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We continue our series of articles on the grammar of spoken English. We are often asked questions in the comments: “Why did the main character in the series say that? Is it supposed to be like this?” We never tire of repeating that in colloquial speech there can be completely unique grammatical phenomena that are not described in classical grammar books. In the last article "", we began to analyze a series of grammatical rules that, in fact, can be violated in colloquial speech. Today we will talk about hypotheses, adjectives and adverbs.
Building hypotheses and expressing uncertainty
Surely, after reading the subtitle, you thought about modal verbs, because it is they that allow you to grammatically convey absolute certainty or lack of it. For example:
It must be Brian. It must be Brian.
It might be the house we are looking for. This may be the house we are looking for.
- Pay attention to our article on modal deduction verbs "".
However, modal verbs are not the only way to construct a hypothesis. In colloquial English, a variety of words and expressions are very popular, conveying hypothetical conditions and the speaker's uncertainty that these actions will be resorted to in practice.
- What if- what if.
- Suppose/supposing- suppose / suppose.
- Imagine- imagine.
- Say- let's say.
These words can be used at different tenses to convey hypotheses:
- present simple- ask about a hypothetical situation that we find likely in the future, or show that we consider it likely.
Suggest/supposing you end up just nowhere, then what? “Suppose you don’t achieve anything, then what?”
- past simple or Past continuous- ask a question about a situation assumed in the present or future, as well as its possible results (similar to a second type of conditional sentence).
imagine/what if he asked you to move to a new place (= if he asked you to move) , what would you say? - Imagine that he offered you to move to a new place, what would you say?
Say he was working for the competitors, would you tell the boss? Let's say he works for competitors, would you tell the boss?
- past simple- build an assumption, give the interlocutor food for thought, lead him to some thought.
Say/suppose we saw a crime... - Let's imagine that we saw a crime...
- past perfect- ask a question about a hypothetical situation in the past and its possible outcome (similar to a conditional sentence of the third type).
Say/imagine you had passed the test, what would you have done next? Let's say you passed the test, what would you do next?
What if I come round for a sec? What if I run for a second?
The colloquial version of any language is always rich in slang expressions and words. For example, sec in our example, it is a colloquial abbreviation for second- second. More information about slang can be found. And, of course, don't forget the importance of a good dictionary, because it's your basic learning resource!
If you need to recommend something to your interlocutor, use should / ought to is not the only way to do this. While the use of modal verbs is a more neutral option, the construction with it's (high/about) time is a more colloquial alternative. With its help, you designate what, in your opinion, should happen, but does not happen. Please note: after it's (high/about) time used past simple.
It's time you came to your senses! "It's time for you to take over!"
It's high time you settled down to married life. - It's time to start a family.
It's about time you bought a new mobile. - It would not hurt you to buy a new mobile.
Remember that after it's (high/about) time negation is not used, that is, one cannot say " it's time we didn't ”.
The following use of the construct is possible: It's time + for + object + to + infinitive.
We'd better hurry up. It's time for us to leave. “We'd better hurry up. Time to leave.
If we are referring to ourselves or directly to the interlocutor, we can omit for + object.
It's time to show you who's the boss here. Time to show you who's boss here.
Colloquial adjectives and adverbs
- Beyond words really and pretty(meaning "very", "very"), expressions such as nice/good and + adjective, can be used to enhance the meaning of many adjectives. And themselves nice/good often not translated into Russian.
The room is nice and clean. - The room is clean and tidy.
I'll pop round when I'm good and ready. - I'll run when I'm ready.
In very informal situations in British English it is possible to use the word dead/well as amplifiers.
The deep sea diving was dead scary for me. Diving was fucking scary for me.
The city was well worth seeing. The city was really worth visiting.
- We can use a bit to weaken the meaning of adjectives. However, we do not use a bit before a noun with an adjective.
It was a bit obscure. - It was a little unclear.
The book is a bit boring. - The book is a bit boring. (but not “it is a bit boring book”)
- adjectives cheap, clean, clear, good, loud, quick, slow, smooth sometimes used as adverbs in spoken English. However, be careful, this is not the norm for classical English.
They sell sundries cheap in that shop (= cheaply) . This shop sells all sorts of small things at low prices.
He did good (=well) . “He did well.
This stupid tram goes so slow (= slowly) . This stupid tram is going so slowly!
- We offer you a link to the article.
Unfortunately, I was late for the meeting. “Unfortunately, I was late for the meeting.
I thought that the show was quite boring, frankly. – I thought the show was pretty boring, to be honest.
Examples of popular "colloquial" adverbs:
- Anyway- anyway, anyway.
- So- so that means.
- Admittedly- the truth, I must say.
- apparently– obviously, undoubtedly.
- fortunately- Luckily.
- Luckily– fortunately, by a lucky chance.
- Frankly- honestly.
- To be honest- to tell the truth.
- Incidentally- by the way, by the way.
- By the way- by the way.
- Understandably- clear.
Some adverbs (for example, naturally, clearly) can be used as introductory words. Sometimes these same adverbs of mode of action ( adverbs of manner) are full members of the sentence, it all depends on the context.
Despite being in the strange surroundings, he acted quite naturally. - Even being in an unfamiliar environment, he behaved quite naturally.
Naturally, people get accustomed to their environment. - Naturally, people get used to their surroundings. (introductory word)
The student answered the question clearly. The student clearly answered the question. (adverb of mode of action, part of a sentence)
Clearly, the manager didn't cope with his assignment. “Obviously the manager didn't do his job. (introductory word)
We offer you a video from which you can learn about other popular "colloquial" adverbs that will undoubtedly make speech more vivid and interesting in certain circumstances.
In conclusion, we suggest you take the test:
Test
Grammar of spoken English. Part 2
In English, there are several different ways to say the same thing. The exact form we use depends upon the situation. For example, certain structures commonly used in informal situations are not considered appropriate in a formal style.
The phrases ‘It’s high time…’ and ‘Let’s…’ can both be used to make suggestions.
Let's is the short form for let us. It is followed by an infinitive without to.
- Let's go home.
- Let's eat out tonight.
- Let's buy some flowers for Mary.
- Let's start now.
This structure is mainly used in informal contexts. If it is a suggestion, it is often followed by the tag, ‘shall we?’
- Let's go to the park, shall we?
- Let's buy something to eat shall we?
As you can see, this is not an order. It is merely a polite way of suggesting that you and the people you are talking to should do something.
Let’s… becomes a polite instruction or order when it is used without shall we? Parents often use this form while talking with their kids.
- come on, let's go. It is already late.
It's high time...
Now if you feel that it is already late for something to happen, you can use the expression ‘It’s high time…’ This structure might look unusual, because it uses a past tense form to talk about the present or future. In fact, past tenses are used to talk about the present / future in many phrases with time.
- It's high time you got that car repaired.
- It's time you got that car repaired. (This pattern shows a little less urgency.)
- It's about time you got that car repaired.
- It's high time we bought a new car.
- It's time we bought a new car.
- It's about time we bought a new car.
Note that these expressions are mainly used in formal contexts. In less formal situations, we are more likely to use a form with let.
High High, a. h, h?h; akin to OS. h?h, OFries. hag, hach, D. hoog, OHG. h?h, G. hoch, Icel. h?r, Sw. h[o]g, Dan. h[o]i, Goth. hauhs, and to Icel. haugr mound, G. h[… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
high time- may refer to:In film and television: * High Time (film), a film directed by Blake Edwards * High Times (TV series), a Scottish comedy drama seriesIn music: * High Time (album), an album by MC5 * High Time (TMGE album), an album by Thee Michelle… … Wikipedia
high time- n. 1. time beyond the proper time but before it is too late; none too soon ☆ 2. Slang a lively, exciting, enjoyable time: also high old time … English World dictionary
High Time Resolution Astrophysics- (HTRA) is a section of astronomy/astrophysics involved in measuring and studying astronomical phenomena in time scales of 1 second and smaller (t.b.c.). This breed of astronomy has developed with higher efficiency detectors and larger telescopes… … Wikipedia
high time- high′ time′ n. the appropriate time or past the appropriate time … From formal English to slang
high time- noun the latest possible moment (Freq. 1) it is high time you went to work Hypernyms: time * * * the appropriate time or past the appropriate time: It s high time he got out of bed. * * * high time noun 1. Quite time (that something were done) … Useful english dictionary
High Time (film)- Infobox Film name = High Time caption = Original 1960 film poster director = Blake Edwards producer = Charles Brackett writer = Garson Kanin (story) Frank Waldman and Tom Waldman (screenplay) starring = Bing Crosby Fabian Tuesday Weld Nicole… … Wikipedia
High Time (Dottie West album)- Infobox Album Name = High Time Type = Album Artist = Dottie West Released = 1982 Recorded = 1982 Genre = Country Pop Length = Label = Liberty Records Producer = Brent Maher Randy Goodrum Reviews = Last album = Wild West 1981 This album = High… … Wikipedia
High Time to Kill- Infobox Book name = High Time to Kill title orig = translator = image caption = First edition cover author = Raymond Benson illustrator = cover artist = country = United Kingdom language = English series = James Bond subject = genre = Spy fiction … Wikipedia
high time- n. high time to + inf. (it s high time to leave) * * * high time to + inf. (it's high time to leave) … Combinatory dictionary
High Time (song)- Infobox Single Name = High Time Artist = Styx from Album = Kilroy Was Here B side = Double Life Released = 1983 Recorded = 1982 Genre = Pop/Rock Length = Label = A M Writer = Dennis DeYoung Producer = Styx Chart position = * #48 (US Billboard Hot…Wikipedia
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Have you ever been in a situation where you thought it was time to do something?
For example:
“It is high time for her to learn English. It's time for him to find a new job. It's time for us to clean the room."
AT English language we build such sentences using the construction It's (high) time.
Let's look at how to use it correctly.
Using the construction It "s time in English
The construction It "s time literally translates as "this is the time." But, of course, using this construction, we do not translate it literally, but say "it's time."
It is used very often in colloquial speech, and you have probably heard it in English songs, series or films.
We use it when we say that the time has come to do something.
For example:
It's time for him to move into his apartment.
There are two ways to use this construct:
1. When we talk about any other person
For example, we say:
It's time for her to start working.
It's time + character + past action
That is, in this case, after our construction, we put:
1. The actor who needs to take a certain action
2. The verb in the past tense is what it is time for a person to do.
If the verb is correct, we add the ending -ed, if it is incorrect, we put it in the 2nd form.
Note: Despite the fact that we use the verb in the past form, we translate such sentences in the present tense.
| you | ||
| they | ||
| It's time | we | found |
| he | worked | |
| she | ||
| it |
For example:
It's time he found a job.
It's time for him to find a job.
It's time she went home.
It's time for her to go home.
2. When we talk about ourselves or another person and ourselves
Using this construction, you automatically imply that it is about you.
For example: It's time to clean the room (it's time for me or it's time for us).
The outline of such a proposal would be:
It’s time + to + present tense verb
For example:
It's time to help her.
It's time to help her.
It's time to start jogging.
It's time to start running.
We can also strengthen this construction by adding one word to it. Let's see how.
Using the construction It "s high time in English
The design It's high time is translated into Russian as "it's high time, it's high time."
As you can see, the word high reinforces the construction. Therefore, it is usually used when we express dissatisfaction or criticize someone.
For example: It's time for you to start studying normally.
The scheme of such a proposal:
It's high tense + character + past tense verb
That is, since we usually criticize other people, after our construction we put:
1. The protagonist is the person we are criticizing.
2. Action in the past tense - what it's time for a person to do
Note: Just like in the past construction, despite the fact that the action is in the past tense, we mean the present or future tense.
| you | ||
| they | ||
| It's high time | we | found |
| he | worked | |
| she | ||
| it |
For example:
It's high time she cleaned her room.
It's time for her to clean her room.
It's high time they started to work.
It's time for them to start working.
So, now you are familiar with another colloquial construction of the English language. Now let's practice using it.
Reinforcement task
Translate the following sentences into English. Leave your answers in the comments below the article.
1. It's time for her to sleep.
2. It is high time for him to apologize to her.
3. It's time to pack your bags.
4. It's time for him to go to work.
5. It is high time for them to talk to her.
Dear accomplices.
There are such turnovers: "it" s time / it "s about time / it" s high time". According to the standard rule, they will be followed by Past Simple, for example: "It" s high time we went ". You can also find in written and colloquial speech cases of using Past Continuous, Present Simple or infinitive there. But the fact is that in some sources I met a mention that the Past Perfect is also possible, which supposedly, in comparison with the Past Simple, will emphasize that some imperfect action would have been done a long time ago. But no matter how much I searched, I could not find a single real example of using the Past Perfect in such constructions. So, is it possible to meet (albeit very, very rarely) a phrase like "It's high time I had called him" and what will it mean in this case? I suspect that Past Perfect in such a construction is the lot of grammar books and in real English it is never and nowhere used at all.
Indeed, it does not apply.
If possible, I'll get into the topic with my question:
is it "s high time to ... (it" s high time to go) construction allowed?
This is where grammar stops and usage begins to rule.
In British english at the moment:
"It"s time to go" = "It"s time we went" This is a non urgent comment
"It"s high time we went" This is more urgent BUT you can"t say "It"s high time to go" (This is why I say grammar stops - there is no way of making a rule here - we say the one, but not the other)
"It"s about time ..." This does not express any sort of comment about the immediate present and is quite different from the two examples above. It expresses dissatisfaction with recent events:
"It"s about time we had a change of government" = We are tired of what the government is doing and we want a change.
"It"s about time Liverpool won the Premiership" = We are getting tired of Manchester United.
"It"s about time you grew up" = Frustrated parent to big teenager
Your example "It"s high time I had called him" - Nothing like this exists as far as I can see.
Do I understand correctly that the construction is similar to I wish something + past (simple or perfect)?
If so, would it be correct to harmonize tenses and say It was (about) time ... + past perfect?
The time matching rule does not apply to it "s (high) time, I can say for sure
- "I wish the escalator worked" Simple past, but this is an expression of current discontent. "I wish the escalator worked because walking up the stairs makes my legs ache". Grammatically it seems barmy.
"I wish the escalator was working" has exactly the same meaning as the above and is equally barmy.
We should be able to say "I wish the escalator is working" but we don't. However this is not grammar, it is usage
"I wish the escalator had worked" Past perfect. The speaker is expressing regret at what happened some time ago. The escalator did not work last Tuesday and so his legs ached on Tuesday evening.
"I wish the escalator had worked" Present perfect. We don't say this.
Now we are thinking about "It was time..."
"It was time he had eaten" "It was time he had dug the garden" past perfect - I don't think you can have sentences like this
"It was about time he had eaten" This is better, but you can't have it by itself.
"He decided it was about time he had eaten" You can have this. It means that in the past he realized he was hungry.
I "m afraid this is very unsatisfactory to a grammarian. I really think there is a limit to how far you can codify the strange ways we have of speaking. English can sometimes be very difficult because we don"t decline our nouns and our verbs are only really semi-conjugated.
Thanks a lot! Everything is clear now.
