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Rephrasing with key word

1. It’s almost a year since I stopped smoking UP


I GAVE UP SMOKING ALMOST A YEAR ago

1. Nobody has had sight of the boat for two days LAST
The boat was last seen two days ago

2. Immediately we finish this, we’ll join you MINUTE


We’ll join you the minute we have finished this

3. Bergkamp’s goal is the most extraordinary I’ve ever seen YET


I’ve yet to see much an extraordinary goal as Bergkamp’s

1. Some people say that Tsiolkovsky invented the space rocket CREDITED
Tsiolkovsky has been credited with having invented the space rocket

2. I daren’t turn on the television because the baby might wake up FEAR
I daren’t turn on the television for fear of waking the baby up

3. Some people will do anything to lose weight LENGTHS


Some people will go to any lengths to lose weights

4. The two theories arppear to be completely different COMMON


The two theories seem to have nothing in common

5. Several members of the committee said they were worried about the chairman’s proposal CONCERN
Several members of the committee expressed concern about the chairman’s proposal

6. The river Volta overflowed last year BURST


The river Volta burst its banks last year

7. He doesn’t appreciate his wife GRANTED


He takes his wife for granted

1. Our neighbour talks as if he owned half the county, doesn’t he? (think)
To hear our neighbour talk, you’d think he owned half the county, wouldn’t you?

2. What would you do if you couldn’t look after yourself? (incapable)


Suppose you were incapable of looking after yourself, what would you do?

3. It is essential that you tell us everything. (importance)


It is of the utmost importance that we be kept fully informed.

4. If they reject her appeal, she’ll lose all her insurance claims. (down)
Should her appeal be turned down, she’ll lose all her insurance claims.

5. Are you saying you don’t want me here? (sooner)


Are you saving you’d sooner I wasn’t here?

6. Assuming everything goes according to plan, we’ll be there by six o’clock. (wrong)
Unless something goes wrong, we’ll be there no later than six o’clock.

7. The Finn is almost certain to win, unless his engine blows out during the race. (lose)
The only way the Finn is going to lose is if he has a blow-out during the race.
8. Giving him your number suggests you did want to see him again. (desire)
Why give him your number see IF YOU HAD NO DESIRE TO him again?

9. There’s clearly nothing I can do to stop you leaving. (determined)


If YOU ARE DETERMINED TO LEAVE, HERE IS NOT anything I can do to stop you.

10. You can borrow my car for your holiday if you arrange a service afterwards. (condition)
You can borrow my car for your holiday ON CONDITION YOU GET IT serviced afterwards.

11. Your dinner’s in the oven. (want)


If YOU WANT YOUR DINNER, IT IS IN the oven.

12. If you’re innocent, what have you got to be afraid of? (wrong)
If you HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG, YOU HAVE nothing to fear.

13. If you mean to be as bad-tempered as this all afternoon, there’s no point in playing. (going)
What’s the point OF PLAYING IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE in this mood ah afternoon?

4. Gerald never had enough to live on until he married that rich businesswoman. Short
GERALD WAS ALWAYS SHORT OF MONEY UNTIL HE MARRIED THAT RICH BUSINESS WOMAN

5. William decided that an actor’s life was not for him. Cut
WILLIAM WAS NOT CUT OUT TO BE AN ACTOR
6. The President arranged for me to use his chauffeur-driven car whenever I liked. Disposal
THE PRESIDENT PUT HIS CHAUFFEUR-DRIVER CAR AT MY DISPOSAL
7. My cat has lost its appetite. Off
MY CAT IS OFF ITS FOOD
8. The children made every effort to please their father. Best
THE CHILDREN DID THEIR BEST TO PLEASE THEIR FATHER
9. His behaviour was rather a shock to me. Aback
HIS BEHAVIOUR TOOK ME ABACK
10. They decided not to go by boat because they thought they would be seasick. Fear
THEY DECIDED NOT TO GO BY BOAT FOR FEAR OF BEING SEASICK
11. The bank robbers escaped in a stolen car. Getaway
THE BANK ROBBERS MADE THEIR GATEWAY IN A STOLEN CAR
1. I really don't know what you're talking about. faintest
I DON’T HAVE THE FAINTEST IDEA OF WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT
2. Les is to blame for the problems that he's facing. Making
THE PROBLEM THAT LES IS FACING ARE OF HIS OWN MAKING
3. The main focus of the plot is the adventures of two teenagers. centred
THE PLOT IS CENTERED ON THE ADVENTURES OF TWO TEENAGERS
4. He makes sure that he isn't associated with policies he disagrees with. distances
HE DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM POLICIES HE DISAGREES WITH
5. Could you watch my bag while I'm away, please? eye
COULD YOU KEEP AN EYE ON MY BAG WHILE I’M AWAY, PLEASE?

Ten years ago, this shop’s turnover was half of what it is today doubled

Over the past ten years this shop has doubled turnover.

5. A fight broke out almost immediately at the start of the match. than

No sooner had the match started than a fight broke out.


6. She asked you to leave only because she wanted you to her safe. Heart

She only had your safety at heart when she asked you to leave.

7. It was only with great difficulty that he could understand what they were saying. Virtually It was virtually
possible to understand what they were saying.

8. When we returned to the shop the manager was nowhere to be seen. Sign

When we returned to the shop there was no sign of the manager.

9. It was only at the age of eighteen that Heather started to do ballroom dancing. take Heather didn’t take up
ballroom dancing until she was eighteen.

10. George lost his job six months ago out

George has been out of work for six months.

11 Provided our fuel supply continues, we’ll be fine. run

Unless we run out of fuel, we’ll be fine.

12 Watch my children for me while I’m away, won’t you? eye

Can you keep an eye on my children while I’m away?

The minister’s popularity suffered as a result of the scandal. Effect

The scandal had a negative effect on the minister’s popularity

b) The teachers agreed to introduce the new methods. Agreement

There was an agreement among the teachers to introduce the new methods

c) Jenny didn’t feel like going to the party. Mood

Jenny wasn’t in the mood for going to a party

d) The councilor answered every question frankly Frank

the councilor gave frank answers

e) It is said that he has been to prison several times. Reputed

he is reputed to have been sent to prison several times

f) Most stores will accept a credit card instead of cash. Alternative

most stores will accept a.c.c as an alternative to cash

g) Our opinions on the subject are identical. Difference

there is no difference between our opinions on the subject

h) Local residents said they were against the new traffic scheme. Disapproval

local residents expressed their disapproval of the new traffic scheme

a I‘ve never been particularly interested in stamp collecting. much interest

I’ve never had much interest in stamp collecting


b Chris says she doesn’t really want to go to the science museum at all. no real desire

chris says she has no real desire to go to the science museum at all

c That Tim is able to create chaos around him never fails to astound me. ability

Tim’s ability to crate chaos around him never fails to astound me

d I was surprised at the lengths he was prepared to go to achieve his aims. found

I found the lengths he was prepared to go to achieve his aims surprising

e Everyone condemned the decision to knock down the historic building. met with

the decision to knock down the historic building met with universal condemnation

You won’t get anywhere by refusing to give ground. heels

There’s no point in digging your heels in.

1 I can’t decide whether to splash out on a holiday abroad or not. two

I’m in two minds as to whether to splash out on a holiday abroad.

2 He simply refused to admit he had made a mistake. adamant

He was adamant that he had done nothing wrong.

3 The considerable part she has played in the project mustn’t be overlooked. mind

We must bear in mind her considerable contribution to the project.

4 She’s only twelve, but she’s remarkably mature. shows

For a girl of twelve she shows remarkable maturity.

5 We must ponder the advantages and the disadvantages very carefully. consideration

We must give careful consideration to the pros and cons.

6 You can have until Friday to make up your mind. come

I’ll give you until Friday to come to a decision.

7 You’ll have to make up your mind on this issue eventually, you know. fence

You can’t sit on the fence on this issue for ever, you know.

8 You have to be firm with children when they misbehave. foot

You have to put your foot down with children when they misbehave.

9 I really don’t know which is the best way to break the news to her. quandary

I am in a quandary as to how to break the news to her.

10 I have no idea what to do next. loss

I’m rather at a loss to know what my next step should be.

We would be extremely grateful if you could reply as soon as possible. prompt


A prompt reply would he much appreciated.

1I’m hugely relieved that you’re safe. enormous

lt’s an enormous relief to me that you’re safe.

2 I‘ve never seen someone as naturally gifted as her before. talent

Never before have I seen someone with such natural talent as her.

3 So completely incompetent was that secretary that we lost heaps of invoices. rank

Such was that secretary’s rank incompetence that we Iost heaps of invoices.

4 Only the fact that he was so determined enabled him to finish the race. sheer

It was only through his sheer determination that he managed to finish the race.

5 I‘ve always thought it’s best to stand your ground when there’s a dispute. believed

I‘ve never BELIEVED IN GIVING GRUND IN THE EVENT of a dispute.

6 I don’t know whether to speak out or let things pass. torn

I’m torn between speaking out and letting things pass.

7 It you think about what he has had to endure, he has remained remarkably cheerful. Through

Considering what he has been through, his spirits have remained remarkably high.

8 I dislike journalists because I distrust their motives. liking

My reason for not liking journalists is that I distrust their motives.

9 People are threatened by violence morning, noon and night in some large cities constant

People are living under the constant threat of violence in some large cities.

10 Only a week after did we realise what had happened. following

It wasn’t until the following week that we realised what had happened

1. He was supposed to telephone yesterday but he didn’t have time. should

Although he should have telephoned yesterday he didn’t get round to it.

2. All those who stay longer than six months have to register with the police. Obligatory Registration with the
police is obligatory for anyone who stays longer than six months.

3. It as in your power to have him arrested for behaving so badly. could

You could have had him arrested for such bad behavior.

4. It was remiss of you not to tell me to cancel the meeting. might

You might have told me to call off the meeting.

5. Given the staff’s lack of interest, her attempts to solve the problem were pointless. bothered

Given the staff’s lack of interest, she needn’t have bothered trying to find a solution to the problem.

6. The cashier did what he was told, so it was unnecessary for the robber to use force. need
The robber didn’t need to use force because the cashier did what he was told.

1 I strongly recommend you to try this sundried tomato bread. must

You must try this sundried tomato cread

2 There is no obligation to get an international driving licence for this country. have

You don’t have to get an international driving licence for this country

3 It was stupid of the government to try to break the strike. should

The government should not have tried to break the strike

4 I warn you not to chat up my girlfriend again! Had

You had better not chat up my girlfriend again

5 We didn’t book the table but it didn’t matter as there was hardly anyone in the restaurant anyway. need

We didn’t need to book the table as there was hardly anyone in the restaurant

6 My hair’s much too long. I‘II have to get it cut soon. cutting

My hair’s much too long. It needs cutting soon

7 It is essential that you disconnect the gas supply before removing the boiler. be disconnected

The gas supply must be disconnected before you remove the boiler

8 The management will not permit Iatecomers to enter the theatre until there is a suitable break. allowed

Latercomers will not be allowed to enter the theatre until there is a suitable break

9 Why do we have to state ethnic origin on official forms these days? required

Why are we required to state ethnic origin on official forms these days?

10 There can be no doubt that the solicitor has received the information by now. must

The solicitor must have received the information by now

11 It probably won’t be difficult to get tickets for the first night. should

It should be difficult to get tickets for the first night

12 It is essential that patients have not eaten or drunk anything for three hours before the operation. must

Patients must not have eaten or drunk anything

I don’t foresee there being any major problems. think

I don’t think there will be any major problems.

1 He’s unlikely to have the common sense to ask for directions. suppose

I don’t suppose he would have the common sense to ask for directions.

2 I wouldn’t have thought there’s much chance of the package being here before Friday. doubt

I doubt whether he package will be here before Friday.


3 I don’t think we could expect that much of him. asking

I think that might be asking too much of him.

4 I suppose it’s possible that she will break the world record at the next meeting. conceivably

I suppose she could conceivably break the world record at the next meeting.

5 I can’t see them finding the task insurmountable. ought

They ought to be able to manage the task.

I don’t foresee there being any major problems. think

I don’t think there will be any major problems.

1 I Just recently, there has been a need for us to reduce our spending. cut

Just recently we have had to cut back on our spending.

2 Why have I never met your partner? introduce

You really should introduce me to your partner.

3 There is growing pressure on the government to break their promise on health spending. back

The government may find on they are being pressuried into going back their promise on health spending.

4 I didn’t take the job because it would have meant doing a 50-hour week. put

I didn’t take the job because I would have had to put in 50 hours a week.

5 You don’t need to take out this insurance. under

You are under no obligation to take out this insurance.

a) If interest rates are cut, the economic situation may improve. reduction

the economic situation may improve with the reduction of interest rates

b) The architect’s new design was heavily criticised. criticism

the architect’s new design receiver heavy criticism

c) Very little money was raised by the charity appeal. response

very little money was raised in response to the charity appeal

e) The coach’s tactics were directly responsible for the team’s defeat. consequence

as a consequence of the coach’s tactics the team was defeated

f) We have no idea where he is. Whereabouts

we have no idea of his whereabouts

g) The policeman acted quickly and averted an accident. prompt

the prompt action of the policeman averted an accident

h) This new record is certain to sell a lot of copies. Doubt


no doubt this new record will sell a lot of copies

i) Ours is the only company allowed to import these chemicals. monopoly

our company holds a monopoly over the import these chemicals

1. The mayor will give a prize to the best architect. presented

The best architect will be presented with a prize by the mayor.

2. This year the police have arrested more drivers than usual for speeding. number

This year an increased number of drivers have been arrested for speeding.

3. The sea is gradually eroding the cliff face in this urea. worn

The cliff face to this area is gradually being worn away by the sea.

4. Smoking is to be totally banned from next month. takes

A total ban on smoking takes effect from next month.

5. Refusal to obey the local laws about noise could lead to your arrest. for

You could be arrested for refusing to obey local laws about noise.

6. They insisted that my brother should complete all the application forms again. made

My brother was made to fill in all the application forms again.

7. The completion of the project should have taken place last month completed

The project was due to be completed last month.

8. A quick solution to the housing problem is an urgent priority. needs

The housing problem needs to be solved as quickly as possible.

We don’t want such an embarrassing fiasco happening next year. repeated

We don’t want such an embarrassing fiasco next year.

1 She wants it to be clear to people that she’s fair. seen

She wants be seen to be fair.

2 He often says to people how much of his success is down to you. heard

He is often heard to say how much of his success is down to you.

3 The theory is that she fell overboard at night and drowned. Fallen

She is thought to have fallen overboard at night and drowned.

4 The plan was originally to complete the building by June. due

The building was due to be completed by June.

5 When I was a child, I was never allowed to play with the children next door. let

When I was a child, my parents never let me play with the children next door.
Trained personnel man the office twenty-four hours a day. staffed

The office is staffed by trained personnel twenty-four hours a day.

1 Since the advertisement, we’ve had more applications than we can deal with. swamped Since the
advertisement we’ve been swamped with applications.

2 The minister’s response completely took the interviewer by surprise. aback

The interviewer was completely taken aback by the minister’s response.

3 Her lack of inhibition confused and embarrassed me. disconcerted

I was disconcerted by her lack of inhibition.

4 Each new generation is told the secret recipe. down

The secret recipe is handed down from generation to generation.

5 They decreased production following the economic downturn. scaled

Production was scaled down following the economic downturn.

6 I can’t stand the way the boss always patronises me like that. talked

I can’t stand being talked down to by the boss like that.

7 Their request was phrased extremely formally. couched

Their request was couched in extremely formal terms.

Both parties have ripped the contract to pieces. torn

The contract has been torn up by both parties.

1 An awful lot has been omitted from the final draft of the agreement. out

An awful lot has been left out of the final draft of the agreement.

2 There were thousands of sunbathers on the beach. packed

The beach was packed with thousands of sunbathers.

3 Our founder was given an honorary doctorate in law by Edinburgh University. conferred

An honorary doctorate in law was conferred on our founder by Edinburgh University

4 My traveller’s cheques were stolen while I was abroad. robbed

I was robbed of my traveller’s cheques while I was abroad.

5 The accused claimed he hit the police officer as a result of provocation. provoked

The accused claimed he was provoked into hitting the police officer.

6 Many of us were shocked when a former actor took the oath as President of the United States. sworn

Many of us were shocked when a former actor was sworn in as President of the United States.

7 The present came as a complete surprise to me. aback

I was completely taken aback by the present.


8 They have reduced their trading activities in the war-stricken area. scaled

Trading activities have been scaled down in the war-stricken area.

You can usually trust Bernard to get the job done. relied

Bernard can usually be relied on to get the job done.

1 Do not disconnect unless directed to do so by the supervisor. switched

This machine is only to be switched off if you are directed to do so by the supervisor.

2 The calculation would have been completely beyond me if it had not been for your help. Baffled

I would have been completely baffled by the calculation if it had not been for your help.

3 The manageress often tried to make us stay behind to do extra work. pressure

The manageress often put pressure on us to stay behind to do extra work.

4 They think a fault in the fuel lines was behind the crash. caused

A fault in the fuel lines is thought to have caused the crash.

5 Its a mystery where the tribe originated. shrouded

The origins of the tribe are shrouded in mystery.

6 The public reaction to the Presidents announcement surprised everyone. aback

Everyone was taken aback by the President’s announcement.

7 The staff call Mr Bennett’s office ‘the torture chamber’. dubbed

Mr Bennett’s office was dubbed ‘the torture chamber’ by the staff.

8 The guards wouldn’ t allow him in. denied

Access was denied to him by The guards.

9 lt’s just possible we may need more staff. Ruled

The possibility of us needing more staff cannot be ruled Out.

10 He finally took the presidential oath. Sworn

He was finally sworn in as President.

My thanks to my family, who made all of this possible. none

My thanks to my family, without whom none of this would have been possible.

1 There were a lot of survivors and most of them were in pain. majority

There were a lot of survivors, the majority of whom were in pain.

2 We are holding a meeting to acquaint the public with the facts. purpose

We are holding a meeting, the purpose of which is to acquaint the public with the facts.

3 When the fire spread, the theatre was cleared. point


The fire spread,at which point the theatre was cleared.

4 You can borrow up to five books at any one time from the library. taken

There is a library, from which up to five books can be taken at any one time.

5 Although the robbery was seen by numerous people, they were unable to identify the two men. witnessed

None who witnessed the robbery were able to identify the two men.

I was so shocked that I was lost for words. what

I was so shocked that I didn´t know what to say.

1 She said something that was not at all polite. extremely

What she said was extremely impolite.

2 I can’t decide on the best way of telling her what’s happened. break

I can’t decide how best to break the news to her.

3 No matter what the outcome of the election, things will continue the same. nothing Whichever party wins the
election, nothing will change.

4 You could write what 1 know about computers on a postage stamp. knowledge

What little knowledge I have about computers could be written on a postage stamp.

5 I always thought Paris would look and feel exactly like this. imagined

This is exactly how I imagined Paris would be.

6 Can you remember the subject of our conversation last week? talking

Can you remember what we were talking about last week?

Attendance at the additional evening lectures is not obligatory for students. Under

Students are under no obligation to attend the additional evening lectures.

9. You must keep this door closed at all times when the red light is illuminated. account

On no account must you open this door when the red light is illuminated.

10. You can’t find pottery like this in any other part of the country. Type

This is the only part of the country where this type of pottery can be found.

11. Natalie’s friends talked her out of going to the concert alone. Dissuaded

It was Natalie’s friends who dissuaded her from going to the concert alone.

12. As a result of the bad weather, there may be delays on some international flights. Subject

Due to the bad weather some international flights are subject to possible delay.

13. Lorraine was the only student to hand in her assignment on time. Exception

With the exception of Lorraine, none of the students handed in their assignment

14. It never crossed my mind that the studio door might have been Iocked. Occurred
It never occurred to me that someone might have Iocked the studio door.

15. Students at the school are not allowed to go into the Rainbow Disco. Bounds

The Rainbow Disco is out of bounds to students at the school.

1. You may be dismissed if you fail to observe the company’s dress code. result

Failure to observe the company’s dress code could result in your dismissal.

2. It wasn’t Melanie’s fault that she ended up breaking the law. own

Through no fault of her own, Melanie ended up breaking the Iaw.

3. The offer of a job will only be confirmed following a successful medical examination. completed

Once a medical examination has been successfully completed, the offer of a job will be confirmed.

4. It is as yet unclear whether a new sports centre is being planned or not. seen

It remains to be seen whether there are any plans for a new sports centre or not.

5. Decisions about the exact contents of the college magazine will be Ieft to the students. up

It will be left up to the students to decide what the exact contents of the college magazine will be.

6. The suggestion to increase the entrance fee at the disco came from Tony. should

It was Tony who suggested that the entrance fee should be increased at the disco.

7. One seldom has the opportunity to meet a famous celebrity. get

Rarely does one get the chance of meeting a famous celebrity.

8. Miranda is rumoured to be about to sign a new contract with the film studio. verge

Rumour has it that Miranda is on the verge of signing a new contract with the film studio.

1. It was the most exciting day of his life. more

He has never had a more exciting day.

2. We have received no letters from her since she left home sent

she has not sent us any letters since she left home.

3. My tutor's comments made me begin to think about my essay. thinking

My tutor's comments on my essay started me thinking about what I had written.

4. She lived in London some years ago, but she lives somewhere different now. live

She used to live in London, but she has moved now.

5. He says he is an amateur, but he is paid like a professional. himself

He gets the same pay as a professional, although he calls himself an amateur.

6. If we don't leave this minute, we’ll be late! Otherwise

It' s high time we left otherwise we won’t get there on time.


7. I regret not studying harder when I was at school. only

If only I had studied harder during my schooldays.

8. He now regrets his decision to study law at university. wishes

He wishes he hadn’t decided to study law at university.

9. From the look of him, I thought he'd just run a marathon. though

I thought he looked as though he had just run a marathon.

10. I would prefer you to stay and wait for them. rather

l would rather you stayed and waited for them.

11. As his television was so old, it needed to be readjusted all the time. readjusting

Being so old, his television needed readjusting constantly.

12. As soon as the film was released, it started to break box office records. than

No sooner had the film been released than it started to break box office records.

13. The moment they finished filming, it started to rain. hardly

They had hardly finished filming when it started to rain.

14. Nowhere in the world have I seen such a wide variety of TV channels. so

I haven’t seen so wide a variety of TV channels anywhere in the world.

15. I'm determined to see that film! miss

I won't miss that film under any circumstances circumstances.

The management want to suspend you without pay. preference

The management’s preference is that you be suspended without pay.

1. Our neighbour talks as if he owned half think

To hear our neighbour talk, you’d think he owned half the county, wouldn’t you?

2. What would you do if you couldn’t look after yourself? incapable

Suppose you were incapable of looking after yourself, what would you do?

3. It is essential that you tell us everything. importance

It is of the utmost importance that we be kept fully informed

4. if they reject her appeal, she’ll lose all her insurance claims down

Should her appeal be turned down, she’ll lose all her insurance claims.

5. Are you saying you don’t want me here? sooner

Are you saying you’d sooner I wasn’t here?

1 Assuming everything goes according to plan, we’ll be there by six o’clock. wrong
Unless something goes wrong, we’ll be there no later than six .

2 The Finn is almost certain to win, unless his engine blows out during the race. lose

The only way the Finn is going to lose is if he has a blow-out during the race.

3 Giving him your number suggests you did want to see him again. Desire

Why give him your number if you had no desire to see him again?

4 there’s clearly nothing I can do to stop you leaving. Determined

If you are determined to leave, there isn’t anything I can do to stop you

5 You can borrow my car for your holiday if you arrange a service afterwards. condition

You can borrow my car for your holiday on condition you get it serviced afterwards.

6 your dinner’s in the oven WANT

if you want your dinner, it’s the oven.

7 if you’re innocent, what have you got to be afraid of? wrong

If you have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear.

8 If you mean to be as bad tempered as this all afternoon, there’s no point in playing. Going

What’s the point of playing if you’re going to be in this mood all afternoon?

(a) A great many people will congratulate her if she wins. showered

She will be showered with congratulations if she wins

(b) Is it possible to walk from the hotel to the city centre? within

Is the city centre within walking distance of the hotel?

(c) We agreed that each of us would do the washing-up on alternate days. turns

We agreed that we would take turns to do the washing up

(d) Don't tell the boss anything about this. Breathe

Don’t breathe a word of this to the boss

(e) I've hardly done anything today. next

I’ve done next to nothing today

(f) Tom has been behaving strangely recently. self

Tom hasn’t been his normal self recently

(g) I remained neutral during their disagreement because I liked both of them. sides

I didn’t take sides during their disagreement because I liked both of them

(h) You couldn’t do anything more stupid than to give up your job now. Height

Giving up your job now would be the height of stupidity


1 it frightens me just to think about climbing that mountain mere

The mere thought of climbing that mountain makes me afraid.

2 Your winning the race doesn’t surprise me at all least

I'm not in the least (bit) surprised about your having won the race.

3 absolutely no-one in the team is a better player than Jack Carlton exception

Jack Calton is without exception the best player in the team.

4 he’s the quickest learner I’ve ever met so

Never have I met so quick a learner.

5 I’ve told you on innumerable occasions not to do that time

I've told you time and time again/time after time not to do that .

6 he’s good at nothing except long distance running one

The one thing he is good at is long distance running.

7 I’m afraid that a rematch is completely impossible whatsoever

I'm afraid that there is no chance/possibility whatsoever of a rematch.

8 they are a good team, but others are definitely better means

Although they are a good team, they are by no means the best

1 I’ve only just realised what our director meant by that comment. dawned

It has just dawned on me what our director meant by that comment.

2 You should have been at the party; you would have enjoyed it. make

It’s a pity you didn’t make it to the party; you would have enjoyed it.

3 People are optimistic about this new drug being a success. hoped

It is hoped that this new drug will be a success.

4 We discovered eventually that ah the goods had been stolen. transpired

In the end it transpired that all the goods had been stolen.

5 Everything points towards a landslide victory for the presidential party indication

There is every indication that the presidential party will win a landslide victory.

6 Thank goodness we decided to come by train. job

It is a good job we decided to come by train.

7 No doubt there was a terrible row when the mistake was discovered. sure

There is sure to have been a terrible row when the mistake was discovered.

8 Such behaviour can never be tolerated. excuse


There is no excuse for such behaviour.

9 It looks as if there’s been an accident over there. seems

There seems to have been an accident over there.

10 The choice of restaurant is entirely yours. up

It is entirely up to you which restaurant we go to.

We only noticed the stain on the carpet when everyone had gone. until

It wasn’t until everyone had gone that we noticed the stain on the carpet.

I only realised who it was when he removed his sunglasses. recognised

It was only when he rmoved his sunglasses that I recognised him.

2 You don’t know who your real friends are until there’s a crisis. moments

It’s only in moments of crisis that you find out who your real friends are.

3 His jokes in themselves aren’t funny, but his delivery of them is hilarious. tells

It’s how he tells his jokes that’s funny, not the jokes themselves.

4 Your place of birth doesn’t determine your accent so much as where you spend your childhood. brought

It’s where you are brought up that determines your accent rather than your place of birth.

5 You’re only likely to get a two per cent rise from him. offer

All he’s likely to offer is a two per cent rise.

Although Maria hasn’t said so, we can be sure that she will want to come to the party read

We can take it as read that Maria will want to come to the party.

2. Shall we split the cost of a taxi into town? halves

Why not go halves on the cost of a taxi into town?

3. It wasn’t until I started college that I knew I wasn’t suited to being a lawyer cut

I only knew that I wasn’t cut out to be a lawyer when I went to college.

4. Trying to get Roger to come with us is an utter waste of time. whatsoever

There is no point whatsoever in trying to get Roger to come with us.

5. He doesn’t realise the damage the changes will cause. damaging

Little does he realise how damaging the changes will be.

6. We will only let you take the final exams if you pass this test. allowed

Failing this test will result in your not being allowed to take the final exams.

7. Pensions have not increased at the same rate as inflation. pace

Pensions have failed to keep pace with inflation


8. James has had a cold since Christmas. Over

James hasn’t got over the cold he caught at Christmas

The elephant is so strong that it’s regularly needed for heavy work. demand

Such is the elephant’s strength that it’s in regular demand for heavy work.

1 Let’s read through our first meeting’s minutes before we start forgetting our stated aims. sight

Lest we lose sight of our stated aims, let’s read through the minutes of ourfirst meeting.

2 Bill had a very strong personality and we were constantly frightened of him. fear

So strong was Bill’s personality that we constantly lived in fear of him.

3 The programme is designed in the hope that it will appeal to people of all ages. interest

We’ve designed the programme in such a way that it will be of interest to people of all ages .

4 I put up this sign because I didn’t want anyone to disturb me. as

I put up this sign so as not be disturbed by anyone.

5 If the purpose of this button is not to enlarge the picture, what is it? Bigger

If this button is not for making the picture bigger, what is it for?

6 I’ll call you Phil, and you Philip, so that we don’t get totally confused. Avoid

So as to avoid total confusion, I’ll call you Phil, and you Philip

I We’ve got no money, but we’re very happy. (even)

Even thought we’ve got no money, we’re very happy

2 The wind blew all the time, but we still managed to enjoy ourselves. (nevertheless)

The wind blew all the time. Nevertheless, we still managed to enjoy ourselves

3 I like her new boyfriend but I don’t trust him. (however)

I like her new boyfriend. However, I don’t trust him.

4 I know there’s an economic recession, but our profits should still be higher. (all the same)

I know there’s an economic recession. All the same, our profits should still be higher

5 Reorganisation is a good idea but it would cause friction in this department. (while)

While reorganisation is a good idea, it would cause friction in this department

6 I love Sting’s music, but I still thought his latest CD was disappointing. (much)

Much as I love Sting’s music, I thought his latest CD was disappointing

7 In spite of her inexperience, I still think we should take her on. (and yet)

She’s inexperienced, and yet I think we should take her on

8 My grandad’s over ninety, but still manages to remain active. (even so)
My grandad’s over ninety. Even so he manages to remain active

9 He’s a quiet man, but still manages to intimidate his employees. (spite)

In spite of being a quite man, he manages to intimidate his employees

10 It may sound incredible, but I really fancy George W. Bush. (as)

Incredible as it may sound, I really fancy George W Bush

Paying for the damage seems to be the last thing on his mind. thought

He seems to have no thought of paying for the damage.

1 She gave in her notice, planning to start her new job in January. view

She gave in her notice with a view to starting her new job in January.

2 The trouble all came about because our computers crashed. stemmed

The trouble all stemmed from our computers crashing.

3 Stray goats on the motorway were not the only cause of the massive tailback. due

The massive tailback wasn’t only due to stray goats on the motorway.

4 The changes in climate should have no effect whatsoever on our coastline. affected

Our coastline should not be affected in any way by the changes in climate.

5 His criminal record is an entirely separate issue from the matter in hand. bearing

His criminal record has no bearing on the matter in hand.

6 The question of medical costs often makes old people become anxious. common

The question of medical costs is a common cause of anxiety for old people.

7 The consequence of changing the venue could well be absolute chaos. result Changing the venue
…………………………………………………………………….. absolute chaos.

8 Their insular attitudes date back to medieval times. roots

Their insular attitudes have their roots in medieval times.

1 Perhaps finding someone to replace her is proving difficult for him difficulty

He appears to be having difficulty in finding someone to replace her

2 I can’t wait for the new theatre to be completed forward

I’m looking forward to the completion of the new theatre

3 I really wish I’d paid more attention to his warnings little

I bitterly regret paying so little attention to his warnings

4 they are going to send us the tickets next week sent

I’ve arranged for the tickets to be sent to us next week

5 ‘I forgot to postpone the appointment’ Robert admitted put


Robert confessed to forgetting to put off the appointment

6 he said ti was absolutely untre that someone had lent him the money having

He categorically denied having been lent money

7 it’s not normal for me to have start so early make

I’m not used to having to make such an early start

8 the workmen think that it will take the until the end of the day to demolish the wall finished

The workmen hope to have finished knocking the wall down by the end

9 I really don’t like it when they make us work overtime made

I strongly object to being made to work overtime

10 did it really slip your mind to contact us when you arrived there? Touch

Did you honestly forget to get in touch with us when you arrived there?

We’re not asking you to work overtime without extra pay. expected

You’re not expected to work overtime without being paid extra for it.

1 I could never be persuaded to pose for a photo like that. Induce

Nothing would induce me to be photographed in such a pose.

2 He requested the judge to take into account the fact that he had at no time lied to the court. honesty

He asked the judge for his honesty to be taken into consideration.

3 I don’t think the two sides have been communicating at all well. breakdown

There seems to have been a total breakdown in communications between the two sides.

4 My neighbour is looking after the house while I’m away. eye

I’ve arranged for my neighbour to keep an eye on the house in my absence.

5 Many people think that Pacino is one of the finest actors of his generation. equals

Pacino is thought by many to have few equals among his contemporaries.

6 I don’t think exercise is at all useful. total

I consider exercise to be a total waste of time.

7 I don’t see why you have to be so unfriendly to all of us. hostility

Need you show such hostility towards every single one

The police think her disappearance is a serious matter. treated

Her disappearance is being treated a serious matter by the police.

1 I have never thought it was wrong to steal from the rich. regarded

I have never regarded stealing from the rich as a crime.


2 When they made me captain, I got the shock of my life. selected

I never dreamt of being selected as captain.

3 People generally consider Monet to be the father of Impressionism. thought

Monet is generally thought to be the father of Impressionism.

4 Whatever you do, don’t talk of me as a no-hoper. dismissed

On no account should I be dismissed as an also-ran.

5 This is a souvenir we’d like to give you of the time you have spent here. memento

Please accept this souvenir as a memento of your stay here.

6 Did they seriously believe this device would deter other countries from invading? act

Was it seriously believed this device would act as a deterrent against invasion?

(a) Andrew doesn't claim to have a lot of musical talent. pretence

Andrew makes no pretence of having a lot of musical talent

(b) We were lucky to find somewhere to park so quickly. stroke

It was a stroke of luck that we found somewhere to park so quickly

(e) I wonder where Harry is now.I haven't seen him for years. Become

I wonder what has become of Harry. I haven’t seen him for years

(d) I'm going to have a problem because of this change of plan. Pose

This change of plan is going to pose a problem for me

(e) This is a subject that Jack and I disagree about. Eye

This is a subject that Jack and I don’t see eye to eye on

Sending someone to prison for defending their own property isn't fair injustice

Sending someone to prison for defending their own property is an injustice

1 Phil claimed that he had no involvement in the pensions scam. denied

Phil denied that he had any involvement

2 If no payment is forthcoming, we will be obliged to remove your connection to the electricity supply. Disconnect

We will be obliged to disconnect your electricity supply

3 Hardly anyone from the housing cooperative showed any interest in joining the Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
Few

Few people from the housing cooperative showed any interest in joining the neighbourhood watch scheme

4 The fundamental values of the two religions are fairly similar. dissimilar

The fundamental values of the two religions are not dissimilar


5 It isn't really possible to capture true colours with this type of video film. hardIy

It is hardly possible to capture true colors with this type of video film

6 It appears that the director deliberately gave the investigators incorrect information. Misinformed

It appears that the director deliberately misinformed the investigators

7 It's best not to talk about topics like politics or religion on a first date. Avoid

It’s best to avoid talking about topics like politics or religion on a first date

8 The fact that a great area of trees in the Brazilian rainforests has been cut down has had a devastating effect on
the ecosystem. deforestation

The deforestation of the Braizilian rainforests has had a devastating effect on the ecosystem

9 It isn't often that pop stars make it as actors, but Madonna has achieved this. rareIy

Rarely do pop stars make it as actors, but Madona has achieved this

10 Applications in which we are unable to read the writing will be automatically rejected. Illegible

Illegible applications will be automatically rejected

1 It's a pity that you didn't tell us that you were leaving. wish

I wish you’d told us that you were leaving

2 What would have happened if they hadn't got a receipt? Suppose

Supposed they hadn’t got a receipt?

3 We really should go now. went

It’s time we went

4 Unfortunately, I'm not as agile as I used to be. Only

If only I were as agile as I used to be

5 I’d love to be able to play the piano. couId

I wish I could play the piano

6 Her constant criticism of me really gets on my nerves. Stop

I wish she would stop criticising me

7 Treat my home in the same way that you would treat your own. Though

Treat my home as though it were your own

8 I regret not going to university when I was younger. Gone

If only I had gone to university

9 She would love to have more friend. Had

She wishes she had more friends

10 Please don't let the dog sit in the front of the car. I’d
I’d rather you didn’t let the dog sit in the front of the car

1 Hardly anyone turned up to watch the football match. (nobody)

Almost nobody turned up to watch the football match

2 I know you can produce good work when you put your mind to it. (capable)

I know you are capable of producing good work when you put your mind to it

3 Meeting the professor tonight will be a real honour for me. (proud)

I am proud to be meeting the professor tonight

4 He only wants to join the project because he thinks he’ll make some money out of it. (sole)

His sole intention in joining the project is to make some money out of it

5 The chances of our finding someone to replace Mr Jones are incredibly slight. (virtually)

It will be virtually impossible to find someone to replace Mr Jones

6 I cannot understand why you are unwilling to give Max a job. (baffled)

I am baffled by your unwillingness to give Max a job

7 In some countries people under the age of sixteen are not allowed to buy tobacco. (restricted)

In some countries the sale of tobacco is restricted to people over the age of sixteen

8 There were a few tiny mistakes in Harry’s homework. (quite)

Harry’s homework wasn’t quite perfect

There’s little doubt that the challenger will become champion again. Bound

The challenger is bound to regain his title.

1. Juliana is determined to become well-known. intent

Juliana is intent on making a name for herself.

2. These vandals appear to have no common sense at all. devoid

These vandals seem to be devoid of any common sense whatsoever.

3. I’m unwilling to risk losing all my possessions. prepared

I’m not prepared to risk losing everything I own.

4. When does the doctor say she’s going to have the baby? due

According to the doctor, when is she due to give birth?

5. The exchange rate can vary slightly on a daily basis. liable

The rate of exchange is liable to vary from day to day.

6. We very much want you to feel comfortable and relaxed here. anxious

We are anxious that you should feel at home here.


7. There’s absolutely no excuse for your behaviour last night. thoroughly

You ought to be thoroughly ashamed of the way you behaved last night.

I consider this to be the greatest achievement of my life. accomplished

I don’t think anything I’ve accomplished (in my life) matches this.

1 My brother didn’t send me a birthday card, which is something I can’t forgive. neglected

The fact that my brother neglected to send me a birthday card I find unforgivable.

2 The company has negative equity and that’s a fact. truth

The truth is that the company is in the red.

3 We’re unlikely ever to meet again. paths

It’s not likely that our paths will ever cross again.

4 William still believes in man’s basic goodness, which I find ridiculous. retains

I find it ridiculous that William retains his belief man is basically good.

I don’t mind going now if you want to. up

When we go is up to you.

1 The police need to establish the vehicle’s precise speed at the moment of impact. fast

The police need to establish at the precisely how fast the vehicle was going moment of impact.

2 I wonder how Peter and Anne are related. relationship

I wonder what the relationship is between Peter and Anne.

3 Do you happen to know when trains leave from here to Edinburgh? departure

Do you happen to know the departure times of trains from here to Edinburgh?

4 He didn’t phone last night, which made me really angry. infuriated

What infuriated me was that he didn’t phone last night.

5 No one seems too sure as to the actual frequency of earthquakes in the area. often

No one seems too sure how often earthquakes really happen in the area.

6 He looked very well, I was relieved to see. best

I was relieved to see he was in the best of health.

7 It has to be said that it is an appalling crime they accused him of. described

They accused him of what can only be described as an appalling crime.

8 You probably won’t think much of it, but that’s what we’re going to buy nevertheless. like

Whether you like it or not, that’s what we’re going to buy.

9 As I see it, her enthusiasm for being promoted is still open to doubt. badly
We’re still not sure how badly she wants this promotion.

10 I‘ve no idea of how to get there, I’m afraid. route

I’ve no idea which route to take to get there, I’m afraid.

Here’s my mobile phone number so that you can contact me if you need to. case

Here’s my mobile phone number in case you need to get in touch with me.

1. lf we delay too long, we are unlikely to clinch the deal. less

The longer we delay, the less likely we are to clinch the deal.

2. The inhabitants were far worse-off twenty years ago than they are now. nowhere

The inhabitants are nowhere near as badly-off as they were twenty years ago.

3. This number should not be rung except in cases of emergency. call

Only in cases of emergency should you call this number.

4. it was difficult to understand her colleagues’ overt hostility towards her proposal. openly

That her colleagues were openly hostile towards her proposal was difficult to understand.

5. She didn’t tell the librarian she had lost the book, so as not to have to pay for it. fear

She didn’t tell the librarian she had lost the book for fear of having to pay for it.

6. I just had to tell him how much I had enjoyed meeting him. pleasure

I just had to tell what a pleasure it had been meeting him.

7. The intentions of the last government were far clearer than the present one’s. like

The present government’s intentions are nothing like as clear as the previous one’s.

8. I‘ve often contemplated emigrating. thought

Many’s the time I’ve thought about emigrating.

Anne is proud that she is able to speak five languages fluently. prides

Anne prides herself on being able to speak five languages fluently.

2. She does not want to be involved in the scandal caused by her husband’s remarks. distance

She wants to distance herself from the scandal caused by her husband’s remarks.

3. It would he easy to make a film adaptation of Danielle Steel’s latest noel. lends

Danielle Steel’s latest noel lends itself to being made into a film.

4. You need not make a final decision now about whether to support the proposal. commit

You do not need to commit yourself to supporting the proposal now.

5. She knew she couldn’t cope with the temptation to eat the bar of chocolate trust

She knew she couldn’t trust herself not to eat the bar of chocolate.
6. He reluctantly accepted that he would have to travel alone. resigned

He resigned himself to having to travel on his own

The government has been suggesting that taxes will be cut. hints

The government has been dropping hints that taxes will be cut.

1 They think a man called Jorgé is the ringleader. suspected

A man called Jorge is suspected of being the ringleader.

2 People say the epidemic is likely to be brought under control by the end of the month. hoped

It is hoped that the epidemic will be brought under control by the end of the month.

3 People say that the total amount collected is nearing £100,000. reckoned

The total amount collected is reckoned to be nearing £ 100,000.

4 It is often said that science has damaged more than benefited the environment. harm

Science is often said to have done more harm than good to the environment.

The Alps are a lot higher than the Pindus range. nothing

The Pindus are nothing like as high as the Alps .

1 We used to be much closer than we are now. nowhere

We’re nowhere near as close as we used to be.

2 Our special offer was taken up by as many as 70,000 people. availed

No fewer than 70,000 people availed themselves of our special offer.

3 I’m not too keen on watching tennis, but I really enjoy playing it. prefer

I much prefer playing tennis to watching it

1. If sales decreased dramatically, the company might go bust. fall

Were there to be a dramatic fall in sales, the company might go bust.

2. His efforts to find a solution didn’t deserve such savage criticism. criticized

He shouldn’t have been so savagely criticised for his efforts to find a solution.

3. Nowadays I consider gossip to be far less important than I used to. Nearly

Nowadays I don’t attach nearly as much importance to gossip as I used to.

4. This is the first time I’ve seen her in my life! eyes

I have never set eyes on her before!

5. Since my arrival, you have shouted at me constantly. nothing

From the moment I arrived you have done nothing but shout at me.

6. In all probability I can convince Dave that I’m right. likelihood


There’s every likelihood that I can bring Dave round to my way of thinking.

7. They’ll soon discover what she’s been doing. before

It won’t be long before they find out what she’s been doing.

8. Didn’t you realise that he had invented that story about rescuing those people? occur

Didn’t it occur to you that he had made up that story about rescuing those people?

They say that someone has been giving her large bribes. ALLEGED

She is alleged to have been receiving large bribes

2 people have criticised the government heavily over its immigration policy. COME

The government has come in for heavy criticism over its immigration policy

3 it is unlikely that they will terminate his employment. LIKELIHOOD

There is little likelihood that he will be given the sack

4 I’m sure Charles was deceived by all the lies she told. BOUND

Charles was bound to have been taken in by all

5 Sarah is determined to win first prize for English. HEART

Sara has set her heart on winning first pirze

6 she didn’t try very hard to have friendly relations with her colleagues. LITTLE

SHE MADE VERY LITTLE ATTEMPT TO GET ALONG WITH HER COLLEAGUES

7 we should not continue the experiments, because we have encountered serious problems. AGAINST

Since we have come up against serious problems, we should put a halt to the expriments

8 it was difficult not to smile when he reprimanded us for such a minor mistake. KEEP

IT WAS DIFFICULT TO keep a straight face when he told us off about such a minor mistake

9 it’s impossible for us to agree to their terms. QUESTION

THERE IS NO QUESTION OF OUR AGREEING TO THEIR TERMS

10 she doesn’t seem to be willing to allow them to leave the building INTENT

SHE SEEMS intent on making them stay in the building

11 the fact that you contributed enabled me to complete my research. CONTRIBUTION

Had it not been for your contribution I would not have been able to complete my research

12 her participation in the discussion was entirely voluntary. OBLIGATION

She was under no obligation to take part in the discussion

4 Dr Jenkins has not kept up with recent technological development (touch)

Dr Jenkins is out of touch with recent developments in technology


5 I don’t mind working hard on occasions (averse)

I am not averse to occasional hard work

6 the standard of her homework is no longer acceptable (scratch)

Her homework hasn’t been up to scratch recently

7 if we don’t make changes, there will be problems in the future (long)

There will be problems in the long run unless we make changes

8 In southern England, the police still haven’t caught the escaped prisoner (large)

The escaped prisoner is still at large in the south of England

9 At first we were not too sure whether to employ Alan or not (doubtful)

At first we were doubtful about employing Alan

10 Mussels always make her ill, so don’t give her any to eat (allergic)

Don’t give her any mussels to eat as she is allergic to them

1 I couldn’t face telling her what had really happened. bring

I couldn’t bring myself to give her details of what had really happened.

2 Of course most heating systems come on and off automatically nowadays. switch

Naturally it’s normal for most heating systems to switch themselves on and off these days.

3 I simply lost all self-control when I saw them together. contain

I just could each not contain myself when I saw them in other’s company.

4 It’s very difficult to put together a convincing defence against such allegations. convincingly

It’s not easy to defend yourself convincingly when you’re accused of such things.

5 You can all of you take what you want from the contents of these boxes. help

Please help yourselves to anything you want in these boxes.

6 The way he impersonated Fidel Castro was really outstanding. distinguished

He distinguished himself with his impersonation of Fidel Castro.

7 You should never allow those around you to drag you down. let

You should never let yourself be dragged down by the people you spend time with.

8 He is still not showing any real commitment to the work he’s doing. apply

He’s still failing to apply himself to the work in hand

1 it’s possible that plastic will be used for the bodies of cars in the future (make)

The bodies of cars might be made of plastic in the future

2 there’s a possibility the meeting will still be on when you arrive (finished)
The meeting might not have finished by the time you arrive

3 I don’t expect you to be working on that report any more tomorrow (completed

You should have completed that report by tomorrow

4 your involvement in this matter would be unwise (get)

You should not get involved in this matter

5 it is possible that there will be Moon colonies in fifty years’ time (living)

In fifty years’ time, people might be living in colonies on the Moon

1. I really don't know what you're talking about. Faintest

I don’t have the faintest idea what you’re talking about

2 Les is to blame for the problems that he's facing. Making

The problems (that) Les is facing are of his own making.

3. The main focus of the plot is the adventures of two teenagers. centered

The plot is centred on the adventures of two teenagers

4. He makes sure that he isn't associated with policies he disagrees with. distances

He (makes sure (that) he) distances himself from policies he disagrees with

5. Could you watch my bag while I'm away, please? eye

Could you keep an/your eye on my bag while I’m away, please?

6. Many companies were immediately affected by the new regulations. effect

The new regulations had an immediate effect on many companies

7. Nobody helped me at all. finger

Nobody lifted a finger to help me

8. Bruce said that the situation at work was like a family argument. Iikened

Bruce likened the situation at work to a family argument

9. Yesterday I saw some extraordinary events in my street. witness

Yesterday I was witness to some extraordinary events in my street

10. We suddenly decided to go away for the weekend. spur

We decided on the spur of the moment to go away for the weekend

11. You're far more practical than l am. nowhere

I’m nowhere near as/so practical as you (are)

12. I was there when he admitted the truth presence

He admitted the truth in my presence


13. The people who used to do this kind of work have been replaced by machines. Place

Machines have taken the place of people who used to do this kind of work

14. He is unlikely to carry out the plan practice

He is unlikely to put/It is unlikely that he will put the plan into practice

Sebastian left the job because of the long working ours. why

The reason why Sebastian left the job was the long working hours.

1 We have to wait here. this

This is where we have to wait

2 We just need five minutes to fix it. all

All we need is five minutes to fix it

3 Jennifer started the strike. person

The person who started the strike was Jennifer

4 I'm not questioning his dedication. isn't

It isn’t his dedication that I’m questioning

5 These men are totally ruthless. what

What these men are is totally ruthless

6 I used to live around the corner the place

The place where I used to live is around the corner

7 It was your next door neighbour who complained. the one

The one who complained was your next door neighbour

8 We inherited everything except the house. only thing

The only thing we didn’t inherit was the house

9 You know the sales assistant told me exactly the same thing. that's

That’s exactly what the sales assistant told me

1O I want you to copy this down in your notebooks. to do

What I want you to do is to copy this down in your notebooks

11First of all we checked the insurance details. first thing

The first thing we did was to check the insurance details

12 The climbers reached the peak at six o'clock. was

It was at six o’clock that the climbers reached the peak

13 We're taking the au-pair with us. doing


What we’re doing is taking the au-pair with us

14 Before leaving we switched off the power supply. last thing

The last thing we did was to switch off the power supply

15 They moved to Andalucia because of the climate. reason

The reason why they moved to Andalucia was the climate

16 The company has imposed a ban on private e-mails. has done

What the company has done is imposed a ban on private e-mails

17 The only thing we want is our money back. all

All we want is our money back

18 Our boss told us the news. it

It was our boss who told us the news

19 I want you to appreciate that it's not my fault. what

What I want you to appreciate is that it’s not my fault

20 The introduction of stamp duties led to the 1055 of the American colonies. that

It was the introduction of stamp duties that led to the loss of the American colonies

The first person that arrives in the office in the mornings is usually Gary. To

Gary is usually the first person to arrive in the office in the mornings.

1 Martin is always a great asset at any party because he is so charming. being

Being so charming, Martin is always a great asset at any party.

2 I took a short computing course following my graduation from college. having

Having graduated I took a short computing course.

3 Celia’s major regret is that she had never made more of her musical abilities . to

Not to have made more of her musical abilities is Celia's major regret.

4 As she threw open the French windows Mary said 'There's nothing like fresh air!' throwing

'There's nothing like fresh air!' said Mary, throwing open the French windows.

5 The company launched an advertising campaign with the aim of increasing its market share. to

The company launched an advertising campaign to increase its market share.

6 Finding the old house in such a derelict state came as a great shock. find

It came as a great shock to find the old house in such a derelict state.

7. Frankly, I don't think my clients will ever agree to those prices. frank

I don't think my clients will ever agree to those prices, to be frank


8 The shrubs should grow well if you plant them in a sunny spot. planted

Planted in a sunny spot, the shrubs should grow well.

9 They will probably sell the ground floor flat first. Be

To be the first to be sold

10. My brother is having a lot of trouble finding a decent job as he hasn't had the benefit of a college education.
having

Not having had the benefit of a college education, my brother is having a lot of trouble finding a job.

11 Sophie was a demanding boss because she was such a perfectionist.


being

Being such a perfectionist, Sophie was a demanding boss.

12 The town hall was one of the few buildings that wasn't destroyed in the earthquake. been

The town hall was one of the few buildings not to have been destroyed in the earthquake

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