Vocabulary Extension activities

1 Replace the underlined words in sentences 1-7 with these idioms.

a hot water
b see eye to eye
c like a house on fire
d thrown in at the deep end
e eye-opener
f like a fish out of water
g break the ice

1 In my first job I was really given no help.

2 They don’t agree with each other on this issue.
3 She got into trouble for not wearing her uniform.
4 When I interview people I try to relax them and get them talking
with a joke.
5 We got on very well once we went out for dinner.
6 I was very uncomfortable when I first started managing this
department.
7 My first visit to China was a real learning experience.

1 _____ 2______ 3______ 4 ______ 5_______ 6______

2 Match the idioms in 1-6 with the correct explanation a)-f)

1 the ball is in your court a) to be very familiar with something

2 to be up to one's eyes in work
3 to go with the flow
4 to have it out with somebody
5 to know something inside out
b) to be relaxed and not worry about
what to do
c) to take more time than expected
d) to have a lot to do
e) it is your responsibility to take
action next
6 to run over schedule f) to try and settle a dispute by
discussing it

1___ 2 _____ 3_____ 4 _____ 5 _____ 6____

3 Complete the following using these idioms

a) we're in a whole new ball game now

b) she was a different kettle of fish
c) as different as chalk and cheese

1 I only knew Mary's sister Elizabeth. She led a very quiet life.
-- Oh, you couldn't accuse Mary of that!
________________________________________________________
2 Has the change of government made any real difference?
-- Absolutely! ____________________________________________

3 You and your sister are very different characters, aren't you?
-- Completely different. ____________________________________

Language reference – Modal verbs

♦ should/shouldn't is used for giving advice or an opinion, its

meaning being it is/isn't a good thing to do or the right thing to do.

It is often used with I think/I don't think/Do you think...?

e.g. You look tired. You should go to bed.
I think the government should do more to reduce crime.
You shouldn't believe everything you read in newspapers.
-- You can also use should if you want to specify someone's
responsibility – Managers should relate the brand's values in a
meaningful way.

♦have to/don't have to is used for talking about duties or

responsibilities – I have to check the mail in the morning and welcome
visitors to the office and for indicating an absence of obligation or
necessity – I don't have to pay an invoice until next month

♦can, could, may are used for asking and giving permission.
Could is more tentative than can. May is considered more formal and
is often used in written English.
e.g. You can't smoke here.
Could I have the day off? May I use your phone for a local call,
please?

♦must/don't have to is used for orders we give to ourselves – We

must pay these bills straight away; it is also used for strong
recommendations – You must get the new model.

-- Use mustn't if you want to prohibit something – You mustn't

interrupt her while she's on the phone.

Remember: must is strong and can appear impolite if we use it to

give orders or instructions. Have to more common in spoken
language.

1 Put sentences and questions a-h below into categories 1-6

1 talking about a prohibition
2 talking about necessities or obligation
3 talking about an absence of obligation or necessity
4 asking if there is a prohibition
5 asking if something is necessary
6 talking about a rule that is not very strict

a) Everyone has to wear a special overall.

b) Do we have to get undressed?
c) No, you don't need to worry.
d) You don't have to undress.
e) You mustn't wear any natural fibres.
f) You are not supposed to wear jewellery.
g) We need to follow a very strict procedure.
h) Are we allowed to go inside?

1 ________ 2________ 3_______ 4________ 5________ 6______

2 Complete the sentences with the modal verbs in the box

have to / must (x2) / don't have to

shouldn't / can't / could / can

1 You _________ do it now – we'll have time tomorrow.

2 You _________ speak to her like that – she's very sensitive.
3 Don't forget that you _________ buy a ticket before you get on the
train.
4 I ________ start working harder or I'll fail the exams.
5 This _______ the right way. Let's stop and ask someone.
6 Our new secretary _______ speak two foreign languages – she's
really clever.
7 He's not answering the phone – he _______ be out somewhere.
8 Take something to read – there _______ be delays at the airport.
3 Rephrase the parts of 1-6 in italics using the appropriate modal
verbs

1 It's a good idea for us to target younger people too.

________________________________________________________
2 Our logo is fine the way it is. It is unnecessary for us to change it.
________________________________________________________
3 It's a top priority that we come up with a fresh new slogan.
________________________________________________________
4 Her job involves analysing sales figures and motivating the sales
team.
________________________________________________________
5 If you want to be successful in business, it is necessary for you to
plan ahead.
_______________________________________________________