12 structures · CEFR A1–B2

Everyday english

This family is organised by what you are trying to DO rather than by what the grammar is called: making a request, offering help, giving directions, saying no politely, ordering food. Every structure here is a sentence you can use out loud today, which is why it is the fastest family to start with if speaking is the reason you are learning.

Common everyday english mistakes

Every one of these is a sentence Indian-English speakers genuinely produce — not a textbook example.

Commonly said	Correct English
Would you mind to close the door?	Would you mind closing the door? After "would you mind" the verb takes -ing. Could you…? Would you mind…? →
Do you mind if I will sit here?	Do you mind if I sit here? After "if I" in this phrase the verb stays in the present. Can I…? May I…? Do you mind if…? →
Would you like drinking tea?	Would you like to drink tea? "Would you like" takes "to", never -ing. Shall I…? Would you like…? →
How about we to meet on Friday?	How about meeting on Friday? After "how about" the verb takes -ing and no subject is needed. How about…? Why don't we…? →
Let's don't go there.	Let's not go there. The negative of "let's" is "let's not" — there is no "don't" in it. Let's… →
I'd rather to stay at home.	I'd rather stay at home. "Would rather" takes a plain verb — it is "would prefer" that takes "to". I'd prefer / I'd rather →
I do not like it. — Me too.	I do not like it. — Me neither. Agreeing with a negative needs "me neither", not "me too". So do I. Neither do I. →
No, it is wrong. My idea is correct.	I see your point, but I think there may be another way. A softening phrase before the disagreement is what makes it acceptable at work. I see what you mean, but… →