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I am, I don’t etc.

In some conversations, speakers conjoin words. For example ‘She isn’t playing but he is.’ In this example ‘he is’ means he is playing. In this example it isn’t compulsory to repeat some words (‘he is playing.’)

You can use the following verbs in the same way:

  • I haven’t got a bike but my sister has (=my sister has a bike)
  • A: Please can you come with me

         B: I’m sorry, I can’t. (= I can’t come with you)

  • A: Are you hungry for some chips?

         B: I was before but I’m not now (= I was hungry, but I’m not hungry now.)

  • A: Do you think Jenny will invite you this evening?

         B: She might invite you later. (= she might give an invite)

The forms ‘m/’s/’ve etc. cannot be used in this way (short forms) in this way. You must use am/is/have etc. to respond with a grammatically correct sentence, for example:I am, I don’t etc

  • She isn’t hungry, but he is. (We cannot use ‘but he’s.’)

However you can use isn’t/ haven’t/ won’t etc. (negative short forms):

  • My sister has got a tattoo, but I haven’t.
  • ‘Are you and Lisa going out next week?’ ‘I am but Lisa isn’t.’

You can use I Am/ I’m not etc. after Yes and No:

  • ‘Are you finishing the homework?’ ‘Yes, I am/ No I’m not
  • Will Andy be attending the gala tonight? ‘Yes he will/ No, he won’t.’
  • ‘Is there a train to London at 6 pm?’ ‘Yes there is/ No, there isn’t.’

We use do/does for the present simple (See previous topics)

  • I don’t like cold weather, but Susan does. (= Sue likes cold weather)
  • Leanne bakes a lot, but I don’t. ( = I don’t bake)
  • ‘Do you enjoy running?’ ‘Yes, I do.’

We use did for the past simple (See previous topics)

  • A: Did you and Christian enjoy the rugby?

B: I did, but Christian didn’t. (= I enjoyed it, but Christian didn’t enjoy it)

  • ‘I had an awful day.’ ‘I did’ (= I had an awful day too)
  • ‘Did my letter arrive last night?’ ‘No, it didn’t.’

Exercises

Complete these sentences. Use only one verb (is/have/can etc.) each time.

  1. You weren’t ready for the surprise, but I ………………………………………………..
  2. Kerry won’t be attending, but Chrissy………………………………………………………
  3. Billy can’t run today, but I ……………………………………………………………………….
  4. I haven’t seen the programme but Thomas …………………………………………….
  5. I’m not taking a gap year, but my cousin.…………………………………………………
  6. Kate wasn’t exhausted but we ……………………………………………………………….

Complete these sentences with a negative verb (isn’t/ haven’t/ can’t etc.)

  1. My sister can play tennis but I ……………………….
  2. Sam is leaving today, but I………………………….
  3. I was reading a magazine, but my friends …………………………
  4. Matthew has been to India, but Tom ……………………………..
  5. I’ve got a clean record, but Sally ………………………………

Complete these sentences with do/does/did or don’t/doesn’t/didn’t. Challenge yourself by adding extra information and opinions where appropriate.

  1. Kate lives in Hong Kong, but her parents………………………………………………..
  2. Susan likes going shopping but I …………………………………………………………….
  3. My grandma wears glasses but my grandpa …………………………………………..
  4. You don’t know her very well, but I………………………………………………………….
  5. I didn’t enjoy the car boot sale, but my friends……………………………………….
  6. I don’t like hot weather but Susan……………………………………………………………

Complete the sentences. Write about yourself and other people.

  1. I didn’t………go out last night, but my friends did……… (Example answer)
  2. I like…………………………………………., but………………………………………………………
  3. I don’t……………………………………….. , but…………………………………………………….
  4. I’m……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
  5. I haven’t…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Put in a verb, positive or negative.

  1. Steven is cheerful today, but he ……………………………………yesterday.
  2. The post office isn’t open yet, but the shops……………………………………………
  3. ‘Are you going to the play tonight?’ ‘I …………………………………………. ‘I don’t know for certain.’
  4. I would like to involve you, but I’m sorry I ………………………………………………
  5. I’ve been invited to Williams party, but Kate………………………………………

Answer these questions about yourself. Use Yes, I have/ No, I’m not etc. Challenge yourself by adding extra information and opinions where appropriate.

  1. Are you British? ………………………………………………………………………………………
  2. Have ever rode a motorbike?…………………………………………….…………………….
  3. Do you feel happy about learning? …………………………………………………….
  4. Have you ever been to Dubai? …………………………………………………………….

Did you buy anything recently from a clothes store?

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You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any 
Direction you choose.” Dr Seuss.

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