English Sentence Patterns Level 1

Sentence Patterns using "And"

And is used to connect two or more similar words or ideas.

We can use "and" between adjectives or nouns.

• She is tall and pretty.
• He was a writer and a painter.

We can use "and" to connect two shorter sentences. This helps us make longer sentences.

Sentence 1, + and + sentence 2

• He is a talented basketball player, and he is also a great baseball player.
• She works here in the morning, and she works there at night.

We can use different verb tenses even in the same sentence.

• I am tired today, and I will probably be tired tomorrow.
• This pizza restaurant was terrible last time, and it is terrible this time, too!

We can also use "and" when we want to show that two things happen, happened, or will happen at the same time.

• I studied, and she watched TV.
• He does his homework and he listens to music in the evening.

We can also use "and then" to show the order of events. "Then" is optional, but we should use it when the meaning is not clear without it.

Action 1 + and (then) + action 2

• He read a book and went to bed.
• We ate and left.
• I will go to France, and then I will go to Germany.
• She gave her opinion and then sat down.

We can also use "and" to show a repeated action.

• He coughed and coughed.
• The children laughed and laughed.
• My boss just talks and talks and talks during meetings.

Bonus Tips and Points

1. We should use a comma before "and" when "and" is used between two sentences. These sentences will have two subjects.

• They went to the gym, and I went to the movie theater.
• Mark works at a car company, and Bill works at a marketing firm.
• She made cookies, and he made a cake.
• Mary went to the store, and then she went to the bank.

2. If the subject of both sentences is the same, then we do not need to repeat it. When we do this, we do not need to use a comma.

• She works and listens to music.
  (=She works, and she listens to music.)


• Mark came to our house and helped us.
  (=Mark came to our house, and he helped us.)


• She came for 10 minutes and then left.
  (=She came for 10 minutes, and then she left.)

3. We only use "and" one time when we are listing nouns, adjectives, and prepositional phrases. We use "and" between the last two words.

• She went to Japan, Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
• He is funny, nice, and handsome.
• I looked for my phone in the car, in my bedroom, in the bathroom, and at my office.

Real-World English Conversations

A) What do you need to do today?
B) I need to go to the bank, and I need to go grocery shopping.

A) What did you buy at the store?
B) I bought a jacket, and my brother bought me a new hat.

A) Where does he want to go on your trip?
B) He really wants to go to Spain, Portugal, and France.

A) What do we need to make cookies?
B) We need flour, butter, sugar, and chocolate.
A) Okay. I am going to the bank and I can pick those things up on my way home

Sentence Patterns using "But"

We use the word "but" to show difference. It is like the opposite of "and".

• She is smart and nice. (2 good things)
• The house is old and expensive. (2 bad things)
• He is stupid but nice. (1 good thing 1 bad thing)
• The house is nice but expensive. (1 good thing 1 bad thing)

We also use "but" to show something unexpected or surprising.

• I studied hard, but I failed the test.
• She is pretty and nice, but she doesn't have a boyfriend.
• She loves cooking, but she hates eating.

We often use "but" to connect 2 shorter sentences.

Sentence, + but + sentence

Separate the two sentences with a comma when writing.

• They are short, but they are good at basketball.
• Math is hard, but science is easy for me.
• Pizza is delicious, but carrots are disgusting.
• I like her, but she doesn't like me.
• The hotel is old and dirty, but it is still expensive.

Also, we can use different verb tenses in the sentences.

• He is a good worker, but he was a bad student when he was young.
• The cookies are cold now, but they were warm an hour ago.
• The TV show is boring now, but the 1st season was so exciting.
• I exercised today, but I will not exercise tomorrow.
• I didn't go on vacation this year, but I am going to go next year.

We can also use "but" between two adjectives or nouns when the subject is the same.

• He is big, but not strong.
  (=He is big, but he is not strong.)


• The man is fast but weak.
  (=The man is fast, but he is weak.)

Bonus Tips and Points

1. We can use "but" when we are saying no politely.

A) Would you like to go on a date with me?
B) I would like to, but I have a boyfriend.

A) Could you help me with this report?
B) I am sorry, but I have a meeting in 20 minutes.

2. We can use "but" to criticize something in a nicer, softer way.

A) It looks pretty good, but I think we can improve the introduction.
B) I agree.

A) How does this dress look?
B) I like the color, but I don't think it is a good style for you.

A) How is James doing at work?
B) He works hard, but he makes many mistakes.

3. We use "but" when talking about the pros (+) and cons (-) of something.

A) This apartment is in a great neighborhood, but I think it is too expensive for us.
B) I really like it, but I think you are right.

A) This car is the fastest and coolest, but it is not very safe.
B) It is a beautiful car, but since safety is the most important thing for me I think I need to look at a different kind of car.

A) That company offers a high salary and incredible benefits, but the employees have to work very long hours and it can be quite stressful.
B) No job is perfect. They offer a high salary for a reason. You just need to decide what you want.

4. We can also put "but" at the beginning of a sentence.

• He is very handsome. But he does not have a girlfriend.
• I like avocados and they are healthy. But they are too expensive where I live.

Note: Many people avoid using "but" at the beginning of a sentence when they write, but it is not a problem if you do it sometimes. If you want to avoid using "but", then just use the word "however" at the beginning of a sentence. It has the same meaning.

Sentence Patterns using "Or"

We use "or" to give choices, options, and alternatives. Look at this example.

• You can have Coca-Cola or Sprite.

This means you can choose one. You cannot have both.

But, look at this example.

• You can have Coca-Cola and Sprite.

This means that you can have both.

We can use "or" between nouns, adjectives, and prepositional phrases. We can use "or" in sentences and questions.

• Do you want pizza or chicken?
• Does she work at a car company or at an accounting firm?
• Will you visit your parents or your boyfriend next vacation?
• She will be at the coffee shop or at the library.
• We have to be quiet or leave.
• I think I will have the chicken salad or a cheeseburger.
• She can stay or go. It is her choice.

We can also use "or" to connect two sentences. We use it to make two short sentences into one long sentence. Use a comma before "or" when writing.

• She can quit, or we will fire her. It is her choice.
• I will help you, or you can try to do it on your own.
• You can buy tickets at the door, or you can pre-order them online.
• We can return it to the store, or we can send it back by mail.
• We can either work late Friday night, or we can come into work on Saturday morning.
• I will help you, or she will help you.

We can also add the choices after a complete question. This is most commonly used when speaking.

• Where did you go – Thailand or Japan?
• What do you want to do – see a movie or go bowling?
• How do you want to go there – by bus or by taxi?
• Why do you like her – because she is nice or because she is pretty?

Bonus Tips and Points

1. Sometimes we use "or" when we are making a threat, warning somebody, or telling the consequences of an action.

• Finish the project, or you will be fired.
• Come on time, or we will leave without you.
• Give it to me, or I will punch you in the face.

2. We often use "or else" when making a threat, giving a warning, or telling about consequences.

• You need to come on time, or else you will get in trouble.
• She must tell the police the truth, or else she will go to jail.
• Tell me, or else I'll hurt you.

Sometimes, we end the sentence with "or else". In these cases, we are not telling the other person exactly what we will do. We assume that they know, or we let them imagine.

• Tell me the truth or else.
• She needs to be successful on this project or else.
• Win or else.

3. It is very common to use "either...or...". "Either" just emphasizes the choices.

• We can eat either pizza or chicken.
• I want to either visit a place with great museums or a place with a beautiful beach.
• He should either stop complaining all the time or quit his job.

Real-World English Conversations

A) Do you have any time today or tomorrow?
B) I have time today. What's up?
A) Nothing major. I just need to talk to you about the project.

A) We have a 3-day weekend this week. Do you want to go somewhere, or do you want to stay home?
B) Three days is not really a lot of time. So, I think I would rather stay home and eat something delicious like pizza or chicken.

A) Do you want to watch a horror or action movie?
B) I prefer action movies.
A) Sounds good. What do you want to eat – popcorn or candy?
B) Get me both, please.

Sentence Patterns using "I am... / She is... / They are..."

We use "be verbs" to tell basic information about a subject. The "be verb" changes in the present tense depending on the subject. We need to memorize these.

I am...	You are...
We are... / Jon and I are...	He is... / Jon is...
She is... / Sue is...	It is... / The computer is...
They are... / Jon and Sue are...	They are... / The two computers are...

Every sentence in this lesson is in the present tense.

Subject + be verb + noun...

• I am a student at this university.
• I am a doctor at a hospital in New York.
• We are good people.
• He is an engineer.
• Science is a hard subject.
• They are businessmen at a car company.
• The two boys are brothers.
• The computer is a MacBook.
• This is coffee.

Subject + be verb + adjective...

• I am tired.
• I am married.
• Yoga is relaxing.
• My boss is smart, but he is not very nice.
• The girl and the boy are really cute.
• Basketball and soccer are exciting.
• The books are big, but not very helpful.
• The apartment is new, but it is kind of expensive.

Use "be verb + not" to make negative sentences.

• I am not a doctor. I am an English teacher.
• They aren't my friends. They are my sisters.
• Studying English isn't bad.
• The computer is not broken.
• Greg isn't excited about the trip.

Bonus Tips and Points

1. We can also put a prepositional phrase after a "be verb". Take a look at some examples.

• He is at the store.
• She is in the library.
• The dog is on the bed.
• The books are next to the computer.
• The children are in the garden.
• The rock is under the tree.
• I am in my office.

2. We can replace "be verb + adjective" with "feel + adjective". They have the same meaning.

• I feel tired.
  (=I am tired.)


• She feels angry.
  (=She is angry.)


• They feel sad.
  (=They are sad.)

Real-World English Conversations

A) How are you today?
B) I am a little tired, but I will be okay. How are you?

A) What do you do for a living?
B) I am a computer programmer for a game company. You?

A) Are you sick?
B) No. I am not sick. Do I look sick?

A) What will you do tonight?
B) My boss is angry about our sales results last month. So, I need to work tonight. I will be busy for the next few weeks.

A) Is the computer good?
B) It is very fast, but it is really expensive.

A) Is it cold today?
B) I don't know. Open the window and check.

Sentence Patterns using "Is...? / Are...?"

We use these questions to ask general things about something or someone. These questions are used with adjectives, nouns, and prepositional phrase.

• Is she a doctor? (noun)
• Are they tired? (adjective)
• Is Mark at home? (prepositional phrase)

Remember that the "be verb" (am/is/are) changes depending on the subject.

Am I...?	Are you...?
Are we...? / Are Jon and I...?	Is he...? / Is Bill...?
Is she...? / Is Mary...?	Is it...? / Is the cookie...?
Are they...? / Are Jon and Bill...?	Are they...? / Are the cookies...?

Every question in this lesson is in the present tense.

Is/Are + subject...?

Put a noun, adjective, or prepositional phrase after the subject.

• Is Bill a doctor?
• Is she a teacher?
• Is he tired?
• Is Jane funny?
• Is the dog nice?
• Is the weather nice in your country?
• Is he at the coffee shop?
• Is she from India?
• Is the book on the desk?
• Is the boy injured?
• Is the computer broken?
• Are the men artists?
• Are the women friends?
• Are they basketball players?
• Are they brothers?
• Are the children hungry?
• Are the tickets sold-out?
• Are the clothes dry?
• Are the people at your work excited about the holiday?
• Are the children at school?

Bonus Tips and Points

1. We can also ask questions about our self by using "Am I...?".

A) Am I nice?
B) No, you are not nice.

A) Am I late?
B) Yes, but you are only 10 minutes late.

A) Am I a good friend?
B) Usually.

Real-World English Conversations

A) Is he a doctor?
B) No, he isn't. He is a teacher.

A) Are they friends?
B) Yes, they are.

A) Is he nice?
B) No, he isn't.

A) Are they teachers?
B) Yes, they are high school teachers.

A) Are you ready to go home?
B) Yes. I am ready to go.

A) Are you hot?
B) No, I am fine. Are you?
A) I am a little hot.

A) Is your son at the park with his friends?
B) No. He is at school studying for a test.

A) Is it hot in your country?
B) Sometimes. It is hot in the summer, but the other seasons aren't very hot.

A) Is dinner ready yet?
B) No. It will be ready in about 10 minutes.

Sentence Patterns using "Was...? / Were...?"

We use these questions to ask yes/no questions in the past tense. We use "was" and "were" with nouns, adjectives, and prepositional phrases.

• Was she your teacher? (noun)
• Was it good? (adjective)
• Were they at the office yesterday? (prepositional phrase)

The "be verb" changes depending on the subject.

Present Tense	Past Tense
Am...?	Was...?
Is...?	Was...?
Are...?	Were...?

Be verb + subject + adjective...?

• Was he sick yesterday?
• Was she late for work again this morning?
• Was the test difficult for you?
• Was your presentation successful last week?
• Were your parents strict when you were young?
• Were the children tired after playing all day yesterday?

Be verb + subject + prepositional phrase...?

• Were they on vacation last week?
• Were the books in your bag?
• Was he on time yesterday?
• Was the book on my bed when you came in?
• Was the movie about war?

Be verb + subject + noun...?

• Was Jon a good student when he was young?
• Were they friends when they were young?
• Was he a good worker when you worked with him?
• Was it a surprise?
• Was that sound an accident?
• Were your parents good parents?

Bonus Tips and Points

1. We can answer these questions with short or long answers.

Was Tom at the party?

• Yes, Tom was at the party.
• No, Tom was not at the party.
• Yes, he was.
• No, he wasn't.
• Yes.
• No.

2. We can use short questions if the listener already knows what we are asking about.

A) I wasn't tired yesterday. Were you?
B) No, I wasn't tired either.

A) Mark wasn't there. Was Tina?
B) No. She wasn't there.

Real-World English Conversations

A) Were you tired yesterday?
B) Yes. I was exhausted yesterday.

A) Were you sick yesterday?
B) No, I wasn't.

A) Were they friends when they were young?
B) Yes, they were.

A) Was it hot yesterday?
B) Yes, it was hot.

A) Were you a good student when you were young?
B) Yes, I was a good student when I was young.

A) Was the TV broken yesterday?
B) I don't know.

A) Were Tina and Jon angry after the meeting?
B) I know that Tina was angry, but I am not sure if Jon was angry.

Sentence Patterns using "Do...? / Does...?"

We use these questions when we want to ask yes/no questions with verbs. These questions are in the present tense. We use them to ask about general truths, routines, and regular actions or events.

We use "do" with some subjects, and "does" with other subjects. We need to memorize these.

Do I...?	Do you...?
Do we...? / Do Jon and I...?	Does he...? / Does Jon...?
Does she...? / Does Mary...?	Does it...? / Does the pen...?
Do they...? / Do Mary and Jon...?	Do they...? / Do the pens...?

Do/Does + subject + verb...?

The question might end after the verb.

• Do you swim?
• Does he smoke?
• Does this computer work?
• Does Mark exercise?

Many sentences will have more information after the verb.

• Do you play basketball on the weekends?
• Does she study at the coffee shop with your friends?
• Do I need to come early tomorrow?
• Do you like pizza?
• Do you have any brothers?
• Do we need anything from the store?
• Do they work here?
• Do those people know you?
• Do these books have audio?
• Do Bill and Jane live together?
• Does he like to golf?
• Does Dan have any children?
• Does she have a sister?
• Does it cost a lot of money?
• Does that man work with you?
• Does that teacher have many students?
• Does this credit card work everywhere?
• Does this company have good benefits?

Bonus Tips and Points

1. Some words in the present tense can be used to talk about the future.

• Do we need to leave early tomorrow?
• Does she have to work next Saturday?
• Do you think it will rain tomorrow?
• Does he plan to travel next year?
• Does she intend to tell him the truth tomorrow?

2. These are yes/no questions. We can answer with short or long answers.

Do you like pizza?

• Yes, I like pizza.
• No, I don't like pizza.
• Yes, I do.
• No, I don't.
• Yes.
• No.

Real-World English Conversations

A) Do you live with your parents?
B) No. I live alone. I lived with my parents last year, but I decided to move out.

A) Does she work at a hospital?
B) Yes, she does. She is a surgeon.

A) Do you enjoy yoga?
B) No, I don't. But I heard it is very healthy for you. Maybe I should try.

A) Do the cookies taste good?
B) Yes. They are so good. Do you want one?
A) Yes, please.

A) Does the shirt fit you?
B) Actually, it is a little small. Do you have a bigger size?
A) Let me check in the back.

A) Do you have siblings?
B) Yes. I have one sister and one brother. Do you have any?
A) Nope. I am an only child.