Business English A2 · Lesson 6B

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

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Grammar focus of this lesson

Interruption, agreement, disagreement

2 structures

both / neither / either · so do I / neither do I
How to talk about two things together and how to agree or disagree quickly.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›both + plural verb: Both options are good.
- ›neither = not one and not the other (+ singular verb): Neither option is cheap.
- ›either = one or the other: Either day works for me.
- ›Agree with a positive: So do I / So am I. Agree with a negative: Neither do I.
- ›Disagree: Really? I don't. / Oh, I do.
Examples
- “Both reports are ready, but neither is short.”
- “We can meet either on Tuesday or on Thursday.”
- ““I love early meetings.” “Really? I don't.””
Watch out · After So / Neither the verb comes before the subject: So do I (not So I do).
Your own example
Question forms and short answers
The word order that makes every English question work.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›(Wh-) + auxiliary + subject + main verb: Where do you work?
- ›With be, invert: Are you free? Was it useful?
- ›Short answers repeat the auxiliary: Yes, I do. / No, she isn't.
- ›Question tags check information: You're new here, aren't you?
Examples
- “How long have you worked here?”
- “What time does the call start?”
- “You've met Ana, haven't you?”
Watch out · Never keep statement order: Where you work? ✗
Your own example