I’m sure you’ve seen this line below the golden arches before. McDonald’s has even trademarked it. Why is so catchy? Love is a state verb. That’s the short answer.
Let’s find out more about state verbs. These verbs fall into four categories.
The four categories of state verbs
Mental states. This includes verbs such as know, think, and believe. For example: She knows a lot about astronomy.
Emotional states, such as like, love, prefer, and hate. For example, I like to wake up early in the morning.
The senses–see, hear, smell, and taste. For instance, this pizza margerita tastes delicious.
Possession. Verbs such as: own, have, and possess. For example: I own a bicycle.
What you need to know
Here is your takeaway from this post. We do not add an ‘ing’ at the end of a state verb.
So, we say: I prefer speaking French. Not: I am preferring speaking French.
We say: Yoko has a degree in chemistry. Not: Yoko is having a degree in chemistry.
But, wait a second. Can’t I say: I’m having a snack? Yes, you can.
In this case, ‘having’ is not a state verb–it’s an action verb. Action verbs are verbs such as walk, talk, and sleep. With action verbs, we can add an ‘ing’ to show an action over a period of time. For example: He is walking in the garden.
I’m having a snack = I am eating a snack.
‘Having’ here is an action verb. It is not a state verb. Does that make sense?
Now, what about I’m loving it? Is ‘love’ a state verb or an action verb? Yes, it is a state verb. Usually, if we were to follow the rules of grammar, we would not add an ‘ing’. It should be: I love it.
Yawn. That sounds so ordinary.
The line–I’m loving it–bursts into your mind. Why? Because it sounds fun. It sounds different. By breaking the rules of grammar, this line becomes memorable.
The next time you see ‘I’m lovin it’, think about state verbs. Recollect the rule about not using ‘ing’. You’ll appreciate why that grammatically incorrect sentence deserves to be trademarked.
By the way, the use of love in the ‘ing’ form has become more common. You may here the sentence, ‘I’m loving your work’. So, using ‘loving’ may not raise eyebrows from English teachers, as it would have in the past.
As that well-known philosopher, Bob Dylan, once sang: The times, they are a-changin’.
If. That one-syllable word opens the door to a world of imagination.
Whenever we read a novel or watch a Netflix series, we slip into the unreal world defined by if.
The second conditional is about imaginary or unreal situations. Just like the image above of the two people on Mars gazing up in the direction of earth.
The form of the second conditional is:
if + past tense, would + bare infinitive
If you lived on Mars, would you miss earth?
If you enjoy stories, plays, and films, then the second conditional is for you.
But, the second conditional can multi-task. In fact, there are many occasions where you can use this conditional at work.
Three ways to use the second conditional at work
Giving advice or making a suggestion
If you want to give advice in a tactful way, you could say:
If I were you, I would send the data to HQ by this afternoon.
Doesn’t that sound better than saying:
You should send the data to HQ by this afternoon.
You could use the second conditional with colleagues and with people who report to you. When you say, if I were you, you are putting yourself in their shoes. In a sense, you are nudging them to do something. Nudging is good, right?
Brainstorming
If we opened pop-up restaurants in all major cities, would people try the food?
If we offered a discount for the festive season, would we liquadate all our stock?
If the ad campaign focused only on Instagram, would we reach our target audience?
What do you think of these three second conditional sentences?
To my mind, these sentences invite thoughtful discussion. They ask the people in the room to consider other possibilities. The space for interaction and ideas expands. Thinking caps are put on.
Can you picture yourself using a second conditional sentence in your next meeting?
Proposing a solution
If we added two more associates to the team, would the client agree?
If the factory increased capacity utilization by 10%, would they deliver the shirts by Christmas?
Perhaps you wish to make a proposal. Using the second conditional is an indirect way of doing so. Just like in the case of brainstorming, it promotes meaningful discussion.
If you want to reach a consensus in the team, use the second conditional. It is an inclusive way of arriving at a decision.
Takeaway
Using the second conditional makes you sound more professional. By asking these tentative questions, you soften your language. You become more inclusive. You encourage meaningful conversations.
If that is the kind of person or leader you wish to be, then use the second conditional at least once today.
You can scroll up to review how to make a second conditional sentence–go to the form.
Since you’ve read till the end, I have a bonus for you.
The next time you hear the song, If I were a boy, you’ll be able to identify which conditional it is in. Wouldn’t that feel satisfying?
Thanks for singing the second conditional, Beyonce!
In this post, we have looked at the second conditional. Here are posts on two other conditionals — the zero conditional and the first conditional. If I were you, I would….
This photo is from a local neighborhood shop. To read the offer fully, it would be–if you buy 3 shirts, you get five shirts. Presto! And just like that, we have a sentence in the zero conditional.
The zero conditional is used to convey 100% certainty.
For instance, these sentences are in the zero conditional:
Condition, result
If you freeze water, it becomes ice.
When you melt ice, it becomes water.
The first part of the sentence is the condition. If that condition is met, the result is guaranteed.
In case you are itching to make more sentences in the zero conditional, use this form:
If + present simple, present simple
If you heat pure gold to 1064oCelsius, it melts.
As can be seen from these sentences above, the zero conditional is used for scientific facts.
I can hear you thinking…. This post is about melting ice and gold. What does this have to do with me?
As you now know, we use the zero conditional when talking about a result that we are a 100% sure of. So, we can use it for rules, policies, laws, and procedures. Has anyone told you this zero conditional sentence?
‘If you don’t update your password, you can’t access your account.’
Now, doesn’t that sound all too familiar? And I’m sure we have all read something along these lines–
If you wish to cancel your subscription, click the button below.
Yes, you have been reading zero conditional sentences for quite a while. And, the next time you spot an irresistible offer such as buy 1,get 1 free— you’ll know which conditional it is!
If you wish to know about the first conditional, click here.
Do you do a lot of brainstorming at work? If yes, then the second conditional is what you could use.
Students frequently ask me which website they can visit to learn English.
Of course, there are so many out there. In my experience as a trainer, the best one is BBC Learning English. Their material is relevant and engaging.
This is a disclaimer: BBC is not paying me. I’m writing this post so that you could get the most out of the website.
Wait!
Before you google BBC Learning English, let me give you an overview.
The website has a lot to offer. Let’s start:
Vocabulary
The more words you know, the more precisely you can express yourself. When a person has a limited vocabulary, he tends to repeat words and phrases.
Whatever our English levels may be, we all need to expand our range of vocabulary.
It takes time to learn new words. My suggestion to you is this: go slow. Don’t just learn the meaning of words. Practice using them. Become familiar with them. Use them correctly.
I’ve noticed that students at times struggle with phrasal verbs. Do you freak out when you hear the phrase phrasal verbs? Help is at hand. Here’s the definition. If you are working, then you need phrasal verbs, for well, for work. And we all need phrasal verbs for technology.
Vocabulary is not limited to learning phrasal verbs. You also need to learn more words and phrases.
Remember, it’s not just about learning new phrases. It’s about using new phrases appropriately. I suggest you select phrases you like and try to use them during the week. Over time, you will be on fire!
Grammar
Are you comfortable with all the tenses that are there? You can confide in me. Be honest.
If you like the idea of learning grammar by watching The Grammar Gameshow , go for it.
There is so much more when it comes to grammar. I know, it seems endless. Visit the main grammar page to find out more.
Pronunciation
Whatever your accent may be, that’s okay. What’s important is that you speak clearly and fluently.
The sounds of English are the building blocks of words. Are you keen to learn these sounds? Do you want to know the difference between voiced and voiceless consonants? You are at the right place.
Check out The Sounds of English on the pronunciation main page. I watched those short videos years ago, and I found them helpful. I hope you do too.
Tim’s Pronunciation Workshop is an effective way to learn about different aspects of pronunciation, such as elisionand assimilation. Not familiar with those last two words? No worries. You’re probably doing some it already, in a natural way.
It’s more fun learning pronunciation than it is learning grammar. Do you agree?
Is there anything ‘more’ to do on the website?
On the right hand side of the menu bar, there is an option: More. Click on it with confidence. Don’t hesitate.
I have noticed that students often do not know their level. Do you know yours? Are you at the intermediate level? Upper-intermediate? Advanced?
Here’s the thing. Many students are generous when it comes to deciding which level they are at.
I’ve seen this happen lots of times: a person who is at the intermediate level believes that he is an upper-intermediate student! And the same goes for other levels as well. Many students are bumping themselves up a level.
I’m not a 100% convinced when it comes to online level tests. Having said that, try the level test at BBC learning English. See what you get.
If you enjoy listening to podcasts, try this out. You can listen while travelling.
Paragraphs make your writing easier to read. Make sure you use them effectively.
In this Chinese ink painting, blank space is used to create harmony and balance. The blank space is an integral part of the painting.
When you write, you use words. You also use space.
Using space in emails
Using space thoughtfully will make your writing easier to read.
Let’s look at two examples.
Example 1
Dear X,
We would need to update the technical documentation for product Z. Could we meet tomorrow at 11am at the main conference room? There are two new features that have been proposed by the design team. It would be best if you are present when they make the presentation. That way, you are on board from the start. If you have any questions, do let me know.
Best regards,
Y
Example 2
Dear X,
We would need to update the technical documentation for Product Z.
Could we meet tomorrow at 11am at the main conference room?
There are two new features that have been proposed by the design team. It would be best if you are present when they make the presentation. That way, you are on board from the start.
If you have any questions, do let me know.
Best regards,
Y
Wouldn’t you prefer to receive an email organized like example 2? Just by using space to separate sentences and thoughts, the entire message becomes clearer.
When writing an email, put yourself in the shoes of the reader. The message should be understood without much effort. The reader should not have to read the message a second or a third time.
Using space when messaging
Even when messaging on WhatsApp, think about space.
Which message is easier to read?
Example 3
Hi B, The training session has been finalized. It will be this Friday @ 3pm in the basement. Everyone from Marketing will be there. We have allocated 10 minutes for you to tell us about your initiative. Could you confirm your availability by today, EOD?
Example 4
Hi B,
The training session has been finalized.
It will be this Friday @ 3pm in the basement.
Everyone from Marketing will be there. We have allocated 10 minutes for you to tell us about your initiative.
Could you confirm your availability by today, EOD?
Of course, the second WhatsApp message (example 4) is easier to read. And in that message, the reader knows exactly what is happening, and what she is expected to do.
Unlike the first message (example 3), the second message is crystal clear. And all that changed was the use of space.
The need for space
Many times, emails are not even read properly. People just skim them. (You may be skimming this post right now :)) When skimming, they may miss relevant information.
Use space when writing emails to divide your message into meaningful chunks. This will make it easier for people to read and absorb the main points of your message. Remember, even a sentence can be a paragraph.
Use space when messaging on WhatsApp and other messaging platforms. It will make it easier for people to understand your message, especially when reading on a small screen.
When there is no space in your writing (example 1), the reader gets overwhelmed. They struggle to find the main message.
Have mercy on your reader.
Look again at the ink painting. A bird on a branch. Simple, clear, and effective. That’s how your writing should be.
amalfabian 