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A balanced randomized quiz across the available grammar subjects.
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Starts at zero/basic English and samples progressively through C2. At the end you receive an estimated level.
The major English grammar structures not covered by the other learning modules, with rich examples, comparisons and randomized practice.
Cards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
A gerund is an -ing form functioning as a noun, for example as subject or object.
verb-ing as subject/objectpreposition + verb-ingThe passive keeps the tense in the auxiliary be while the main verb stays in the past participle form.
is done / was done / has been done / will be done / is being doneThe zero conditional describes general results; the first conditional describes a real future possibility.
If + present, presentIf + present, will + base verbEnglish often avoids repetition by omitting recoverable words or replacing them with forms such as one, do, so and neither.
I can swim and she can too.the red oneI think so.Conditional meaning can be expressed with alternatives to if. Unless means if not; provided that and as long as express a necessary condition.
unless + affirmative clauseprovided/providing that + clauseas long as + clauseWriters and speakers can move an element to the front to establish a topic, contrast or emphasis, especially in literary and conversational styles.
Fronted adverbial + clauseObject/topic + clause/commentAfter certain verbs and adjectives, especially in formal American English, a that-clause may use the base verb for all subjects.
recommend that + subject + base verbit is essential that + subject + base verbParticiple clauses compress information when the understood subject is the same as the subject of the main clause.
Walking home, ...Built in 1900, ...Having finished, ...Some verbs take to + infinitive, while modal verbs and certain structures take a bare infinitive.
want to gocan golet/make + object + base verbItems joined in a list or comparison should normally have matching grammatical form.
to read, to write, and to speakreading, writing, and speakingComplex sentences can express purpose, result and concession with structures such as so that, so/such...that, although and even though.
so that + clauseso + adjective + thatsuch + noun phrase + thatalthough/even though + clauseCollective nouns and expressions of amount can take singular or plural agreement depending on meaning and variety of English.
A team is... / The team are...Ten dollars is...Wish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleHaving + past participle shows that one action was completed before the action in the main clause. The passive form is having been + past participle.
Having + past participle, main clauseHaving been + past participle, main clauseEnglish verbs select different complement types: gerund, to-infinitive, bare infinitive, object + infinitive, or that-clause. These patterns must often be learned with the verb.
avoid doingdecide to dolet someone dowant someone to doinsist that + clauseCoordinators link equal units; subordinators make one clause dependent on another.
clause, and/but/so clausebecause/although/when + clauseIn formal style, a preposition may come before whom or which. In less formal English the preposition often stays at the end of the relative clause.
the person to whom I spokethe company for which she worksSome relative clauses can be reduced to participle phrases when the meaning remains clear.
people who live here → people living hereproducts that were made locally → products made locallyIn the present simple, third-person singular subjects normally take a verb ending in -s; plural subjects use the base form.
He/She/It + verb-sI/You/We/They + base verbA relative pronoun can sometimes be omitted when it is the object of a defining relative clause, but not when it is the subject.
the book (that) I boughtthe man who calledHave/get + object + past participle means that someone arranges for another person to perform a service or action.
have + object + past participleget + object + past participleThird conditionals imagine a different past; mixed conditionals connect an unreal past with a present result or vice versa.
If + past perfect, would have + past participleIf + past perfect, would + base verbWish + past form commonly expresses dissatisfaction with the present; wish + would can express a desired change in behavior or situation.
wish + past simplewish + would + base verbDefining relatives identify which person or thing; non-defining relatives add extra information and are set off by commas.
noun + defining relativenoun, non-defining relative,Commands are commonly reported with tell/ask + object + infinitive; time and place words may change according to viewpoint.
told/asked + object + to-infinitivenow → then; today → that day; here → thereWith some verbs, gerund and infinitive are both possible but the meaning changes, such as remember, stop and try.
remember doing / remember to dostop doing / stop to dotry doing / try to doObjects receive the action, while complements describe or identify the subject or object.
S + V + OS + linking V + subject complementS + V + O + object complementReported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + verbDifferent reporting verbs take different complements: infinitive, gerund, object + infinitive, or that-clause.
agree to dodeny doingadvise object to dosuggest that + clause / suggest doingFormal emphasis can place a negative or restrictive adverbial first and invert the auxiliary and subject.
Never have I...Rarely do they...Not only did she...Reported speech retells what someone said, often with tense backshift when the reporting verb is in the past.
said (that) + clausetold + object + clauseA complete sentence needs an independent clause. Two independent clauses need correct coordination or punctuation such as a period, semicolon, or comma plus coordinator.
independent clause. Independent clause.independent clause; independent clauseindependent clause, and/but/so independent clauseThe passive focuses on the receiver of an action. It is formed with be plus a past participle.
be + past participleObject of active sentence → subject of passiveEnglish relies strongly on word order. Frequency adverbs usually go before a lexical verb but after be.
Subject + adverb + lexical verbSubject + be + adverbVerb + object + manner/place/timePresent participles often describe an active or ongoing relation; past participles often describe a completed or passive relation.
verb-ingpast participle (V3)An independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent clauseEnglish clauses are built around a subject and a verb, with optional objects, complements and adverbials.
Subject + VerbSubject + Verb + ObjectSubject + Linking Verb + ComplementThe second conditional expresses unreal, imaginary or unlikely present and future situations.
If + past simple, would + base verbFormal English often reports general beliefs or claims with impersonal passive structures or subject + passive reporting verb + infinitive.
It is said that + clauseSubject + is said/believed/thought + to-infinitiveEnglish can emphasize a statement with do/does/did or focus information with it-clefts and what-clefts.
I do agree.It was X that...What I need is...Formal conditionals can omit if and invert had, were or should with the subject.
Had I known, ...Were I you, ...Should you need help, ...A noun clause functions like a noun; an adverb clause adds information about time, reason, condition, contrast or purpose.
I know + that-clausewhat/why/how + clausesubordinator + adverb clauseIn formal literary style, so + adjective or such + be can be fronted and followed by inversion for strong emphasis.
So + adjective + auxiliary + subject + that...Such + be + noun phrase + that...Would rather can express preference; with a different subject it often takes a past form. It’s time can also take a past form for desired action now.
would rather + base verbwould rather + subject + pastit is time + subject + pastWhose expresses possession; where relates to places; when relates to times, though preposition + which is also possible in formal style.
person whose + nounplace where + clausetime when + clauseWords such as each, every, either and neither are normally singular when they are the grammatical head of the subject.
Each/Every + singular noun + singular verbEither/Neither + singular verbIn existential there structures, the verb commonly agrees with the following notional subject in formal standard English. In relative clauses, agreement depends on the antecedent represented by the relative pronoun.
There is + singularThere are + pluralone of the people who are...As if/as though can introduce comparisons that are real or unreal. A past form can signal an unreal present comparison, and past perfect can signal an unreal past comparison.
as if/as though + presentas if/as though + pastas if/as though + past perfectCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Objects receive the action, while complements describe or identify the subject or object.
S + V + OS + linking V + subject complementS + V + O + object complementA complete sentence needs an independent clause. Two independent clauses need correct coordination or punctuation such as a period, semicolon, or comma plus coordinator.
independent clause. Independent clause.independent clause; independent clauseindependent clause, and/but/so independent clauseEnglish relies strongly on word order. Frequency adverbs usually go before a lexical verb but after be.
Subject + adverb + lexical verbSubject + be + adverbVerb + object + manner/place/timeEnglish clauses are built around a subject and a verb, with optional objects, complements and adverbials.
Subject + VerbSubject + Verb + ObjectSubject + Linking Verb + ComplementCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Complex sentences can express purpose, result and concession with structures such as so that, so/such...that, although and even though.
so that + clauseso + adjective + thatsuch + noun phrase + thatalthough/even though + clauseCoordinators link equal units; subordinators make one clause dependent on another.
clause, and/but/so clausebecause/although/when + clauseAn independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent clauseA noun clause functions like a noun; an adverb clause adds information about time, reason, condition, contrast or purpose.
I know + that-clausewhat/why/how + clausesubordinator + adverb clauseCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Collective nouns and expressions of amount can take singular or plural agreement depending on meaning and variety of English.
A team is... / The team are...Ten dollars is...In the present simple, third-person singular subjects normally take a verb ending in -s; plural subjects use the base form.
He/She/It + verb-sI/You/We/They + base verbWords such as each, every, either and neither are normally singular when they are the grammatical head of the subject.
Each/Every + singular noun + singular verbEither/Neither + singular verbIn existential there structures, the verb commonly agrees with the following notional subject in formal standard English. In relative clauses, agreement depends on the antecedent represented by the relative pronoun.
There is + singularThere are + pluralone of the people who are...Cards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
The zero conditional describes general results; the first conditional describes a real future possibility.
If + present, presentIf + present, will + base verbConditional meaning can be expressed with alternatives to if. Unless means if not; provided that and as long as express a necessary condition.
unless + affirmative clauseprovided/providing that + clauseas long as + clauseThird conditionals imagine a different past; mixed conditionals connect an unreal past with a present result or vice versa.
If + past perfect, would have + past participleIf + past perfect, would + base verbThe second conditional expresses unreal, imaginary or unlikely present and future situations.
If + past simple, would + base verbCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
The passive keeps the tense in the auxiliary be while the main verb stays in the past participle form.
is done / was done / has been done / will be done / is being doneHave/get + object + past participle means that someone arranges for another person to perform a service or action.
have + object + past participleget + object + past participleThe passive focuses on the receiver of an action. It is formed with be plus a past participle.
be + past participleObject of active sentence → subject of passiveFormal English often reports general beliefs or claims with impersonal passive structures or subject + passive reporting verb + infinitive.
It is said that + clauseSubject + is said/believed/thought + to-infinitiveCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Commands are commonly reported with tell/ask + object + infinitive; time and place words may change according to viewpoint.
told/asked + object + to-infinitivenow → then; today → that day; here → thereReported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + verbDifferent reporting verbs take different complements: infinitive, gerund, object + infinitive, or that-clause.
agree to dodeny doingadvise object to dosuggest that + clause / suggest doingReported speech retells what someone said, often with tense backshift when the reporting verb is in the past.
said (that) + clausetold + object + clauseCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
A gerund is an -ing form functioning as a noun, for example as subject or object.
verb-ing as subject/objectpreposition + verb-ingSome verbs take to + infinitive, while modal verbs and certain structures take a bare infinitive.
want to gocan golet/make + object + base verbEnglish verbs select different complement types: gerund, to-infinitive, bare infinitive, object + infinitive, or that-clause. These patterns must often be learned with the verb.
avoid doingdecide to dolet someone dowant someone to doinsist that + clauseWith some verbs, gerund and infinitive are both possible but the meaning changes, such as remember, stop and try.
remember doing / remember to dostop doing / stop to dotry doing / try to doCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Participle clauses compress information when the understood subject is the same as the subject of the main clause.
Walking home, ...Built in 1900, ...Having finished, ...Having + past participle shows that one action was completed before the action in the main clause. The passive form is having been + past participle.
Having + past participle, main clauseHaving been + past participle, main clauseSome relative clauses can be reduced to participle phrases when the meaning remains clear.
people who live here → people living hereproducts that were made locally → products made locallyPresent participles often describe an active or ongoing relation; past participles often describe a completed or passive relation.
verb-ingpast participle (V3)Cards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
In formal style, a preposition may come before whom or which. In less formal English the preposition often stays at the end of the relative clause.
the person to whom I spokethe company for which she worksA relative pronoun can sometimes be omitted when it is the object of a defining relative clause, but not when it is the subject.
the book (that) I boughtthe man who calledDefining relatives identify which person or thing; non-defining relatives add extra information and are set off by commas.
noun + defining relativenoun, non-defining relative,Whose expresses possession; where relates to places; when relates to times, though preposition + which is also possible in formal style.
person whose + nounplace where + clausetime when + clauseCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Wish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleWish + past form commonly expresses dissatisfaction with the present; wish + would can express a desired change in behavior or situation.
wish + past simplewish + would + base verbWould rather can express preference; with a different subject it often takes a past form. It’s time can also take a past form for desired action now.
would rather + base verbwould rather + subject + pastit is time + subject + pastAs if/as though can introduce comparisons that are real or unreal. A past form can signal an unreal present comparison, and past perfect can signal an unreal past comparison.
as if/as though + presentas if/as though + pastas if/as though + past perfectCards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
Formal emphasis can place a negative or restrictive adverbial first and invert the auxiliary and subject.
Never have I...Rarely do they...Not only did she...English can emphasize a statement with do/does/did or focus information with it-clefts and what-clefts.
I do agree.It was X that...What I need is...Formal conditionals can omit if and invert had, were or should with the subject.
Had I known, ...Were I you, ...Should you need help, ...In formal literary style, so + adjective or such + be can be fronted and followed by inversion for strong emphasis.
So + adjective + auxiliary + subject + that...Such + be + noun phrase + that...Cards are shuffled on each fresh page load. Use the controls to focus the lesson set.
English often avoids repetition by omitting recoverable words or replacing them with forms such as one, do, so and neither.
I can swim and she can too.the red oneI think so.Writers and speakers can move an element to the front to establish a topic, contrast or emphasis, especially in literary and conversational styles.
Fronted adverbial + clauseObject/topic + clause/commentAfter certain verbs and adjectives, especially in formal American English, a that-clause may use the base verb for all subjects.
recommend that + subject + base verbit is essential that + subject + base verbItems joined in a list or comparison should normally have matching grammatical form.
to read, to write, and to speakreading, writing, and speakingSide-by-side study cards for grammar distinctions learners commonly mix up.
The passive keeps the tense in the auxiliary be while the main verb stays in the past participle form.
is done / was done / has been done / will be done / is being doneEnglish often avoids repetition by omitting recoverable words or replacing them with forms such as one, do, so and neither.
I can swim and she can too.the red oneI think so.Wish/if only + past perfect expresses regret about a past event that cannot be changed.
wish/if only + had + past participleSome relative clauses can be reduced to participle phrases when the meaning remains clear.
people who live here → people living hereproducts that were made locally → products made locallyThird conditionals imagine a different past; mixed conditionals connect an unreal past with a present result or vice versa.
If + past perfect, would have + past participleIf + past perfect, would + base verbDefining relatives identify which person or thing; non-defining relatives add extra information and are set off by commas.
noun + defining relativenoun, non-defining relative,With some verbs, gerund and infinitive are both possible but the meaning changes, such as remember, stop and try.
remember doing / remember to dostop doing / stop to dotry doing / try to doReported questions use statement word order and normally do not use do/does/did.
asked + wh-word + subject + verbasked + if/whether + subject + verbFormal emphasis can place a negative or restrictive adverbial first and invert the auxiliary and subject.
Never have I...Rarely do they...Not only did she...English relies strongly on word order. Frequency adverbs usually go before a lexical verb but after be.
Subject + adverb + lexical verbSubject + be + adverbVerb + object + manner/place/timeAn independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause needs another clause to complete the meaning.
Independent clauseSubordinator + dependent clauseWords such as each, every, either and neither are normally singular when they are the grammatical head of the subject.
Each/Every + singular noun + singular verbEither/Neither + singular verbExamples come from the editable lesson database and change order each load.
Questions and answer choices are randomized for every new attempt.
This article provides a comprehensive, all-in-one guide to English modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would), designed for learners at levels A1 to B1 who want to speak with confidence and precision.
The essential idea you must understand is that modal verbs are "helper" verbs that express possibility, ability, permission, obligation, necessity, and prediction. They never change form and are always followed by the base form of the main verb.
You will discover why the incorrect She can to swim. becomes the correct She can swim., and how mastering just nine modal verbs can dramatically improve your English fluency.
The key question to keep in mind is: What is the speaker's attitude or intention — ability, possibility, permission, obligation, or prediction?
The main rule to remember is: Modal verbs NEVER change form (no -s, -ed, or -ing) and are ALWAYS followed by the base form (bare infinitive) of the main verb.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use all nine modal verbs correctly in a variety of contexts, from everyday conversations to formal writing.
Modal verbs are special auxiliary (helping) verbs that express attitude, mood, or intention toward an action. They don't describe actions themselves — they describe how likely, necessary, possible, or permitted an action is.
| Modal Verb | Core Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| can | ability, possibility, permission | I can swim. |
| could | past ability, polite request, possibility | I could swim when I was 5. |
| may | formal permission, possibility | You may leave early. |
| might | possibility (less certain) | It might rain today. |
| must | strong obligation, necessity, certainty | You must wear a seatbelt. |
| shall | formal suggestions, future (with I/we) | I shall call you tomorrow. |
| should | advice, recommendation, expectation | You should see a doctor. |
| will | prediction, promise, willingness | I will help you. |
| would | polite request, hypothetical situation, past habits | Would you like some tea? |
To choose the correct modal verb, ask yourself:
can / could
"I can speak Spanish."
may / might / could
"It might rain."
must / should
"You must study."
will / shall
"It will snow."
Can expresses present ability — what someone is able to do now. Could expresses past ability or a polite request.
Can is informal permission for everyday situations. Could is a more polite request. May is formal permission, often used in official contexts.
| Modal | Level of Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Can | Informal / Casual | "Can I use your phone?" |
| Could | Polite / Slightly Formal | "Could I borrow your pen?" |
| May | Very Formal / Official | "May I come in, sir?" |
These three modal verbs express different levels of certainty about a possible event.
| Modal | Level of Certainty | Example |
|---|---|---|
| May | 50-60% certain | "It may rain later." |
| Might | 30-50% certain (less sure) | "It might rain later." |
| Could | Purely possible | "It could rain, but I'm not sure." |
Must expresses strong obligation — something that is necessary or required. Should expresses advice or recommendation — something that is a good idea but not required.
Will is used for predictions, promises, and willingness. Shall is mostly used with "I" and "we" for formal promises or suggestions (more common in British English).
Would is the most polite form. Could is also polite. Can is more casual.
| Modal | Level of Politeness | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Would | Very polite / Formal | "Would you pass me the salt?" |
| Could | Polite / Standard | "Could you help me?" |
| Can | Casual / Informal | "Can you help me?" |
Meaning: She has the ability to speak four languages. This is a present, general ability.
Why it works: "Can" expresses ability in the present. It is followed by the base verb "speak" (not "speaks").
Key question: What is the speaker's attitude? → Ability → So we use "can."
Meaning: I had the ability to run fast in the past, but I may not be able to do it now.
Why it works: "Could" expresses past ability. It is followed by the base verb "run."
Meaning: The speaker is politely asking for permission to leave early.
Why it works: "May" is a formal way to ask for permission. It is followed by the base verb "leave."
Compare: "Can I leave early?" is casual. "May I leave early?" is more formal and respectful.
Meaning: There is a possibility (30-50% chance) that we will go to the beach. The speaker is not sure.
Why it works: "Might" expresses a less certain possibility. It is followed by the base verb "go."
Compare: "We may go" = 50-60% sure. "We might go" = 30-50% sure.
Meaning: It is required/necessary to wear a helmet. There is a strong rule or obligation.
Why it works: "Must" expresses strong obligation. It is followed by the base verb "wear."
Compare: "You should wear a helmet" = advice (optional). "You must wear a helmet" = requirement (not optional).
Meaning: This is a recommendation. Drinking more water is a good idea, but not required.
Why it works: "Should" expresses advice or recommendation. It is followed by the base verb "drink."
Meaning: The speaker is predicting that tomorrow will be sunny. This is a forecast.
Why it works: "Will" expresses a future prediction. It is followed by the base verb "be."
Meaning: This is a very polite request asking someone to close the window.
Why it works: "Would" is the most polite way to ask for something. It is followed by "you" and then the base verb "mind."
Compare: "Can you close the window?" (casual) vs "Would you close the window?" (polite).
Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the verb, NOT the infinitive with "to."
Remember: Modal + Base Verb (no "to").
Modal verbs never change form. There is no "-s," "-ed," or "-ing" with modals.
Remember: Modals are the same for all subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).
"Mustn't" means "it is forbidden" or "it is not allowed." It is followed by the base form of the verb, NOT "to" + verb.
Remember: "Mustn't" = "must not" = strong prohibition.
"Must" is a modal verb, so it takes the base form of the verb. "Have to" is NOT a modal — it's a phrase that works like a modal but can change form.
Remember: "Must" + base verb. "Have to" + base verb (but "have" changes form: has to, had to).
In modern English, "shall" is rarely used except with "I" and "we" in very formal contexts. "Will" is used for all subjects in most situations.
Remember: Use "will" for predictions with all subjects. "Shall" is mostly used with "I" and "we" in formal contexts.
Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb (can, could, may, might, must, should, will, would):
Each sentence has one mistake. Find it and correct it:
Write one sentence for each of the following situations:
Write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) about your plans for next week. Use at least 5 different modal verbs.
What is the key question you should ask yourself when choosing a modal verb?
Complete the sentence: "You ______ eat more vegetables."
Why? This is advice or a recommendation. "Should" is the correct choice.
What is the golden rule about modal verbs and form changes?
What is wrong with: "She can to speak three languages."
Why? Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb, NOT the infinitive with "to."
Write a sentence using a modal verb to express strong obligation.
Analysis: "Must" expresses strong obligation or requirement.
To complete your journey with modal verbs, review these key points and use this checklist to ensure you've mastered everything.
Present ability
"I can swim."
Past ability / Polite
"I could help."
Formal permission
"May I come in?"
Less certain possibility
"It might rain."
Strong obligation
"You must go."
Formal (I/we)
"I shall return."
Advice / Recommendation
"You should try."
Prediction / Promise
"It will snow."
Polite request
"Would you help?"
Ask the key question: What is the speaker's attitude — ability, possibility, permission, obligation, or prediction?
Remember the golden rule: Modal verbs NEVER change form. They are ALWAYS followed by the base form of the main verb.
Practice using all nine modals: The more you use them, the more natural they become. Try to use at least one modal verb in every conversation.
Compare your sentences with correct models: Before finishing, compare your sentences with the examples in this article to catch any errors.
🔑 Remember: Modal verbs NEVER change form. Modal + Base Verb (no "to"). What's your attitude — ability, possibility, permission, obligation, or prediction?
Browse, compare, learn usage, and practice with randomized quizzes from one learning card.
Sort by level, base verb, primary particle, structure, meaning group, or teaching priority.
depend on someone or something happening
You can bank on her to arrive on time.
give something free to another person or organization
We plan to give away the old furniture.
Sense: donate.
enter a building or place illegally or by force
Someone tried to break in last night.
buy all or most of another person’s ownership in a company or business
A larger company may buy out the startup.
keep information, money, or something else from being given
They should not keep back important information.
stop talking or make someone stop talking
Please shut up for a moment.
finish or bring something to an end
Let’s wind up the discussion before lunch.
understand, interpret, or recognize something
I am trying to make out what this message means.
Sense: understand or discern.
produce a paper copy from a computer or printer
Can you print out this document for me?
have no more of something left
We might run out of water on the trip.
stop doing or using something, especially a habit
He is trying to give up smoking.
increase a price, score, or written value
They may mark up the price next month.
give or distribute something to several people
Please give out these papers to the class.
defend yourself or respond strongly to an attack or criticism
The team fought back in the second half.
investigate or examine a subject or problem carefully
The team will check out the complaint.
Sense: investigate or examine.
wear special, formal, or decorative clothes
We have to dress up for the ceremony.
suddenly be unable to remember something
I sometimes blank out during stressful exams.
start or activate a machine, device, or system
Can you switch on the system?
take air into the lungs
Breathe in slowly through your nose.
record the time you start work
Employees must clock in before starting their shift.