Core English Language Grammar Pattern Deck Flashcards

-To give people real, powerful, and easy productive facility and fluency with the most common grammar patterns in the whole English language. These patterns are noted for their particular frequency occurring in real, modern English. In addition, the patterns are all linked together using "cause and effect", and connecting structures like "because/so". In this way, if you remember and use one pattern, you will remember many of them. Have fun, and read them out-loud many times.

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

-What do you like doing?

(I like +v.ING [develop my skills] easily, because it’s exciting to make real, fast __________.)

-I also like v.+ING (finish sentences well.)

A
  • I like developing my skills easily, because it’s exciting to make real, fast progress.
  • I also like finishing sentences well.
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2
Q
  • When did you start mixing and using patterns?
  • How long have you been–>ing?

(I started +v.ING__ ______ago)

(I’ve been –>ing for a while, now.)

A
  • I started mixing and using patterns a while ago.

- I have been mixing and using patterns for a while, now.

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3
Q

-Are you used to mixing these patterns, yet?

(Yes, I’m already getting more and more used to +v.ING.)

-In terms of your hobbies, what are you used to doing?

(In terms of my hobbies, I’m used to v.+ING. I can_______easily, and I’m pretty good at v.+ING…I’ve been–>ing for __________ ________.)

A
  • Yes, I’m already getting more and more used to mixing these patterns every time I use them.
  • In terms of my hobbies, I’m used to v.+ING. For example, I can __b.v.___easily, and I’m pretty good at v.+ING. That’s because I’m used to v.+ING. I’ve been –>ing for several years.
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4
Q

-Is there a relationship between MIXING these patterns, and GETTING USED TO these patterns?

(Yes, the more a person [mix] these patterns, the more they get used to them.)

(In addition, the more a person [catch patterns in real life], the more they [realize ___ common they are], because ___ easy __ find examples everywhere.)

A
  • Yes, the more a person mixes these patterns, the more they get used to them.
  • In addition, the more a person catches patterns in real life, the more they realize how common they are, because it’s easy to find examples everywhere.
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5
Q
  • The more I practice and review,
  • The more I exercise,
  • The longer I live here,
  • The more Claudio reads these exercises,
A
  • the more naturally I can use the patterns.
  • the healthier I get.
  • the more I like it here.
  • the more he can proof-read them for the editor to change.
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6
Q

-When it comes to food, what kind of food is your country famous for?

(Well, when it comes to food, my country is famous for_________, and also_______. They are both very________, so most people enjoy v.+ING)

A

-Well, when it comes to food, my country is famous for_______, and also______. They are both very delicious, so most people enjoy eating them.

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7
Q

-When it comes to music, what kind of music do you like?

(When it comes to music, I really………..
I also…………, and …………. What about you?)

A

-When it comes to music, I really like _____. I also like ____, and _____. What about you?

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8
Q

-What are these flashcards useful in terms of?

(These cards are useful in terms of how you can easily _______ yourself to flow with nice language. The more you mix the ___________, the better you can ____ _________.)

A

-These cards are useful in terms of how you can easily train yourself to flow with nice language. The more you mix the patterns, the better you can use them.

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9
Q

-In terms of actors and actresses, who do you
like?

(In terms of actors and actresses, I really like____, because….)

A

-In terms of actors and actresses, I really like _____, because….

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10
Q

So, are there two sides to learning English?

(Yes. On the ONE hand, English __ _ big project, but on the OTHER hand, you ___ learn a lot very quickly, when you use ____ questions ___ answers repeat___.)

A

-Yes. On the ONE hand, English is a big project, but on the OTHER hand, you can learn a lot very quickly, when you use these questions and answers repeatedly.

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11
Q

-What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city?

(Well, on the ONE hand,…. But on the OTHER hand, ….)

A

-Well, on the ONE hand, the city is exciting and colourful, but on the OTHER hand, it can be polluted or dangerous. It depends on the city, or village, or town.

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12
Q

-Have you ever been to __[place]____?

(#1.-Yes, I have. It was really _____, and I ____________)

(#2.-No, I haven’t. Why? Do you think it’d be a good idea to…..?)

(#2.-Maybe I’ll_________

 - If I have time, I will\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
 - It depends if....
 - I'll have to wait and see.)
A

1.-Yes, I have. It was really nice, and I had a great time.

- If I have time, I'll go. 
- It depends if I have time. 
- I'll have to wait and see.
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13
Q

-Have you ever eaten______?

(#1. Yes, I have. It was….)

(#2a. No, I haven’t. Why? Is it good?)

(#2b. You haven’t? You should_____, because…….. So, I recommend v.+ING.)

A

1. Yes, I have. It was fantastic.

#2b.You haven't? You should eat\_\_\_\_, because it's \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
So, I recommend eating \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
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14
Q

-What did you do yesterday?

(Simple Past–Well, I [eat] and [talk] to ______ about_____. I [watch] . It was______.

A

-Well, I ate_____, and I talked to___about____. I watched_____. It was ________.

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15
Q

-Are you /gonna/ go to the club?

(Yes, I’m /gonna/ … , because…Would you like to_____?)

(No, I don’t think so, because I feel like v.+ING…)

(Maybe I will go to the club. I haven’t ________ yet. If I feel up to v.+ING, I will. It depends if……., or not.)

A

-Yes, I’m /gonna/ go to the club, because a cool band is playing tonight. Would you like to join me?

  • No, I don’t think so, because I feel like staying home and watching a movie.
  • Maybe I’ll go to the club, I haven’t decided yet. If I feel up to going to the club, I’ll go. It depends if I feel up to it, or not.
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16
Q

-Are you doing anything tonight?

(Not really. Why? What’s up?)

(Well, we are–>ing at the _____, at__o ‘clock, to____and_____. Would you like to join us?)

(Sure, that’d be great…/Thad/ be great.)

A
  • Not really. Why? What’s up?
  • Well, we’re meeting at the pub at eight o’clock, to relax and talk. Would you like to join us?
  • Sure, that’d be great!
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17
Q

-Do you think it’ll be fun?

(Yes, I’m sure it’ll be____. It “should” be_____. Are you _____ come?)

(Definitely. It sounds like it’ll be a _____ _____.)

A
  • Yes, I’m sure it’ll be fun. It should be great. Are you /gonna/ come?
  • Definitely. It sounds like it’ll be a good time.
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18
Q

-Have you heard anything about that movie? Is it good?

(Well, apparently, it’s a really special and unique…………Everything………………………….It’s great, and I highly recommend v.+ING [go to see it].) Or you could probably…………………….., couldn’t you?

A

-Well, apparently, it’s a really special and unique movie. Everything comes together into a perfect piece of art. It’s great, and I highly recommend going to see it. Or you could probably find it on the Internet, couldn’t you?

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19
Q

-So, what happened yesterday?

Use: Well, I / and________.However, / because / so / that’s why

A

-Well, I went to the mall to buy some sunscreen, and also some floating devices for the water. However, they were sold out, because it was so hot yesterday. So, I had to go to three stores, before I finally found some. That’s why I arrived late at the beach.

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20
Q

-What do you have to do?

(I have to…)

-What did you have to do?

(I had to…)

-What are you going to have to do?

(I’m going to have to … /gonna hafta/ )

A
  • I have to enjoy reviewing these a few dozen times.
  • I had to check it out.
  • I’m going to have to spend a lot more time developing these skills, because they seem pretty easy to grasp.
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21
Q

What new information did you get?

Well, apparently, people can use apps to……….. new language………………, and the more….., the more…

A

-Well, apparently, people can use apps to pick up new language easily, and the more you can find new combinations and examples, the more exciting it is.

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22
Q
  • Hey, your name is ______, isn’t it?
  • And you’re from_____, aren’t you?
  • Isn’t it nice to learn about other cultures?
A
  • Yes, that’s right. And you’re___, aren’t you?
  • Yes. And you’re from ___, aren’t you?
  • Yes, it’s interesting to learn about other cultures. People tend to expand their horizons and learn new things.
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23
Q

-Do you think it’d be nice to have a picnic, now that the weather is nice?

(Sure, It’d be……Do you have any________ as to______to go?)

(What about going to ______?)

(That’d be…….., good idea. Where and when should we……….?)

A
  • Sure, it’d be nice to have a picnic. Do you have any suggestions as to where to go?
  • What about going to Jericho Beach?
  • That’d be great, good idea. Where and when should we meet?
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24
Q

-What’s the difference between +v.ING, and +v.ING? (learn effectively/have fun)

(Well, now that you mention it, there really is no difference between………………., and………..
When things come together in the right way, it’s amazing what can be achieved.)

A

-Well, now that you mention it, there really is no difference between learning effectively, and having fun. When things come together in the right way, it’s amazing what can be achieved.

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25
Q

-Is there a relationship between +v.ING and +v.ING? (recycle patterns/improve naturally)?

(Yes, there is a __________ between recycling patterns, and improving naturally. When a person reads, and reviews, and _____ ________, they can make huge _______ in their learning.)

A

-Yes, there is a relationship between recycling patterns, and improving naturally. When a person reads, and reviews, and catches patterns, they can make huge jumps in their learning.

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26
Q

-Why did you go to the beach?
(in order to_v._)

-Why do you go to restaurants?
(in order to__v._)

-Why are you /gonna/ go downtown?
(in order to/ so that I can__b.v._)

A
  • I went to the beach to relax and enjoy the sun.
  • I go to restaurants to steal recipes for my own restaurant.
  • I’m /gonna/ go downtown to walk around and have fun. I’m /gonna/ go downtown so that I can go shopping.
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27
Q

-Is this your first time +v.ING? (work through the patterns)

(No, this isn’t………………….., actually.)

-Have you __p.p.__ through the patterns before?

(Yes, I have…)

A
  • No, this isn’t my first time working through the patterns, actually.
  • Yes, I have worked through the patterns before.
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28
Q

-Is this the first time that you’ve p.p.? (see this movie)

Yes, this is the first time that.. It’s _________Do you…….?

A

-Yes, this is the first time that I’ve seen this movie. It’s awesome. Do you like it?

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29
Q

-Was it your first time +v.ING? (practice reading)

(Yes. It was my… At the time, I hadn’t p.p.)

-Do you remember your first time +v.ING? (read patterns)

(Yes. I remember my first time v.+ING [read patterns]. I realized it was an _______way to train ________ _________ ________.)

A
  • Yes, it was my first time practicing reading. At the time, I hadn’t read before.
  • Yes, I remember my first time reading patterns. I realized it was an easy way to train strong English skills.
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30
Q

-Do you remember the first time that you (jump in a swimming pool)?

(No, actually,I don’t remember the…. However, I DO remember +v.ING….)

A

-No, actually, I don’t remember the first time that I jumped in a swimming pool. However, I DO remember spending time at the lake, and swimming with my family.

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31
Q

-Eventually, do you think you’ll use these patterns in an easy and natural way?

(Yes, eventually, I think…)

A

-Yes, eventually, I think I’ll use these patterns in an easy and natural way.

32
Q

-Can you think of two reasons why you like where you live?

Well, where I live is not only…, but also… We have lots of options in terms of…

A

-Well, where I live is not only interesting, but also beautiful. We have lots of options in terms of activities and fun things to do.

33
Q

-Were you able to try some new food?

Yes, I…My favourite was probably the …

A

-Yes, I was able to try several different things. My favourite was probably the _____, because….

34
Q

-How do you like mixing these patterns, compared to other ways of studying grammar?

(Well, compared to___, I think that v.+ING is really…. I’ve found that, the more…, the more…)

A

-Well, compared to other ways of studying grammar, I think that mixing these patterns is really interesting. I’ve found that, the more I practice and recycle these things, the more I improve in surprising ways.

35
Q

Could you have someone help you move?

Yes, I could have….

A

-Yes, I could have ______ help me move. Maybe I’ll buy us some takeout for dinner while we move, like a bucket of fried chicken, and some beer, or something.

36
Q

-Do you think you would’ve been able to learn so quickly, if you hadn’t studied these patterns in this way?

(Actually, no, I don’t think I would’ve been able to…if I ….)

A

-Actually, no, I don’t think I would’ve been able to learn so quickly, if I hadn’t studied these patterns in this way.

37
Q

-Do you think it’ll be interesting to mix these patterns in an unconscious way?

(Yes, it “should” be quite interesting to____ _______ __________ in an unconscious way, because it’s these kinds of combinations that allow people to______, ________, and __________.)

A

-Yes, it should be quite interesting to mix these patterns in an unconscious way, because it’s these kinds of combinations that allow people to think, talk, and respond.

38
Q

-Did you used to ride a bike when you were younger?

(Yes, I used to__v.__ I used to spend a lot of time +v.ING….I have a lot of memories of the area where I ____ ______.I remember v.+ING and +v.ING. [play, eat])

A

-Yes, I used to ride a bike. I used to spend a lot of time riding around my neighbourhood. I have a lot of memories of the area where I grew up. I remember playing and eating.

39
Q

-So, what “would” your family do on holidays?

Well, we “would”__b.v.__, and __b.v.__, We always used to__v.__, and it was_____.

A

-Well, we would spend time outside, and eat food together. We always used to enjoy some games and activities.

40
Q

-Are you interested in +v.ING? (cook)

Yes, I’m interested in +v.ING, because it looks_____. I’d like to be able to______ Maybe I’ll……

A

-Yes, I’m interested in cooking, because it looks like fun. I’d like to be able to create delicious food the same as in the restaurants. Maybe I’ll use the Internet.

41
Q

-What did you end up doing last night?

Well, I ended up +v.ING [watch a movie], and +v.ING [make some food.] It was a relaxing way to spend the evening.

A

-Well, I ended up watching a movie, and making some food. It was a relaxing way to spend the evening.

42
Q

-Despite the fact that it was a little expensive, did you have a good time?

(Yes, despite the fact that it was……………., I had a________ _____. I really enjoyed the _____________.)

A

-Yes, despite the fact that it was a little expensive, I had a good time. I really enjoyed the atmosphere.

43
Q

-It was expensive, but did you enjoy it?

Yes it was expensive, but that being said,…

A

-Yes, it was expensive, but, that being said, I enjoyed it.

44
Q

-Do you think it was a good idea to steal the recipes from the restaurant?
(Well, looking back, I probably shouldn’t have p.p., because…, and…)

A

-Well, looking back, I probably shouldn’t have stolen the recipes from the restaurant, because the media found out, and now I’m in jail.

45
Q

Why didn’t you use the free ticket to the Alaskan Cruise?

I probably should have p.p., because…

A

-I probably should have used the free ticket to the Alaskan Cruise, because my friend told me it was one of the best trips she had ever been on in her life.

46
Q

-Do you think +v.ING is useful? (mix patterns)

(Yes, I think mixing patterns is useful, because I find myself +v.ING(think) and v.+ING(speak) in a different way. It’s good to get new _______, isn’t it?

A

-Yes, I think mixing patterns is useful, because I find myself thinking and speaking in a different way. It’s good to get new skills, isn’t it?

47
Q

-Do you like anything about using flashcard software like this?

(Yes, I like the fact that it’s both…and… It’s surprising how…)

A

-Yes, I like the fact that it’s both easy and effective. It’s surprising how things can start to flow in a natural way.

48
Q

-What KIND of food do you like?

Well, specifically, I like____, because….That’s why…

A

-Well, specifically, I like SPICY food, because there are so many different flavours. That’s why I go to a lot of international restaurants.

49
Q

-So, tell me about your possible plans next weekend.

-(I’ll probably go to the _____ and _____ ____.
I might play______, or I might just ____ __ ______, and eat some fish and chips. However, it depends on ___ ______, and whether or not it’s windy. Because it’s not as nice when it’s super-windy, is it? That’s why I’ll check ___ _________ first. Maybe I’ll check ___ _____, too.)

A

-Well, I’ll probably go to the beach and hang out. I might play frisbee, or I might just take it easy, and eat some fish and chips. However, it depends on the weather, and whether or not it’s windy. Because its not as nice when its super-windy, is it? That’s why I’ll check the forecast first. Maybe I’ll check the tides, too.

50
Q

So, do you have any idea what happens sooner or later with most people?

(Well, sooner or later, most…realize…easy…learn..well.)

A

-Well, sooner or later, most people realize it’s easy to learn well.

51
Q

What do you think will happen with the Games, ultimately?

Well, ultimately, I……one team….win…Games.

A

-Well, ultimately, I think one team will win the Games.

52
Q

-Do you think you’ll buy a computer?

Sooner or later….probably………

A

-Sooner or later, I’ll probably buy a new computer.

53
Q

What are two nice things about your city?

It’s not only…., but also…., and so……depending on…….

A

-It’s not only beautiful, it’s also interesting, and so there are lots of tourists, depending on the season.

54
Q

-So, do you have any additional points to mention?

(Yes. In addition, I’d like to express my gratitude for the ………………………………………………so far.)

A

-Yes. In addition, I’d like to express my gratitude for the fine work that’s been done on the project so far.

55
Q

-Hey, were you going to go to the concert, originally?

(No, originally, I wasn’t go to __ __ ___ ______. I was going to go to a house party. However, I changed my mind, and I ended up v.+ING after all.)

A

No, originally, I wasn’t going to go to the concert. I was going to go to a house party. However, I changed my mind, and I ended up going to the concert after all.

56
Q

-Did you enjoy the dinner, even though it was a little expensive?

(Yes, I…………………even though…………….)

A

-Yes, I enjoyed the dinner, even though it was a little expensive.

57
Q

-Hey, do you think he missed the bus? He’s not here now.

Yes, he must have [miss] the bus. Otherwise, he would……………by now.

A

-Yes, he must have missed the bus. Otherwise, he would be here by now.

58
Q

-Do you think it’s useful to read these cards out-loud?

(Yes, I think it’s useful to…………………….. It’s also nice to know that v.+ING [improve] is ________ __________.)

A

Yes, I think it’s useful to read these cards out-loud. It’s also nice to know that improving is pretty easy.

59
Q

-What do you like about v.+ING? (live in this city)

Well, the thing I like about v.+ING, is the fact that, the longer..[stay]…here, the more I get used to it here.

A

-Well, the thing I like about living in this city, is the fact that, the longer I stay here, the more I get used to it here.

60
Q

-In your opinion, learning is like what?

In my opinion, learning is like v.+ING [sail boat on the ocean].

A

In my opinion, learning is like sailing a boat on the ocean.

61
Q

-What would you do if got one free month in a nice cabin near a lake, in the summertime, when the fishing is good?

(Well, I’d definitely make use of the ___ ____ ______, and I might even do some v.+ING.)

A

-Well, I’d definitely make use of the one free month, and I might even do some fishing.

62
Q

-What would you do if you were suddenly able to use a lot of patterns well?

(If I were able to suddenly…….., I’d be v.–>ing……[use them everywhere],….and v.–>ing…[enjoy my skills])

A

-If I were able to suddenly use a lot of patterns well, I’d be using them everywhere and enjoying my skills.

63
Q

-If you were to see a ghost while staying in the woods, in an old cabin with your friends, what would you do?

(If I were to…………while……….., in an old cabin with my friends, I’d get them to help me investigate.)

A

-If I were to see a ghost while staying in the woods, in an old cabin with my friends, I’d get them to help me investigate.

64
Q

-So, had anything happened by the time you arrived home last night?

(Yes, By the time I __________ _______ ______ ________, my roomates had barbecued all the meat on the deck, for all our ____________. Apparently, it was a ______________ _________.)

A

-Yes, by the time I arrived home last night, my roomates had barbecued all the meat on the deck, for all our neighbours. Apparently, it was a spontaneous party.

65
Q

-So, how long had she been–>ing (fill up the swimming pool), by the time you arrived?

(Well, by the time I arrived, she had been………for four hours.)

A

-Well, by the time I arrived, she had been filling up the swimming pool for four hours.

66
Q

-Do you think that if someone is Canadian, it means they play hockey?

(No, not necessarily. Just because……, doesn’t mean………..)

A

No, not necessarily. Just because someone is Canadian doesn’t mean they play hockey.

67
Q

-What does the fact that you’re reading these cards out-loud mean?

(Well, the fact that I’m reading…….. means…..developing………skill.)

A

-Well, the fact that I’m reading these cards out-loud means I’m developing a lot of skill.

68
Q

-So, what’ve you been DOING recently?

Oh, you know, I’ve been–>ing [learn a lot] and [develop my English patterns] What about you? What’ve YOU been doing?

A

-Oh, you know, I’ve been learning a lot, and developing my English patterns. What about you? What’ve YOU been doing?

69
Q

So, how long have you been playing soccer for?

Oh, I’ve been–>ing for about ___years.

A

Oh, I’ve been playing soccer for about ten years.

70
Q

-So, is everything OK with your hotel room?

Yes, in general, ________ __ ____ with my hotel room. However, I can’t _______ ___ ______.

A

Yes, in general, everything is O.K. However, I can’t open the door.

71
Q

What did you do first? And after that? And after that?

Well, first I ordered…..After that, we ordered….After that, we ate…. It was…….

A

Well, first I ordered some chicken wings. After that, we ordered some nacho chips. After that, we ate some ice cream. It was a lot of food.

72
Q

How did you survive, before finding these English pattern cards?

(Before v.+ING, I survived by v.+ING [watch sitcoms]).

A

Before finding these English pattern cards, I survived by watching sitcoms.

73
Q

What do you usually do first every morning? And after that? And after that?

(Well, first I usually………After that, I read the……in my…., while–>ing [watch the news] After that, I ride my……to the ………….., where I have……….with………)

A

-Well, first I usually turn on the coffee. After that, I read the newspaper in my robe, while watching the news. After that, I ride my horse to the town, where I have more coffee with the locals.

74
Q

-You know, I’ve had great results with these patterns.

Oh really? Who…[tell] you about them, or how did you find out about them?

A

Oh really? Who told you about them, or how did you find out about them?

75
Q

-So, what’s your opinion about working?

You know, the issue isn’t time or______in your job, the issue is_______________.

A

-You know, the issue isn’t time or effort in your job, the issue is enjoyment.

76
Q

-In your opinion, can these cards help in one way, or in more than one way?

(In my opinion, these cards can………………..)

A

-In my opinion, these cards can help in more than one way.

77
Q

-What do you like about mixing common patterns?

(I like the fact that mixing common patterns is a powerful way to _____ ___.)

(I also like working on pronunciation, because it’s______, and that’s why people ______ fast.)

(I like the fact that people want to _______ thoroughly.)

A
  • I like the fact that mixing common patterns is a powerful way to learn now.
  • I also like working on pronunciation, because it’s useful, and that’s why people improve fast.
  • I like the fact that people want to learn thoroughly.