So the Verb "to be", the "infinitive", the thing that makes most students want to cry and run away as fast as they can. As a qualified English teacher, can I say I went through a few challenges when learning the rules of grammar all over again and VERB’s really tested me?
So, I get that Verbs indicate Tense. Right, check! Past, Present, and Future, check! This was me at the very beginning, convinced I was a genius and should basically win a prize for being such a quick learner.
Then the world ended, emotionally at least, for me. There are millions of different ways to use a verb. I think it's ok, I’m clever I can cope with anything thrown at me. Lies. ALL LIES!
There are 5 main types of verbs. At this point, I’m downing coffee like there is a global shortage. Here is the list:
I then start working on all of these amazing types of verbs but at the same time discover the whole timeline thing.
My mother gets slightly concerned because this is essentially how I look when we have video calls…
I keep going, I’m a genius who can deal with anything put in her way right?
And then THIS HAPPENS...
I’m sorry, did I just stumble into a physics class or am I losing it?
It was at this point I took a step back, had a break, and took stock of what it was I was trying to achieve. In reality, I think I had been trying to learn everything at once without letting the content really sink in. I also wasn’t practicing, as in I don’t know - speaking to the wall pretending it was a teacher and verbalizing what I had learned.
So I rang my mother, told her I was fine (she was quite relieved I have to say!) and went back to basics.
I worked my way diligently through the sections, practiced with my kitchen wall, and began thinking in grammar terms. For example, when I had a thought or spoke to someone, I would mentally take note of what type of verbs I had just used and in what tense. I would then check later to see if I was right. Ultimately it was the best thing I could have done because I learned the right way - by study and speech.
The point of this story is to tell you you are not alone! I cannot imagine what it must be like learning about verbs in a new language. But, I am here to help. If you are interested in a practical and fun approach to learning the basics of grammar, not just verbs, then reach out for a free trial!
So who is Marina?
Marina spent the majority of her career in International Talent Acquisition, working with some of the world's most prestigious companies in her 14-year career. Working across 5 continents and having met and partnered with candidates from over 60 counties, she’s well-equipped at understanding the obstacles which need to be navigated in order to land that dream job.
In 2021, Marina decided to become a qualified English Teacher and has been practicing in the field ever since. Marina has over 6 years of experience as a guest lecturer in one of Spain’s most iconic business schools, working with MBA, Engineering, and Ph.D. students on topics such as CV prep, interview coaching, and how to navigate the job market.
Marina says she is still passionate about recruitment, having spent her entire career helping people to find their dream job. But, she says, this time she is focused on doing the same work but through the amazing medium of the English Language.
Marina is Irish/German and lives in Spain. She loves hiking and has 4 cats!