will go to the cinema.” If I get off work early enough today, we’ll go to the theater.
“If you work hard, your dreams come true.” If you work hard, your dreams will come true.
How we structure it
The structure of the first conditional is easy to assimilate, since it is very similar to the one we use in Spanish. In the conditional sentence we can begin with the particle If followed by the subject, the verb in present simple and a comma. Thus, we understand that from this condition the following will occur
ient that we start with the subject followed by the verb in the simple future tense.
In the simple future, it will be recurrent to use the will, going to as well as modal verbs that will give more sense to our sentences, these are: might, can, must or should . Examples;
“If she doesn’t go right now, she will miss the buses.” If you do not leave now, you will miss the bus.
“If tomorrow it’s sunny, we will go to beach”. If it’s sunny tomorrow, we’ll go to the beach.
“If the lunch finishes early, you can go to play with your friends.” If we finish lunch soon, you can go play with your friends.
“If the boss calls me, I should go”. If my boss calls me, I should go.
“If I have enough money, I might buy those shoes.” If I have enough money, I might buy those shoes.
“If you have any trouble, you must call her”. If you have any problems you will have to call her.
The English exam that accredits the B1 level is one of the most taken year after year in order to gain access to some universities or even to obtain certain jobs. This is a fairly basic and affordable level that, with hard work and dedication, you will be able to obtain in a short time. In this article we tell you everything you need to know to take and pass this exam. Let’s get started!
Types of examinations
The first thing you should bear in mind is that there are different types of exams and that, therefore, the syllabus and characteristics of the exams may vary:
Cambridge: it is one of the best known exams due to its worldwide recognition and its syllabus is divided into listening, reading, writing, speaking and use of english. There are different levels (PET, FCE, CAE and CPE) that are equivalent to B1, B2, C1 and C2, which can be failed or passed and, in those cases where the student obtains a high score, the higher level at which he/she has taken the exam can be recognized.
Trinity College: unlike the Cambridge exams, this modality focuses more specifically on oral comprehension. You can obtain a qualification in this area, known as Grade Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) or one that includes the other areas of language proficiency, known as Integrated Skills in English (ISE).
TOEFL: this test differs from the others in that it is explicitly focused on academics. In addition, you can neither pass nor fail, but you acquire a grade that certifies a certain level. If you wish to enter a university or obtain a job that requires this qualification, you will most likely be required to have obtained a certain score.
TOEIC: if the TOEFL was focused on the academic environment, the TOEIC is specific to the workplace. This is a multiple-choice test that assesses the candidate’s English language skills.
IETLS: this modality evaluates the student in the areas of reading, listening, speaking and writing. Two different qualifications can also be obtained, depending on whether it is needed for work or academic purposes.
The most common exam both in Spain and in Europe is the Cambridge exam, known as PET (Preliminary English Test).
Evaluation areas B1
Grammar:
Present simple, continuous and perfect
Past simple, continuous and perfect
Future simple: will and be going to
Comparatives and superlatives
Adjectives and adverbs
Modal verbs
Saxon genitive
Be used to, get used to and used to
Connectors
Pronouns
Passive sentence
Indirect style
Indirect questions
Prepositions: at, in and on
For, since, yet and still
Vocabulary: in this test, the topics will be limited and related to everyday life, such as education, work, vacations and free time, sports, etc. On the Cambridge website, you will find a list of all the words that are subject to enter the exam.
When it comes to learning a new language, we often insist on practicing only the theory and forget about the practice. In fact, exercises such as watching movies in the original version or in the language we are learning is one of the best ways to learn without even realizing it. At the beginning it will probably be more difficult because we will be more aware of the subtitles than of the movie itself, but little by little, our brain will learn new vocabulary and expressions, as well as a better listening comprehension capacity.
Tips and tricks to get started
If this is the first time you dare to watch movies in English to improve your knowledge and skills in this language, we propose a series of tips to make it much easier for you:
Movies you already know: the best trick to start with, is to put movies you have already seen and know, to make sure you don’t get lost anywhere. However, we recommend that as soon as you feel ready, you start watching other films to put into practice what you have learned.
Subtitles: you can subtitle the movie in English, so as not to miss anything if the actors speak too fast or have an accent that is more difficult to follow. In this way, your brain will also have the ability to see how to spell those words you don’t know.
Pronunciation: one of the greatest advantages of watching movies in English is being able to practice pronunciation. Take advantage of the subtitles to see how certain words are pronounced.
Jokes and expressions: when we watch a movie in the original version, we will be able to better capture the typical expressions and jokes of the language. These features are often lost when translated into other languages.
Reviews: when you feel ready, take the opportunity to read reviews and opinions in English of the movies and be able to choose the one you like the most.
The best movies to learn English
Although any option is good and will be a challenge for you, below we recommend some films that will be ideal to get you started:
Disney: Disney movies are always a great way to start watching in English. Chances are you are already familiar with some of them, so they will be even easier for you to follow. He thinks that, since they are intended for children, the plots are not complicated to understand.
Grease: if you want to opt for a musical, Grease is a safe bet. Besides being a classic, both the dialogues of the actors and the songs will be easy to understand.
Notting Hill: an ideal option to buy British and American accents and learn to distinguish between them. In addition, the film is set in London, so you can learn more about the culture and traditions of this city.
Love Actually: if you like romantic comedies and intertwined stories, this movie will not leave you indifferent. It is about 8 different love stories that take place in London, where you will be able to see and differentiate different accents.
Cookies on this website are used to personalize content and ads, provide social media features and analyze traffic.
We also share information about your use of the website with our social media, advertising and web analytics partners, who may combine it with other information you have provided to them or that they have collected from your use of their services. Read more
Este sitio web utiliza cookies para mejorar su experiencia mientras navega por el sitio web. De estas, las cookies que se clasifican como necesarias se almacenan en su navegador, ya que son esenciales para el funcionamiento de las funcionalidades básicas del sitio web. También utilizamos cookies de terceros que nos ayudan a analizar y comprender cómo utiliza este sitio web. Estas cookies se almacenarán en su navegador solo con su consentimiento. También tiene la opción de optar por no recibir estas cookies. Pero la exclusión voluntaria de algunas de estas cookies puede afectar su experiencia de navegación.
Las cookies necesarias ayudan a hacer una página web utilizable activando funciones básicas como la navegación en la página y el acceso a áreas seguras de la página web. La página web no puede funcionar adecuadamente sin estas cookies.
Las cookies que pueden no ser particularmente necesarias para el funcionamiento del sitio web y que se utilizan específicamente para recopilar datos personales del usuario a través de análisis, anuncios y otros contenidos integrados se denominan cookies no necesarias. Es obligatorio obtener el consentimiento del usuario antes de ejecutar estas cookies en su sitio web.
Las cookies estadísticas ayudan a los propietarios de páginas web a comprender cómo interactúan los visitantes con las páginas web reuniendo y proporcionando información de forma anónima.
Main false friends in English
The structure of the first conditional is easy to assimilate, since it is very similar to the one we use in Spanish. In the conditional sentence we can begin with the particle 
Cambridge: it is one of the best known exams due to its worldwide recognition and its syllabus is divided into listening, reading, writing, speaking and use of english. There are different levels (PET, FCE, CAE and CPE) that are equivalent to B1, B2, C1 and C2, which can be failed or passed and, in those cases where the student obtains a high score, the higher level at which he/she has taken the exam can be recognized.
Movies you already know: the best trick to start with, is to put movies you have already seen and know, to make sure you don’t get lost anywhere. However, we recommend that as soon as you feel ready, you start watching other films to put into practice what you have learned.
.