Word Forms and Simple Present Tense

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/word-forms-simple-present-tense

Introduction

### Course Review: Word Forms and Simple Present Tense If you're looking to strengthen your foundational understanding of English grammar, particularly in the areas of word forms and the simple present tense, the Coursera course titled **"Word Forms and Simple Present Tense"** provides a comprehensive, structured, and engaging way to boost your skills. Designed for learners at various proficiency levels, this course breaks down complex grammatical concepts into digestible sections that make learning accessible and enjoyable. #### Course Overview The course begins by introducing you to different word forms, which are essential for constructing meaningful sentences. It covers nouns, including proper nouns, singular and plural forms, and also delves into articles such as “a” and “an.” Following the exploration of word forms, the course emphasizes the BE verb—one of the most fundamental verbs in English—teaching you how to use it effectively. As the course progresses, you'll dive into other verbs in the simple present tense, discovering essential spelling rules for verb conjugation and how to create negative sentences. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to formulate questions using yes/no structures—pivotal for everyday communication. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction & BE Verb:** - In the first week, you'll familiarize yourself with various word types including nouns, verbs, and adjectives. The significance of plural and singular forms is highlighted, along with the correct usage of articles. The week culminates in an extensive look at the BE verb, setting a strong foundation for the weeks that follow. 2. **Simple Present:** - The second week delves deeper into the simple present tense. Here, you'll learn how to form this tense with regular verbs, with a special focus on spelling changes that occur when adding “s” to certain verbs. This week is particularly useful as it also covers possessive adjectives and the apostrophe “s,” enhancing your sentence structure skills. 3. **Simple Present Negative:** - In week three, the course addresses the nuances of forming negative sentences in the simple present, both for the BE verb and other verbs. The section on using “There is” and “There are” is incredibly practical, reinforcing language that is used in everyday descriptions of locations and occurrences. 4. **Yes/No Questions:** - The final week focuses on transforming statements into questions. Here, you will learn the mechanics of asking yes/no questions using the BE verb, and later branch out to using “do” and “does” for other verbs. This crucial skill will enhance your conversational abilities and enable you to engage more effectively in discussions. #### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend the **"Word Forms and Simple Present Tense"** course for anyone from beginners to intermediate learners seeking to improve their English grammar skills. The course's structured approach, progressive build-up of concepts, and practical exercises designed to consolidate learning are invaluable assets for mastering English. Moreover, learners benefit from the flexibility of the online platform, allowing them to study at their own pace. Engaging with the interactive content, including quizzes and exercises, will reinforce what you learn and provide immediate feedback on your understanding. In conclusion, if you aspire to enhance your English proficiency and gain confidence in your grammatical abilities, enrolling in this course on Coursera will be a wise investment in your language journey. Embrace the opportunity to learn, practice, and excel in the world of English grammar!

Syllabus

Introduction & BE Verb

In this first week, we will look at word forms. You learn about different kinds of words like nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Then you will learn about different kinds of nouns. You will learn about plural and singular nouns, how to make spelling changes, and when to use the articles “a” and “an.” You will also learn about verbs in the simple present. We will start with the BE verb. BE is very common. We use it all of the time.

This week, we will look at other verbs in the simple present. You will learn how to form and use the simple present. You will also learn about the different spelling changes that happen when you add an “s” to a verb in the simple present. You will also learn about possessive adjectives and the apostrophe “s” to show someone has something.

This week, you will learn more about the simple present. We will look at how to form the negative for the BE verb and for all other verbs. The BE verb always has rules that are different from other verbs. You will also learn how to use “There is” and “There are” to describe things in a place.

This week, we will start with how to ask yes/no questions using the BE verb. Then, you will practice asking questions using “Is there...?” and “Are there...?” Finally, You will learn how to use “do” and “does” to ask yes/no questions in the simple present.