diff --git a/src/content/verbs/verbs-intro.mdx b/src/content/verbs/verbs-intro.mdx index 4fdcfc2..6da4af5 100644 --- a/src/content/verbs/verbs-intro.mdx +++ b/src/content/verbs/verbs-intro.mdx @@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ title: π§° Intro to Verbs import Link from "../../components/Link"; +#### Why Bother With Verb Grammar? π§ + In any language we have different **verb forms** that are used for different reasons. For example, in English here are some different verb forms: - I am going @@ -17,16 +19,54 @@ In any language we have different **verb forms** that are used for different rea These **different verb forms are like tools π¨π§β that you can use in different situations**. -β **Different languages have different sets of tools that are used in different ways**. When learning a new language it's important to remember that you are getting a _new toolbox full of new tools_ ππ§°πββ¨ When you get a new set of tools you need to make sure you understand: +Here's the trick: β **Different languages have different sets of tools that are used in different ways**. When learning a new language it's important to remember that _you are getting a totally new toolbox full of new tools_ ππ§°πββ¨ -1. What they are (how to make the verb forms) -2. When to use them (what they mean and what situations they're used in) +When you get a new set of tools you need to make sure you understand: -If we don't think carefully about this, π€ we will often just assume that we can use the new tools (verb forms) just like we did in our native language. As adults, there is a massive temptation to shove the new verb forms into the categories that we have in our own language, and to try to use the tools like we did before. We can think we know the tool, but because it's actually different we end up using it wrongly and sometimes even cause damage! +1. **What they are** + How to make the verb forms and recognize them +2. **When to use them** + What they mean and what situations they're used in -For example, you may have met a German who's learned excellent English, but when the doorbell rings they jump up and say, _"I get the door!"_ ππͺπββοΈ. In English you have to use a different verb form and say, "I'll get the door." But they're so used to using their trusty German tool (the PrΓ€sens) for everything that saying "I get the door" still "feels right" to them, even though it's completely wrong. Taking careful stock of a new set of tools (verb forms) in a language can keep us from mistakes like this. π§°π€π +If we don't think carefully about this, π€ we will often just assume that we can use the new tools (verb forms) just like we did in our first language, and then we have problems. As adults, there is a massive temptation to try to use the tools like we did before in our native language. We can think we know the tool, but because it's actually different we end up using it wrongly. -In the chapters ahead we will try to explain what the different forms of the verbs are and when to use them. But first, it's important to understand a little bit about verb aspect. +For example, you may have met a German who's learned excellent English, but when the doorbell rings they jump up and say, _"I get the door!"_ ππͺπββοΈ. In English you have to use a different verb form and say, "I'll get the door." So why do they make this mistake when they seem so fluent in English? Let's look at the different tools/verb forms we have in English in German: + +
English | +German | +
---|---|
+ I'll open the door (right now)
+ Simple Future
+ |
+
+ Ich ΓΆffne die TΓΌr
+ PrΓ€sens
+ |
+
+ I open the door (always, it's my job)
+ Present Simple
+ |
+