English for Beginners: Visiting Art Galleries

Current Situation

Art galleries used to be seen as very serious places, mainly for older people or art experts. However, this is changing! Many galleries now try to be more welcoming and fun. They often have interactive exhibits where you can touch things, cafes with delicious drinks and snacks, and gift shops with unique items. Young people are increasingly visiting galleries to see new art, take interesting photos for social media, and spend time with friends. So, don’t think of them as boring places – they can be very interesting and a great way to explore creativity!

Key Phrases

• What did you do? – Used to ask about someone’s past activities.

  Example: “What did you do last night?”

• I went to… – Used to say where you traveled or visited.

  Example: “I went to the park yesterday.”

• Are you feeling okay? – Used to ask if someone is well, often with surprise or concern.

  Example: “You’re usually so quiet, are you feeling okay today?”

• Very funny! – Used playfully or sarcastically when someone says something humorous (or not).

  Example: “You spilled water on me! Very funny!”

• It was really interesting! – Used to express that something was engaging or held your attention.

  Example: “The movie was really interesting!”

• I’m not really into… – Used to say you don’t have much interest in something.

  Example: “I’m not really into sports.”

• You should try it! – Used to recommend something to someone.

  Example: “This cake is delicious, you should try it!”

• Sounds fun/boring. – Used to give a quick opinion about an idea or activity.

  Example: “A trip to the beach sounds fun!” / “Working all weekend sounds boring.”

• That sounds like a plan! – Used to agree with a suggestion or idea for future action.

  Example: “Let’s meet at 7 PM. That sounds like a plan!”

Grammar Points

1. Past Simple Tense (Regular and Irregular Verbs)

We use the Past Simple Tense to talk about actions that happened at a specific time in the past and are now finished.

• Regular verbs: Add -ed (e.g., walk → walked, play → played, watch → watched)
• Irregular verbs: Change form (e.g., go → went, see → saw, do → did, is → was)

Examples from dialogue: “I went to the gallery.” “What did you do?” “It was really interesting.”

2. Present Simple Tense for Preferences/Opinions

We use the Present Simple Tense to express general truths, habits, and what you like or don’t like.

• Formation: Subject + base verb (add -s for he/she/it)

Examples from dialogue: “I prefer things I can understand.” “I’m not really into modern art.”

3. Modal Verb “Should”

We use “should” to give advice or make suggestions.

• Formation: Subject + should + base verb

Example from dialogue: “Maybe you should try it sometime!”

4. Question Word “What”

We use “what” to ask for information about things or actions.

Example from dialogue: “What did you do this weekend?” “What was the art?”