Search concise PET grammar, vocabulary, speaking phrases and exam strategy without leaving the course to hunt through past lessons.
Present Simple vs Present Continuous
Mix BOTH tenses in one PET answer: routine (Simple) + right now / this term (Continuous). State verbs (know, like, want) stay Simple.
Past Simple vs Past Continuous
Past Continuous = background / interrupted action. Past Simple = the completed event that interrupts it.
Present Perfect (since / for / just / yet / already)
Present Perfect connects past to NOW. Use 'for' + duration, 'since' + point in time, 'just/already' before main verb, 'yet' at the end of questions/negatives.
Modals of Possibility & Obligation
must / have to = obligation · should = advice · might / could / may = possibility · mustn't = prohibited · don't have to = not necessary.
Conditionals (0 / 1st / 2nd)
0: if + present, present (facts). 1st: if + present, will (real future). 2nd: if + past, would (unreal / hypothetical).
Passive Voice
be + past participle. Use when the action / object matters more than who did it.
PEEL & Linkers (Writing organisation)
PEEL = Point · Explain · Example · Link back. Use 'because/so/however/in addition/for example/finally' to chain ideas across paragraphs.
Dependent Prepositions & Word partners
Many verbs/adjectives lock to one preposition (depend ON, good AT, interested IN). Learn as chunks, not single words.
Relative Clauses (who / that / which / where)
Add information to a noun: who (people) · which / that (things) · where (places). The relative pronoun replaces the subject — don't repeat it.
Reference Words (it / this / that / one / so)
Small words point back to something already mentioned. Always ask: what exactly does 'it', 'this' or 'one' replace? This is how gapped texts and long reading texts hold together.
Speculating (looks like / seems / might be)
When you describe a photo, don't guess as fact. Use: It looks like… · She seems… · They might / could be… · Maybe / Perhaps…
Polite Requests, Offers & Suggestions
Requests: Could you… ? / Would you mind…? · Offers: Shall I…? / Would you like me to…? · Suggestions: Why don't we…? / How about + -ing?
Giving, Extending & Challenging Opinions
Opinion + reason + example. Agree: 'That's a good point, and…' · Disagree politely: 'I see what you mean, but…' · Extend: 'Also… / Another thing is…'