Современный английский для начинающих. Понятные объяснения, истории и упражнения для взрослых

a) have

b) have got

c) had

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences).

What things do you own that are important to you?

Do you have many things you do not use? Why or why not?

Have you got a workspace at home? Describe it.

Do you prefer owning fewer things or more things? Why?

What item do you use every day?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

have

does

have

Have

has

Exercise 2

b

b

b

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

I have a few important items, such as my laptop and books. They support my work and learning.

No, I do not have many unused things. I try to keep only what I need.

Yes, I have got a small workspace at home. It helps me focus and stay organized.

I prefer owning fewer things. It makes my life simpler and calmer.

I use my phone every day. It helps me stay connected and organized.

Time and Schedules

Grammar Focus: Telling the Time & Prepositions of Time

Чтобы говорить о времени и расписаниях, в английском языке используются специальные конструкции и предлоги времени: at, on, in.

Telling the time

It is seven o’clock. – Сейчас семь часов.

It is half past eight. – Сейчас половина девятого.

It is a quarter to ten. – Без четверти десять.

It is ten fifteen. – Десять пятнадцать.

Prepositions of time

at – точное время

at 7:30, at noon, at night

on – дни и даты

on Monday, on Friday evening, on 5 May

in – более длинные периоды

in the morning, in April, in 2025

Практические советы и типичные ошибки:

Не используйте in с точным временем.

At night, но in the morning.

В английском обычно говорят расписание, а не «примерно».

Story

My life follows a clear schedule, and time plays an important role in it. I wake up at seven o’clock on weekdays. In the morning, I take my time and prepare for the day ahead. At eight thirty, I usually finish breakfast and review my plans.

I start work at nine o’clock. On busy days, meetings fill the morning, and I focus on tasks in the afternoon. At noon, I take a short break to reset my attention. I believe that managing time well reduces stress.

In the evening, my pace slows down. I often finish work at six, but on some days, I stay longer. In the evening, I prefer calm activities. At night, I avoid screens and prepare for sleep.

On weekends, my schedule changes. I wake up later and spend more time with personal projects. In summer, I like to travel and adjust my routine. For me, time is not just about hours and minutes. It is about balance, priorities, and how I choose to structure my day.

Useful Words and Expressions

schedule – расписание

play an important role – играть важную роль

wake up – просыпаться

prepare for the day – готовиться к дню

review plans – просматривать планы

start work – начинать работу

busy day – загруженный день

focus on tasks – сосредотачиваться на задачах

take a break – делать перерыв

manage time – управлять временем

reduce stress – снижать стресс

pace – темп

slow down – замедляться

avoid screens – избегать экранов

prepare for sleep – готовиться ко сну

on weekends – по выходным

personal projects – личные проекты

structure a day – выстраивать день

Exercises

Exercise 1. Choose the correct preposition (at / on / in).

I wake up ___ seven o’clock.

I usually work ___ the morning.

I have meetings ___ Monday.

I relax more ___ the evening.

I travel more ___ summer.

Exercise 2. Choose the correct option.

Which sentence is correct?

a) I start work in nine o’clock.

b) I start work at nine o’clock.

c) I start work on nine o’clock.

We use on with

a) months

b) exact time

c) days and dates

«At night» is used because

a) night is a long period

b) it is a fixed expression

c) it means morning

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences).

What time do you usually wake up on weekdays?

How does your schedule change on weekends?

What do you usually do in the morning?

At what time do you prefer to finish work? Why?

Do you plan your day in advance? How?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

at

in

on

in

in

Exercise 2

b

c

b

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

I usually wake up at seven o’clock on weekdays. This helps me keep a stable routine.

On weekends, my schedule is more flexible. I wake up later and focus on personal activities.

In the morning, I prepare for the day and review my tasks. This helps me feel organized.

I prefer to finish work at six o’clock. It gives me time to rest in the evening.

Yes, I plan my day in advance. Planning helps me manage time better.

Mini Tip

When you learn time expressions, remember them in groups:

at – точка, on – день, in – период.

This simple rule works in most situations.

Food and Everyday Choices

Grammar Focus: Countable and Uncountable Nouns

В английском языке существительные делятся на исчисляемые (countable) и неисчисляемые (uncountable). Это влияет на использование артиклей, количественных слов и форм глагола.

Countable nouns – предметы, которые можно посчитать.

an apple, two meals, many choices

Uncountable nouns – вещества, абстрактные понятия, категории.

water, food, information, time

Количественные слова:

a / an, many, few – с исчисляемыми

much, little – с неисчисляемыми

some / any, a lot of – с обоими типами

Практические советы и типичные ошибки:

Не используйте a с неисчисляемыми существительными.

Food и money – неисчисляемые.

Глагол с неисчисляемыми существительными используется в единственном числе.

Story

Food is an important part of my everyday life, and my choices affect how I feel and work. I do not follow a strict diet, but I try to eat balanced meals. In the morning, I usually have some fruit and bread. I do not drink much coffee, but I always drink water.

During the day, I make many small food choices. I choose fresh products when possible and avoid processed food. I do not eat much sugar, because it affects my energy. I believe that good food supports clear thinking and focus.

In the evening, I have a simple dinner. There are a few dishes that I cook regularly, and there is always enough food for the next day. I do not waste food, because I respect time and effort.

Food is not only about calories. It is about habits, comfort, and care for the body. When I make better everyday choices, I feel more balanced and productive. Small decisions, repeated daily, create long-term results.

Useful Words and Expressions

everyday choices – повседневные решения

balanced meals – сбалансированная еда

fresh products – свежие продукты

processed food – обработанная еда

avoid – избегать

sugar – сахар

energy – энергия

clear thinking – ясное мышление

focus – концентрация

simple dinner – простой ужин

waste food – выбрасывать еду

effort – усилие

habits – привычки

comfort – комфорт

care for the body – забота о теле

small decisions – маленькие решения

long-term results – долгосрочные результаты

productive – продуктивный

Exercises

Exercise 1. Choose the correct option (a / an / some / much / many).

I usually have ___ fruit in the morning.

I do not drink ___ coffee during the day.

There are ___ healthy choices at the store.

I try to avoid ___ sugar.

I cook ___ meals at home every week.

Exercise 2. Choose the correct option.

Which noun is uncountable?

a) meal

b) apple

c) food

Which sentence is correct?

a) I eat many food.

b) I eat much foods.

c) I eat a lot of food.

Which word can be used with both types of nouns?

a) many

b) much

c) some

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences).

What food do you usually eat in the morning?

Do you prefer home-cooked meals or eating out? Why?

What food do you try to avoid?

How do your food choices affect your energy?

Do you think small food decisions matter? Why?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

some

much

many

much

many

Exercise 2

c

c

c

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

I usually eat some fruit and bread in the morning. It helps me start the day calmly.

I prefer home-cooked meals because they are healthier and more affordable.

I try to avoid too much sugar. It affects my energy levels.

My food choices affect my focus and mood. Balanced meals help me stay productive.

Yes, small decisions matter. Over time, they create healthier habits.

Mini Tip

If you are not sure whether a noun is countable or uncountable,

try to put a number before it. If it sounds wrong, it is probably uncountable.

At the Store

Grammar Focus: some / any

Some и any используются для выражения количества с неисчисляемыми и исчисляемыми существительными во множественном числе. Они часто применяются в повседневной речи, особенно при покупке еды и товаров.

Основные правила:

some – используется в утверждениях и вежливых предложениях/предложениях с предложением чего-то.

I need some apples. – Мне нужны яблоки.

Would you like some tea? – Хотите немного чая?

any – используется в отрицаниях и вопросах.

I don’t have any milk. – У меня нет молока.

Do you have any bread? – У вас есть хлеб?

Советы и типичные ошибки:

Не используйте any в утвердительных предложениях без особой причины.

Some часто используется, когда мы предлагаем что-то другому человеку.

Обратите внимание на исчисляемые и неисчисляемые существительные:

some water / some apples

any sugar / any oranges

Story

At the store, I usually buy what I need for the week. I always check my list before I go. There is some fruit and vegetables I buy every time. Sometimes I look for special products, but usually I stick to the basics.

I often need some bread, some cheese, and some milk. If I do not find them, I ask the shop assistant. I also check if there is any discount or promotion. I rarely buy products I do not plan to use, because I do not want to waste money or food.

Sometimes, I need to buy any unusual ingredient for a new recipe. In these cases, I ask for help and look carefully at the labels. There is always some variety in the store, and I enjoy discovering it. Shopping is not only a task; it is a way to choose and plan my meals.

Useful Words and Expressions

at the store – в магазине

check the list – проверять список

fruit and vegetables – фрукты и овощи

basics – базовые продукты

bread – хлеб

cheese – сыр

milk – молоко

shop assistant – продавец

discount – скидка

promotion – акция

unusual ingredient – необычный ингредиент

labels – этикетки

variety – разнообразие

plan meals – планировать еду

waste money – тратить деньги зря

waste food – выбрасывать еду

choose – выбирать

discover – открывать для себя

Exercises

Exercise 1. Fill in the blanks with some or any.

I need ___ milk for breakfast.

Do you have ___ oranges?

There is ___ bread on the shelf.

I don’t have ___ cheese at home.

Would you like ___ coffee?

Exercise 2. Choose the correct option.

Some is used in

a) questions

b) affirmative sentences

c) negative sentences

Any is used in

a) questions and negatives

b) affirmative sentences

c) offers

Which sentence is correct?

a) I don’t have some apples.

b) I don’t have any apples.

c) I have any apples.

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences).

What do you usually buy at the store?

Do you ever look for discounts or promotions?

Do you buy unusual ingredients? Why or why not?

How do you plan your shopping?

Do you prefer going to the store alone or with someone? Why?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

some

any

some

any

some

Exercise 2

b

a

b

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

I usually buy bread, milk, and vegetables. These are the basics for my meals.

Yes, I often look for discounts. It helps me save money.

Sometimes I buy unusual ingredients for new recipes. I like to experiment with food.

I plan my shopping by making a list in advance. It prevents me from forgetting anything.

I prefer going alone. It allows me to focus and shop efficiently.

Mini Tip

Think of some as «a certain amount» and any as «zero or unknown amount.»

This helps decide which word to use in different situations.

My Workday

Grammar Focus: Present Simple vs Present Continuous

В английском языке Present Simple используется для регулярных действий, привычек и фактов, а Present Continuous – для действий, происходящих прямо сейчас или временных ситуаций.

Present Simple

I start work at nine o’clock. – Я начинаю работу в 9 часов.

She usually checks her emails in the morning. – Она обычно проверяет почту утром.

We work from home. – Мы работаем из дома.

Present Continuous

I am writing a report now. – Сейчас я пишу отчёт.

She is talking to a client. – Она разговаривает с клиентом.

They are preparing for a meeting. – Они готовятся к встрече.

Отрицание и вопросы:

Present Simple: I do not / does not + verb

I do not attend meetings on Fridays.

Present Continuous: am/is/are + verb-ing

I am not working on the weekend.

Практические советы и типичные ошибки:

Не используйте -ing форму с глаголами, которые описывают привычки (know, like, want).

Present Continuous обычно сопровождается словами now, at the moment, currently.

Present Simple часто сопровождается usually, always, often, sometimes.

Story

My workday is structured, but it is never exactly the same. I usually start work at nine o’clock. I check my emails and plan my tasks. My meetings are mostly in the morning. I answer messages and prepare reports. I usually take a short break at noon.

Right now, I am writing a project proposal. My colleague is reviewing a report, and our manager is organizing the team schedule. We are working together to meet deadlines. Some tasks are challenging, but I am learning to manage my time effectively.

In the afternoon, I usually focus on ongoing projects. I sometimes attend additional meetings, depending on priorities. Today, I am participating in a brainstorming session with my team. We are discussing new ideas and solutions for current problems.

Although my routine is predictable, each day brings new tasks and challenges. I enjoy that balance. I am constantly adapting and improving my workflow. My workday is both structured and dynamic, and it teaches me to combine consistency with flexibility.

Useful Words and Expressions

workday – рабочий день

structured – структурированный

habit – привычка

check emails – проверять электронную почту

plan tasks – планировать задачи

meetings – встречи

project – проект

proposal – предложение

reviewing a report – проверка отчёта

organize schedule – организовывать расписание

meet deadlines – соблюдать сроки

challenging – сложный

manage time – управлять временем

ongoing projects – текущие проекты

brainstorming session – мозговой штурм

solutions – решения

balance – баланс

workflow – рабочий процесс

adapting – адаптация

flexibility – гибкость

Exercises

Exercise 1. Fill in the blanks with Present Simple or Present Continuous.

I usually ___ (start) work at nine o’clock.

Right now, I ___ (write) a report.

My colleague ___ (review) emails at the moment.

We ___ (attend) meetings on Mondays.

Today, I ___ (participate) in a brainstorming session.

Exercise 2. Choose the correct option.

Which sentence is correct?

a) I am usually checking my emails in the morning.

b) I usually check my emails in the morning.

Present Continuous is often used with

a) usually, always

b) now, at the moment

c) every day

Which sentence describes a temporary action?

a) She works from home.

b) She is talking to a client.

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences).

What do you usually do at work in the morning?

Are you working on something special right now? Describe it.

Do you attend meetings often? How do you feel about them?

What part of your workday is the most challenging? Why?

How do you balance routine tasks and unexpected tasks?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

start

am writing

is reviewing

attend

am participating

Exercise 2

b

b

b

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

I usually check emails and plan my tasks in the morning. I also prepare reports.

Yes, I am writing a project proposal right now. It is for a new client.

I attend meetings regularly. Some of them are useful, others are short updates.

The most challenging part is managing overlapping tasks. Deadlines make it stressful.

I plan my routine tasks in advance and stay flexible for unexpected tasks. It helps me manage time efficiently.

Mini Tip

Present Simple = привычки и факты

Present Continuous = то, что происходит сейчас или временно.

Слова-маркеры помогают выбрать форму правильно.

Free Time Matters

Grammar Focus: like / love / hate + -ing

Глаголы like, love, hate часто используются с -ing формой глагола (герундием), чтобы описывать действия, которые нам нравятся или не нравятся.

Форма и примеры:

like + -ing – нравится

I like reading in the evening. – Мне нравится читать вечером.

love + -ing – очень нравится

She loves cooking for her friends. – Она обожает готовить для друзей.

hate + -ing – не нравится

He hates waiting in traffic. – Он ненавидит ждать в пробках.

Советы и типичные ошибки:

После like/love/hate можно использовать to + verb, но с -ing акцент на сам процесс действия.

Не используйте infinitive (to do) после этих глаголов, если говорите о хобби или привычках:

I like to reading → I like reading

Герундий помогает говорить о повседневных привычках или предпочтениях.

Story

Free time is important to maintain balance in life. I love reading books in the evening. It helps me relax and forget about work for a while. I like walking in the park on weekends. Moving in the fresh air gives me energy and improves my mood.

I hate wasting time on social media. It does not bring me satisfaction, and I often feel distracted. I also love cooking simple meals. Trying new recipes is exciting, and I enjoy sharing them with friends. I like listening to music while I cook; it makes the process more pleasant.

Sometimes, I love visiting local cafés. I like observing people and enjoying the atmosphere. I hate being bored, so I always try to plan something interesting for my free time. Free time matters because it allows me to rest, learn, and enjoy life. These small habits make my everyday life more meaningful.

Useful Words and Expressions

free time – свободное время

maintain balance – поддерживать баланс

relax – расслабляться

walk in the park – гулять в парке

fresh air – свежий воздух

energy – энергия

improve mood – улучшать настроение

waste time – тратить время зря

social media – социальные сети

satisfaction – удовлетворение

cooking simple meals – готовка простых блюд

try recipes – пробовать рецепты

enjoy sharing – наслаждаться совместным делом

listen to music – слушать музыку

observe people – наблюдать за людьми

atmosphere – атмосфера

bored – скучающий

plan something – планировать что-то

small habits – маленькие привычки

meaningful life – осмысленная жизнь

Exercises

Exercise 1. Complete the sentences with like / love / hate + -ing.

I ___ reading books before sleep.

She ___ cooking new dishes.

We ___ waiting in traffic.

He ___ walking in the morning.

They ___ trying new cafés on weekends.

Exercise 2. Choose the correct option.

Which sentence is correct?

a) I like to reading in the evening.

b) I like reading in the evening.

Love + -ing emphasizes:

a) the activity itself

b) the result

c) the plan

Hate + -ing is used to express:

a) dislike for an action

b) habit

c) future intention

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences).

What do you like doing in your free time?

Do you love any hobbies? Describe them.

Is there something you hate doing in your free time?

How do you usually spend weekends?

Do you prefer active or quiet leisure activities? Why?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

love

loves

hate

loves

love

Exercise 2

b

a

a

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

I like reading and walking in the park. These activities help me relax.

I love cooking. Trying new recipes is exciting and rewarding.

I hate wasting time on social media. It makes me feel distracted.

I usually spend weekends walking, cooking, and reading. It helps me recharge.

I prefer active activities like walking and cycling. They improve my energy and mood.

Mini Tip

После like / love / hate чаще всего используем -ing, если говорим о процессе, а не о результате.

Пример: I love cooking (процесс), но I love to cook this dish (результат).