English Grammar · A2

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1 Present simple
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1.1
Habits & Facts

English

The present simple tense is used to talk about things that happen regularly and facts that are always true: daily habits, schedules, scientific facts.

Structure: 主语 + 动词原形

我I 喝drink 咖啡coffee 每every 早上morning.

I drink coffee every morning.

我们We 住live 在in 上海Shanghai.

We live in Shanghai.

Scientific facts also use the present simple:

水Water 沸腾boils 在at 一one 百hundred 度degrees.

Water boils at one hundred degrees Celsius.

It is often used with adverbs of frequency: always, usually, often, sometimes, never.

她She 总是always 乘坐takes （冠词）the 公交车bus.

She always takes the bus.

Note

When talking about current habits, do not add a be verb: ~~I am drink coffee~~ ✗ → I drink coffee ✓.

Adverbs of frequency usually go before the main verb, but after the be verb: She is often late.

Tiếng Việt

The present simple tense is used to talk about things that happen regularly and facts that are always true: daily habits, schedules, scientific facts.

Structure: 主语 + 动词原形

我I 喝drink 咖啡coffee 每every 早上morning.

I drink coffee every morning.

我们We 住live 在in 上海Shanghai.

We live in Shanghai.

Scientific facts also use the present simple:

水Water 沸腾boils 在at 一one 百hundred 度degrees.

Water boils at one hundred degrees Celsius.

It is often used with adverbs of frequency: always, usually, often, sometimes, never.

她She 总是always 乘坐takes （冠词）the 公交车bus.

She always takes the bus.

Note

When talking about current habits, do not add a be verb: ~~I am drink coffee~~ ✗ → I drink coffee ✓.

Adverbs of frequency usually go before the main verb, but after the be verb: She is often late.
1.2
Third person singular -s

English
When the subject is he / she / it (third person singular), the verb takes -s or -es.

Structure: He / She / It + 动词 + -s

他He 工作works 在in 一家a 银行bank.

He works at a bank.

我的My 姐姐sister 喜欢likes 音乐music.

My sister likes music.

Spelling rules:

Generally add -s directly: work → works, play → plays.

Ends in -s / -sh / -ch / -x / -o, add -es: watch → watches, go → goes.

Consonant letter + -y ending, change y to i and add -es: study → studies, fly → flies.

她She 看watches 电视TV 在at 晚上night.

She watches TV at night.

Note

Only he / she / it takes -s; I / you / we / they do not take it: ~~They likes~~ ✗ → They like ✓.

have is special: he / she / it uses has (not ~~haves~~).

Tiếng Việt
When the subject is he / she / it (third person singular), the verb takes -s or -es.

Structure: He / She / It + 动词 + -s

他He 工作works 在in 一家a 银行bank.

He works at a bank.

我的My 姐姐sister 喜欢likes 音乐music.

My sister likes music.

Spelling rules:

Generally add -s directly: work → works, play → plays.

Ends in -s / -sh / -ch / -x / -o, add -es: watch → watches, go → goes.

Consonant letter + -y ending, change y to i and add -es: study → studies, fly → flies.

她She 看watches 电视TV 在at 晚上night.

She watches TV at night.

Note

Only he / she / it takes -s; I / you / we / they do not take it: ~~They likes~~ ✗ → They like ✓.

have is special: he / she / it uses has (not ~~haves~~).
1.3
Negatives & questions

English
For negative and interrogative forms in the Present Simple, use the auxiliary verb do / does. Use does for he / she / it, and do for other subjects.

Negative structure: 主语 + don't / doesn't + 动词原形

我I 不don't 吃eat 肉meat.

I don't eat meat.

他He 不doesn't 喜欢like 咖啡coffee.

He doesn't like coffee.

Interrogative structure: Do / Does + 主语 + 动词原形 ?

（助动词）Do 你you 说speak 英语English?

Do you speak English?

（助动词）Does 她she 工作work 这里here?

Does she work here?

Short answers: Yes, I do. / No, he doesn't.

Note

After using do / does, the verb returns to its base form (no longer adds -s): ~~He doesn't likes~~ ✗ → He doesn't like ✓.

Don't forget the auxiliary verb: in formal contexts say Do you…?, not just ~~You speak English?~~.

Common Errors

❌ ~~She don't like it.~~ → ✓ She doesn't like it. — For third-person singular negatives, use doesn't, not don't.

❌ ~~Does he has a car?~~ → ✓ Does he have a car? — When using does, even has reverts to the base form have.

❌ ~~Everyone know the answer.~~ → ✓ Everyone knows the answer. — everyone / everybody / nobody are treated as singular, so add -s to the verb.

❌ ~~I am usually going to school by bike.~~ → ✓ I usually go to school by bike. — Repeated habits use the Present Simple, not the continuous tense.

Tiếng Việt
For negative and interrogative forms in the Present Simple, use the auxiliary verb do / does. Use does for he / she / it, and do for other subjects.

Negative structure: 主语 + don't / doesn't + 动词原形

我I 不don't 吃eat 肉meat.

I don't eat meat.

他He 不doesn't 喜欢like 咖啡coffee.

He doesn't like coffee.

Interrogative structure: Do / Does + 主语 + 动词原形 ?

（助动词）Do 你you 说speak 英语English?

Do you speak English?

（助动词）Does 她she 工作work 这里here?

Does she work here?

Short answers: Yes, I do. / No, he doesn't.

Note

After using do / does, the verb returns to its base form (no longer adds -s): ~~He doesn't likes~~ ✗ → He doesn't like ✓.

Don't forget the auxiliary verb: in formal contexts say Do you…?, not just ~~You speak English?~~.

Common Errors

❌ ~~She don't like it.~~ → ✓ She doesn't like it. — For third-person singular negatives, use doesn't, not don't.

❌ ~~Does he has a car?~~ → ✓ Does he have a car? — When using does, even has reverts to the base form have.

❌ ~~Everyone know the answer.~~ → ✓ Everyone knows the answer. — everyone / everybody / nobody are treated as singular, so add -s to the verb.

❌ ~~I am usually going to school by bike.~~ → ✓ I usually go to school by bike. — Repeated habits use the Present Simple, not the continuous tense.
2 Present continuous
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2.1
Cấu trúc (be + V-ing)

English

The Present Continuous tense describes actions that are happening right now.

Structure: 主语 + am / is / are + 动词-ing(I → am; he / she / it → is; you / we / they → are)

我I 正在am 读reading 一本a 书book.

I am reading a book.

他们They 正在are 踢playing 足球football.

They are playing football.

Spelling of -ing:

Generally add -ing directly: read → reading.

End in silent -e, drop e and add -ing: make → making, write → writing.

Stressed closed syllable (consonant + vowel + consonant), double the final consonant: run → running, sit → sitting.

她She 正在is 写writing 一封an 电子邮件email.

She is writing an email.

Note

Don't forget the be verb: ~~I reading~~ ✗ → I am reading ✓.

State verbs (like, know, want, have = possess) generally do not use the continuous tense: ~~I am knowing~~ ✗ → I know ✓.

Tiếng Việt

Thì hiện tại tiếp diễn (present continuous) biểu thị hành động đang xảy ra ngay lúc này.

结构： 主语 + am / is / are + 动词-ing(I → am;he / she / it → is;you / we / they → are)

我I 正在am 读reading 一本a 书book.

Tôi đang đọc một cuốn sách.

他们They 正在are 踢playing 足球football.

Họ đang đá bóng.

Quy tắc thêm -ing:

Thông thường thêm trực tiếp -ing: read → reading.

Kết thúc bằng -e không phát âm, bỏ e đi rồi thêm -ing: make → making, write → writing.

Âm tiết đóng nặng (phụ âm + nguyên âm + phụ âm), nhân đôi phụ âm cuối: run → running, sit → sitting.

她She 正在is 写writing 一封an 电子邮件email.

Cô ấy đang viết một email.

Lưu ý

Đừng quên động từ to be: ~~I reading~~ → I am reading ✓.

Động từ trạng thái (like, know, want, have = sở hữu) thông thường không dùng thì tiếp diễn: ~~I am knowing~~ ✗ → I know ✓.
2.2
Hiện tại tiếp diễn vs Hiện tại đơn

English
Both tenses relate to "now," but their meanings differ:

Present Simple: Habits or repeated actions.

Present Continuous: Actions happening at this very moment.

他He 通常usually 步行walks 去to 上班work.

He usually walks to work. (Habit → Present Simple)

今天Today 他he 正在is 乘坐taking （冠词）the 公交车bus.

He is taking the bus today. (Right now → Present Continuous)

Time expressions help distinguish them:

Present Simple: every day, usually, often, always.

Present Continuous: now, right now, at the moment, today.

Note

Temporary situations use the continuous tense: She is living with her aunt this month. (She is temporarily staying with her aunt this month.)

Long-term facts use the Present Simple: She lives in Beijing. (She lives in Beijing.)

Common Errors

❌ ~~They are play football now.~~ → ✓ They are playing football now. — With be, the verb must also take -ing; both elements are required.

❌ ~~She is cooking every day.~~ → ✓ She cooks every day. — every day signals a habit, so use the Present Simple.

❌ ~~Where is Tom? — He plays football.~~ → ✓ He is playing football. — To answer "what is he doing right now?", use the continuous tense.

❌ ~~He is writeing a letter.~~ → ✓ He is writing a letter. — Verbs ending in a silent -e drop the e before adding -ing.

Tiếng Việt
Cả hai thì đều liên quan đến "hiện tại", nhưng ý nghĩa khác nhau:

Thì hiện tại đơn: thói quen, việc xảy ra lặp đi lặp lại.

Thì hiện tại tiếp diễn: việc đang diễn ra ngay lúc nói.

他He 通常usually 步行walks 去to 上班work.

Anh ấy thường đi bộ đi làm. (Thói quen → Thì hiện tại đơn)

今天Today 他he 正在is 乘坐taking （冠词）the 公交车bus.

Hôm nay anh ấy đang đi xe buýt. (Ngay lúc nói → Thì hiện tại tiếp diễn)

Từ chỉ thời gian giúp bạn phân biệt:

Hiện tại đơn: every day, usually, often, always.

Hiện tại tiếp diễn: now, right now, at the moment, today.

Lưu ý

Trường hợp tạm thời dùng thì tiếp diễn: She is living with her aunt this month.(Tháng này cô ấy tạm thời sống với dì dì.)

Sự thật dài hạn dùng thì hiện tại đơn: She lives in Beijing.(Cô ấy sống ở Bắc Kinh.)

Lỗi thường gặp

❌ ~~They are play football now.~~ → ✓ They are playing football now. — Đã có be, động từ vẫn phải thêm -ing, cả hai yếu tố đều không thể thiếu.

❌ ~~She is cooking every day.~~ → ✓ She cooks every day. — every day là tín hiệu của thói quen, dùng thì hiện tại đơn.

❌ ~~Where is Tom? — He plays football.~~ → ✓ He is playing football. — Trả lời "đang làm gì ngay lúc này" phải dùng thì tiếp diễn.

❌ ~~He is writeing a letter.~~ → ✓ He is writing a letter. — Động từ kết thúc bằng -e không phát âm, bỏ e rồi mới thêm -ing.
3 Past simple
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3.1
Động từ quy đổi (-ed)

English

The Past Simple tense describes actions or states that were completed in the past. Regular verbs add -ed to the end.

Structure: 主语 + 动词-ed(same for all persons)

我I 看watched 一部a 电影film 昨天yesterday.

I watched a movie yesterday.

我们We 打played 篮球basketball 上last 周week.

We played basketball last week.

Spelling of -ed:

Generally add -ed directly: work → worked, play → played.

End in -e, only add -d: like → liked, live → lived.

Consonant + -y ending, change y to i and add -ed: study → studied, try → tried.

Stressed closed syllable, double the final consonant: stop → stopped, plan → planned.

Note

The past tense form does not change based on person: I worked, she worked (no -s).

Often used with past time markers: yesterday, last week, in 2019, two days ago.

Tiếng Việt

Thì quá khứ đơn (past simple) diễn tả các hành động hoặc trạng thái đã kết thúc trong quá khứ. Động từ có quy tắc thêm -ed vào cuối từ.

Cấu trúc: 主语 + 动词-ed(Tất cả các ngôi đều giống nhau)

我I 看watched 一部a 电影film 昨天yesterday.

Tôi đã xem một bộ phim yesterday.

我们We 打played 篮球basketball 上last 周week.

Tuần trước chúng tôi đã chơi bóng rổ.

Quy tắc viết -ed:

Thông thường thêm trực tiếp -ed: work → worked, play → played.

Kết thúc bằng -e, chỉ thêm -d: like → liked, live → lived.

Kết thúc bằng phụ âm + -y, chuyển y thành i rồi thêm -ed: study → studied, try → tried.

Âm tiết đóng trọng âm, nhân đôi phụ âm cuối: stop → stopped, plan → planned.

Lưu ý

Dạng quá khứ của động từ không thay đổi theo chủ ngữ: I worked, she worked (không thêm -s).

Thường đi kèm với từ chỉ thời gian trong quá khứ: yesterday, last week, in 2019, two days ago.
3.2
Động từ bất quy tắc

English
Many common verbs are irregular; their past forms must be memorized individually without adding -ed.

我I 去went （介词）to 北京Beijing 上last 月month.

I went to Beijing last month.

她She 看见saw 她的her 朋友friends.

She met her friend.

High-frequency irregular verbs you must memorize:

go → went, have → had, do → did, make → made.

see → saw, come → came, get → got, take → took.

eat → ate, buy → bought, think → thought, say → said.

我们We （吃了）had 一顿a 丰盛的big 晚餐dinner.

We had a big dinner.

Note these follow no pattern; practice reading and memorizing them frequently.

Tiếng Việt
Nhiều động từ thông dụng là động từ bất quy tắc, dạng quá khứ cần học thuộc riêng, không thêm -ed.

我I 去went （介词）to 北京Beijing 上last 月month.

Tháng trước tôi đã đến Bắc Kinh.

她She 看见saw 她的her 朋友friends.

Cô ấy đã gặp bạn bè của mình.

Các động từ bất quy tắc高频 hay gặp nhất (phải học thuộc):

go → went, have → had, do → did, make → made.

see → saw, come → came, get → got, take → took.

eat → ate, buy → bought, think → thought, say → said.

我们We （吃了）had 一顿a 丰盛的big 晚餐dinner.

Chúng tôi đã ăn một bữa tối thịnh soạn.

Lưu ý những động từ này không có quy luật, chỉ có thể đọc và nhớ nhiều lần.
3.3
Phủ định và Nghi vấn (did)

English
For negative and interrogative forms in the Past Simple, use the auxiliary did (past form). The following verb returns to its base form.

Negative structure: 主语 + didn't + 动词原形

我I 没有didn't 去go （介词）to 上学school.

I didn't go to school.

Interrogative structure: Did + 主语 + 动词原形 ?

（助动词）Did 你you 看见see （冠词）the 电影film?

Did you see that movie?

Short answers: Yes, I did. / No, I didn't.

Note

After using did / didn't, the verb must be in the base form: ~~I didn't went~~ ✗ → I didn't go ✓.

The past tense of the be verb (was / were) does not use did: Were you tired? (Were you tired?)

Common Errors

❌ ~~I go to Beijing last month.~~ → ✓ I went to Beijing last month. — Chinese verbs do not change form, but in English, once a past time marker is present, you must switch to the past tense. This is the most common error.

❌ ~~She buyed a new phone.~~ → ✓ She bought a new phone. — Irregular verbs cannot simply add -ed.

❌ ~~I didn't was hungry.~~ → ✓ I wasn't hungry. — For negative sentences with the verb 'be', use wasn't / weren't directly, not didn't.

❌ ~~yesterday night~~ → ✓ last night — Fixed expression: 'last night' is used for last evening, not 'yesterday night' (though 'yesterday morning/afternoon' is correct).

Tiếng Việt
Phủ định và nghi vấn thì quá khứ dùng trợ động từ did (thì quá khứ). Động từ chính trở về nguyên thể.

Cấu trúc phủ định: 主语 + didn't + 动词原形

我I 没有didn't 去go （介词）to 上学school.

Tôi đã không đi học.

Cấu trúc nghi vấn: Did + 主语 + 动词原形 ?

（助动词）Did 你you 看见see （冠词）the 电影film?

Bạn đã xem bộ phim đó chưa?

Câu trả lời ngắn: Yes, I did. / No, I didn't.

Lưu ý

Khi đã dùng did / didn't, động từ bắt buộc phải ở nguyên thể: ~~I didn't went~~ ✗ → I didn't go ✓.

Động từ to be (was / were) ở thì quá khứ không dùng did: Were you tired? (Bạn có mệt không?)

Lỗi thường gặp

❌ ~~I go to Beijing last month.~~ → ✓ I went to Beijing last month. — Động từ tiếng Trung không chia biến thể, nhưng sang tiếng Anh khi có thời gian quá khứ nhất định phải chuyển sang thì quá khứ, đây là thói quen dễ mắc sai lầm nhất.

❌ ~~She buyed a new phone.~~ → ✓ She bought a new phone. — Động từ bất quy tắc không được thêm cứng -ed.

❌ ~~I didn't was hungry.~~ → ✓ I wasn't hungry. — Phủ định của động từ to be dùng trực tiếp wasn't / weren't, không dùng didn't.

❌ ~~yesterday night~~ → ✓ last night — Cách nói cố định:昨天晚上 là last night, không phải yesterday night (nhưng yesterday morning / afternoon là đúng).
4 Past continuous
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4.1
Cấu trúc (was / were + V-ing)

English

The past continuous tense describes an action in progress at a specific moment in the past.

Structure: 主语 + was / were + 动词-ing(I / he / she / it → was; you / we / they → were)

在At 八点eight 我I （过去进行）was 做饭cooking.

I was cooking at eight o'clock.

他们They （过去进行）were 看watching 电视TV.

They were watching TV at that time.

Note

Don't mix up was and were: Use was for I / he / she / it; use were for you / we / they.

Negative: wasn't / weren't + V-ing. Question: Was / Were + subject + V-ing?

Tiếng Việt

Quá khứ tiếp diễn (past continuous) diễn tả hành động đang diễn ra tại một thời điểm cụ thể trong quá khứ.

Cấu trúc: 主语 + was / were + 动词-ing (I / he / she / it → was; you / we / they → were)

在At 八点eight 我I （过去进行）was 做饭cooking.

Lúc tám giờ tôi đang nấu ăn.

他们They （过去进行）were 看watching 电视TV.

Họ đang xem truyền hình lúc bấy giờ.

Lưu ý

Đừng dùng sai was và were: I / he / she / it dùng was; you / we / they dùng were.

Phủ định: wasn't / weren't + V-ing. Nghi vấn: Was / Were + chủ ngữ + V-ing?
4.2
when và while

English
The past continuous is often used with the simple past to describe "an ongoing action interrupted by another event".

while + past continuous (the longer background action).

when + simple past (the sudden, short action).

当...时While 我I （过去进行）was 睡觉sleeping （冠词）, the 电话phone 响了rang.

The phone rang while I was sleeping.

她She （过去进行）was 做饭cooking 当...时when 我I 到达arrived.

When I arrived, she was cooking.

Compare the two tenses:

The ongoing background action → Past continuous (was cooking).

The short action that interrupts it → Simple past (arrived).

Note

Two long actions happening simultaneously both use the past continuous: While I was reading, she was writing (I was reading, and she was writing).

'when' can also be followed by the past continuous, but the meaning changes. Beginners should first memorize the common collocations mentioned above.

Common Errors

❌ ~~I was watch TV when he called.~~ → ✓ I was watching TV when he called. — After was / were, you must use the -ing form.

❌ ~~They was playing games.~~ → ✓ They were playing games. — Use were for you / we / they.

❌ ~~When I was arriving, she was cooking.~~ → ✓ When I arrived, she was cooking. — Arriving is a brief, instantaneous action, so use the simple past; only the longer background action uses the continuous form.

❌ ~~I was knowing the answer.~~ → ✓ I knew the answer. — Stative verbs (know, like, want) are also generally not used in the continuous form in the past tense.

Tiếng Việt
Thì quá khứ tiếp diễn thường dùng cùng thì quá khứ đơn để mô tả "khi một việc đang xảy ra, một việc khác đang diễn ra".

while + quá khứ tiếp diễn (hành động nền dài hơn).

when + quá khứ đơn (hành động ngắn xảy ra đột ngột).

当...时While 我I （过去进行）was 睡觉sleeping （冠词）, the 电话phone 响了rang.

Đang ngủ, điện thoại reo lên.

她She （过去进行）was 做饭cooking 当...时when 我I 到达arrived.

Lúc tôi đến, cô ấy đang nấu ăn.

So sánh hai thì:

Hành động nền đang diễn ra → quá khứ tiếp diễn (was cooking).

Hành động cắt ngang ngắn → quá khứ đơn (arrived).

Lưu ý

Hai hành động dài diễn ra đồng thời, đều dùng quá khứ tiếp diễn: While I was reading, she was writing. (Tôi đang đọc sách, cô ấy đang viết.)

Sau when cũng có thể接 quá khứ tiếp diễn, nhưng ý nghĩa sẽ khác, người mới học nên ghi nhớ các phối hợp phổ biến ở trên trước.

Lỗi thường gặp

❌ ~~I was watch TV when he called.~~ → ✓ I was watching TV when he called. — Sau was / were bắt buộc phải là dạng -ing.

❌ ~~They was playing games.~~ → ✓ They were playing games. — you / we / they dùng were.

❌ ~~When I was arriving, she was cooking.~~ → ✓ When I arrived, she was cooking. — Arrive là hành động ngắn tức khắc, dùng quá khứ đơn; chỉ hành động nền dài mới dùng tiếp diễn.

❌ ~~I was knowing the answer.~~ → ✓ I knew the answer. — Động từ chỉ trạng thái (know, like, want) trong thì quá khứ cũng không dùng tiếp diễn.
5 Present perfect
reference.pdf.vi 2-up · ⁨2-lên⁩
5.1
Cấu trúc (have / has + quá khứ phân từ)

English

The present perfect tense connects the past and the present: a past action has an effect on the present now, or it refers to life experience.

Structure: 主语 + have / has + 过去分词(he / she / it → has)

我I （完成时）have 完成finished 我的my 作业homework.

I have finished my homework. (So I am free now)

她She （完成时）has 丢失lost 她的her 钥匙keys.

She has lost her keys. (She hasn't found them yet)

Past Participle:

Regular verbs = -ed: work → worked, finish → finished.

Irregular verbs must be memorized: go → gone, see → seen, do → done, be → been, eat → eaten.

Note: Present perfect usually does not specify exact times. If you mention a specific past time (yesterday, in 2019), use the simple past instead.

Tiếng Việt

Hiện tại hoàn thành (present perfect) liên kết quá khứ và hiện tại: việc đã làm trong quá khứ có ảnh hưởng đến hiện tại, hoặc là một trải nghiệm.

Cấu trúc: 主语 + have / has + 过去分词 (he / she / it → has)

我I （完成时）have 完成finished 我的my 作业homework.

Tôi đã làm xong bài tập rồi. (Vì vậy bây giờ tôi rảnh)

她She （完成时）has 丢失lost 她的her 钥匙keys.

Cô ấy đã làm mất chìa khóa. (Bây giờ vẫn chưa tìm thấy)

Quá khứ phân từ (past participle):

Động từ có quy tắc = -ed: work → worked, finish → finished.

Động từ bất quy tắc cần học thuộc: go → gone, see → seen, do → done, be → been, eat → eaten.

Lưu ý hiện tại hoàn thành thường không nói thời gian cụ thể; nếu muốn nói thời gian quá khứ cụ thể (yesterday, in 2019), hãy dùng thì quá khứ đơn.
5.2
ever / never / just / already / yet

English
These words are frequently used with the present perfect tense:

ever: Used in questions to mean "at any time." never: "not ever."

just: "just now." already: "already." yet: Used at the end of negative or interrogative sentences to mean "not yet."

（完成时）Have 你you 曾经ever 去过been （介词）to 伦敦London?

Have you ever been to London?

我I （完成时）have 刚刚just 吃过eaten 午饭lunch.

I have just had lunch.

他He 还没hasn't 完成finished （句末"还没"）yet.

He hasn't finished yet.

Tiếng Việt
Một số từ này thường đi kèm với thì hiện tại hoàn thành:

ever: trong câu hỏi biểu thị "từng". never: "chưa bao giờ".

just: "vừa mới". already: "đã". yet: dùng ở cuối câu phủ định / nghi vấn, "chưa (rồi)".

（完成时）Have 你you 曾经ever 去过been （介词）to 伦敦London?

Bạn đã từng đi London chưa?

我I （完成时）have 刚刚just 吃过eaten 午饭lunch.

Tôi mới ăn trưa xong.

他He 还没hasn't 完成finished （句末"还没"）yet.

Anh ấy vẫn chưa làm xong.
5.3
for và since

English
To say how long something has "continued," use for or since:

for + a period of time: for three years, for a week.

since + starting point: since 2020 (from the year 2020), since Monday (from Monday).

我I （完成时）have 住lived 这里here （持续）for 五five 年years.

I have lived here for five years. (And I still live here)

我们We （完成时）have 认识known 彼此each other 自从since 2018年2018.

We have known each other since 2018.

Note: Use 'for' with duration and 'since' with a starting point; don't mix them up: ~~for 2018~~ ✗ → since 2018 ✓.

Common Errors

❌ ~~I have seen him yesterday.~~ → ✓ I saw him yesterday. — Once a specific past time is mentioned (yesterday, last week, in 2019), switch to the simple past.

❌ ~~I live here for ten years.~~ → ✓ I have lived here for ten years. — "Lived here for ten years and still live here" requires the present perfect. Chinese lacks this distinction, making it easy to overlook.

❌ ~~She has go home.~~ → ✓ She has gone home. — After have / has, use the past participle, not the base form.

❌ ~~Have you ever went to Beijing?~~ → ✓ Have you ever been to Beijing? — Use have been to for "visited a place."

Distinguish gone and been: He has gone to Beijing. (He went there and hasn't returned yet) vs He has been to Beijing. (He visited there and has come back).

Tiếng Việt
Khi nói một việc "diễn ra trong bao lâu", dùng for hoặc since:

for + khoảng thời gian: for three years (ba năm), for a week (một tuần).

since + mốc thời gian bắt đầu: since 2020 (từ năm 2020), since Monday (từ thứ Hai).

我I （完成时）have 住lived 这里here （持续）for 五five 年years.

Tôi đã sống ở đây năm năm rồi. (Hiện vẫn đang sống)

我们We （完成时）have 认识known 彼此each other 自从since 2018年2018.

Chúng tôi đã quen nhau từ năm 2018.

Lưu ý for nối "bao lâu", since nối "từ lúc nào"; đừng nhầm lẫn: ~~for 2018~~ ✗ → since 2018 ✓.

Lỗi thường gặp

❌ ~~I have seen him yesterday.~~ → ✓ I saw him yesterday. — Một khi nêu thời gian quá khứ cụ thể (yesterday, last week, in 2019), phải chuyển sang thì quá khứ đơn.

❌ ~~I live here for ten years.~~ → ✓ I have lived here for ten years. — "Đã sống mười năm, hiện vẫn đang sống" phải dùng hiện tại hoàn thành; tiếng Trung không phân biệt điều này, rất dễ bị bỏ sót.

❌ ~~She has go home.~~ → ✓ She has gone home. — Sau have / has là quá khứ phân từ, không phải nguyên thể.

❌ ~~Have you ever went to Beijing?~~ → ✓ Have you ever been to Beijing? — "Đã từng đến某地" dùng have been to.

Phân biệt gone và been: He has gone to Beijing. (Đi rồi, người chưa quay lại) vs He has been to Beijing. (Đã từng đi qua, người đã về).
6 Talking about the future
reference.pdf.vi 2-up · ⁨2-lên⁩
6.1
will

English

will is used to talk about the future, especially spontaneous decisions, predictions, and promises.

Structure: 主语 + will + 动词原形(Same for all persons; will not = won't)

我I 将will 打电话call （给你）you 今晚tonight.

I will call you tonight.

（天气it）It 将will 下雨rain 明天tomorrow.

It will rain tomorrow.

Note

Use the base form of the verb after will: ~~will to go~~ ✗ → will go ✓.

Negative uses won't: I won't be late. (I will not be late.)

Tiếng Việt

will is used to talk about the future, especially spontaneous decisions, predictions, and promises.

Structure: 主语 + will + 动词原形(Same for all persons; will not = won't)

我I 将will 打电话call （给你）you 今晚tonight.

I will call you tonight.

（天气it）It 将will 下雨rain 明天tomorrow.

It will rain tomorrow.

Note

Use the base form of the verb after will: ~~will to go~~ ✗ → will go ✓.

Negative uses won't: I won't be late. (I will not be late.)
6.2
be going to

English
be going to is used to talk about plans and predictions based on current evidence.

Structure: 主语 + am / is / are + going to + 动词原形

我们We （be）are 打算going to 拜访visit 我们的our 奶奶grandma.

We are going to visit Grandma. (A plan already made)

看Look （介词）at （冠词）the 云clouds （天气it）! It （be）is 将要going to 下雨rain.

Look at those clouds! It's going to rain. (Based on current signs)

will or going to?

Spontaneous decision → will: The phone is ringing. I'll get it. (Phone rings, I decide now to answer.)

Pre-planned intention → going to: I'm going to study tonight. (I have planned to study tonight.)

Tiếng Việt
be going to is used to talk about plans and predictions based on current evidence.

Structure: 主语 + am / is / are + going to + 动词原形

我们We （be）are 打算going to 拜访visit 我们的our 奶奶grandma.

We are going to visit Grandma. (A plan already made)

看Look （介词）at （冠词）the 云clouds （天气it）! It （be）is 将要going to 下雨rain.

Look at those clouds! It's going to rain. (Based on current signs)

will or going to?

Spontaneous decision → will: The phone is ringing. I'll get it. (Phone rings, I decide now to answer.)

Pre-planned intention → going to: I'm going to study tonight. (I have planned to study tonight.)
6.3
Present continuous for future plans

English
The present continuous can also express scheduled future events (especially when there is a definite time or place).

Structure: 主语 + am / is / are + 动词-ing + 将来时间

我I （be）am 见面meeting 汤姆Tom 明天tomorrow.

I am meeting Tom tomorrow. (An appointment has been set)

我们We （be）are 飞flying 去to 东京Tokyo 在on 周五Friday.

We are flying to Tokyo on Friday. (Tickets are booked)

Note: This usage emphasizes that something is "already arranged," which is similar to 'be going to'; the key factor is having a definite future time.

Common Errors

❌ ~~I go to Shanghai tomorrow.~~ → ✓ I am going to Shanghai tomorrow. / I will go… — The Chinese "I go to Shanghai tomorrow" lacks a future marker; English requires adding (will / going to / present continuous).

❌ ~~We will going to visit grandma.~~ → ✓ We are going to visit… / We will visit… — will and be going to are separate structures and cannot be combined.

❌ ~~She will comes tomorrow.~~ → ✓ She will come tomorrow. — After will, use the base form of the verb; no -s is added for any person.

Exception: Timetables (trains, flights, classes) can use the simple present to express the future: The train leaves at 9. (The train leaves at nine o'clock.)

Tiếng Việt
The present continuous can also express scheduled future events (especially when there is a definite time or place).

Structure: 主语 + am / is / are + 动词-ing + 将来时间

我I （be）am 见面meeting 汤姆Tom 明天tomorrow.

I am meeting Tom tomorrow. (An appointment has been set)

我们We （be）are 飞flying 去to 东京Tokyo 在on 周五Friday.

We are flying to Tokyo on Friday. (Tickets are booked)

Note: This usage emphasizes that something is "already arranged," which is similar to 'be going to'; the key factor is having a definite future time.

Common Errors

❌ ~~I go to Shanghai tomorrow.~~ → ✓ I am going to Shanghai tomorrow. / I will go… — The Chinese "I go to Shanghai tomorrow" lacks a future marker; English requires adding (will / going to / present continuous).

❌ ~~We will going to visit grandma.~~ → ✓ We are going to visit… / We will visit… — will and be going to are separate structures and cannot be combined.

❌ ~~She will comes tomorrow.~~ → ✓ She will come tomorrow. — After will, use the base form of the verb; no -s is added for any person.

Exception: Timetables (trains, flights, classes) can use the simple present to express the future: The train leaves at 9. (The train leaves at nine o'clock.)
7 Comparatives and superlatives
reference.pdf.vi 2-up · ⁨2-lên⁩
7.1
So sánh hơn (Comparatives)

English

Comparatives are used to compare two things, often used with than (compared to).

Short adjectives + -er; long adjectives use more + adjective.

我的My 包bag 是is 更大bigger 比than 你的yours.

My bag is bigger than yours.

这This 书book 是is 更more 有趣interesting 比than 那本that one.

This book is more interesting than that one.

Formation Rules:

Monosyllabic: add -er → tall → taller, fast → faster.

Ending in consonant + y: change y to i and add -er → happy → happier, easy → easier.

Two or more syllables: use more → expensive → more expensive.

Irregular: good → better, bad → worse, far → further.

Note: Avoid "double comparison": ~~more bigger~~ ✗ → bigger ✓.

Tiếng Việt

So sánh hơn dùng để so sánh hai vật, thường đi kèm với than (hơn).

Tính từ ngắn + -er; tính từ dài dùng more + tính từ.

我的My 包bag 是is 更大bigger 比than 你的yours.

Túi của tôi lớn hơn túi của bạn.

这This 书book 是is 更more 有趣interesting 比than 那本that one.

Cuốn sách này thú vị hơn cuốn kia.

Quy tắc cấu thành:

Đơn âm tiết: thêm -er → cao → taller, nhanh → faster.

Kết thúc bằng phụ âm + y: y đổi thành i rồi thêm -er → vui → happier, dễ → easier.

Hai âm tiết trở lên: dùng more → đắt → more expensive.

Bất quy tắc: tốt → better, xấu → worse, xa → further.

Lưu ý tránh "so sánh kép": ~~more bigger~~ ✗ → bigger ✓.
7.2
So sánh nhất (Superlatives)

English
Superlatives indicate "the most …" (three or more), preceded by the.

Short adjectives + -est; long adjectives use the most + adjective.

他He 是is （冠词）the 最高tallest 在in （冠词）the 班级class.

He is the tallest in the class.

这This 是is （冠词）the 最most 贵expensive 手机phone.

This is the most expensive phone.

Formation Rules:

Monosyllabic: the + -est → fast → the fastest.

Long adjectives: the most → the most beautiful.

Irregular: good → the best, bad → the worst.

Note: Do not forget the before superlatives: ~~he is tallest~~ → he is the tallest.

Tiếng Việt
So sánh nhất biểu thị "nhất…" (từ ba vật trở lên), trước đó phải thêm the.

Tính từ ngắn + -est; tính từ dài dùng the most + tính từ.

他He 是is （冠词）the 最高tallest 在in （冠词）the 班级class.

Anh ấy cao nhất lớp.

这This 是is （冠词）the 最most 贵expensive 手机phone.

Đây là chiếc điện thoại đắt nhất.

Quy tắc cấu thành:

Đơn âm tiết: the + -est → nhanh → the fastest.

Tính từ dài: the most → the most beautiful.

Bất quy tắc: tốt → the best, xấu → the worst.

Lưu ý trước so sánh nhất đừng quên the: ~~he is tallest~~ → anh ấy là the người cao nhất.
7.3
as ... as

English
as + adjective + as means "as … as …".

她She 是is 和as 高tall 一样as 她her 妈妈mother.

She is as tall as her mother.

Negative not as ... as means "not as … as …":

今天Today （是）is 不not 像as 热hot 一样as 昨天yesterday.

It is not as hot today as yesterday.

Note: Place the base form of the adjective (not the comparative) in the middle: ~~as taller as~~ ✗ → as tall as ✓.

Common Errors

❌ ~~It is more cheap.~~ → ✓ It is cheaper. — Use -er for monosyllabic adjectives, not more.

❌ ~~He is taller than me a lot.~~ → ✓ He is much taller than me. — "A lot" translates to much, which goes before the comparative.

❌ ~~My bag is bigger than your.~~ → ✓ …bigger than yours. — Use yours / mine / hers (nominal possessive pronouns) after than.

❌ ~~Beijing is bigger than any city in China.~~ → ✓ …than any other city in China. — Do not forget other, otherwise it implies comparing itself to itself.

Tiếng Việt
as + tính từ + as biểu thị "giống như……”.

她She 是is 和as 高tall 一样as 她her 妈妈mother.

Cô ấy cao bằng mẹ cô ấy.

Phủ định not as ... as biểu thị "không bằng……”:

今天Today （是）is 不not 像as 热hot 一样as 昨天yesterday.

Hôm nay không nóng bằng hôm qua.

Lưu ý ở giữa đặt động từ/tính từ gốc (không phải so sánh hơn): ~~as taller as~~ ✗ → as tall as ✓.

Lỗi thường gặp

❌ ~~It is more cheap.~~ → ✓ Nó cheaper. — Tính từ đơn âm tiết dùng -er, không dùng more.

❌ ~~He is taller than me a lot.~~ → ✓ Anh ấy much cao hơn tôi. — "Nhiều" của "cao nhiều" là much, đặt trước so sánh hơn.

❌ ~~My bag is bigger than your.~~ → ✓ …bigger than yours. — Sau than dùng yours / mine / hers (danh từ sở hữu thay thế).

❌ ~~Beijing is bigger than any city in China.~~ → ✓ …than any other thành phố ở Trung Quốc. — Đừng quên other, nếu không sẽ thành "so sánh với chính mình".
8 Articles
reference.pdf.vi 2-up · ⁨2-lên⁩
8.1
a / an

English

a and an are indefinite articles, used before singular countable nouns to mean "one (non-specific)".

a is used before consonant sounds: a book, a car, a university (pronounced /j/ sound).

an is used before vowel sounds: an apple, an hour (h is silent).

我I 有have 一个a 问题question.

I have a question.

她She 是is 一名an 工程师engineer.

She is an engineer.

Note: Look at the pronunciation, not the letter: an hour (h is silent → an), a university (pronounced /j/ → a).

Tiếng Việt

a và an là mạo từ không xác định, dùng trước danh từ đếm được số ít, biểu thị "một (không xác định cụ thể)".

a dùng trước âm phụ âm: một cuốn sách, một chiếc xe, một trường đại học (phát âm /j/).

an dùng trước âm元音: một quả táo, một giờ (h không phát âm).

我I 有have 一个a 问题question.

Tôi có một câu hỏi.

她She 是is 一名an 工程师engineer.

Cô ấy là một kỹ sư.

Lưu ý xem phiên âm chứ không phải chữ cái: an hour (h không phát âm → an), a university (phát /j/ → a).
8.2
the

English
the is the definite article, indicating specificity — both speaker and listener know exactly which one.

请Please 关close （这扇）the 门door.

Please close (this) door.

Common uses of the:

When mentioned previously or referred to again: I saw a cat. The cat was black. (I saw a cat. That cat was black.)

For unique things in the world: the sun, the moon.

Before superlatives: the best, the tallest.

（那个）The 太阳sun 是is 非常very 明亮bright 今天today.

The sun is very bright today.

Tiếng Việt
the là mạo từ xác định, biểu thị xác định cụ thể — cả hai bên đều biết nói đến cái nào.

请Please 关close （这扇）the 门door.

Vui lòng đóng (cánh) cửa lại.

Các trường hợp thường dùng the:

Đã nhắc đến trước đó, nhắc lại: I saw a cat. The cat was black. (Tôi thấy một con mèo, con mèo đó màu đen.)

Duy nhất trên thế giới: mặt trời, mặt trăng.

Trước so sánh nhất: the best, the cao nhất.

（那个）The 太阳sun 是is 非常very 明亮bright 今天today.

Hôm nay ánh nắng rất chói.
8.3
Mạo từ không (Zero article)

English
Sometimes no article (zero article) is placed before a noun:

Plural / uncountable nouns expressing generalization: I like music. (I like music.) Cats are cute. (Cats are cute.)

Proper nouns: names, most countries, cities: China, Tom, Beijing.

Some fixed phrases: go to school / bed / work (indicating purpose, without the).

我I 去go （介词）to 上学school 乘by 自行车bike.

I go to school by bike.

水Water 是is 重要important.

Water is important.

Note: Do not use the when plural / uncountable nouns express generalization: ~~I like the music~~ (general sense) ✗ → I like music ✓.

Common Errors

❌ ~~I want to be teacher.~~ → ✓ I want to be a teacher. — Add a / an before professions; direct translation of Chinese "to be a teacher" often omits this.

❌ ~~I went to home.~~ → ✓ I went home. — home is used as an adverb here: go home, get home; do not use to or the before it.

❌ ~~He plays the football.~~ → ✓ He plays football. — No the before sports; but add the for instruments: play the piano / violin.

Distinguish: go to school (attend school, purpose) vs go to the school (go to the school building, e.g., parents attending a meeting). Same logic applies to bed / hospital / work.

Tiếng Việt
Đôi khi trước danh từ không dùng mạo từ (mạo từ không):

Danh từ số nhiều / không đếm được biểu thị chung: I like music. (Tôi thích nhạc.) Cats are cute. (Mèo rất dễ thương.)

Danh từ riêng: tên người, hầu hết các quốc gia, thành phố: Trung Quốc, Tom, Bắc Kinh.

Một số cụm cố định: đi school / bed / work (biểu thị mục đích, không加 the).

我I 去go （介词）to 上学school 乘by 自行车bike.

Tôi đạp xe đi học.

水Water 是is 重要important.

Nước rất quan trọng.

Lưu ý khi danh từ số nhiều / không đếm được mang nghĩa chung không加 the: ~~I like the music~~ (nghĩa chung) ✗ → I like music ✓.

Lỗi thường gặp

❌ ~~I want to be teacher.~~ → ✓ Tôi muốn làm a giáo viên. — Trước nghề nghiệp phải加 a / an, dịch trực tiếp tiếng Trung "làm giáo viên" rất dễ bị mất.

❌ ~~I went to home.~~ → ✓ Tôi đã home. — home dùng như trạng từ: đi home, về home, không加 to, cũng không加 the.

❌ ~~He plays the football.~~ → ✓ Anh ấy chơi football. — Trước môn thể thao không加 the; nhưng nhạc cụ phải加: play the piano / violin.

Phân biệt: go to school (đi học, mục đích) vs go to the school (đến tòa nhà trường, ví dụ phụ huynh họp). bed / hospital / work cũng tương tự.
9 Countable and uncountable nouns
reference.pdf.vi 2-up · ⁨2-lên⁩
9.1
Đếm được và không đếm được (Countable vs uncountable)

English

English nouns are divided into two categories:

Countable nouns: can be counted, have singular and plural forms. a book → two books.

Uncountable nouns: cannot be directly counted, have no plural form. water, music, money, information.

我I 买了bought 三three 苹果apples.

I bought three apples. (Countable)

我I 需要need 一些some 水water.

I need some water. (Uncountable, no ~~waters~~)

Note

Uncountable nouns take a singular verb: The news is good. (The news is good.)

To count uncountable nouns, use measure words: a glass of water, a piece of information.

Tiếng Việt

Danh từ tiếng Anh chia làm hai loại:

Danh từ đếm được (countable): có thể đếm, có đơn số và số nhiều. một cuốn sách → hai cuốn sách.

Danh từ không đếm được (uncountable): không thể đếm trực tiếp, không có số nhiều. nước, nhạc, tiền, thông tin.

我I 买了bought 三three 苹果apples.

Tôi đã mua ba quả táo. (Đếm được)

我I 需要need 一些some 水water.

Tôi cần một chút nước. (Không đếm được, không ~~waters~~)

Lưu ý

Danh từ không đếm được dùng động từ số ít: The news is good. (Tin tức là tốt.)

Muốn đếm danh từ không đếm được, phải借助 lượng từ: một cốc nước, một mảnh thông tin.
9.2
some và any

English

some and any mean "some", used before plurals or uncountable nouns:

some: used in affirmative sentences (also used in polite requests / invitations).

any: used in negative sentences and interrogative sentences.

（有）There 有are 一些some 鸡蛋eggs 在in （冠词）the 冰箱里fridge.

There are some eggs in the fridge.

（有）There 没有isn't 任何any 牛奶milk.

There is no milk left.

（助动词）Do 你you 有have 任何any 问题questions?

Do you have any questions?

Note: When offering drinks to others, some is commonly used to sound polite: Would you like some tea?

Tiếng Việt

some và any biểu thị "một vài/một chút", dùng trước danh từ số nhiều hoặc không đếm được:

some: dùng trong câu khẳng định (cũng dùng trong câu hỏi lịch sự / lời mời).

any: dùng trong câu phủ định và câu hỏi.

（有）There 有are 一些some 鸡蛋eggs 在in （冠词）the 冰箱里fridge.

Trong tủ lạnh có một vài quả trứng.

（有）There 没有isn't 任何any 牛奶milk.

Không còn sữa nữa rồi.

（助动词）Do 你you 有have 任何any 问题questions?

Bạn có câu hỏi nào không?

Lưu ý khi mời ai uống đồ, thường dùng some để thể hiện lịch sự: Would you like some tea? (Bạn có muốn uống chút trà không?)
9.3
much / many / a lot of

English
Used to express "a lot":

many + countable plural: many books.

much + uncountable: much water (mostly used in negative sentences / questions).

a lot of + both types (most common in positive sentences).

（有）There 有are 许多many 人people 这里here.

There are many people here.

我们We 没有don't 有have 多少much 时间time.

We don't have much time left.

她She 有has 许多a lot of 朋友friends.

She has a lot of friends.

Note: In positive sentences, much is rarely used; instead use a lot of: ~~I have much money~~ → I have a lot of money.

Common Errors

❌ ~~informations / advices / homeworks / furnitures~~ → ✓ information / advice / homework / furniture — These words are uncountable in English (although Chinese can say "several pieces of advice" or "pieces of furniture"). They never take a plural form.

❌ ~~a bread / a paper~~ → ✓ a piece of bread / a piece of paper — Uncountable nouns require measure words to be counted.

❌ ~~How much apples do you want?~~ → ✓ How many apples…? — Use many for countable plurals and much only for uncountable nouns.

❌ ~~There aren't some eggs.~~ → ✓ There aren't any eggs — Replace some with any in negative sentences.

Tiếng Việt
Biểu thị "nhiều":

many + danh từ đếm được số nhiều: nhiều sách.

much + danh từ không đếm được: nhiều nước (thường dùng trong câu phủ định / câu hỏi).

a lot of + cả hai loại (dùng phổ biến nhất trong câu khẳng định).

（有）There 有are 许多many 人people 这里here.

Ở đây có rất nhiều người.

我们We 没有don't 有have 多少much 时间time.

Chúng tôi không còn bao nhiêu thời gian nữa rồi.

她She 有has 许多a lot of 朋友friends.

Cô ấy có rất nhiều bạn bè.

Lưu ý Trong câu khẳng định, 'much' ít được dùng hơn, thay vào đó nên dùng a lot of: ~~I have much money~~ → I have a lot of money.

Lỗi thường gặp

❌ ~~informations / advices / homeworks / furnitures~~ → ✓ information / advice / homework / furniture — Những từ này trong tiếng Anh là không đếm được (dù trong tiếng Việt có thể nói "nhiều lời khuyên, nhiều món đồ nội thất"), chúng không bao giờ có dạng số nhiều.

❌ ~~a bread / a paper~~ → ✓ a piece of bread / a piece of paper — Danh từ không đếm được cần借助量词 (đơn vị) để đếm.

❌ ~~How much apples do you want?~~ → ✓ How many apples…? — Danh từ đếm được số nhiều dùng many, danh từ không đếm được mới dùng much.

❌ ~~There aren't some eggs.~~ → ✓ There aren't any eggs. — Trong câu phủ định, 'some' chuyển thành 'any'.
10 Modal verbs
reference.pdf.vi 2-up · ⁨2-lên⁩
10.1
can và could (Khả năng, Yêu cầu)

English

can expresses ability or possibility; could is the past tense of can, and is also used for more polite requests. All modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb.

我I 会can 游泳swim.

I can swim.

她She 会could 读read 在at 四岁four.

She could read at the age of four. (Past ability)

能Could 你you 帮help 我me 请, please?

Could you please help me? (Polite request)

Note

After a modal verb, use the base form: ~~can to swim~~ ✗ → can swim ✓.

Negative: cannot / can't, could not / couldn't.

Tiếng Việt

can biểu thị khả năng hoặc sự khả năng; could là quá khứ của can, cũng dùng cho yêu cầu lịch sự hơn. Sau động từ khiếm khuyết đều đi kèm động từ nguyên mẫu.

我I 会can 游泳swim.

Tôi biết bơi.

她She 会could 读read 在at 四岁four.

Bốn tuổi cô ấy đã biết đọc sách rồi. (Năng lực trong quá khứ)

能Could 你you 帮help 我me 请, please?

Xin hỏi bạn có thể giúp tôi được không? (Yêu cầu lịch sự)

Lưu ý

Sau động từ khiếm khuyết dùng nguyên mẫu: ~~can to swim~~ ✗ → can swim ✓.

Phủ định: cannot / can't, could not / couldn't.
10.2
should (Lời khuyên)

English
should expresses advice or "should".

你You 应该should 看see 一位a 医生doctor.

You should see a doctor.

我们We 不应该shouldn't 浪费waste 水water.

We shouldn't waste water.

Note: should gives advice and is less forceful than must; it is also followed by the base form of the verb.

Tiếng Việt
should biểu thị lời khuyên hoặc "nên".

你You 应该should 看see 一位a 医生doctor.

Bạn nên đi khám bác sĩ.

我们We 不应该shouldn't 浪费waste 水water.

Chúng ta không nên lãng phí nước.

Lưu ý 'should' đưa ra lời khuyên, giọng điệu nhẹ nhàng hơn 'must'; sau đó cũng đi kèm động từ nguyên mẫu.
10.3
must và have to (Nghĩa vụ)

English
Both express "must":

must: Often indicates something the speaker considers important, or a rule.

have to: Often indicates an external requirement (regulation, objective necessity).

你You 必须must 系wear （冠词）a 安全带seatbelt.

You must wear a seatbelt.

我I 不得不have to 起床get up 早early.

I have to get up early.

Note

mustn't = "prohibited": You mustn't smoke here. (Smoking is prohibited here.)

don't have to = "not necessary": You don't have to come. (You don't need to come.)

Note that their meanings are completely different: one means "forbidden," the other means "not necessary."

Common Errors

❌ ~~You must to wear a helmet.~~ → ✓ You must wear a helmet — All modal verbs (can / could / should / must) are followed directly by the base form and never take to.

❌ ~~She musts study harder.~~ → ✓ She must study harder — Modal verbs do not take a third-person singular -s.

❌ Wanting to say "you don't need to come" but saying ~~You mustn't come.~~ → ✓ You don't have to come — mustn't means "forbidden," while don't have to means "not necessary." Their meanings are exactly opposite.

❌ ~~Yesterday I must work late.~~ → ✓ Yesterday I had to work late — must has no past tense; use had to for past obligations.

Tiếng Việt
Cả hai đều mang nghĩa "bắt buộc":

must: Thường biểu thị người nói cảm thấy rất quan trọng, hoặc quy tắc.

have to: Thường biểu thị yêu cầu bên ngoài (quy định, nhu cầu khách quan).

你You 必须must 系wear （冠词）a 安全带seatbelt.

Bạn phải thắt dây an toàn.

我I 不得不have to 起床get up 早early.

Tôi phải dậy sớm.

Lưu ý

mustn't = "Cấm": You mustn't smoke here. (Ở đây cấm hút thuốc.)

don't have to = "Không cần": You don't have to come. (Bạn không cần đến.)

Lưu ý hai từ này hoàn toàn khác nhau về nghĩa: một cái là "cấm", một cái là "không cần".

Lỗi thường gặp

❌ ~~You must to wear a helmet.~~ → ✓ You must wear a helmet. — Tất cả động từ khiếm khuyết (can / could / should / must) đều đi thẳng với nguyên mẫu, tuyệt đối không thêm 'to'.

❌ ~~She musts study harder.~~ → ✓ She must study harder. — Động từ khiếm khuyết không chia ngôi thứ ba số ít -s.

❌ Muốn nói "bạn không cần đến" nhưng lại nói ~~You mustn't come.~~ → ✓ You don't have to come. — 'mustn't' là "cấm", còn 'don't have to' mới là "không cần", nghĩa hoàn toàn trái ngược nhau.

❌ ~~Yesterday I must work late.~~ → ✓ Yesterday I had to work late. — 'must' không có quá khứ, nghĩa vụ trong quá khứ dùng 'had to'.
11 Prepositions
reference.pdf.vi 2-up · ⁨2-lên⁩
11.1
时间介词 (at / in / on)

English

When indicating time, at / in / on each have specific uses:

at + specific time / point: at 7 o'clock, at night, at the weekend.

on + specific day / date: on Monday, on May 1st, on my birthday.

in + longer period: in the morning, in July, in 2020, in winter.

（冠词）The 课class 开始starts 在at 九点nine.

This class starts at nine o'clock.

我们We 见面met 在on 周五Friday.

We met on Friday.

我的My 生日birthday 在is 在in 五月May.

My birthday is in May.

Note: The scope increases from small to large: at (point) → on (day) → in (month / year / period).

Tiếng Việt

When indicating time, at / in / on each have specific uses:

at + specific time / point: at 7 o'clock, at night, at the weekend.

on + specific day / date: on Monday, on May 1st, on my birthday.

in + longer period: in the morning, in July, in 2020, in winter.

（冠词）The 课class 开始starts 在at 九点nine.

This class starts at nine o'clock.

我们We 见面met 在on 周五Friday.

We met on Friday.

我的My 生日birthday 在is 在in 五月May.

My birthday is in May.

Note: The scope increases from small to large: at (point) → on (day) → in (month / year / period).
11.2
地点介词 (at / in / on)

English
When indicating location:

at + a specific point / place: at the bus stop, at home, at school.

in + interior space: in the room, in China, in a box.

on + surface / line: on the table, on the wall, on the second floor.

她She 在is （在）at 家home.

She is at home.

（冠词）The 书book 在is 在on （冠词）the 桌子上table.

The book is on the table.

（有）There 有are 鱼fish 在in （冠词）the 河里river.

There are fish in the river.

Tiếng Việt
When indicating location:

at + a specific point / place: at the bus stop, at home, at school.

in + interior space: in the room, in China, in a box.

on + surface / line: on the table, on the wall, on the second floor.

她She 在is （在）at 家home.

She is at home.

（冠词）The 书book 在is 在on （冠词）the 桌子上table.

The book is on the table.

（有）There 有are 鱼fish 在in （冠词）the 河里river.

There are fish in the river.
11.3
移动介词 (Prepositions of movement)

English
Indicating direction / movement:

to: Towards a place. into: Entering inside. out of: Coming out from inside.

up (upward) / down (downward) / across (cross over) / through (pass through the interior).

我I 去go 去to 上班work 乘by 公交车bus.

I go to work by bus.

（冠词）The 猫cat 跳jumped 进入into （冠词）the 箱子box.

The cat jumped into the box.

Note: to indicates "going somewhere," so do not confuse it with at (being somewhere): go to school (go to school) vs be at school (be at school).

Common Errors

❌ ~~in Monday~~ → ✓ on Monday; ❌ ~~at July~~ → ✓ in July — Use on for specific days and in for months / years.

❌ ~~in the morning of Monday~~ → ✓ on Monday morning — When referring to the morning / evening of a specific day, the preposition upgrades to on.

❌ ~~I arrived to Beijing.~~ → ✓ I arrived in Beijing. / I arrived at the station — arrive does not take to; use in for large places and at for small locations.

❌ ~~listen music / look the picture / wait him~~ → ✓ listen to music / look at the picture / wait for him — Although these verbs may not take prepositions in Chinese, the corresponding prepositions in English cannot be omitted.

Tiếng Việt
Indicating direction / movement:

to: Towards a place. into: Entering inside. out of: Coming out from inside.

up (upward) / down (downward) / across (cross over) / through (pass through the interior).

我I 去go 去to 上班work 乘by 公交车bus.

I go to work by bus.

（冠词）The 猫cat 跳jumped 进入into （冠词）the 箱子box.

The cat jumped into the box.

Note: to indicates "going somewhere," so do not confuse it with at (being somewhere): go to school (go to school) vs be at school (be at school).

Common Errors

❌ ~~in Monday~~ → ✓ on Monday; ❌ ~~at July~~ → ✓ in July — Use on for specific days and in for months / years.

❌ ~~in the morning of Monday~~ → ✓ on Monday morning — When referring to the morning / evening of a specific day, the preposition upgrades to on.

❌ ~~I arrived to Beijing.~~ → ✓ I arrived in Beijing. / I arrived at the station — arrive does not take to; use in for large places and at for small locations.

❌ ~~listen music / look the picture / wait him~~ → ✓ listen to music / look at the picture / wait for him — Although these verbs may not take prepositions in Chinese, the corresponding prepositions in English cannot be omitted.
12 Connecting ideas
reference.pdf.vi 2-up · ⁨2-lên⁩
12.1
and / but / or / so / because

English

Conjunctions link two ideas together:

and (and): Parallel, additive. but (but): Contrast, opposite.

or (or): Choice. so (so): Result. because (because): Reason.

我I （过去）was 累tired 所以, so 我I 去went （介词）to 睡觉bed.

I was tired, so I went to bed.

她She 留在stayed 家home 因为because （天气it）it （过去）was 下雨raining.

She stayed at home because it was raining.

Note: so introduces a result, while because introduces a reason; do not mix them up: Tired → so go to sleep; Slept → because tired.

Tiếng Việt

Conjunctions link two ideas together:

and (and): Parallel, additive. but (but): Contrast, opposite.

or (or): Choice. so (so): Result. because (because): Reason.

我I （过去）was 累tired 所以, so 我I 去went （介词）to 睡觉bed.

I was tired, so I went to bed.

她She 留在stayed 家home 因为because （天气it）it （过去）was 下雨raining.

She stayed at home because it was raining.

Note: so introduces a result, while because introduces a reason; do not mix them up: Tired → so go to sleep; Slept → because tired.
12.2
零条件句与第一条件句

English
Conditional sentences express "if... then...":

Zero Conditional (universal facts): If + 一般现在时, 一般现在时.

First Conditional (future possibilities): If + 一般现在时, will + 动词原形.

如果If 你you 加热heat 冰ice （它）, it 融化melts.

If you heat ice, it melts. (Universal fact → Zero Conditional)

如果If （天气it）it 下雨rains 我们, we 将will 留stay 家home.

If it rains, we will stay at home. (Future possibility → First Conditional)

Note: In clauses introduced by if, use the present simple even when referring to the future: ~~If it will rain~~ ✗ → If it rains ✓.

Tiếng Việt
Conditional sentences express "if... then...":

Zero Conditional (universal facts): If + 一般现在时, 一般现在时.

First Conditional (future possibilities): If + 一般现在时, will + 动词原形.

如果If 你you 加热heat 冰ice （它）, it 融化melts.

If you heat ice, it melts. (Universal fact → Zero Conditional)

如果If （天气it）it 下雨rains 我们, we 将will 留stay 家home.

If it rains, we will stay at home. (Future possibility → First Conditional)

Note: In clauses introduced by if, use the present simple even when referring to the future: ~~If it will rain~~ ✗ → If it rains ✓.
12.3
Adverbs of Frequency

English
Adverbs of frequency indicate "how often": always (100%) > usually > often > sometimes > rarely > never (0%).

Position Rules:

Place them before the main verb.

But place them after the be verb.

我I 总是always 刷brush 我的my 牙teeth.

I always brush my teeth. (Before a lexical verb)

他He （be）is 从不never 迟到late.

He is never late. (After a be verb)

Note: Adverbs of frequency go before lexical verbs and after be verbs: I often read; She is often busy.

Common Errors

❌ ~~Because it was raining, so we stayed home.~~ → ✓ Because it was raining, we stayed home. / It was raining, so we stayed home. — In Chinese, "because... so..." appears as a pair, but in English, you can only keep one of because or so.

❌ ~~Although he is rich, but he is not happy.~~ → ✓ Although he is rich, he is not happy. — Similarly, in the Chinese structure "although... but...", you can only choose one of although or but.

❌ ~~I like apples and I like bananas and I like oranges.~~ → ✓ I like apples, bananas and oranges. — When listing multiple items, separate them with commas and use and only before the final item.

❌ ~~I play sometimes football.~~ → ✓ I sometimes play football. / I play football sometimes. — An adverb cannot be placed between a verb and its object.

Tiếng Việt
Adverbs of frequency indicate "how often": always (100%) > usually > often > sometimes > rarely > never (0%).

Position Rules:

Place them before the main verb.

But place them after the be verb.

我I 总是always 刷brush 我的my 牙teeth.

I always brush my teeth. (Before a lexical verb)

他He （be）is 从不never 迟到late.

He is never late. (After a be verb)

Note: Adverbs of frequency go before lexical verbs and after be verbs: I often read; She is often busy.

Common Errors

❌ ~~Because it was raining, so we stayed home.~~ → ✓ Because it was raining, we stayed home. / It was raining, so we stayed home. — In Chinese, "because... so..." appears as a pair, but in English, you can only keep one of because or so.

❌ ~~Although he is rich, but he is not happy.~~ → ✓ Although he is rich, he is not happy. — Similarly, in the Chinese structure "although... but...", you can only choose one of although or but.

❌ ~~I like apples and I like bananas and I like oranges.~~ → ✓ I like apples, bananas and oranges. — When listing multiple items, separate them with commas and use and only before the final item.

❌ ~~I play sometimes football.~~ → ✓ I sometimes play football. / I play football sometimes. — An adverb cannot be placed between a verb and its object.