Learn How to Use “AND” ➕
(Positive Continuity Connector)
1. What “AND” Does 🧩
Use “and” to connect an old memory with a recent event when both are positive or related. It shows continuity between what happened in the past and what’s happening now.
Formula:
[Time indicator + Old memory (Past Simple)] + AND + [Time indicator + Recent memory (Simple Present / Present Perfect / Present Continuous / Present Perfect Continous)
Using AND
(positive continuity)
“Hi everyone! Yesterday, while I was cleaning my room, I found an old photo, and it reminded me of something. Five years ago, I learned how to play the guitar, and now I’m playing in a small local band. It’s crazy to think about it, because back then I could only play three chords. I’ve come a long way!”
Example 🎸
“Five years ago I learned how to play the guitar, and now I’m playing in a small local band.”
- Old memory (Past Simple): “Five years ago I learned how to play the guitar.”
- Connector: AND → links the old and recent events positively.
- Recent event: “Now I’m playing in a small local band.”
More Examples âś…
- “I started reading about photography last year, and recently I’ve bought my first camera.”
- “Ten years ago I watched the World Cup with my family, and this year I’ve watched it again with friends.”
- “Three years ago I wanted to open a bakery, and today I’m finally working as a chef.”
Vocabulary Booster 🚀
| Order | Expression | Tense | Meaning/Use | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | “…and now I… | Present Simple | To show a recent fact or current habit. | “Five years ago I learned to play the guitar, and now I play every weekend.” |
| 2. | “…and now I’m… | Present Continuous | To show an action happening right now or ongoing. | “I watched the World Cup in 2014, and now I’m watching this year’s games with friends.” |
| 3. | “…and now I’ve… | Present Perfect | To show a new experience connected to the present. | “I started reading about photography last year, and now I’ve bought my first camera.” |
| 4. | “…and now I’ve been… | Present Perfect Continuous | To emphasize the duration of a recent action. | “Three months ago I joined a gym, and now I’ve been working out twice a week.” |
| 5. | “…and recently I’ve… | Present Perfect | To highlight a recent experience. | “I wanted to travel to Mexico, and recently I’ve booked my flights.” |
| 6. | “…and today I’m… | Present Continuous | To express something happening right now. | “Three years ago I wanted to open a bakery, and today I’m working as a chef.” |
| 7. | “…and these days I… | Present Simple | To talk about a new routine or lifestyle. | “I used to work nights, and these days I work from home during the day.” |
| 8. | “…and this year I’ve… | Present Perfect | To connect an old event with something new this year. | “Ten years ago I visited Tikal, and this year I’ve traveled to another historical site.” |
| 9. | “…and next month I’m… | Present Continuous (Future meaning) | To show a planned future action connected to a past event. | “Last summer I went to Antigua, and next month I’m visiting again with my classmates.” |
