Englishfor English speakers
be
Verb
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This verb tells us that a thing is present, or in a place.
The book is on the table.
There was someone in the room.
Were you at the party?
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Happen
The party was on Saturday.
The next meeting will be here.
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Go somewhere; visit someone (only in the present perfect tense)
I've never been to Disneyland.
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A verb we use when describing.
The book is blue.
They were sad about losing the match.
John is 35 years old this year.
Im fine.
He'd like to be a doctor.
The film was terrible!
The book is 5 euro.
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Act like someone or something
Look, Mummy! I'm being a dog! Woof, woof!
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We use a form of be and a gerund-participle to make progressive verb forms.
He is sitting on the chair.
I've been waiting for half an hour.
They will be leaving on Tuesday.
on
Preposition
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positioned at the upper surface of, touching from above
The apple is on the table.
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at the date of
Tim was born on the 4th of July.
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along, forwards (continuing an action)
drive on, rock on
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about, dealing with the subject of
I have a book on history.
There was a World Summit on the Information Society a few weeks ago.
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touching; hanging from
I have no money on me at the moment.
I would like to eat the fruit on the trees.
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because of, due to
He was arrested on suspicion of bribery.
I contacted Joanne on a hunch that she would know about it.
The stock price increased on news of a new product.
on
Adjective
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If something is on, it is active, functioning or operating.
The television is on.
The lights are on, so it is very bright.
the
Determiner
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Used, instead of a, to reference something specific, already known to exist.
Compare "I read a book." and "I read the book."
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Used with a stress, to show that the word following is special.
Are you the John Smith that I went to school with?
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Used with an adjective that acts like a noun to mean all of the people concerned
The poor are always with us.
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Used with superlatives forms of adjectives and adverbs.
You are the best.
defensive
Adjective
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Defensive positions, weapons, plans, etc. are used to protect against attack.
China's growth puts Canadian employers in a defensive position.
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A defensive player tries to stop the other team from scoring.
A $ 10 million bonus, makes him the highest-paid defensive player in the .
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If someone is being defensive or on the defensive, they feel unsure about their position, and they try to show that they are right.
I don't know why she gets very defensive every time I ask about her job.