Introduction
Understanding how to use the word "always" is crucial for TOEIC candidates, as it frequently appears in both the Listening and Reading sections of the test. This lesson will help you master using "always" to express habits and irritation, which can enhance your comprehension and communication skills in business contexts.
Explanation
Expressing Habits: "Always" is often used with the simple present tense to describe actions that happen regularly. For example:
She always arrives at the office by 8 a.m.
They always check their emails first thing in the morning.
Expressing Irritation: "Always" can also be used to express annoyance or irritation about repeated actions, often with the present continuous tense. For example:
He is always interrupting during meetings.
She is always complaining about the workload.
Common Mistakes
Confusing Tenses: Remember to use the simple present tense for habits and the present continuous tense for irritation.
Incorrect: He always is interrupting during meetings.
Correct: He is always interrupting during meetings.
Overusing "Always": Avoid using "always" when it is not necessary, as it can make your speech sound repetitive or overly dramatic.
Tips for the TOEIC test
Pay attention to context clues in the Listening section to determine if "always" is used to express a habit or irritation.
In the Reading section, look for accompanying verbs to help you identify the correct tense and meaning of "always."
Mini practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses:
She always ______ (forget) to attach the file to her emails.
They always ______ (start) their meetings exactly on time.
He is always ______ (leave) his desk messy, which annoys his colleagues.
Remember to consider whether the sentence is expressing a habit or irritation to choose the correct tense.