Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TEST
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CONTENTS
TENSES……………………………………………………………………………………… 01
TAG QUESTIONS………………………………………...……………………………….... 29
INDIRECT SPEECH………………………………………………………………………… 34
COMPARISONS………..…………………..……………………………………………….. 39
MODALS……………………………………………………………………………………... 46
CLAUSES…………………………………………………………………………………….. 71
MISCELLANEOUS SECTION………………………………………………......…………. 85
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TENSES
FUTURE I’m going to I’ll be working I’ll have I’ll have been
work worked working
A. The simple present is a tense that expresses actions which occur within a certain
frequency (affirmative or negative).
Examples:
Affirmative frequencies:
- I go to work every day.
- Pam usually has breakfast very early.
- Does your class always begin at 8:00?
- We sometimes listen to the radio in the afternoon.
Negative frequencies:
- I hardly ever see my boss.
- George never goes out at weekdays.
- They seldom have classes on Sunday.
- Susan rarely studies in the morning.
Examples:
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C. When we ask questions, always follow fixed patterns. Also, when we ask questions
with interrogative words (who – what – when – why – where – how – whose – etc.),
we use the auxiliary only when we mention the subject.
Examples:
- I go to Mary’s house at weekends.
Simple question : Does Ted buy two bottles of milk every day?
Answers : Yes he does. No, he doesn’t.
I. W. questions : Who buys two bottles of milk every day?
: Ted does.
: What does Ted (do) (buy) every day?
: He buys two bottles of milk.
: How much milk does Ted buy every day?
: He buys two bottles of milk.
Simple question : Do you and Tom study with the short girl at night?
Answers : Yes, we do. No, we don’t.
I. W. questions : Who studies with the short girl at night?
: Tom and I do.
: Who do you and Tom study with at night?
: We study with the short girl.
: Which girl do you and Tom study with at night?
: We study with the short one.
: When do you and Tom study with the short girl?
: We study with her at night.
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II. THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS
A. The present continuous (or present progressive) expresses actions that are in process
at present or around now.
Examples:
B. Even though all verbs in English have an ING form, not all of them can be used in
continuous tenses (stative verbs).
Here is a list
Examples:
Note: We do not use these verbs in continuous tenses, but we have to keep in mind that they all
have -ING forms.
Examples:
Note: When we find one of the stative verbs in continuous, that is because the verb has some
especial meaning.
Examples:
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EXERCISES
an umbrella.
10. They usually _______________ out of town on their holiday, but this year,
(go)
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12. He often eats vegetables, but now he __________________ pork.
(eat)
A. The simple past expresses completed events. Some verbs have regular past forms and
others have irregular past forms.
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B. PRONUNCIATION HELP (REGULAR VERBS)
1. When the simple form ends in a voiceless sound (p, k, f, s, sh, ch), the past form is
pronounced with a final /t/ and the number of syllables remains the same.
3. When the simple form ends in “t” or “d” sound, the past form is pronounced /id/ and an
extra syllable is added.
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D. SPECIAL CASES
HANG
1. When it means to put something somewhere, the past form is HUNG.
- I hung my clothes in the closet yesterday.
SHINE
1. When it means to send off light, the past form is SHONE.
- The sun shone all day yesterday.
A. The past continuous expresses an action that was going on in the past when something
else happened.
Examples:
- I was leaving when the telephone rang.
(When the telephone rang, I was leaving)
- When I was leaving, the telephone rang.
B. We can use WHEN before the Past Continuous or the simple past. But the expression
(JUST) AS or WHILE can also be used and it is usually with continuous form.
Examples:
- (Just) as I was leaving, the telephone rang.
- The telephone rang (just) as I was leaving.
C. The past continuous also expresses actions that were in process at some time in
the past.
Examples:
- We were cleaning the house all morning.
- What were you doing this afternoon?
- It was raining all day yesterday.
D. There is a verb phrase used to express unfulfilled plans (not finished). This verb phrase
isn´t the Past continuous, but it is similar in structure (was/were + going to + V)
Examples:
-They were going to buy a Toyota, but they finally bought a Nissan.
- I was going to take a trip, but I changed my mind.
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EXERCISES
10. The police _________________ the thief when they _____________ with the stolen money.
(look for) (run across)
12. The waiter _________________ up the pieces of the broken dish that _______________
(pick) (slip)
out of his hand.
13. I ___________________ about the robbery while I_________________ for the bus.
(hear) (wait)
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14. He __________________ his nose as he __________________ to light his cigarette.
(burn) (try)
17. While the teacher ________________ my paper, he ________________ only two mistakes.
(correct) (find)
A. The simple future expresses future events. We can use different words of
expressions to express the future.
BE GOING TO + V: This is the best way to express the future since it does not have
any other uses. The degree of certainty is high because you have done previous
actions to promote this one.
Examples:
- I’m going to see Henry next week.
- They aren’t going to watch TV.
- Is she going to call you later?
WILL + V: A lot of grammarians say that WILL is not simple future since it has
special meanings and uses.
Examples:
1. Future Promise : Don’t worry. I will help you.
2. Future Determination : We will win the match.
3. Inevitability : She’s sad because she’ll repeat the course.
4. Predictions : Do you think Laura will get the job?
NOTE: Many times you can use will or be going to in the same sentence, of course
with different meanings. For instance, will expresses things that have just been
decided. Whereas, be going to expresses things that were decided earlier.
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NOTE: BE GOING TO and WILL may be used with time expressions.
BE ABOUT TO is never used with time expressions.
Examples:
- Tom is going to buy a car (next month).
- I’ll call you (later)
- He’s about to arrive.
Here we express actions that have been scheduled or planned. A time expression is
compulsory.
Examples:
- I have a meeting tomorrow.
- The concert is next week.
- My sister is coming the day after tomorrow.
- They are graduating in March.
EXERCISES
Put the verb into the correct form, using will or be going to.
9. A: Who do you think will win the first place in the marathon?
B: I bet Joe _____________________ win.
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11. I’m studying very hard, but I don’t think I ______________________ pass.
15. They are very much in love. Do you think they ________________ get married
soon?
A. This tense (will + be + V.ing) is the same as the simple future, but it emphasizes the
continuity of the actions.
Examples:
I’ll study this afternoon . = I’ll be studying this afternoon.
They are going to watch TV = They’ll be watching TV
Are you going to work later? = Will you be working later?
NOTE: You can also use be going to instead of will, but the structure is not
colloquial.
- I’m going to be resting all day on Sunday.
Present Perfect
I have bought a car. (Indefinite past)
(I already bought it, I’m not saying “when” I bought it)
Simple past
- I bought a car last week. (Definitive past)
(With the simple past we may say “when” the action took place)
NOTE: This does not mean that we “have to” use time expressions with the simple
past.
We can say: Peter brought you the papers. (No time expression)
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BUT
If we want to use definite time expressions (last week, yesterday, two days ago,
etc), we must use them with the simple past.
NOT
With the present perfect.
A.1. There are, however, some time expressions that are considered “indefinite”,
and that may be used with the present perfect.
Examples:
IN
Negative statements we use YET
She hasn’t come yet / They haven’t called yet.
6. Other expressions:
- She still hasn’t made up her mind.
- He has seen that movie 3 times so far.
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NOTE: We have to keep in mind that these expressions of time can be found in
other tenses as well. Specially while speaking.
Examples:
BUT If we say: I have been sick for a week. (estoy enfermo desde hace una semana).
We are saying that the action is still in process.
More Examples:
- Tom has worked in a bank = not anymore
- Tom has worked in a bank since 2005 = and he still does
CONCLUSION: If we want to express an action that begins in the past and continues in
the present, we “have to” use FOR and SINCE with the present perfect. If not, we are
expressing indefinite past.
A. The present perfect continuous (have / has + been + - ING) is the same as the present
perfect, but it emphasizes the continuity of the action.
Examples:
- I’ve been working a lot lately = I have worked a lot lately.
- They’ve been studying English since 2012 = They’ve studied English since
2012
1. Mario Vargas Llosa ________________ several books. He ______________ his tenth book.
(write) (just finish)
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4. We ___________________ this sort of work when we __________________ in the army.
(do) (be)
5. A: _______ you _____________ your hair short when you _________________ in school?.
(wear) (be)
7. My parents __________ married in 1957, but they __________ divorced for almost 13 years.
(get) (be)
9. How many countries _______________ you _________________ during your last holiday?
(visit)
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- Estudio en la Universidad de Lima desde hace 6 años.
I have studied at Lima University for 6 years.
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IX. THE PAST PERFECT
A. The past perfect (had + past participle) refers to an action that happened before
another one.
Examples:
- l had (already) finished the letter when you called.
(When you called, l had (already) finished the letter)
B. The following sequence words can be used with the past perfect or the simple past
without difference in meaning.
She (had) sold her car before she bought the house
(Before she bought the house, she (had) sold her car)
EXERCISES
Join the 2 sentences using the past perfect and the given words.
1. I got home. I called them from my home phone. (as soon as)
2. The students got their exams. The teacher corrected them. (after)
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X. THE PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
A. The past perfect continuous (had + been + - ING) expresses the same thing as the past
perfect, but it needs the presence of two requirements:
Examples:
- l had been working there for a year when l got my first promotion.
- When we got home, he had been sleeping for an hour.
Examples:
- l will have been working here for 3 years by June.
- By then, she will have been living there for a long time.
EXERCISES
ALL TENSES
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4. So far they ___________________ that book three times.
(read)
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NOUNS AND NOUNS DETERMINERS
MASS NOUNS
They don’t have plural form. We can’t use “a/an” before a mass noun, but we can use “the
/some /any /much /this /etc”.
Some nouns are usually considered mass nouns in English, but often considered count nouns in
other languages. Remember that they don’t have plural forms.
There are some nouns that can be mass or count nouns; usually with a different meaning.
1. Paper
- Show me your paper (s), please. (Papers = documents) C.N.
- My father forgot the paper (s). (Papers = newspapers) C.N.
- l bought the paper for the exams. (material to write on) M.N
2. Hair
- There’s a hair in my soup. (only one hair) C.N.
- Her hair has grown a lot recently. (hair on her head) M.N.
EXERCISES
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
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4. Good news make people very happy.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
9. You can’t go to the party. You don’t have your father’s permission.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
COUNT NOUNS
They have plural forms. When they are singular, they usually have “a / an / the”; they can´t
go alone.
We use “some”.
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EXERCISES
Fill the blanks with A / AN, THE, SOME or an X when no determiner is needed.
9. When l went shopping, ___________________ stores were open, others were closed.
NOUNS DETERMINERS
l. ARTICLES
A. INDEFINITE ARTICLES: A – AN
We use them in front of indefinite singular nouns.
Note: We also use a – an when we first mention a noun, and we use “the” when the noun has
been identified.
Examples:
A man is coming this way. The man is carrying a package. The package is full
of meat. The meat is fresh. A dog is following the man. The dog is looking at
the package.
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ll. DEMOSTRATIVES
SINGULAR PLURAL
NEAR THIS THESE
FAR THAT THOSE
lll. QUANTIFIERS
SOME ANY NO
uncountable and uncountable and Replaces ANY
count nouns count nouns, when the
affirmative and negative and structure is
questions. questions. affirmative.
Examples:
- Can you lend me some money? - Will Grace buy any books?
- Yes, l can lend you some (money). - Yes, she’ll buy some (books).
- No, l can’t lend you any (money). - No, she won’t buy any (books).
- (No, l can lend you no money) - (No, she’ll buy no books).
EXERCISES
Fill in the blanks with: A / AN, THE, SOME, ANY or an X when no determiner is needed.
The first time l saw ________ American film l didn’t like it at all. ____________ accent of
________ actors was very different from _______ one l had. They spoke _____________
English, but it didn’t sound like _________ language l had learned at _____________
school. l became very bored. l wanted to buy__________ chocolate, but l didn’t
have ______________ money left. l took ________ look at ________ people near
me. ____________ old man was asleep, ________ another man was yawning, ______
couple sitting next to me stood up and left. l was very happy when _________ film
ended. Now that l live in _________ United States l like ________ American films
very much. I’ll go to ________ movies with _________ friends tonight.
_________ most important things in our society are neglected. _________ most people
don’t have what they need. _________ poor don’t have enough money to buy
enough food. Their children often go to ___________ bed hungry. Therefore, they
are not healthy and don’t have __________ money to go to __________ hospital
when they get sick. Many times their children can’t go to _________ school. They
cannot go to __________ movies or to ___________ theatre or out of __________
town on _______ picnic, of course. At ________ same time, _______ handicapped
can´t go to ________ school because there aren´t enough schools for them. As a
matter of fact, there are _______ towns in which there aren´t _________ schools for
them. But they all have something in common. They all go to ___________ church on
_________ Sunday to pray for ______________ help.
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B. MUCH – MANY – A LOT OF (LOTS OF)
Examples:
- ls there much milk in the refrigerator?
No, there isn’t much (milk) there.
Yes, there’s a lot (of milk) there.
Yes, there’s lots (of milk) there.
C. A LITTLE – A FEW
A LITTLE A FEW
Mass nouns, affirmative and questions. Count nouns affirmative and
** in negative we use ANY. questions. ** in negative we use
ANY.
Examples:
Note: OF follows MANY, MUCH, A FEW, A LITTLE, SOME and ANY when the noun
they quantify is identified and you have to be more precise.
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EXERCISES
3. They aren’t using ___________ telephones now. (MANY, FEW, LOTS OF)
5. There are only _____________ eggs in the carton. (A FEW, MANY, LOTS OF)
6. Did you have ___________ milk this morning? (A LOT OF, ANY, A FEW)
10. She says she has no time but l know she has ____________________ .
(A LOT, NONE, MANY)
11. There were __________________ apples, but he has eaten half of them.
(MUCH, A LOT OF, NO)
12. l had ______________ idea about this beautiful landscape. (ANY, A LOT OF, NO)
13. There aren’t ______________ carrots left. (A LOT OF, NO, MANY)
SPECIAL CASES:
Examples:
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EXERCISES
Rewrite the following sentences using: LITTLE, FEW, QUITE A LITTLE and QUITE A
FEW.
SINGULAR PLURAL
EXERCISES
Fill in the blanks with: ANOTHER, OTHER, OTHERS, OTHER, THE OTHER or THE
OTHERS.
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4. l don’t want to go now. I’ll go _____________________ day.
6. l need 7 erasers and I only have 6. Oh no! Please give me _____________________ one.
10. l found two kittens: one was alive and ____________________ was dead.
Examples:
- Which one do you like?
Either one will do.
Examples:
EXERCISES
Fill in the blanks with : EITHER, NEITHER, BOTH, ANY, NONE, or ALL.
5. _________________ one of your parents can help you. I’m sure they will.
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6. She read ________________ the books in 3 months.
7. All the girls know the answer. __________________ of them will help you.
9. Can you speak English and French? Yes, l can speak them ___________________
10. We can see ____________________ one of the movies. lt doesn’t matter, l like them both.
TAG QUESTIONS
SPECIAL CASES:
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4. She doesn’t like onions, ____________________________________ ?
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VERBS WITH TWO OBJECTS
Some verbs always take objects (like, buy, use, etc.) and some others never do (go,
sleep, get up, etc.) there are, however, some verbs frequently have two objects, a direct object
and an indirect object.
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GROUP lll V + I.O + D.O
Note: lf we want to use pronouns, we have to keep in mind that two definite object pronouns
(me – you – him – her – it – us – them) cannot be used together:
EXERCISES
Put the words in the correct order. lf it´s possible to form two sentences, do it both ways.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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5. buy / Thomas / going to / (from) / me / furniture / some / soon /is.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
6. question / the / asking / you / How long / same / her / been / (to) have ?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
11. the / (for) / prepare / didn´t / Why / lesson / his / teacher / the / students?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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INDIRECT SPEECH
A. Reported Speech deals with sentences. We report what is being said or what has
already been said.
Examples:
As you can see in the above examples, the word THAT can be omitted if desired. More
examples will be given now. But there´s something we have to remember when we use
Reported Speech, we´re only changing the form of the verbs (not the tense), so as to make the
sentence sounds better, with harmony of tenses.
- l live in Lima.
She said (that) she lived in Lima, (and she still does)
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More examples:
- Martin is sleeping.
You said (that) Martin was sleeping.
B. Indirect ideas have the same rules as Reported Speech, but there is a change of word
order in most sentences.
Examples:
- Where is Mary?
Nobody knew where Mary was.
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Note: When there is no interrogative Word in the question, we use IF in the corresponding slot.
Examples:
- Do you have any relatives here?
He asked her IF she had any relatives there.
Examples:
- Call me as soon as you get home.
He asked her to call him as soon as she got home.
D. Indirect Suggestions are a more formal way and require a noun clause introduced
by THAT.
Recommend
Insist
Suggest
Demand
Subject + prefer + That + Subject + V (simple form) + Com.
Propose
Request
Order
Require
Examples:
- You should stay in bed for a few days.
The doctor recommends that I stay in bed for a few days.
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- I want Mr. Hill to be at the meeting.
The boss insists that Mr. Hill be at the meeting.
Note: there are some expressions that can be used with the same sentence pattern.
Examples:
- It´s important that everyone be present.
- It´s necessary that the class begin on time.
- It´s advisable that we study more.
- It´s forbidden that the children stay out late.
- It´s obligatory that the students hand in the reports.
- It´s essential that she be taken to the hospital.
EXERCISES
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10. We can help you if you want.
They told me _______________________________________________________________
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COMPARISONS
IRREGULAR CASES
Good better the best as good as
Well better the best as well as
Bad worse the worst as bad as
Badly worse the worst as badly as
(a) little less the least as little as
(a) few fewer the fewest as few as
Much / a lot more the most as much as
Many / a lot more the most as many as
Far farther the farthest as far as
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D. SPECIAL COMPARISONS
- Similarity in only one respect (THE SAME + NOUN + AS / THE SAME + NOUN)
EXERCISES
Fill in the blanks with the comparative, the superlative or the comparison of equality or
inequality.
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3. Bread is ______________ ice cream, but it is _________________ item _____________ tea.
(cheap) (expensive)
7. Most students can’t speak English _____________________ they can write it.
(well)
11. ____________________ grade I’ve ever got is 78. That isn’t a very good grade,
(bad)
14. My new coat didn’t cost ______________________ I thought it would, but it cost
(a lot)
get _________________ coat they had, but it wasn’t their ____________________ one.
(cheap) (expensive)
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15. Kelly is __________________ girl ____________________ her sister.
(attractive)
16. All the members of John’s family are fat. Even though his sister isn’t _________________
(fat)
he is, she’s ________________ his second brother. His second brother is _________________
(fat) (thin)
of all the family. Their parents eat _______________________ the children, but the children
(a lot)
are ______________________ they are.
(heavy)
17. Tom isn’t __________________ his brother. His brother is __________________ Tom, but
(old) (old)
18. Sue likes Tchaikovsky’s music. She says that he wrote __________________________ and
(sweet)
__________________ music. I think that Beethoven was ___________________ compouser
(lovely) (good)
19. When I went shopping. I saw _______________________ coat in the world. It was
(beautiful)
not ___________________ coat __________________ the one that was next to it. I didn’t
(expensive)
20. Last night I heard ______________________________ scream. My sister said that it wasn’t
(frightening)
______________________ scream ___________________ the one she had heard in the old
(spooky)
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TWO – WORD VERBS
Two – word verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb which somehow
changes the meaning of the verb.
blow up - explode
break down - stop working
come back - return
come to - regain consciousness
come over - visit
get along - progress
get over - recover
give up - surrender
make up - become friends again, apply cosmetics on
pass away - die
show up - appear
take off - leave the ground
Separable two-word verbs are those that have the object after the two-word verb or between the
two parts. When the object is a pronoun, it is always placed between the two parts.
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pick out - choose
pick up - lift, give a ride to
point out - indicate
put away - store in a safe place
put off - postpone
put on - dress oneself in
take down - write from dictation
take off - remove (clothes)
tear down - destroy (buildings)
throw away - discard
try on - put on to see if it fits
turn off - stop the operation of
turn on - start the operation of
EXERCISES
Fill in the blanks with appropriate forms of TWO - WORD VERBS.
1. We had to _______________________the meeting. (CANCEL)
2. She _______________________a few minutes later (REGAIN CONSCIUOSNESS)
3. I _________________________ Mr. Jones yesterday. (MEET BY CHANCE)
4. We ________________________ some exercises from now on (OMIT)
5. You ______________________ the rehearsal, haven’t you? (POSTPONE)
6. He _______________________his parents last week (VISIT)
7. _________________________ your car often______________? (STOP WORKING)
8. She _____________________that word, didn’t she? (SEEK IN A BOOK)
9. Helen always ______________the best dresses. (CHOOSE)
10. Please ___________________the books. (STORE)
11 We have to _______________the reports soon. (SUBMIT)
12. They are going to ____________that building. (DESTROY)
13. You shouldn’t ____________ that offer. (REFUSE)
14. He has to _______________his parents. (TELEPHONE)
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15. I hope to _______________better tomorrow. (PROGRESS)
16. She __________________yesterday, did she? (APPEAR)
17. I ____________________that she was lying. (DISCOVER)
18. We ___________________the baby last night. (TAKE CARE OF)
19. She ___________________her sickness yet. (RECOVER FROM)
20. When are you going to _____________ smoking? (STOP)
21. Don’t __________ me ______________any more. (CONFUSE)
22. I have no one to __________________ (RELY ON)
23. He has to _________________________ the exercises. (REDO)
24. Because of the accident, Mary’s father ________________ (DIE)
25. I failed to __________________the teacher’s exercises yesterday (DISTRIBUTE)
26. He can’t find his pants. He’s __________ them. (SEEK)
27. My uncle ________________some new exercises now. (INVENT)
28. When he heard the news, he ____________________ (EXPLODE)
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MODALS
CAN
1. Present ability = be able to
- I can swim well = I’m able to swim well.
- She can speak 4 languages = She’s able to speak 4 languages.
2. Permission
- Can I use your phone?
- Can I leave early today?
3. Request (favours)
- Can you help me?
- Can you do something for me?
4. IF Clauses (1st conditional)
- He can go if he wants.
- I can help you if I finish early.
5. Present and future probability
- This tree can reach a height of 100 feet.
- The doctor can see you at 4 o’clock.
6. CAN´T is used for impossibility or prohibition.
- You can´t watch TV. You´re punished.
- I can´t swim well. It is too difficult for me.
COULD
1. Past ability = be able to
- I could stand on my head when I was younger = I was able to……
- We could add and subtract at a very early age = We were able to…..
2. Permission
- Could we talk to you?
- Could I see you later?
3. Request
- Could you give me a hand?
- Could you do me a favor?
4. IF Clauses (2nd conditional)
- I could do it if I had time.
- He could get the job if he spoke English.
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5. IF Clauses (3rd conditional)
- I could have bought it if I had got the money.
- She could have won if she had participated.
6. Past opportunity
- He could have won the race, but he didn’t want to take part.
- They could have done their homework while they were there
7. Present and future probability
- She could be at the office now.
-They could call you tonight.
BE ABLE TO
Replaces CAN and COULD when these can’t be used.
1. After prepositions
- I’ll be glad to be able to help you.
- He studied a lot before being able to solve the problem.
2, Future ability
- We will be able to swim well soon.
- Will you be able to pass the next test?
3. Ability in the Present Perfect
- I have never been able to dance well
- I have never been able to skate well.
4. Past fulfillment or temporary ability
- The prisoners were able to escape from prison
- I was able to get to the appointment on time.
WILL
1. Future promise
- Don’t worry. I’ll help you.
- My son will pick you up at the airport.
2. Future determination
- I will pass the course.
- We will get the scholarship.
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3. Request
- Will you lend me some money?
- Will you please close the door?
4. IF Clauses (1st conditional)
- She will go out if her father lends her the car.
- They won’t come to class if they are sick.
5. Negative Refusal in the Present
a) With inanimate subjects
- My car won’t start (It refuses to start)
- This key won’t turn (It refuses to turn)
b) With lining subjects
- My uncle won’t go to the movies. (He never goes)
- Fish won’t live without water. (They would die)
WOULD
1. Sequence of tenses
- I’ll come tomorrow He said he’d come tomorrow.
- We will be at home They said they would be at home.
2. Request
- Would you open that window?
- Would you pass me the mustard?
3. IF Clauses (2nd conditional)
- I would buy that building if I were rich.
- Would you be reading if you had your glasses?
4. IF Clauses (3rd conditional)
- They would have done it if they had wanted to.
- She would have called you if she had had your number
5. Past habits or customs (usually with a frequency adverb)
- I would often mow the lawn on Saturdays. (I used to ……)
- She would always go to bed early. (She used to….)
6. Negative Refusal in the Past
- I asked him to lend me some money, but he wouldn’t.
- They tried to convince her, but she wouldn’t listen.
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MAY – MIGHT
1. Present and Future possibility
- She may call you tonight.
- We might take a trip this month.
2. Past possibility
- They may have gone out last night.
- He might have been sick yesterday.
3. Permission
- May I borrow your newspaper?
- Might I ask you something?
SHALL
1. Offer
- Shall I help you? / Yes, please (do) / No, thank you.
- What time shall I call you? / Call me at 2:30.
(Wh – questions are answered with imperatives)
2 Suggestions or invitations
- Shall we watch TV? / Yes, let’s do. / No let’s not.
- When shall we visit her? / Let’s visit her on Monday.
(All questions are answered with “let’s”)
SHOULD
1. Unfulfilled obligation in the present or future = ought to
- I should (ought to) do my homework, but I’ll go out instead.
- You should (ought to) be studying.
2. Unfulfilled obligation in the past = ought to
- I should (ought to) have studied last night, but I didn’t.
- He should (ought to) have come earlier.
3. Advisability = ought to
- You look sick. You should (ought to) go to the doctor.
- Your grades are low. You should (ought to) study more.
4. Offer (same as SHALL)
- Should I close the door? / Yes, please (do). /No, thanks.
- Where should I put the boxes? / Let’s take them to Jack.
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MUST – HAVE TO
1. Present and Future obligation
- I must do my homework = I have to do my homework.
- He must go to the office = He has to go to the office
Note: In negative contexts, MUST and HAVE TO are different. MUST NOT expresses
prohibition and DON´T HAVE TO or DOESN´T HAVE TO express lack of necessity.
2. Past obligation
- She had to get her shot before traveling.
- We had to present the bill to guarantee the purchase.
3. Present deduction
- She doesn’t look so young. She must be around 50.
- He’s wearing a white uniform. He must work at the hospital.
4. Past deduction
- She didn’t get in on time. She must have got up late
- He looks happy. He must have won the game.
OTHER AUXILIARIES
1. WOULD RATHER (Preference)
- I’d rather stay home than go out.
- We’d rather not watch TV
2. HAD BETTER (Advisability)
- You’d better go to Hawaii on your vacation.
- He’d better not make any more mistakes.
3. WOULD LIKE (derire)
- I’d like to smoke a cigar.
- We’d like some ice cream.
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EXERCISES
Choose the correct MODAL and provide the appropriate form of the verb. Some blanks require
NEGATIVE forms.
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16. I __________________law than medicine.
(WOULD RATHER – HAD BETTER) (STUDY)
17. He _________________the last race yesterday. (BE ABLE TO - SHALL) (WIN)
18. She was late, so she _____________ a taxi. (WILL – HAVE TO) (TAKE)
26. Why is she so late? I think she ______________. (MUST – SHOULD) (GET LOST)
27. I’m sure they _______________ it if you ask nicely (MUST -. WILL) (DO)
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THE PASSIVE VOICE
We use the passive voice when we want to emphasize the object rather than the subject, or when
we simply want some variation while speaking or writing. The performer of the action is
omitted in most cases.
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7. Past Perfect had + been + past participle
SPECIAL CASES
a) Passive Voice with Noun Clauses:
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EXERCISES
7. After they had washed the car, they took it to the garage.
________________________________________________________________
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17. They didn’t tell her about the problem.
________________________________________________________________
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VERBS AFTER PREPOSITIONS
When we want to use a verb after a preposition, the verb is almost always an -ING form.
Example:
- I’m interested in learning French.
- We are keen on skating.
- She is good at rafting.
- I prevented her from making that mistake.
- We always review before taking an exam.
- She usually listens to the radio while studying.
- They left without saying good bye.
When the preposition we are working with is FOR or AFTER, we have two possibilities:
Thanks for coming = Thanks for having come.
He left after writing the letter = He left after having written the letter.
EXCEPTION:
The preposition “To” is almost always followed by a simple form.
Examples:
- I’d like to have some coffee
-We are supposed to do the exercises now.
- He used to work in a bank, but not anymore.
Note: BE USED TO – GET USED TO – LOOK FORWARD TO and OBJECT TO, can
also be followed by nouns.
- We were used to that book.
- She’s getting used to my way of doing things.
- I always look forward to parties.
- He objects to my methods.
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VERBS AFTER OTHER VERBS
Verbs may be followed by other verbs, with or without an object noun or pronoun between
them. We will work with infinitives, -ING forms and simple forms.
1.VERB + INFINITIVE
Examples:
- He failed to win the race.
- I hope to pass the course.
- She has decided to be an actress.
- You promised to take me to the circus.
Examples:
- I’ll advise them to study more.
- Why don’t you encourage him to try harder?
- They have invited us to have dinner with them.
- Sue taught Bill to add and subtract.
These verbs may be used with or without an object, but with different meanings.
Examples:
- I expect to get a good job.
- I expect you to get a good job.
- He wants to buy the tickets.
- He wants them to buy the tickets.
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4. VERB + -ING
These verbs can only be followed by –ING forms. We are including some useful expressions as
well.
Examples:
- I can’t help hating him.
- He denies taking the money.
- We enjoy working for this company.
- It’s no use crying for that money.
- That problem is not worth worrying about.
Examples:
- Jean likes reading. = Jean likes to read.
- I began working last year. = I began to work last year.
These verbs can be followed by infinitives or –ING forms, but with different meanings.
Examples:
- I remembered to lock the door.
(First I remembered that I had to lock the door, and then I did it)
- I remembered locking the door.
(I locked the door and now I remember that I did it)
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7. VERB + OBJECT + SIMPLE FORM or –ING
Examples:
- I heard them sing = I heard them singing.
- We like to see you work = We like to see you working.
The only difference between the two structures is that when we use –ING we are emphasizing
the continuity of the action.
8. CAUSATIVES
These constructions explain the one person causes another person to do something.
a) HAVE SOMEONE DO SOMETHING
- I always have my secretary go to the bank for me.
- She had her son paint the house last week.
- We haven’t had the mechanic check the car yet
- Tom is having the tailor make him a new suit.
- I’m going to have them count their money again.
- He was having her type some letters when I arrived.
- She had already had the electrician fix the radio.
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d) LET / HELP SOMEONE DO SOMETHING
These verbs are not causative but their grammar is similar.
- My parents never let me stay out late.
- Can you help me carry these books?
EXERCISES
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verbs.
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12. Are you used to _______________________early?
(get up)
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29. Will you let me _____________________ to France?
(travel)
EXERCISES
6. I _______ ________my car ___________ at the same place since I bought it.
(wash)
10. He ____________ his son __________ him when the earthquake began.
(help)
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COMPOUND SENTENCES AND INVERTED STRUCTURES
COMPOUND SENTENCES
1. ECHO STRUCTURES:
AFFIRMATIVE
I am a teacher, and my sister is too
I am a teacher, and so is my sister.
NEGATIVE
He wasn’t there, and his parents weren’t either.
He wasn’t there, and neither were his parents.
CONSTRASTIVE
They are working, but their cousin isn’t.
They aren’t working, but their cousin is.
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2. INVERTED STRUCTURES: (ONLY WITH NEGATIVE IDEAS)
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Both………..and
EXERCISES
I. Complete the following with: TOO – SO – EITHER – NIETHER and the appropriate
verb or auxiliary.
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10. The meat wasn’t expensive, and ____________ ____________
the vegetables.
11. Betty hasn’t finished her homework, and ___________ ___________
Janet.
12. I sold my car.
Really? __________________ ______________________ I.
13. Mr. Hawkins plays backgammon and Mr. Sanders ___________
_________________ .
14 The car isn’t working, and the bike ___________ ____________
15 I can’t find his address, and _____________ _______ my sister.
16 I don’t have an extra pen, and Susan ___________ __________
17 My car is new, and my guitar ______________ _____________
18 My sister has gone to the circus and ____________ __________
my cousin.
19. I finished school, and _______________ _____________ my brothers.
20. I’ve just had dinner, and my father ____________ _______________
II. (CONTRASTIVE)
1. I’ve collected all the paper, but she_________________________ .
2. I don’t know his address, but Jane _________________________ .
3. I’ll eat with you, but she _________________________________ .
4. She hasn’t slept for 14 hours, but he _______________________ .
5. They have to clean the house, but I _________________________ .
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5 She rarely went to parties.
__________________________________________________
9. They were going to help you. I was going to help you. (either…or)
__________________________________________________
10. She didn’t call him. She didn’t visit him. (neither….nor)
__________________________________________________
11. Susan will wash the dishes. Her sister will wash them. (either …or)
__________________________________________________
12. The front door wasn’t painted. The back door wasn’t painted. (neither…nor)
__________________________________________________
13. She sells furniture. She sells gold necklaces. (not only… but also)
__________________________________________________
14. I’ve bought a new car. I’ve bought a gold ring. (both…and)
__________________________________________________
15. They study at the same university. They work together. (not only…but also)
__________________________________________________
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16. The maid may clean the house. The maid may go shopping. (either…or)
__________________________________________________
18. She hasn’t brought the new CDs. They haven’t brought them. (neither ... nor)
__________________________________________________
19. She saw the doctor. She went dancing. (not only…but also)
__________________________________________________
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CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
IF CLAUSES
If clauses express conditions in three different clauses: Present, Past and Future. They are also
called Contrary – to – fact if clauses.
Examples:
- I will call you if I have time tomorrow.
(If I have time tomorrow, I will call you)
- She could have passed the course if she had wanted to.
(If she’d wanted to, she would’ve passed the course)
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EXERCISES
WHETHER CLAUSES
Whether clauses are considered the opposite of IF CLAUSES. Whether indicates that the
condition described has no effect on the fact mentioned in the main clause.
Example:
- I will go whether I get a ride or not
(I will go whether or not I get a ride)
Note: As you can see, the OR NOT can follow WHETHER or it can be used at the end of the
sentence. Also notice the WHETHER clauses have the same grammar as IF CLAUSES.
Examples:
- You will have to work whether you like it or not
(You will have to work whether or not you like it)
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- He would come to class whether he were sick or not.
(He would come to class whether or not he were sick)
- She would have passed the test whether she had studied or not.
(She would have passed the test whether or not she had studied).
UNLESS CLAUSES
UNLESS CLAUSES also have the same grammar as IF CLAUSES. They are the negative of IF.
The meaning is IF NOT.
Examples:
- I won’t go out unless I have to.
- He would come to class unless he were sick.
- They would’ve bought the car unless they had had enough money.
Note: WHETHER CLAUSES and UNLESS CLAUSES can be used before main clauses as
well.
REASON CLAUSES
Reason clauses are introduced by BECAUSE, SINCE, AS or FOR. Only FOR cannot be used in
initial position.
Examples:
- He didn’t come to class BECAUSE he was sick.
- I never drink coffee SINCE it makes me nervous.
- She always loses her pens AS she’s very absentminded.
- They won’t go out FOR they don’t have enough money.
- BECAUSE he was sick, he didn’t come to class.
- AS she’s very absentminded, she always loses her pens.
Wish clauses express events or states that are unreal or contrary-to-fact. When we want to refer
to the present, the verb in the clause is in the past subjunctive (unreal present), and when we
want to refer to the past, the verb in the clause is in the past perfect.
Examples:
(PRESENT) - I wish (that) she were here.
- We wish (that) he worked harder.
- She wishes (that) I didn’t have to work.
- I wish (that) I didn’t have to work.
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(PAST) - I wish (that) I had met her before.
- They wish (that) the show had begun earlier.
- She wishes (that) she hadn’t gone out.
- We wish (that) we had been there.
The clauses also express unreality and have the same grammar as clauses after WISH.
Examples:
CLAUSES OF MANNER
Examples:
- Why don’t you do it as I told you?
- He is working as we taught him to.
COMPARATIVE CLAUSES
Comparative clauses are also called the double comparative structure. They express that the
degree of on action or state depends on the degree of another.
Example:
- The more you study, the higher your grades will be.
- The less one spends, the more one saves.
- The farther we live from work, the earlier we have to get up.
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EXERCISES
MIXED CLAUSES. Complete the following sentences. Some forms must be negative.
PURPOSE CLAUSES
Purpose clauses contain one of the following modals: CAN, COULD, MAY, MIGHT, WILL or
WOULD. They have a specific rule.
Present
Present –ING
Future + SO THAT + WILL / CAN / MAY + V.SIMPLE
Present Perfect
Past
Past –ING + SO THAT + WOULD / COULD / MIGHT + V. SIMPLE
Past Perfect
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Examples:
- I always study very hard so that I can get good grades.
- He is checking everything so that there won’t be any trouble.
- She is going to get up early so that she can get to work on time.
- They’ve started saving money so that they will buy a car.
- I went to bed early so that I could get enough sleep.
- We were practicing so hard so that we would learn the lesson well.
RESULT CLAUSES
Result Clauses also use the word SO. However, they express a result, a consequence rather than
purpose. A comma is placed before SO, and there is no rule of tenses at all.
Examples:
- I’ve been working a lot this week, so I’m very tired now.
- She didn’t come yesterday, so she will surely come today.
- He is on vacation, so he’s planning to take a trip.
- I was drinking a lot yesterday, so I have a terrible hangover today
- We know Mr. Allen, so he invited us to his party last week.
TIME CLAUSES
Time clauses are introduced by one of the following words. WHEN, WHILE, BEFORE,
AFTER, UNTIL, SINCE or the expressions AS SOON AS and THE MOMENT.
Time Clauses are usually expressed in the Present or in the Past (Never in the future)
Examples:
- I often get headaches when I read.
- We will call you after we get home.
- She is going to wait until he comes.
- Look at his letter before you go out.
- I’ll let you know as soon as I hear from him.
- They are going to recognize her the moment she arrives.
- I waited until they called me up.
- She was eating lunch while I was out.
- He had mailed the letter when he realized it was the wrong one.
- They have lived in that house since they came to Lima.
- She had finished before we went out.
Note: Sometimes people use the Present Perfect instead of the Present in time clauses. Look at
the following examples.
- I will call you as soon as she has arrived (… arrives ..)
- Brush your teeth after you’ve had dinner (… have …)
- He’s going to bed the moment he’s got home (… gets …)
- They will faint when they’ve heard the news (… hear …)
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Note: All the examples above can change their order. That is, they could be used to start a
sentence.
Examples:
- Since she graduated, she had had three different jobs.
- While he was in the Navy, he learned to cook.
- When he calls her, she will tell him the truth.
- The moment you have finished your work, you can go out.
EXERCISES
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8. I’ll be studying while Tom ………………….. at the party. (BE)
9. Before we left the house, we …………………….. the windows (CHECK)
10. She often goes to bed after she …………………… the dishes. (WASH)
11. He went out as soon as he ………………….. the car horn. (HEAR)
12. What did you do while I ……………………….. at the store? (BE)
13. The moment he arrived, everybody ………………… him. (GREET)
14. I’m not going to stop studying until I ……………………. everything. (FINISH)
15. Had you already had lunch when I …………………… you? (CALL)
She doesn’t have a job. She helps around the house, though.
I tried some Thai food last week. I didn’t like it, though.
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3. THUS – THEREFORE – CONSEQUENTLY – AS A RESULT
He always studies very hard. Thus, he always gets good grades.
I’ve just graduated. Therefore, I’m looking for a job now.
She’s not busy right now. Consequently, she can help you.
Ted rested all day. As a result, he feels better now.
EXERCISES
Join the following sentences using the words in parentheses.
1. The class is interesting. I have to go home. (ALTHOUGH)
2. There’s bad weather. We’ll go to the beach (IN SPITE OF) (NOUN)
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6. I woke up early. I got to work late. (DESPITE – V. ING)
11. Nobody knew about the quiz. No one got a bad grade. (IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT)
13. I never set the alarm. I never get to work late either. (NEVERTHELESS)
14. There was a hurricane. People kept their faith. (DESPITE) (NOUN)
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16. I can’t go. Thanks for asking me. (THOUGH)
17. They like to practice a lot. They’re excellent players. (AS A MATTER OF FACT)
18. I’ve had breakfast. I’m still hungry. (IN SPITE OF – ING)
19. I’m saving all my money. I’m going to buy a house. (AS A RESULT)
20. I studied hard. I failed the exam. (DESPITE THE FACT THAT)
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MISCELLANEOUS SECTION
1. So Vs. Such
- She was so fat that she broke the chair.
She was such a fat woman that she broke the chair.
- Those children are so nice that everybody loves them.
They are such nice children that everybody loves them.
Note: MUCH – MANY – FEW and LITTLE are always used with SO.
- She has so much money that she doesn’t know what to do with it.
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4. As long as = provided = providing = but only if (conditional)
- You can take my notebook as long as you give it back to me tomorrow.
- Travelling by ship is fun provided (that) you don’t get dizzy.
- Providing (that) he does all of the exercises, he should understand the lesson.
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8. Adjective Vs. Adverb
She is beautiful. = (beautiful = adj)
She sings beautifully. = (beautifully = adv)
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10. Other quantifiers:
A good (great) deal of (mass nouns): Expresses a large quantity. A good deal of cannot be used
in negative sentences. - We had a great deal of fun.
11. Even:
- Nobody studied for the quiz. Jane is the best student, but on yesterday’s quiz, even Jane got a
bad grade.
- My neighbor is very stingy. He doesn’t give tips; not even a coin.
- He surprised us all; he even washed the dishes.
- She never hurries; even when she is late.
- Each team has won 2 sets. They are even (on the same level).
- Even numbers vs. odd numbers.
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14. it is I who found the key.
It was they who got the job.
- It’s in this office that the applicants are interviewed. (not where)
- It was there that I lost my watch (not where)
- It was in this way that Joan of Arc was tortured (not how)
- It’s in that way that the products are manufactured. (not how)
- It’s on Friday that I’m going to get married (not when)
- It was last Monday that I met him (not when)
- There are 20 students in Mr. Brown’s class. Mr. Jones has 40.
Mr. Jones’s class has twice as many students as Mr. Brown’s.
- The blue car costs $60.000. The red car costs $20.000.
The blue car is 3 times as expensive as the red car.
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17. Parallel Structure:
- This machine is fast, safe and easy to use. (correct)
- He likes to read, dance, cook, jog, write and sing. (correct)
- He likes dancing, swimming, running and acting. (correct)
- He hates going to parties, eating vegetables and to sleep late. (wrong)
- You have to take History, English and how to solve math problems (wrong)
19. By + V(ing):
- Answers questions about actions. How ………………….?
How did he win the game? By cheating.
He won it by cheating.
How did they find the tent? By following the stars.
They found the tent by following the stars.
How did he learn English? By practicing with his friends.
He learned English by practicing with his friends.
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21. CAN’T HELP + V(ING): (can’t avoid)
- I couldn’t help laughing at his haircut. It was so funny.
- I can’t help thinking that we’ve done wrong.
22. BE WILLING TO: (be anxious to) (have the will to)
- He’s willing to start his new job (he’s anxious to ………..)
- Don’t worry, I’m willing to help you (……………… have the will ………..)
- Don’t cross the street without - Little children sometimes walk across the
looking both ways. street without their parents.
- I’ll have an interview; cross - The store is across the park.
your fingers.
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25. HOPE: Refers to the unknown of any time.
a) When a person expresses a hope for something related to himself, he may use:
1. An infinitive : I hope to go to Huaraz.
2. A that clause : I hope (that) I’ll go to Huaraz.
b) To express a hope related to another person, we can only use a that clause:
- I hope (that) my children are well.
- She hopes (that) her friend won’t travel to Australia.
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- A demand / a need FOR something:
- The company closed down because there wasn’t enough demand for its
products.
- A reason for something:
- The train was late but no one knew the reason for the delay.
- A rise / an increase / a fall / a decrease IN something:
- There has been an increase in automobile accidents lately.
- An advantage / a disadvantage OF something:
- The advantage of living alone is that you can do what you like.
- A cause of something:
- Nobody knows what the cause of the explosion was.
- A photograph / a picture OF someone / something:
- He always keeps a photograph of his wife in his wallet.
- Damage TO something:
- The accident was my fault, so I paid for the damage to the other car.
- An invitation TO a party / a wedding, etc:
- Did you get an invitation to the party?
- A reaction TO something:
- I was surprised at her reaction to what I said.
- A solution TO a problem / an answer TO a question / a reply TO a letter / a key TO a door:
- Do you think we’ll find a solution to this problem?
- The answer to your question is “No”!
- An attitude TO / TOWARD someone / something
- His attitude to / toward his job is very negative.
- A relationship / a connection / contact WITH someone / something:
- Do you have a good relationship with your parents?
But: a relationship / a connection / a difference BETWEEN two things:
- The police have said that there is no connection between the two murders.
- There are some differences between British English and American English.
EXERCISES
1. I have just received an invitation ……………………….. a wedding next week.
2. The company has rejected the worker’s demands ………………… an increase ……………..
pay.
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3. There has been a sharp rise ………………… the cost of living in the past few years.
4. Bill and I used to be good friends, but I don’t have much contact ……………….. him now.
5. What were George’s reasons ………………. giving up his job?
6. Money isn’t the solution ………………….. every problem.
7. The front door is locked. Do you have the key ………………….. the back door?
8. I’ve never met Carol, but I’ve seen a picture …………………… her.
9. When he left home, his attitude …………….. his parents seemed to change.
10. The two companies are completely independent. There is no connection ………………….
them.
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- (to be / to go) ON strike:
- There are no trains today. The railroad workers are on strike.
- (to be / to go) ON holidays / ON business / ON a trip / ON a tour / ON a cruise / ON an
expedition, etc.
- Did you go to Paris on business or on holidays?
- One day I’d like to go on a world tour.
But you can also say “go to a place FOR a holiday / FOR my holiday”.
- Tom has gone to France for a holiday.
- Where are you going for your holiday this year?
- (to go / to come) FOR a walk / FOR a swim / FOR a meal, etc):
- She always goes for a walk with her dog in the morning.
- After work we went to the restaurant for a meal.
- (to have something) FOR breakfast / FOR lunch / FOR dinner.
- What did you have for lunch?
EXERCISES:
1. Next month I’m going to Mexico …………………. a short holiday.
2. The store clerk wouldn’t accept my check and insisted that I pay …………….. cash.
3. It was only …………………. accident that I found out who the man really was.
4. Ann liked the dress, but …………… my opinion it didn’t look very good on her.
5. I wouldn’t like to go ……………… a cruise. I think I’d get bored.
6. Do you know any songs ………………. the Beatles?
7. When we went to Rome, we went ………………… a tour around the city.
8. A dog ran across the street in front of the car, but I managed to stop just …………. time.
9. I’m hungry. What’s ……………….. dinner this evening?
10. I would like to get up ……………… time to have a big breakfast before going to work.
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But (to be) nice / kind / good / generous / mean / (im) polite / rude / (un) pleasant / (un)
friendly / cruel TO someone:
- She has always been very nice / kind to me. (not with me).
- Why were you so rude / unfriendly to Bill?
- Angry / annoyed / furious ABOUT something.
WITH someone FOR doing something
- What are you so angry / annoyed about?
- They were angry with me for not leaving them to the party.
- Delighted / pleased / satisfied / disappointed WITH something:
- I was delighted with the present you gave me.
- Were you disappointed with your exam results?
- Bored / fed up WITH something:
- You get bored with doing the same things every day.
- I’m fed up with doing the dishes all the time.
- Surprised / shocked / amazed / astonished AT / BY something:
- Everybody was surprised at / by the news.
- I was shocked at / by the condition of the building.
- Excited / worried / upset ABOUT something:
- Are you excited about going on holiday next week?
- Ann is upset about not being invited to the party.
- Afraid / frightened / terrified / scared OF someone / something:
- Are you afraid of dogs? Yes, I’m terrified of them.
- Proud / ashamed OF someone / something:
- I’m not ashamed of what I did. In fact, I’m proud of it.
- Jealous / envious / suspicious OF someone, something:
- Why are you always so jealous of other people?
- He didn’t trust me. He was suspicious of my intentions.
- Aware / conscious OF something:
- Did you know when they were married? No, I wasn’t aware of that.
- Good / bad / excellent / brilliant AT (doing) something:
- I’m very good at repairing things.
- Married / engaged TO someone:
- Linda is married to an American. (not with an American).
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- Sorry ABOUT something:
- I’m sorry about the noise last night. We were having a party.
But: sorry FOR doing something:
- I’m sorry for shouting at you yesterday.
You can also say:
- I’m sorry I shouted at you yesterday.
- (to feel / to be) sorry FOR someone:
- I feel sorry for George. He has no friends and no money.
- Crazy ABOUT something:
- Ann is crazy about Westerns. She’d go to the movies every night if a Western
were playing.
- Impressed BY / WITH someone / something:
I wasn’t very impressed by / with the movie.
- Famous FOR something:
- The Italian city of Florence is famous for its art treasures.
- Responsible FOR something:
- Who was responsible for all that noise last night?
- Different FROM someone / something (in informal English we sometimes say different
THAN).
- The movie was different from what I expected.
- Interested IN something:
- Are you interested in Art and architecture?
- Capable / Incapable OF something:
- I’m sure you are capable of passing the examination.
- Fond OF someone / something:
- Mary is very fond of animals. She has three cats and two dogs.
- Full OF something:
- The letter I wrote was full of mistakes.
- Short OF something:
- I’m a little short of money. Can you lend me some?
- Tired OF something:
- Come on, let’s go. I’m tired of waiting.
- Similar TO something:
- Your writing is similar to mine.
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- Crowded WITH (people, etc):
- The city was crowded with tourists.
EXERCISES:
1. It wasn’t very polite …………………….. him to leave without saying thank you.
2. We enjoyed our holiday but we were disappointed …………….. the hotel.
3. I was shocked …………… what you said. You should be ashamed ………………...
yourself.
4. Bill has been doing the same job for too long. He’s bored ……………….. it.
5. Mr. Davis spends a lot of time gardening. His garden is very well-kept, and he’s very proud
……………….. it.
6. Joe failed his driving test many times. He isn’t capable ………….. driving a car.
7. Our house is similar ……………… theirs, but I think ours is a little bigger.
8. We’re short ……………….. staff in our office at the moment. There aren’t enough people to
do the work that has to be done.
9. Travelling is great at first, but you get tired ……………………. it after a while.
10. I’m sorry …………………… the smell in this room. It’s just been painted.
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- Care FOR someone / something:
I. = like something (usually in questions and negative sentences).
- Would you care for a cup of coffee? (= Would you like …)
- I don’t care for hot weather. (= I don’t like…)
II: = look after someone:
- She is very old. She needs someone to care for her.
- Take care OF someone / something (=look after):
- Have a nice vacation. Take care of yourself.
- Will you take care of the children while I’m away?
- Collide WITH someone / something:
- There was an accident this morning. A bus collided with a car.
- Complain (TO someone) ABOUT someone / something:
- We complained to the manager of the restaurant about the food.
- Concentrate ON something:
- Don’t look out the window. Concentrate on your work.
- Consist OF something.
- We had an enormous syllabus. It consisted of seven courses.
- Crash / drive / bump / run INTO someone / something:
- He lost control of the car and crashed into a wall.
- Depend ON someone / something:
- What time will you arrive? I don’t know. It depends on the traffic.
You can leave out ON before question words (when/where/how, etc)
- Are you going to buy it? It depends (on) how much it is.
- Die OF an illness:
- What did he die of? A heart attack
- Dream ABOUT someone / something:
- I dreamed about you last night.
- Dream OF being something /doing something (=imagine)
- I often dream of being rich.
Also: (I) wouldn’t dream (of doing something)
- Don’t tell anyone what I said. No, I wouldn’t dream of it.
- Happen TO someone / something:
- A strange thing happened to me the other day.
- What happened to that gold watch you used to wear?
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- Hear ABOUT something (= be told about something):
- Did you hear about the fight in the club on Saturday night?
- Have you heard about Jane? She’s getting married.
- Hear OF someone / something (= know that someone /something exists):
- Who is Tom Brown? I have no idea. I’ve never heard of him.
- Have you heard of a company called “Smith Electronics”
- Hear FROM someone (= receive a letter / telephone call from someone):
- Have you heard from Ann recently? Yes, she wrote to me last week.
- Laugh / smile AT someone / something:
- I look stupid with this haircut. Everyone will laugh at me.
- Listen TO someone / something:
- We spent the evening listening to records.
- Live ON money / food:
- George’s salary is very low. It isn’t enough to live on.
- Look AT someone / something (= look in the direction on):
- Why are you looking at me like that?
Also: have a look AT, stare AT, glance AT.
- Look FOR someone / something (=try to find):
- I’ve lost my keys. Can you help me look for them.
- Look AFTER someone / something (=take care of)
- She’s very old. She needs someone to look after her.
- Meet WITH someone / something (=have a meeting with):
- Our representatives met with the president of the company.
- Pay (someone) FOR something:
- I didn’t have enough money to pay for the meal.
But: pay a bill / a fine / $50 / a fare / taxes, etc (no preposition).
- Rely ON someone / something:
- You can rely on Jack. He always keeps his promises.
- Search (a person / a place / a bag, etc.) FOR someone / something:
- I’ve searched the whole house for my keys, but I still can’t find them.
- The police are searching for the escaped prisoner.
- Shout AT someone (when you are angry):
- He was very angry and started shouting at me.
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But shout TO someone (so that they can hear you)
- He shouted to me from the other side of the street.
- Speak / talk TO someone:
- (on the telephone) Hello, Can I speak to Jane, Please?
- Who was that man I saw you talking to in the restaurant?
- Suffer FROM an illness:
- The number of people suffering from heart disease has increased.
- Think ABOUT someone / something (= consider, concentrate the mind on):
- You’re quiet this morning. What are you thinking about?
- I’ve thought about what you said and I’ve decided to take your advice.
- Will you lend me the money? I’ll think about it.
- Think OF someone / something (remember, bring to mind, have an idea):
- She told me her name, but I can’t think of it now. (not think about it).
- That’s a good idea. Why didn’t I think of that if you told me about it last week?
- Wait FOR someone / something:
- I’m not going out yet. I’m waiting for the rain to stop.
- Write TO someone or Write someone (without to):
- I’m sorry I haven’t written (to) you for such a long time.
- I wrote her a letter.
Exercises:
1. Are you going to apologize ………………… what she did?
2. It is terrible that some people are dying ……………. hunger while others eat too much.
3. Our neighbours complained ………………. us …………… the noise we made last night.
4. The man sitting opposite me on the train kept staring …………… me.
5. When we went out for the evening, a babysitter looked …………….the children.
6. I dreamed …………… Ann last night. We were dancing together at a party when somebody
suddenly hit me. Then I woke up.
7. Please don’t shout ……………….me! Go to hell.
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8. Sally is not well. She suffers ………………. severe headaches.
9. I don’t want to discuss………………. what happened last night. I want to forget about it.
10. Can I speak …………….. you a moment? There’s something I want to ask you.
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- Point / aim something AT someone/ something:
- Don’t point that knife at me. It’s dangerous.
- Prefer someone / something TO someone / something:
- I prefer tea to coffee. (not prefer tea than coffee)
- Protect someone / something FROM (or against) someone / something:
- He put some lotion on his body to protect his skin from the sun (or against the sun).
- Provide someone WITH something:
- The school provides all its students with books.
- Regard someone / something AS something:
- I’ve always regarded you as one of my best friends.
- Remind someone OF someone / something (= cause someone to remember):
- This house reminds me of the one I lived in when I was a child.
- Look at this photograph of Carol. Who does she remind you of?
- Sentence someone TO (a period of imprisonment):
- He was found guilty and sentenced to six months in prison.
- Spend (money) ON something:
- How much money do you spend on food each week?
Note that we usually say “spend (time) doing something”.
- I spend a lot of time reading.
- Throw something AT someone / something (in order to hit them)
- Someone threw an egg at the mayor while he was speaking.
But Throw something TO someone (for someone to catch)
- Ann shouted “Catch it and throw the keys to me from the window.
- Translate (a book, etc) FROM one language INTO another language.
- El “chavo del ocho” has been translated from Spanish into many languages
- Warn someone ABOUT someone / something:
- I knew she was a bit strange before I met her. Tom had warned me about her.
- Everybody has been warned about the dangers of smoking.
EXERCISES:
1. The driver of the car was taken to the police station and later charged …………….
reckless driving.
2. I’ve been invited ………………… the wedding but unfortunately I can’t go.
3. When I saw Dave, I congratulated him …………… passing his driving test.
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4. It’s a very large house. It’s divided …………….. four apartments.
5. It’s not very pleasant when you are accused …………….. something you didn’t do.
6. When we went on our skiing holiday last year, the organizers provided us ………….
all the equipment we needed.
7. Do you prefer your present job ……………. the one you had before?
8. He was sentenced ………………….. life imprisonment for the murder of a police officer.
9. Don’t throw stones …………… the birds. It’s cruel.
10. They wore warm clothes to protect themselves ……………….. the cold.
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