Basic Bootcamp S2 #1 How To Introduce Yourself: Lesson Notes
Basic Bootcamp S2 #1 How To Introduce Yourself: Lesson Notes
Basic Bootcamp S2 #1
How to Introduce Yourself
CONTENTS
2 British English
2 Vocabulary
3 Sample Sentences
3 Vocabulary Phrase Usage
3 Grammar
5 Cultural Insight
# 1
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BRITISH ENGLISH
1. (formal)
4. A: Nice to meet you too, Donna. I am friends with your brother and he
speaks very highly of you.
6. (Informal)
9. A: You too! I know your brother and he is always talking about you
VOCABULARY
to be to exist verb
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to know to be aware of something verb
SAMPLE SENTENCES
My name is Alexander but you can call me I am always late and he is always early.
Alex.
Tonight I will eat dinner with my friend. I usually go to the cinema with my friend.
Let’s meet at the coffee shop. I know the address and will be there soon.
"t o call"
There are many ways to say someone's name—you can use their surname, first name or a
nickname. People will often tell you which name they want you to use by saying "call me...."
This verb can also be used to identify the name of objects or other nouns such as sports
teams or cities.
The word "brother" can describe many people, but they are all male. It can be someone who
has the same mother and father as you or someone that only shares one parent. It can also
be used for someone that doesn't share a parent but is as close to you as a blood brother
would be.
"t o know"
If you are aware of some knowledge, then you "know" it. It can also be used to refer to people
and in this case it means that you have either met them before or are already aware of who
they are.
GRAMMAR
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T he Focus of t his Lesson is Int r oduct ions Using t he Ver b "t o be"
"I am fr iends wit h your br ot her "
The most common verb in English is the verb "to be." "To be" is used to show that something
exists and it forms the base of the most simple English sentences. Although it is a very basic
and common verb, it conjugates irregularly and the form it takes depends on the subject of
the sentence.
"T o be" and subject
When describing yourself, "to be" takes the form of "am" - "I am"
When describing a second person, "to be" takes the form of "are" - "you are"
When describing a third singular person, "to be" takes the form of "is" - "he is"/"she is"
When describing many people, "to be" takes the form of "are" - "they are"
For example:
1. "I am English."
Language
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T ip
When using "to be" you can also use it in a contracted form by using an apostrophe. It is
more common to see and hear the contracted forms, especially in casual conversation.
"I am"
"You are"
"They are"
Be very careful with "you're" and "they're" as there are very similar words that sound the
same but have different meanings!
CULTURAL INSIGHT
Quick T ip 1
When meeting someone for the first time it is very common to shake their hand. In formal
situations this will almost always happen and it is common in informal situations too. You
should hold the person's hand firmly with your right hand, but do not squeez e so hard that it
hurts! The handshake needs to only last a few seconds.
In Britain it is rare for strangers to greet each other with hugs and kisses, even in informal
situations. Instead of shaking hands strangers may raise a hand in a slight wave, as if
waving hello, or again shake hands.
Getting the level of formality right is very important. If you are unsure of whether the
introduction is formal or informal, it is best to respond formally. Don't use the other person's
first name unless they tell you to or unless it is clear from the situation that it is okay to do so.
For example, strangers at a party will use first names but at work that may not be the case. If
you are too formal then you will be corrected with a smile but if you are too informal you risk
offending the other person.
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