18-Book-S6 Fluency in Topicwise English (Part I) .Unlocked

1
Kev Nair
Fluency in Topicwise English - Part I
Prof. Kev Nair was born in Kerala, South India, in 1949.

He’s an eminent scholar of international repute. He’s a first
class LL.B. and a first class LL.M. And he was ranked first in
university in both the LL. B. and LL. M. exams.
• “Nair was the first person in the world to give shape to the
area of study now known as ‘English fluency development’
and to systematize it into a distinct teachable subject... So
he is better known as the father of fluency development.”
– General Knowledge Today.
• “He had been researching since 1971, and the results... led
him to new discoveries... ”
– THE HINDU.
• “Prof. Kev Nair is regarded the world over as the father
of fluency lexicography... Fluency lexicography came into
existence as a separate branch of dictionary writing with
the publication of Prof. Nair’s Dictionary of Active Fluency
Combinations in 1986.”
– Competition Success Review.
• “A renowned English language lexicographer”
– The New Sunday Express.
• “One of the world’s most respected English language
scholars...Perhaps more innovative in method than Roget
and more modern in approach than Fowler, Prof. Kev Nair
is... one of the foremost Indian scholars who wield great
influence on the thinking of the English-educated people
around the world.”
– General Knowledge Today.
• “A towering English language expert”
– Competition Success Review.
• “Prof. Kev Nair... has... reached out to thousands – judicial
officers, professionals, top executives, scholars – who
2
need that comfort and ease in speech with his specialised

fluency techniques.”
– The New Indian Express.
Prof. Nair is a lawyer by profession. He lives with his wife and
children in Kochi, Kerala, an enchanting place on the earth.
3
Fluent English Dictionaries1 by Kev Nair

• A Dictionary of Active Fluency Combinations.
• A Dictionary of Fluency Word Clusters.
• The Complete Fluency Words.
• A Dictionary of Essential Fluency Phrases.
• Core Fluency Thesaurus.
• Comprehensive Adjectival Fluency Dictionary.
• Narrative Fluency Dictionary.
• Thesaurus of Phrasal Verbs.
• Thesaurus of Descriptive English.
1
Note: The Fluent English Dictionaries do not form part of Fluentzy: The
English Fluency Encyclopedia. They’re separate publications – meant for those
who want to specialize in fluency-oriented vocabulary. For details, visit www.
fluencybookz.com.
4
Books by Kev Nair making up

Fluentzy: The English Fluency Encyclopedia
• B1: Idea units & Fluency.
• B2: Speech Generation & Flow Production.
• B3: Teaching your Tongue & Speech Rhythm.
• B4: Key Speech-initiators & Speech-unit Patterns.
• S1/B13 & S2/B14: Fluency in Functional English (Vols. 1 & 2).
• S3/B15: Fluency in Telephone English & Sectoral English.
• B5: How to Deal with Hesitation.
• B6: Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary (Vol.1).
• B7: Packing of Information.
• B8: Impromptu Speech-flow Techniques.
• S4/B16: Fluency Building & Mouth Gymnastics.
• S5/B17: Fluency in speaking about people.
• B9: Fluency in Asking Questions.
• B11: Fluency & Moment-to-Moment Speech-production.
• S6/B18 & S7/B19: Fluency in Topicwise English (Vols. 1 & 2).
• S8/B20: Fluency & Pronunciation.
5
B18/S6
Fluency in
Topicwise English
Part I
“Two volumes of Fluency in Topicwise English help you
widen your fluency range. These two books help you
master the word clusters that would help you handle
important everyday topics with fluency.”
– The New Sunday Express.
Fourth Edition
Prof. Kev Nair
TM
TM
Adult Faculties Council

6
For Uma
fluency in topicwise english - Part i.

Copyright © Prof. K. E. V. Nair @ KevNair 1982, 1997, 2001, 2008.
First published 1982.
3rd edition 2001 (10 impressions).
4th edition 2008.
Prof. K. E. V. Nair @ KevNair has asserted his right to be identified
as the author of this book in accordance with the Copyright Act, 1957.
All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this book shall be copied or
reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or
manner whatever, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without the prior permission, in writing, of the
publisher, except in the case of brief quotations or as expressly permitted
by law.
All quotations from this book shall credit the author, Prof. KevNair.
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade
or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form
of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, and without a
similar condition, including this condition, being imposed on any acquirer
or the subsequent purchaser.
Any violation of these terms and conditions will invite civil and criminal
proceedings and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Published in India by Mrs. Uma V. Nair, Adult Faculties Council,
DP Lane, Elamakkara PO, Kochi-682 026, Kerala.
Printed in India by Ayodhya Printers Ltd., Elamakkara PO,
Kochi-682 026, Kerala.
Adult Faculties Council’s websites:
www.fluentzy.com; www.fluencybookz.com.
Phone: (91)(0484) 2538449, 2408361.
Fax: (91)(0484) 2408361.
E-mail: info@fluentzy.com.
Price: Rs.175.00
7
Contents
Chapter 1: Fluency in speaking about a wide range of
topics, 11
Chapter 2: Driving, 15
Chapter 3: Vehicle repairs & maintenance, 23
Chapter 4: Clothes, 29
Chapter 5: Weather, 36
Chapter 6: Money, 44
Chapter 7: Entertainment & Leisure, 50
Chapter 8: Material for Mouth Gymnastics - I, 56
Chapter 8: Material for Mouth Gymnastics - II, 65
Chapter 9: a-and-an word groups, 74
Chapter 10: Content-intensive speech: verb + adverb,
82
Chapter 11: Content-intensive speech: adverb +
adjective, 93
8
9
Preface to the 4th edition
Here’s the latest edition of this book.

I have now added three new chapters. They give you rich
collections of specially collected word groups that are of great
general use in speaking about a wide range of topics.
If you have any comments and suggestions, please do write to
me care of the publishers.
KEV Nair
Kochi, 2008.
10
Abbreviations
fml formal
infml informal
sb somebody
sth something
sw somewhere
11
Fluency in speaking about a wide range of topics
Chapter 1
Fluency in speaking
about a wide range of topics
One of the important things the Books in this series have been
trying to do is to improve your command over everyday English
vocabulary. You see, it’s impossible to master a word just by
learning its meaning or by learning the rules governing it’s
usage. These things are important, of course — but these things
would only help you get to ‘know’ that word. But when you’re
aiming to become fluent, it’s not enough that you know a word.
What is needed is that you should have complete mastery over it.
You should not only have a clear idea of its meaning and other
features, but also have the experience of actually using it in
various contexts. Yes, not in one context alone, but in different
contexts. That’s why I’ve been giving you word-groups by relating
them to a particular communicative function, or to an idea or a
notion, or to a particular topic.
Now, this is the point that I’d like you to note carefully: The
collections of word-groups that you get under various topics
(such as ‘Banking’, ‘Business’ or ‘Food & Drink’) help you in
several ways. Let me stress just three of the ways they help you:
Firstly, they help you associate the words in those word-groups
to the topic they come under. This sort of association would
increase your command over those words more effectively than
if you had gone through the same word-groups individually
(in isolation) without relating them to that topic. Secondly, the
topic-wise collections of word-groups bring into one place the
most useful word-groups and structures that have to do with a
particular topic. This helps you concentrate on becoming fluent
in speaking about that topic. And what’s more important, this
helps you increase your command over a collection of words —
12
words that are related to one another through a common topic.
Thirdly, each topic-wise collection of word-groups helps you look
at the core words in the English language from a new point of
view, and this adds to your flexibility in using those words — to
speak about any topic.
The third point needs some explanation. You see, though
I give a large collection of word-groups under various topical
headings, the words used are not of a technical or rare nature.
No. I only concentrate on giving word-groups made up of
frequently-occurring words — that is, words that occur frequently
in everyday conversations among educated speakers. These
words make up the core vocabulary of the English language. And
as far as fluency development is concerned, it’s these words that
are important. Thus, even if the topic dealt with is ‘Banking’, the
words in the word-groups you get are core words; even if the
topic dealt with is ‘Business’, the words in the word-groups you
get are core words; even if the topic dealt with is ‘Food & Drinks’,
the words in the word-groups you get are core words. So what
happens is this: You’re made to use the core words not under
one topic alone, but under a number of topics. And you come
across the same words again and again under different topics —
as part of newer and newer word-groups. And even under the
same topic, you come across most of the words several times —
and not just once.
The result of all this is this: You get to handle the core words
again and again — in context after context, and situation after
situation. And you don’t come across them in isolation; you come
across them in the company of other words that frequently occur
with them. And these other words are core words, too. This helps
you relate each core word to the other core words that usually
come before it and after it (in speech units) in various contexts. In
other words, you get to learn the inter-relationship among words
without any conscious effort — and this is what helps you really
master the core vocabulary of a language.
13
In this Book, we’re going to take up word-groups that have
to do with seven topics that are of everyday interest. These are:
1). Driving.
2). Vehicle repairs and maintenance.
3). Clothes.
4). Weather.
5). Money.
6). Entertainment & Leisure.
7). Sports & Games.
These are high-frequency subjects, and they’re of general
importance any time you speak. But when they come up during
conversations, most people often find it difficult to put their
thoughts and ideas into words. Of course, I’m not talking about
the language required for a theoretical or academic discussion of
the various technical aspects of these topics. No. I’m talking about
everyday situations when these topics come up. In day-to-day
life, a large number of situations come up again and again when
you’ll have to say something or other about these seven topics.
Yes, this is so even if you don’t drive a car, and even if you are
not going to get a car repaired, and even if you are not interested
in sports or games. That is, these are topics that everyone would
come across during everyday conversations — topics on which
everyone would find it necessary to say something or other quite
frequently. Of course, the things you will find it necessary to say
are usually of a general nature, and not of a technical nature, but
most people find it difficult even to say things of a general nature
about these topics.
The main reason is this: They don’t have much experience in
using the core words in English to express ideas related to these
topics. As far as you are concerned, the practice material in this
Book would put an end to this difficulty. The practice material
you’re going to get now would give you ample training in
handling the core words to express ideas related to these topics.
14
And the result would be this: You not only become good at saying
things related to these topics, but also get to see the core words
at work in newer and newer contexts. And this will help you
become better at handling the core words — and become more
fluent.
We shall now take up the word-groups under each of the
topics. This is what you should do: Go through all the word-
groups under a topic quickly once. Complete all the seven topics
in this way once. Then come back to the first topic, pick up each
word-group, and start uttering it several times — ALOUD. Get
your organs of speech to become familiar with the sounds of
these word-groups.
***
15
Driving
Chapter 2
Driving
Group 1
• The police car overtook our car. • On hills, you must use low
gears. • I was in a traffic jam for more than an hour. • The car
must be in neutral when you start the engine. • Get out of the
way — the car is backing up. • I hate driving along stony roads.
• Turn off this road at the next corner on the left. • Let’s park
the car here. • I got stuck in traffic for some time. • Put the gear
lever in the neutral position, and start the car. • The authorities
will have to do something to reduce the traffic jams in the city
centre. • The truck veered out of control, overturned, and hit a
lamp-post. • The sign said ‘No Parking’. • This tyre is very worn
— you should get it changed. • There were skid marks on the
road where the accident happened. • Pull up at the pedestrian
crossing. • Put the car in the garage, and lock the garage door. •
Most cars have four forward gears and a reverse. • I’m thinking
of learning to ride a motorbike. • A car came in the opposite
direction, and the driver dipped his headlights. • The car kept
hitting potholes and bumps. • He was arrested on suspicion of
drunk driving. • He drives very well, and he’s very cautious, too.
• He goes to work by car/on his motorbike. • What’s the correct
tyre pressure for your tyres? • The car was travelling very fast.
• The crash happened on a sharp bend. • That car didn’t have
its headlights on. • The car skidded and hit a lamp-post, and the
side of the car crumpled. • If you use the choke when you start
the car, you should push it in before you move forward. Yes, push
the choke in when the engine is idling. • A few speed-bumps will
have to be installed in that street. • For a moment, I was blinded
by the lights of the oncoming car.
• The driver pulled up in front of a shop. • Slack off when
16
Driving
you approach the junction. • He got into the car and fastened
the seat belt. • The tyres squealed when he braked hard. • Can
you ride a motorbike? • His car drove into the back of mine.
• He crashed the car into a tree and smashed it up. • This is
the second car he’s smashed up. • He was involved in a motor
accident. • She swerved to avoid another car. • Is there a garage
in this street? • The car began to speed up. • During the rush
hour, the traffic would be bumper to bumper. • She went round
the building. • He rides to work on a motorbike. • The car was
in third gear. • My tyre burst when I was driving along a stony
road. • He released the hand brake, and the car moved forward.
• The car hit a lamp-post. • There was heavy traffic on the roads.
• He got into the car, and wound the window down. • In a few
minutes, he began to speed up. • He opened the door, got in and
started the car. • He pulled into a petrol station. • I saw the car
turning the corner. • The car park is behind the building. • He
rides his motorbike to work. • The driver got out of the bus. • I
was doing 60 kph, and a blue Maruti passed me at 90 kmph. •
He drives to work by car. • That’s a dangerous stretch of road.
• Let’s go out for a drive. • He got into the car and folded the
roof down. • These parking spaces are reserved for employees.
• I don’t want to go with him — he’s not a safe driver. • He let
the engine tick over for about 30 seconds before the car moved
forward. • The car skidded on the road — the driver had pulled
up too fast. • We’ve nearly run out of petrol. • He pressed the
accelerator hard. • Is the hand brake on or off? • Put the car in
gear and drive on. • This is a no-parking zone. • Our car had a
breakdown, and we had to push it into a garage. • He braked
sharply to avoid a car. • He wound up the window, and locked
the car door. • He undid the seat belt, and got out of the car. •
Put your car into neutral when you stop at traffic lights. • The
car is now in bottom gear. • I’ve got another puncture in my
front tyre. • He turned down a street where there was a ‘No
Entry’ sign. • Change into second gear when you go up the hill.
• He took the handbrake off, and the car moved forward. • Why
17
Driving
don’t you roll the window down? • The authorities have been
doing their best to ease traffic congestion in the city. • I thought
he would pull up at the traffic lights, but he drove straight on. •
We saw a restaurant by the road, and pulled in. • I think you’re
a bit low on petrol. • Our car was travelling at a speed of 60
kilometres per hour. • Is this a parking place?
Group 2
• Can you ride a motorbike? • He hasn’t passed the driving test
yet. • A car came round the corner, and knocked an old man over.
• A car suddenly pulled out in front of me and I braked. • The
car bumped against the kerb. • He braked sharply to avoid an
old lady. • This is considered to be a high-performance car. • He
drives very smoothly. • You should press the clutch pedal down
when you put the car in gear. • The driver put on the brakes,
and the car went into a long skid. • A little later, the car began
to slow down. • Don’t forget to put the hand brake on. • Many
motor accidents are the result of mixing speed and alcohol. •
Before you start the car, you should check that the gear lever
is in neutral. • His car was travelling at speed when it crashed.
• I had to change a wheel on the way. • The bus is now in top
gear. • There was a traffic accident in front of our office today.
• How much petrol do you want? • You should change gear at
the bottom of the hill. • He reached a dead end, and had to turn
round. • I always keep a spare wheel in the back of my car. •
He’s taken the children out for a drive. • Remove the key from
the ignition switch. • He put the car in gear and drove off/away.
• Today traffic was unusually light. • The car veered across the
road and overturned. • He didn’t stop at the traffic lights, but
went through them. • He was driving a fast car, and he shot past
me. • Let’s pull into that restaurant. • Put your foot down on the
accelerator. • He was killed in a car accident. • Many accidents
are caused by bad driving. • I could see a car’s headlights coming
towards me. • I had to drive along a dirt road/track to get there.
18
Driving
• Do you have a driving licence? • I think we’re getting low on
fuel. • Can I park here? • Does the car perform well in the wet?
• I think there’s something wrong with the brakes. • I’ve paid
Rs.200 in parking fines this year. • Change lanes — we’ll have to
turn off at the next junction. • That’s a very rough road — let’s
avoid it. • Now push the choke in, and change from neutral into
first gear. • The crash happened in thick fog. • You’ve forgotten
to fasten your seat belt. • I hate to drive in city traffic. • I don’t
think the tyres have enough air in them. • Stop the car, and let
those children cross. • The car won’t start? Pull the choke out,
and try again. • I couldn’t find a space there to park the car. •
Now you can change into fourth gear/change into fourth. • She
knocked down somebody, and had to take him to a doctor. • Let
in the clutch, and change gear. • She changed gear, and let out
the clutch. • You shouldn’t drink and drive. • He braked sharply,
and the car skidded out of control. • By then, the traffic had
slowed down to a crawl. • Thick fog made driving conditions
dangerous.
• He almost knocked down an old lady. • Change into neutral
before you start the car. • You’re still in gear — don’t turn off the
engine now. • There were patches of dense fog, and they made
driving dangerous. • And then, he steered the car into the middle
of the lane, and started driving at a steady speed. • I was stuck
in a traffic jam for an hour today. • He was drunk, and was not
in a fit state to drive. • You can’t park in the city centre. • He
opened the door, and got into the car. • I saw him getting off his
motorbike. • That car hasn’t got its lights on. • This car goes very
fast, and accelerates very quickly — I’m really satisfied with its
performance. • He drove her to the railway station. • He parked
at the side of the road. • You must put some air in the tyres —
they look flat. • You’re going in completely the wrong direction.
• These cars perform badly/poorly in cold weather. • What’s the
speed limit on this road? 60 kilometres per hour? • I was only
doing 50 kilometres per hour, so I was under the limit. • When
you’ve put the car in gear, ease your foot off the clutch pedal, and
19
Driving
let the clutch up. • That car runs on diesel, and not on petrol. •
Please move your car — it’s blocking the road. • He isn’t exactly
the most careful driver I know. • He pulled up at the traffic lights.
• Don’t pull the choke out like that. That’s too much — you’ll flood
the engine. • He lifted the car on a jack, and started changing the
wheel. • Don’t leave the car in neutral gear. • He turned down
a one-way street and received a warning. • The driver blew the
horn. • The car hit the kerb as the driver pulled over. • Which
side of the road were you driving on? • There was a car crash
in our village last week. • Does he still drive that old car? • He
almost ran over a dog. • Can you drive me home? • He has never
been convicted of a motoring offence. • He let off the clutch, and
the car moved forward. • He started the car, pulled away from
the side of the road, and drove off. • Traffic congestion is a major
problem. • He brought the car to a stop in front of the building.
• Somebody has parked their car in front of the gate. • You’re
driving much too fast — slow down a bit. • When you go up a
hill, you must drive in a low gear. • The car was travelling at top
speed. • I saw a car parked in front of his house. • He usually
drives to work. • He got on his motorbike, and rode off. • He had
to pay a Rs. 50 fine for jumping a red light. • Turn the steering
wheel to the left. • It’ll take a couple of minutes for the engine to
warm up. • He received a Rs. 250 fine for speeding. • He put the
car into reverse, and started backing up.
Group 3
• The driver looked over his shoulder to check that he was clear
to move off. • The robbers were in a getaway car, and the police
jeep was gaining on them. • Everyone who owns a car must have
motor insurance. • The car skidded off the road, overturned and
smashed into a wall. • The car began to go more slowly. • There’s
a slight/gentle bend in the road. • Turn the key, and switch on
the ignition. • I got stuck in a bumper-to-bumper traffic jam. •
He put on the brakes, and the car came to a halt. • It was very
cold, and I couldn’t start the car up. • How do you like your
20
Driving
new car? • He stopped the car and switched off. • He’s going to
turn left — his left-hand indicator is flashing. • He was a learner
driver, and there was an L-plate on the front and back of the
car. • Don’t forget to sound the horn now and then. • I saw
the car going round the corner. • That was the sound of a truck
changing gear. • The driver gave a signal, and then turned left. •
Engage the clutch a little more. • Make sure the car is in neutral,
and then turn on the engine. • He pulled the car into a tight
parking space. • That road is closed because of an accident. • I’m
taking the car to the garage today. • He slowed down, and pulled
into the garage. • We’ll fill up with petrol at the next station. •
The accident happened because the brakes stopped working. •
There’s a heavy fine for driving drunk. • He broke down on a
country road, and there were no garages within 10 miles. • Can
you drive a car/bus/lorry? • If you press the accelerator, the car
will go faster. • Luckily, I had a spare can of petrol in the car. • I
saw his car shooting traffic lights. • He turned down a side road.
• Use your mirrors to check that you’re clear to move off. • These
motorbikes have a reputation for poor performance. • She could
hear the skid of the car as it went round the corner. • Don’t forget
to check your tyre pressure. • He stopped the car at a pedestrian
crossing. • Turn the key, and start the engine. • Ask him to back
up a bit. • I think we’re going the wrong way — let’s turn round.
• She sounded the car horn. • Put the car away in the garage,
will you? • Where is the car key? I had kept it here. • He was
driving cautiously in third gear. • Could you lend me your car for
a day? • He didn’t stop the car, but continued driving.
• Use a jack, and lift the car off the ground. • Now change
into the third gear. • Wind down the window, will you? • Pull
over, and shut off the engine. • I saw that car drive past. • The
car hit a hump in the road and swerved. • He turned off the road
at the corner. • The car swerved across the road, and crashed
into a tree. • I was in a hurry, and I asked the driver to speed up.
• He drives well. • This is the rush hour, and you’ll have to travel
bumper to bumper. • Can you drive? • I drove along a mountain
21
Driving
road full of stones and holes. • He was killed in a road accident.
• The police have closed the road to traffic. • He unlocked the
car door and got in. • His car soon gained speed and passed the
other cars. • He started the car and drove off at high speed. •
He had a motorbike accident last week. • Don’t forget to use
your indicators when you turn left or right. • There was a sharp/
sudden bend in the road, but the driver negotiated it quite well.
• He put his foot on the brake, and just managed to stop in time.
• Were you aware of the speed you were driving at? • The petrol
tank is nearly empty. • His new car rides smoothly. • When you
start the engine, you may need to press the accelerator slightly. •
I had to pull up at a red traffic light. • The windscreen was filthy,
and I gave it a clean. • Does his new car have power steering? •
The driving instructor asked him to get into the car. • He braked
to a halt, and got out of the car. • Pull over to the side of the road
— I want to buy something.
• He slammed on the brakes, and skidded to a halt. • Last
evening, we went for a drive along the coast. • He pushed the
bike up the hill — it was too steep to ride. • He pulled in at the
side of the road. • Was there a lot of traffic on your journey? •
Do you know that petrol pump attendant? • The tank is almost
empty. Fill it up, will you? • There will be a lot of traffic during the
morning/evening rush hour. • He took my car out and crashed
it. • He drove through a red light, and the police stopped him.
• He went round the corner at top speed. • His new car drives
easily. • Make sure you lock the car. • I had a breakdown on the
way, and I had to call a mechanic. • He tried to overtake the
truck on the bend, and that was when the crash happened. • A
car pulled up, and the driver jumped out. • He jumped on/onto
his motorbike, and raced off down the road. • He started the car,
gave a signal, and pulled out into the road. • The truck veered
out of control, and smashed into a tree. • There’s parking for our
customers behind this building. • His brakes stopped working on
the way. • Will you teach me how to drive? • Whenever you start
the engine, you raise it noisily.
22
Driving
• He swerved to avoid the potholes. • He had an accident,
and had to go to the police station to make a report. • She got
a Rs. 50 fine for breaking the speed limit. • He got into the car,
and did up the seat belt. • You should always carry a spare tyre
in your car. • He drove into a lamp-post, and the front of the
car crumpled. • Don’t exceed the speed limit — you’ll be fined
heavily. • Don’t forget to indicate when you pull out into the road.
• I watched the driving instructor changing through his gears. •
You may find it difficult to start your car up in cold weather. •
He was injured in a car accident. • I saw a car speeding away.
• He braked too late, and crashed into the car in front. • A van
drove into his car, but he escaped unhurt. • The car pulled in
and waited. • The cars moved off when the traffic lights turned
green. • She parked the car in the drive, and went into the house.
• His new car is very powerful, and it corners well. • You should
only press the accelerator slightly. • The car was travelling at
great speed. • The road was wet, and the wheels skidded. • He
started up the car and drove off. • You should drive every day to
charge up the battery. • Within a few minutes, a police car drove
up. • If you’re over the speed limit, the traffic police will stop
you. • The engine stalled when I tried to start it. • The driver
was killed in the crash.
***
23
Vehicle repairs & maintenance
Chapter 3

Group 1
• When I try to start the engine, it cuts out. • You should wash
and dry your car once a week. • Turn on the headlights, and try
cranking again. • Check if the oil level is low. • I want to get
my back tyre changed. • I think my car doesn’t perform well at
high speeds. • I’ll have to get my brakes adjusted. • The engine
runs, but backfires. • Driving habits and high speed are the main
causes of this problem. • The battery has to be replaced. • The
brake pedal is not firm. • There’s a crease in the bodywork here.
Get it repaired immediately. • The mechanic says the fuel pump
is faulty. • The engine starts, but stops soon after. • The water
pump has developed leaks. • The brakes are too noisy. • My car
won’t start — I think the battery is dead. • He says this problem
is caused by defective ignition. • My tyre has gone flat — I think
it has a slow puncture. • I started a bit late, because I wanted
to avoid the rush hour traffic. • Have you checked the level of
the oil in the oil pan? Use the dipstick. • Have they checked
the condition of the battery? • The spark plug has worn. • You
must replace it with a new one. • The engine stalls when idling.
• Did the problem develop suddenly or gradually over a period
of time? • There’s a lot of caked mud on the underside of the
body. • This problem is due to a completely dead battery. • I
think the oil should be drained and clean oil added. • The engine
doesn’t start in damp/wet weather. • The engine continues to
run after the ignition is turned off. • Gears clash when changing
into reverse.
• When the engine is running, the charge indicator on the
instrument panel shows no charge. • Ask your mechanic to look
over the car — the engine seems to lack power. • Can you make
24
a quick check of the engine? • Ask them to test the battery. • I’m
taking the car in to have it serviced tomorrow. • You should check
the paintwork regularly. If there’s any damage, you must get it
repaired at once. • The fuel pump has failed — we’ll have to fit
a new replacement. • The gears don’t seem to engage smoothly.
• The water pump seems to have developed noise. • This tyre
has never punctured. • I think this spark plug is defective. •
The parking lights are weak. • The engine stalls when I change
into gear. • The trouble could be in the ignition system or the
fuel system. • I want to get the idle speed adjusted. • I’m going
to take the car to my mechanic tomorrow. • The battery must
be kept sufficiently charged in cold weather. • Engine stalls on
acceleration. • You should repair any damage as soon as it’s seen.
• This problem indicates a bad connection at the battery. • Let’s
check the oil level. • The car can only be kept in a straight line
with much steering.
• Slow-moving traffic often causes the engine to overheat. •
The garage worker tested the air pressure in my tyres. • I hear a
knocking sound when the car starts. It gets worse when the car
accelerates. • The slightest pressure on the brake pedal causes
the car to stop. • Ask him to check the battery condition. • Let’s
get all worn parts replaced. • You should check and adjust the
brakes regularly. • The bodywork of the car has become rusted.
• The carburettor is faulty. • The clutch pedal is too stiff/hard
to push down. • The fan belt is in good condition. • He helped
me mend the puncture. • The ignition system is in running
condition. • He’s fixing the brakes on my car. • The engine stalls
as it warms up. • He doesn’t look after his car properly — I don’t
think its engine would last long. • Has your car been serviced
recently? • The engine runs but misses — it stops working for a
very short time and then starts again. • This battery frequently
requires water. Do you think it’s overcharged? • The engine has
poor acceleration. • Caked mud will damage the bodywork. • I
think the trouble is in the starting motor. • You should put fresh
oil into the crankcase. • The steering wheel jerks when turning. •
25
The engine starts and then stalls after idling for some time. • The
car speeds up and slows down under steady throttle.
• The battery keeps running down. • The engine won’t
start quickly. • Is the car in regular use? • The main problem is
poor idle/poor acceleration/lack of acceleration/lack of engine
power. • Is there any sign of leakage? • I think the car needs a
service. • He’s taken the car to a garage for repair. • The car is
not accelerating smoothly at high/low speeds. • The car sways
on turns and on rough roads. • The fan belt is overtight. • I
think this tyre has a slow puncture — it’s looking a bit flat. • I
find that too much effort is required to change gear. • The main
problem is poor acceleration. • When the clutch pedal is pushed
down, my foot feels a series of slight pedal movements. • The
engine backfires every now and then. • Do everything, so we can
prevent a repetition of this trouble. • The engine has poor initial
pick up. • He washed the car down, and started drying it. • Is
there caked mud under the wheel arches? Hose it away. • The
headlights go out when I turn the key to start the engine. • You
should change the oil filter with every other oil change. • The
battery is low. • There’s some sort of grinding noise when the car
is in neutral. • The engine speed varies under steady throttle. •
When I push down the brake pedal, the brakes squeak/chatter.
• The engine won’t start unless I use the choke. • This is only a
minor fault, and we can’t say your car has serious engine trouble.
• The battery case has cracked.
Group 2
• The door latch is not operating correctly. • He’s taken the
car in for a service — he’ll only be back in the evening. • The
engine is sluggish when it’s accelerated. • The car needs major
repairs. • The fan belt has worn. • When I shift from neutral
into first gear, the car doesn’t move forward. • You must get this
complaint checked immediately. • This trouble must be corrected
immediately. • The car pulls to one side when braking. • The
26
engine stalls when it warms up. • The most likely cause is a
run-down battery. • The engine stops running when the car is
stopped. • The engine runs roughly while idling. • You must
get the engine oil changed. • I think a major servicing job is
required. • When I’m driving along at a steady speed, the engine
power increases and then decreases. • Ask them to make a quick
check of the frequent trouble sources. • I have to push the brake
pedal too far down to apply brakes. • Troubles like these come
from problems in the fuel system. • The braking action is slow.
• The top of the battery has cracked. • The bonnet latch isn’t
operating correctly. • Is the oil level correct? • I find it very hard
to change gear. • Is the radiator hose in good condition? • I
had a puncture today. • The car pulls to one side during normal
driving. • This must be because of a problem in the carburettor.
• This problem may cause serious trouble to the clutch. • Too
much pedal pressure is required to apply brakes. • The indicator
light stays on all the time. • The starting motor cranks slowly, but
the engine won’t start. • The engine runs on when the ignition
is turned off. • These parts seldom give trouble. • There’s a lot
of dirt in the bottom of the doors. • The battery is in fairly good
condition. • The engine keeps making a funny noise.
• I think the engine is overheating. • The battery is old
— it must have worn out. • There’s too little brake pedal free
play. • He drove the car to the garage to have it repaired. • The
car shakes while idling. • I think a complete engine overhaul
is required. • That’s a front-wheel-drive car, and this is a rear-
wheel-drive car. • Engine troubles like these can come from
many causes. • Remove the caps on the battery, and check the
electrolyte level. • If the electrolyte level is low, add water. • The
boot latch isn’t operating correctly. • The engine runs unevenly.
• The car keeps weaving from one side of the road to the other.
• The main causes are long periods of slow speed and idling.
• Everything checked normal, and the mechanic couldn’t say
what caused the problem. • They’ve agreed to service my car
tomorrow. • The engine starts, speeds up and then dies. • My car
27
tyre had a puncture today. • These problems will cause excessive
oil consumption. • Some sort of noise is heard when the clutch is
engaged. • If the electrolyte level is very low, the battery can be
damaged. • I can hear metallic knocking from the engine when
the car accelerates. • Wash headlamps and sidelamps, and dry
them. • The headlights are not very bright. • The car is leaking
oil. • The drive belts are in poor condition. • The clutch pedal is
very stiff. • The engine misfires at high speeds. • When I press
the accelerator down, there’s little or no speed increase. • The
headlights don’t work properly. • Engine troubles like these can
increase fuel consumption. • The mechanic says there’s about Rs.
5000 worth of repairs to be done. • The battery will be ruined if
it’s severely overcharged. • The engine doesn’t turn at all.
• The engine turns slowly, but doesn’t start. • The petrol
consumption has gone up. The carburettor could be faulty. •
There’s too much play in the steering system. • I have to add
coolant frequently. It must be leaking. • I hear some sort of noise
when I release the clutch pedal. • Ask them to inspect the tyres
— they should check tread wear too. • Try starting now. • The
battery was at fault. • The indicator light is erratic. • The top of
the battery is covered with dirt and grime. • Ask the mechanic to
replace all the worn parts. • The engine misfires at high speeds.
• Look, the bodywork has split here. • They tried to jump-start
the engine with a booster battery. • Oil is leaking out of the car.
• My car has been having clutch troubles for some time now. •
The car jerks while moving forward. • The engine stops running
when the car is moving. • The brakes remain applied even when
the pedal is not pressed. • The horn doesn’t work properly. • This
problem can result from driving habits. • Clean off the corrosion
around the battery terminals.
• The headlights are dim, and not bright. • The engine won’t
start easily. • The car shows a tendency to veer away from a
straight path. • There’s a leak in the car radiator. • He managed
to repair the car on his own. • Do you have this problem even at
normal speeds? • The tyre looked okay from outside, but it had
28
internal damage. • I started the engine, and it ran quietly for
some time. Then it cut out before the car could move forward. •
The braking action is poor. • The brake pedal has to be pushed
down with too much force. • The engine is using too much oil.
• I kept on trying to start the engine until the battery ran down.
• The engine falters and stops when it’s hot. • You must take
extreme care while driving at night. • The sun blinded me for a
moment, and the car ran into a lamp-post. • There is a dent in
the bodywork here. Why don’t you get it repaired? • The driver
has run the battery down, trying to start.
• The engine warms up very slowly. • I hear some sort of
noise when I push down on the clutch pedal. • The brake pedal
can be moved to strike the floorboard, and no brake action is
produced. • When I turn on the ignition key, the engine cranks,
but does not start. • The car vibrates when I push the clutch pedal
down. • My car is at the garage, getting fixed. • This problem
can be due to many causes. • What’s the state of charge of the
battery? Is it fully charged? • The battery is only three-fourths
charged. • The battery is fully discharged. It must be recharged.
• The engine fires, but fails to keep running. • The engine runs
hesitantly and then stops. • This tyre has a bulge — it should be
replaced. • I don’t think this tyre is safe for further use. • My car
seems to be leaking oil. • I can’t change into second gear. • The
brake pedal goes to the floor. • Do you smell anything unusual
— fumes or burning? • This must be because the carburettor
is at fault. • On the way I developed a flat, and I didn’t have
a pump with me. • I think the exhaust pipe/exhaust has to be
replaced. • This is a very common complaint. • Some condition
in the engine or the fuel system or the ignition system must be
preventing normal starting. • I have to take my car in for its
10,000 kilometre service tomorrow. • The silencer pipe is badly
rusted.
***
29
Clothes
Chapter 4
Clothes
Group 1
• I’m a size 15 — what size dress do you take? • Could I change
this shirt for a larger size, please? • She had a blue-and-yellow
striped dress on. • He always wears smart and stylish clothes. •
He did up his shirt, his trousers and his shoes. • This shirt is dirty
— let me change it. • He wrapped up warmly in a sweater. • He
has a large family to feed and clothe. • I don’t think blue/green
suits you. • She had a skimpy swim-suit on. • Show me a pair
of trousers in my size. • She couldn’t make her mind up what to
wear. • The children were naked to the waist. • You can’t wear
jeans to the office. • He wore a blue shirt with a white collar.
• You’ve got a crease in the back of your shirt. • Those shirts
are old and worn out. He doesn’t put them on any longer. • I
tore my trousers on a nail. • These are grease marks. They won’t
wash out. • It was a plain dress — it had no pattern or design
on it. • These jeans don’t fit at the waist. • They’ve gone to buy
Smitha’s wedding outfit. • She took off her dress, and put it on
a clothes hanger. • She was very stylishly dressed. • She was
wearing a blue pleated skirt. • I take a size 15. • That’s a nice
dress. • Dresses like these are always in style. • Let me change
into something a bit more comfortable. • There was a tear in his
trouser leg. • He buttoned up his shirt. • He pressed his shirt,
and got rid of the creases. • She sewed the dress on the sewing
machine. • A new garment should be washed carefully. • She
doesn’t like dresses that fit closely. • Use a belt, and keep the
trousers up. • These trousers cost Rs. 1,500 a pair. • She wore
a dress that reached to her ankles. • Does this dress come in
children’s sizes? • My shirt got all crushed in the suitcase. • My
trousers wouldn’t zip up — the zip’s stuck.
30
Clothes
• He bought a pair of cotton/nylon/woollen socks. • He’s
ironing his trousers. • Her blue dress is coming/falling apart at
the seams. • He took off his coat and hung it up. • He’s a careless
dresser. • This style/colour suits you very well. • Her new dress
has a zip/buttons at the back. • She wore a pink dress with a
flowery pattern. • He undressed, and went to bed. • This dress
fits you perfectly. • She altered the dress to fit her daughter. • I
had dressed up to go to a party when they came in. • He changed
out of his overalls and into clean clothes. • She was wearing a
blue blouse with a low neck. • What size are you? • What’s your
size? • Look at the creases in her dress — was she sleeping in
it or what? • That’s a dress with style — I like it. • Could you
thread this needle for me? I want to sew up a hole in my jeans.
• He zipped up his trousers. • That’s a neutral tie — you can
wear it with a shirt of any colour. • He always wears conservative
clothes. • Your flies are undone — zip them up. • His sleeves
were rolled up to the elbows. • She’s a dressmaker. • He had a
loose shirt on. • He took off the wet clothes.
• The shop assistant put the dress in a bag and gave it to her.
• It was a formal occasion, and so she decided to wear her new
evening gown. • If you don’t like that dress, try on some others
before you decide which one to buy. • She bought herself a new
dress. • He put the shirt on and folded the collar over. • His
clothes hung from hooks. • I need a pair of gloves. • He turned
up/turned down his collar. • He’s been using the same tailor for
his trousers and shirts for several years now. • He wore a plain
white shirt. • She caught her dress in the fence and tore a hole
in it. • He bent down and started tying his shoe laces. • She put
her dress on and did up the buttons. • I’ll change my shirt and
be back in a minute. • What size do you take? • Look at this top
— it would match your skirt. • He’s got a tie on today. • He wore
a casual dress for the dinner. • Put the coat on the hook over
there. • He tied up his shoelaces. • He always wears sandals in
the summer. • My mother is good at repairing/adjusting clothes.
• He put his shoes and socks on. • He had a dressing gown on.
31
Clothes
I think he had just got out of bed. • She was wearing a dress
with short/long sleeves. • That shop only sells ladies’ garments.
• He was very thin, and the shirt hung loosely on his body. • His
coat is lined with fur. • They’ve gone to a women’s clothes shop
to buy a dress. • He stood there in the nude. • I need some new
clothes. • This material washes well — the colour won’t come
out. • He was wearing a dark pin-striped business suit. • When
you iron my shirt, do the cuffs and collars properly. • It was a
cheerful occasion, but she came wearing a plain black dress. • I
can’t undo the bottom button of my shirt. • I like that dress — it’s
very simple in style.
• They always dress their children well. • This dress has a
tear in it. • When he got on his motorbike, he split the seam on
his trousers. • Keep your scarf on — don’t take it off. • He always
wears clean, neatly-pressed clothes. • What size shirt does he
take? • She hadn’t ironed her dress — there were a lot of creases
in it. • Go and change — put that blue dress on. We’ll have to get
there by 5. • She sewed the tear by hand, and not by machine. •
He was wearing a shirt, and it was open at the neck. • He took
his shirt off. • He took off his shirt. • I got out of bed, and went
to open the door — I was in my pyjamas at that time. • I can’t
come out now — all my shirts are in the wash. • I’m thinking of
getting my jacket lined. • You look very smart in that dress! •
Where’s the belt for this dress? • I don’t think these two colours
go together.
• He was completely naked. • She put the washing in the sun
to dry it off. • I need a pair of ankle socks/knee socks. • These
shoes fit very well. • The tailor took his measurements. • The
police officer stripped him and started searching. • A button fell
off his shirt, and his wife sewed it on. • He’s gone to the tailor. •
Pack that dress properly — or you’ll crumple it. • Are you looking
for a plain dress or a patterned one? • That shirt is too loose —
you need a smaller size. • She tied a silk scarf around her neck
and set off. • He’s opened a tailoring shop of his own. • What
size shoe(s) do you take? • Your shirt is creased — why don’t you
32
Clothes
change it? • She had a blue dress on. • He had on a bathrobe. •
You should wear formal evening dress for the party. • He looked
as though he was dressed for some function or other. • He put
on his clothes. • He put his clothes on. • The shoestrings have
come undone again — let me tie them up. • He wore a shirt with
pleats in the back. • I’m going to wash my clothes. • Let’s go to
that shop. All the latest styles of hat/trousers/shoes are available
there. • This jacket has been lined with cheap cloth. • Yellow
and red certainly go together. • Her skirt reached just below the
knee. • Check if the washing is dry, will you? • He always wears
freshly ironed shirts. • He pushed his cuff back and looked at his
watch. • He helped her undo the top two buttons of her dress.
• He tore his trousers while climbing the ladder. • She washed
her underwear and hung them on the washing line. • You’ve got
a tear in the sleeve of your shirt. • He was dressed only in a vest
and underpants at that time. • That dress hangs well on her. •
She knows how to dress well on very little money.
Group 2
• These trousers are dirty — let me go and change them. • He
rarely wears a belt. • She tied a knitted scarf over her head. • She
doesn’t like dresses that fasten with buttons/straps/buckles. •
What size shirt do you take? • Do you like the style of this dress?
• You don’t need to change — you look beautiful in this dress! •
He put on his pyjamas and went to bed. • The neck of his shirt
was dirty. • She washed her dress and hung it out on the washing
line to dry. • Fold up the clothes neatly, will you? • These sheets
need a good wash. • Did you like her wedding gown? • He was
wearing a shirt with a stiff/big collar. • He undid his belt and
sat down. • I like that red dress in the window. • She trained as
a dressmaker. • Have you hung out the washing? • He bought
a pair of underpants. • The tailor measured him for a suit. •
She undid the hem of the skirt to make it longer. • He dressed
casually/formally and came out.
33
Clothes
• There was a hole in the toe/heel of his sock. • Will you
sew up this tear, please? • He was standing there with his hands
in his trouser pockets. • Her new dress does up at the back. •
You’ll have to wash this dress by hand. • He wore a check shirt/
jacket. • Everybody has to wear uniform at school. • Those shoes
were a bad/poor fit. • These trousers are too tight — you need
a bigger size. • She was wearing a scarf around her shoulders/
neck. • He bought a pair of slippers for wearing in the house. •
Try these shoes on, and see if they’re the right size. • His coat has
a warm lining. • This dress needs letting in at the waist. • What
a pretty dress she’s wearing! • When you sit down, be careful not
to crease your skirt. • Go out and see if the clothes have dried
out — they’re on the washing line. • He changed out of his work
clothes and came out. • The skirt was too long, so she took the
hem up and made it shorter. • I don’t think these stains will wash
out. • That dress is with the dressmaker, waiting for alteration.
• That dress is too loose round her waist. • She helped him do
up the belt. • He rolled up his shirt sleeves. • The doctor asked
me to strip. • Bring the washing in before it rains. • That dress
fastens with a long back zip. • Was he wearing a tie? • Do you
have any difficulty zipping up the dress?
• He rolled back his cuffs, and started washing his hands.
• Have the clothes dried? • You should try on the shoes before
you buy them. • His shirt looked stained and dirty. • She dresses
expensively. • Her dress had a pattern of red and green checks
on it. • This dress has a tight collar. • She and her husband went
for a swim in their underwear. • She wrapped a shawl round
the baby. • He’s become too tall, and grown out of his clothes. •
What are you wearing to the dinner party? • She got fat, and her
dresses had to be let out round the waist. • Where’s my pyjama
jacket? • Where are my pyjama bottoms? • She ironed the shirt,
and folded it up. • These jeans have got oil on them — don’t
wear them. • The skirt was too short, so she let the hem down,
and made it longer. • I’m going to do a wash in the evening —
the washing machine has been repaired. • You won’t be able
34
Clothes
to get back today — why don’t you take a change of clothes in
your suitcase? • Do these trousers and this shirt go together? •
He always dresses with great style. • Let’s put the washing out
— everything will be dry in half an hour. • It’s your turn to do
the ironing this week. • I’m thinking of buying a tie with spots/
stripes. • She had a miniskirt and a tight top on. • She tried on
three dresses, and then bought one. • He dresses well/badly. •
He was wearing a cotton/woollen vest. • His shirt was open at
the collar. • I want to buy a pair of sandals. • These shoes are
a good/perfect fit. • Look, you’ve torn your dress. • A suit and
sandals certainly don’t go together. • The children stripped and
jumped into the lake.
• He had on a white T-shirt. • I don’t think this shirt is
smart enough for your interview. • She wore a cotton skirt with
a matching top. • She put the clothes away in a drawer. • He
bathed the child and dressed him in clean clothes. • This dress
needs washing. • She always dresses in great style. • He took
his coat off and pulled his tie loose. • Her new dress hooks at
the back. • He took off his clothes, and put them on a hook. •
He trained as a tailor. • I’ve worn out the soles of my shoes. •
She put on her dress and fastened her belt tightly around her
waist. • He always wears baggy trousers. • Her new dress ties
at the neck. • He always presses a crease in his trousers before
wearing them. • Why don’t you change into the new dress? •
She sat there hemming a dress/a skirt/the curtains. • If you’re
planning to stay overnight, take a second set of clothes with you.
• A thread has caught, and the zip sticks. • When he lost weight,
he had to alter his clothes. • Children are growing all the time,
and it’s very difficult to clothe them. • You look so good in that
dress. • He stripped naked and started swimming. • The baby
was found wrapped in a blanket at their gate. • She was wearing
a simple blue dress. • He had on a collarless jacket. • That dress
was made to fit a child. • Go and put on a clean pair of trousers.
• His shoes were worn out, and he decided to buy a new pair. •
That’s a funny garment she’s wearing.
35
Clothes
• This dress makes you look smart, but sexy. • She can’t
even sew on a button. • She does a lot of dress-making. • These
jeans don’t fit — they’re much too loose round the waist. • Don’t
waste your time — get your clothes on, and come out quickly. •
Get your clothes off quickly. • She sat in front of a mirror, and
made up her face. • He always wears blue/green/red. • How are
you going to dress for the journey? • He sat down in a chair and
loosened his tie. • That top doesn’t match your skirt. • He often
wears sandals in warm weather. • Does the colour of this dress
go with the colour of the shoes? • Mom, can you help me with
my shoes? • Keep your neck warm — turn up the collar of your
coat. • Some of the stitches have come out of this dress. • That
coat has a belt attached to it. • Long skirts don’t really suit her. •
These shoes are too tight. • She needs a size 12 dress. • He was
half-naked. • That dress is made from cotton. • Long skirts are
the latest fashion. • This dress is the right size, and it fits. • You
look smart in this dress, Peter. • Look at those dresses hanging
up in the wardrobe. • These are the latest styles in trousers/
shoes/hat. • He didn’t know his fly was undone, and he became
embarrassed when someone pointed it out to him. • Will you
teach me to sew? • Her new dress reached to her knees. • I like
to wear loose clothes. • I felt her dress was rather skimpy — it
didn’t cover much of her body. • If you keep those shoes on too
much, you’ll wear them out soon. • She owns a dressmaking
shop. • She rarely wears bright colours. • She was wearing high
heels. • He always wears stripy shirts. • Go get changed — the
train is at 5. • I’ll have to buy one more shirt that goes with
these trousers. • Take a spare set of clothes with you. • She only
likes dresses that fasten up at the back. • Her new dress needs
altering. • She’s a fashionable dresser. • Casual clothes really suit
you — you look good in them. • His belt had a large brass buckle.
• Keep that shirt on — don’t take it off.
***
36
Weather
Chapter 5
Weather
Group 1
• There was a heavy fall of rain last night. • There’s been no
rain, and the weather has been dry for some time now. • What
thundery weather! • Their city has a warm, dry climate. • Is
it raining now? • He wore a muffler/woollen scarf around his
neck to keep warm. • Rocks weather till they’re worn away. •
A spot of rain fell on my head. • There’s a chill in the air this
morning. • The temperature had fallen below freezing point, and
there was frost on the ground. • It’s started to shower. • A dark
sky is a sign that it’s going to rain. • The past week was very
cold. • It began to snow hard. • The weather was bad. • Many
people like that place because of its calm weather. • I don’t think
the weather is going to get better for some days. • Look at the
vapours rising from the lake. • It was a miserable, wet day. •
How’s the weather? Is it raining? • It was a clear night, and we
could see lots of stars. • Ask the children to come in from the wet.
• The weather forecast warned of chill winds and rain. • There’s
more cloud today than yesterday. • What sticky weather! I wish it
would rain! • We’ve had a lot of bad weather lately. • By evening,
the rain began to ease off. • The hills are covered in snow. • It’s
bitterly cold outside. • She put warm clothes on and came out. •
The weather is icy today — you’d better wrap up warm.
• It’s pouring — we can’t go out. • It was quite sunny and not
raining when I left. • It’s raining a little outside. • The windows
have misted up, and I can’t see out. • His hands were blue with
cold. • We’ve had one of the heaviest rainfalls in years. • The
rains have failed again this year. • And then, there was a great
flash of lightning. • It was a cool evening. • We had very little
rain this year. • Let’s not go for a swim now — let the sun take
37
Weather
the chill off the water. • It’s raining very hard. • The wind has
worn the rocks away. • In Delhi, it’s very hot in summer, and
very cold in winter. • The windows are covered with frost. • I
like cold weather. • Shut that door — there’s quite a draught. •
If the weather clears up, we’ll go for a walk. • Steam formed on
the insides of the kitchen window. • The wind blew again. • It
began to rain hard, and they got wet. • It rained for some time,
but it turned out fine again. • There’s a lot of damp in the air. •
The rain poured down all day long. • This is the worst weather in
years. • It was pouring with rain. • It was a cloudy day. • It was
a sunny day with clear blue skies. • It’s a nice day, isn’t it? Bright
and warm. • Let’s go and sit in the sunshine for some time. • The
weather hasn’t been calm, but very windy, lately. • The climate
there is very hot and damp. • I wonder what the weather is going
to be like tomorrow.
• The sky hasn’t cleared yet after the thunderstorm. • His
room is well ventilated. • It was a perfect summer’s day. • The
annual rainfall here is about 6 inches. • They left in the drizzling
rain. • The well has gone dry. • The climate of this place is good
for growing coffee. • Does it rain very much in that area? • It’s
very cold today — you’d better wrap up warm. • The flight had to
be cancelled — adverse weather conditions! • Shut the windows,
will you? There’s a cold draught in here. • There were strong
winds last night. • You’re soaked! Didn’t you have an umbrella
with you? • It’s cooler under the trees, isn’t it? • It rained the
whole day. • I hope it clears up by evening. • The mountaintop
was covered in mist. • Last year, we had a long spell of dry
weather, and it affected agricultural production. • It’s drizzling.
• The skies are clear today. • It’s the coolest day in a long time.
• The steam would make the walls moist. • It was a hot, sweaty
day. • What a foul day it is! • It was a hot, sticky day. • We had
very little rain this month, and the air is dry. • The sky is cloudy
today. • We had light rain all evening. • Is the weather different
in your place? • There was a heavy fall of snow there last night. •
It was a sunny day. • Come out of the cold — come into the warm.
38
Weather
• There was a flash of lightning, and then a loud peal of thunder.
• That room is badly ventilated. • It rained steadily throughout
the night. • On the way, I was caught in a shower. • The day was
overcast and humid. • It’s wet weather. • Last night, there were
gusts of wind of upto 50 miles per hour. • He expected it to be
hot in Delhi, and it was. • Today, the temperature has dropped
to freezing point. • We go out in all weathers. • It rains a lot in
June in our area.
• There were high winds last week. • There’s going to be
a storm, I think. Look at those black clouds. • It’s been a mild
winter this year. • We can’t go now — it’s raining hard. • Look at
the condensation on the windows. • It’s a lovely day, isn’t it? • It
has started to drizzle. • The car windows were/had fogged up,
and I couldn’t see a thing clearly. • The rain has wet him through.
• It’s freezing cold in here — wrap this shawl around the baby,
and keep it warm. • This is the foulest/coldest/warmest/worst
day I can remember. • At last, the dry season is over. • A bright/
clear blue sky is a sign that it’s not going to rain. • It’s very cold
— wrap a scarf round your face. • The water turned into ice. •
The weather was warm and sunny. • Has he adjusted himself to
the climate there? • It started raining, and she took shelter under
my umbrella. • The steam condensed and formed drops of water.
• They had to spend the night in the bitter cold.
Group 2
• What showery weather! • We’ll go out when it stops raining.
• It’s a wet day, and the rain isn’t going to let up now. • The fog
lifted by breakfast time. • Don’t go out without a coat — the cold
weather will chill you to the bone. • I like crisp winter days. •
The sky turned black when the storm came near. • It’s starting
to drizzle. • What’s the weather like outside? • I think there will
be strong winds tonight. • I hate stormy/hot/wet weather. • The
weather grew harsh and chilly. • The storm destroyed our crops.
• The ground shone with dew in the morning sunlight. • It’s
39
Weather
pouring today. • We’ll go for a picnic if it’s fine. • What cloudy/
damp/sticky weather this is! • I’m wet through. • It had stopped
raining, and the sun was breaking through. • The weather has
been rotten all week. • It was bitter outside, and I decided to stay
indoors. • Last night, we had a cloudless sky. • What depressing
weather we’re having! • Do you like the weather in this part of
the country? • Frost has killed several of the young plants. • I’m
freezing cold — get me a sweater, will you? • The weather is
fine/nice today. • He shook the rain off his raincoat. • The water
evaporated in the heat of the sun. • The sun will evaporate the
water. • The sky clouded over, and it started to thunder. • The
rains come in June in this area. • The weather forecast is for
overcast skies. • The old tree was blown down in a gale. • It was
a cold day, and there was an awful draught. • The lake has frozen
up. • Look at that band of thick cloud spreading from the west.
• There’s a bit of blue sky between the clouds. • Is it raining
hard? • Do you like warm weather? • Delhi has a climate with
extremes of temperature.
• The thick mist clouded the mountaintop. • Will the rain
ever let up? • What a pouring wet day! • A bitter wind started
blowing, and I got cold, and I went inside into the warm. • It’s
colder/cooler/hotter/warmer than yesterday, isn’t it? • The rain
has dampened the ground. • It was fine in the morning, but
clouded over later on. • The weather last month was bleak and
unpleasant. • We had a mild winter last year. • Does it ever snow
in your area? • Today’s a cloudless day — very bright and sunny.
• Sun, wind and other weather conditions make the paint on
walls, doors and windows weather. • There was a hard frost last
night. • There was frequent thunder and lightning. • I’m hot and
sweaty. • This is the closest weather for a long time. • His glasses
steamed up when he came in from the cold, and he couldn’t see a
thing. • The water evaporated in the sunshine. • The monsoon is
late this year. • You’re so cold — go and sit by the fire. • There’s
hardly a breath of air this morning. • The fog took a long time to
clear. • Isn’t it warm inside? • I think we can expect sunny skies
40
Weather
for the next two days. • The weather was windy and unpleasant.
• I think it’s going to rain. • The rocks are shaped by sun, wind
and rain. • They have good weather there in the summer.
• The climate there is very harsh and unpredictable. • It’s
freezing tonight. • It was a bleak winter’s day. • This is the
second day it’s been overcast. • The sky’s clouded over — I think
it’s going to rain. • The rain’s just pouring down. • The drizzle
has now stopped. • Today, it’s a little too warm for me. • Why
didn’t you take the raincoat with you? • You’re drenched to the
skin. • What cold/hot/wet/windy/overcast weather this is! •
There was thick fog last night, and it must have made driving
conditions dangerous. • We’ve had a lot of cloudy weather lately.
• Rock crumbles when it weathers. • The grass was covered with
frost in the early morning. • I hate the hot summer nights. •
How do they live in this heat there? • The rain remained steady
for some time. • Soon the winds dropped to a gentle breeze. • It
wasn’t just a rain — it was a real cloudburst. • It’s raining again.
• They took shelter from the rain under a tree. • It’s blowing
hard tonight. • It was a foggy morning. • The sky is completely
covered with cloud. • The storm has done severe damage. • The
skies remained sunny today. • Look at the dew on the leaves. •
I hadn’t an umbrella, and I was caught in a sudden downpour. •
What a windy day! • We’ll go for an outing tomorrow, weather
permitting. • It’s freezing in this room. • A strong breeze started
to blow. • It was nice in the morning, but it’s raining now. • The
steam fogged (up) my glasses. • This happened on a winter’s
night. • Has she adjusted to the climate there yet? • The weather
is good today. • I wasn’t wearing a sweater, and I was cold. • I’m
very cold today. • We had heavy rain all day. • The morning was
overcast, but it didn’t rain. • It was a calm, cloudless day.
Group 3
• The rain stopped, and the sun came out. • There was a fog
warning on the radio. • It was a warm, sunny day with no wind.
41
Weather
• You’d better wear a sweater over your shirt. • All the trains
have been cancelled because of bad weather. • The radio has
given a frost warning. • The roads will be icy tomorrow morning.
• When does the monsoon season begin? • The weather is very
cold today — do the zip up on your jacket. • The crops need rain.
• It was several hours before the rain began to ease up. • There
was quite a downpour last evening. • The weather was overcast
for two days. • There’s hardly a breath of wind today.
• The fields were covered in mist. • You can’t count on good
weather in June. • This is better weather than last January. •
The weather was stormy and unpleasant. • It was a clear night,
and the sky was full of stars. • It was dull/cloudy and raining. •
How’s the weather today? • The day was windless, and clouds
were not moving. • What was the weather like on your holiday?
• What a fine day it is today! • That place is famous for its mild
climate. • My glasses are all fogged up. • The weather was bleak,
and I felt very cold. • It hailed last night. • Rain fell heavily all
day. • The sun certainly feels good after all that bad weather. • I
could hear thunder over the hills. • Suddenly rain started lashing
against the windows. • It was a dull day, and not sunny at all. •
The weather was stormy, and the plane couldn’t take off. • They
often have bad fogs during winter. • The weather was cold, dull
and unpleasant. • The cat went and sat in a patch of sunlight.
• A late frost will damage all these young shoots on the trees.
• What’s the average summer/winter temperature here? • Is it
cold/chilly outside? • How long does the dry season last? • Don’t
go out in the rain without a coat. • The sky was calm/blue and
cloudless. • The wind soon died down. • It was a real deluge,
and everybody got very wet. • It was a hot summer day.
• It suddenly got nippy/chilly in the evening, and he put
his sweater on. • The wind blew his hat off. • Because of the
mist, we couldn’t see very far. • The sky was overcast, and there
was not much light. • There are black clouds, and it’s going to
rain. • The weather is likely to remain clear for a few more days.
42
Weather
• Today it’s quite cold and damp. • The trees gave the house
shelter from the wind. • It was a windless day. • There’s been a
long spell of dry/wet/cold weather. • I don’t think the weather
is going to be fair for our journey. • What foul weather! It’s been
stormy for weeks. • The room became very hot, and the windows
became covered with mist. • The weather there is very pleasant
— it’s neither too cold nor too hot. • It began to hail. • Let’s get
out of the cold, and get warm — we’ll go inside. • I’m freezing.
• It was a stormy night. • I feel a bit chilly — let’s go inside. • It
was very cool yesterday, but it’s very hot today.
• It was the foggiest night of the year. • I got caught in the
shower — I hadn’t an umbrella. • The air is cool and fresh. • It’s
snowing — I think I’ll stay in today. • There, the temperature
drops below freezing during winter. • We’ve been having clear,
cloudless, weather for some time now. • This heat is killing me.
• The weather isn’t very good today. • Come in out of the rain.
• Wear a sweater or you’ll feel cold. • The storm raged. • It was
a hot day and very humid. • It rained several times today. • The
mountains were hazy in the distance. • I got soaked standing out
in the rain. • This kind of weather is good for the farmers. • The
wind was very strong, and they couldn’t sail to windward. • It
was a dull and cloudy day. • What a nice bright day! • This year,
we had a long dry/sunny spell. • Winters are usually rather mild
in our area. • We can’t go out — it’s too wet. • The weather is
much hotter than usual this year. • Use this raincoat — it’ll protect
you from the wet. • Look at the flag flapping in the wind. • He
always wears a jersey in cold weather. • Things were difficult to
see because of the mist. • She didn’t have any woollen clothes
on, and she was shivering with cold. • Look at those children
playing in the sunshine. • The wind is blowing hard. • It’s been
cold and wet for weeks.
• The summers are generally very wet here. • What was
the temperature like last night? • It was very cool and pleasant
in there. • I feel rather cold. • Ask him to wear warm clothes.
43
Weather
It’s quite windy and cold. • We have cold winters and warm,
dry summers here. • The wind has lessened in force. • It was
too hot, but he still went for a walk. • It’s freezing today. • He
doesn’t like living in a tropical climate. • It rains a great deal in
this season. • There was a slight breeze, and it moved the leaves
of the trees. • That was a fine, clear and calm day, with no wind.
• We had good weather generally last month. • It was a long
hot summer. • I hate to go out in the wet. • The rains came in
June. • It’s sweltering today. • It’s still raining. • It’s hailing. •
There’s a chill in the air. • I like going for a walk in the cold. •
And then, there was another flash of lightning. • Don’t expect it
to rain — this is the dry season. • There was a storm last night.
• It’s been raining all week — what miserable weather! • She
wrapped the blanket round her for warmth. • She shivered in
the cold. • The snow melted in the sun. • It was a bright, sunny
day. • I like this kind of weather. • When does the rainy season
start? • The storm is weakening. • The weather was wet, and I
decided to stay indoors.
***
44
Money
Chapter 6
Money
Group 1
• Nowadays, cars cost a lot of money. • Look at that dress she’s
wearing — it cost very little money. • Do you think money always
brings happiness? • If we don’t cut costs, we won’t be able to
make a profit this year. • He has invested his money in a high-
interest bank account. • How much cash have you got with you?
• His finances are in a bad state. • Could you change a Rs. 100
note? • He hasn’t paid off all his debts yet. • I’m a little short
of money/funds/cash at the moment. • If you spend more than
your income, you’ll soon get into trouble. • The bank refused to
lend to their company. • They’ve already raised more than Rs.
500,000 for flood/famine/earthquake relief. • How much are
you prepared to spend? • You’ll have to bear the cost of all these
repairs. • How much does a musician earn? • He got a chance to
go abroad at the company’s expense. • His money is all tied up
in his business. • The shoes in the sale were really cheap. • Can
I pay you in coin? • They have enough money to live on without
financial problems. • He has plenty of money, but no style. •
“How much do all these items together cost?” – “That comes to
Rs. 78”. • That dress costs too much money — or I would have
bought it. • If you pay cash, you can get some money off. • Could
you change a Rs. 10 note into two fives? • You had better pay up
— or they’ll take you to court. • He’s inherited a lot of personal
wealth. • His last business deal made him a tidy profit. • The
bank has lent us Rs. 100,000. • The bank has lent Rs. 100,000 to
us. • He owes me a great deal of money. • He kept on spending
money in an uncontrolled way, and he soon got into debt.
• I’m due for a pay rise this month. • He earns Rs. 200,000
a year. • He can claim back his travelling expenses. • I bet you
45
Money
Rs. 1000 that he won’t win this election. • He made his money
by speculating on the stock market. • How much money does he
earn a month? • If you sell the car now, it may fetch about Rs.
100,000. • We can’t afford a car — we don’t have enough money
to buy one. • How are you off for money? • If you need more
money, ask me. • Do you have any loose/small change with you?
• I need some change for the phone. • They owe the bank more
than Rs. 100,000. • They owe more than Rs. 100,000 to the
bank. • They’ve paid the last instalment, and no more payment
is due. • I can lend you Rs. 5000 if you will pay it back next
Monday. • He owes me 500 rupees for the work I’ve done. • She
spends a fortune on clothes. • He used the money to buy a car. •
He earns his living as a freelance photographer. • Making money
is his sole object in life. • When he was a minister, he built up a
lot of wealth. • How much have you got in change? • She spends
a lot of money on clothes. • His job brings in about Rs. 100,000
a year. • I saw his wallet — it was stuffed with Rs. 100 notes. •
Ask the manager for a 500 rupee advance on your salary. • Have
you got change for a Rs. 100 note?
• They’re paid weekly. • Their wages are paid weekly. • I’m a
little short now — I’ll pay you next week. • He is on/earns/gets a
salary of Rs. 1,20,000 a year. • How much does that hotel charge
for a single room? • I owe my wealth to good luck. • They don’t
even have money to spend on basic necessities. • They’ve offered
Rs. 400,000 for our farmhouse. • They gave me an interest-
free loan. • All his savings are in the bank. • She comes from a
poor family. • He made a fortune on the stock exchange. • Her
husband’s small salary was their only source of income, so money
was very tight. • You’ve given me too much change by mistake.
• I’d like the money in Rs. 100 notes. • The bank has agreed to
advance Rs. 100,000 to us. • I paid you with a Rs. 100 note, so I
need Rs. 7 change. • He’s leading a life of luxury. • They’ve spent
huge sums of money carrying out this project. • This project/
bridge/scheme is funded by the government. • He charged me
Rs. 25 for the rice. • He hasn’t paid back the money I lent him yet.
46
Money
• He’s a man of great wealth. • There was an offer of Rs. 100,000
for his car, but he turned it down. • I pay an interest of 10% on
the loan I’ve taken. • He hadn’t earned the money — he had
stolen it. • You can make quite a lot of money out of this contract.
• How did his wealth grow like this? • His business failed, and
he lost all his money. • If we buy these things at wholesale prices,
we can save a lot of money. • He sold the car, and it brought in
about Rs. 75,000. • He had a big, fat wallet in his pocket. • I
have paid the builder a 100,000-rupee advance. • How much do
they charge for a haircut? • He gave the impression of coming
from a wealthy background. • It costs Rs. 2500, and I am Rs.
500 short. I’ll buy it tomorrow. • Do they charge for postage and
packing? • The bank has agreed to finance our new business. •
He’s made of money. • I saw him giving her a bundle of notes.
• His deposits have been earning 12% interest in the bank. •
He just managed to scrape enough money together to buy a TV. •
He got a tidy sum from the company when he retired. • I have no
cash on me — I’ll pay you tomorrow. • He has invested most of
his money in shares. • Don’t waste your money on unnecessary
things. • Their firm has got into financial difficulties. • What do
they charge for a cup of tea? • We’re collecting for famine relief.
Would you like to make a contribution? • How can he be hard
up? He earns a decent salary. • The cost of petrol has gone up
again. • You’ll have to change your American money for Indian
money. • Our holiday was terribly expensive. • Don’t forget to
count your change. • You should invest your capital wisely. •
They don’t have enough money for their needs. • Large sums of
money are spent on market research. • What’s the train fare to
Bombay? • That painting is worth a lot of money. • They offered
the dress to me at a bargain price. • What a lot of money he
wastes on drinks! • Money is tight, and life is difficult. • How
much does he charge for washing a car? • When he retired, all
the staff contributed Rs. 50 towards a retirement present for him.
• We can’t buy a TV now — we’re too hard up to afford it. • I was
short of funds, and I couldn’t pay him.
47
Money
Group 2
• What’s the exchange rate of the dollar today? • That bridge
was built at great expense. • He counted out 1000 rupees in
100-rupee notes. • His investments earn a lot of interest. • I have
a large family to provide for. • He has enough money to have
everything he needs. • She gave him 10 rupees in 50 paise coins.
• If I had more cash, I’d resign and set up my own business. •
This car is worth Rs. 200,000. • This bill is long overdue — let’s
not put off paying it any longer. • I like this job, but I’m not
making much money. • I’m down to my last 10 rupees. I can’t
afford to waste it. • Does the shop charge for delivery? • He only
gets a low salary in that job. • How can he have a car and live in
such a nice house if he’s badly off? • Our country was short of
foreign exchange at that time. • How much does it cost? • Can’t
you drop the price a bit? • This is too high. • Who will bear the
expense? • He’s a miser — he hates spending money. • It’s very
difficult to raise a family on what I earn. • Only people like him
can afford cars like this — he’s a millionaire, you know. • This
research is funded by the government. • He’s a rich man — he
must be worth at least a crore. • Let’s not spend all this money
at once. • He desperately needed money. • That’s a dependable
garage, but their charges are rather high.
• He earns quite a high salary in this job. • I’d like to buy
it, but I can’t — I’m flat/absolutely broke. • Have you paid the
electricity bill yet? • How much foreign exchange do you have? •
I got this dress cheap at the sales. • How much did your holiday
cost this year? • They have very little money, and it’s hard for
them to make ends meet. • I got a rise of Rs. 200 last month. •
They’ve plenty of money, and they live well. • I usually get a bit
short of funds by the end of the month. • He paid for his house
by borrowing from the bank. • He put the money in the safe. •
We can’t buy a car now. Money is tight at the moment. • He’s
only been in business for a year, and he’s already gone bankrupt.
• How much did the garage charge you? • I don’t think he gets
48
Money
a good/decent salary in his present job. • I don’t think they’re
poor at all — he and his wife are always expensively dressed. •
The new Minister is an expert in finance. • Waiter, can I have the
bill, please? • Apples/Chairs are going cheap at the market. •
The leader of the Opposition has demanded a cut in government
spending. • He comes from a rich family. • How much did you
pay them for the car? • His family is very well-off. • Our rent is in
arrears. • Can I borrow Rs. 100? • This shirt is a real bargain at
such a low price. • I don’t want to put money into that company.
• Ask them to settle our bill. Tell them we need money. • He’s
a good electrician, and his charges are reasonable. • The boss
put up his salary by Rs. 500 last month. • He died in poverty in
the end. • This cake cost Rs. 150. • Where can I exchange my
pounds for rupees?
• Shirts are reduced from Rs. 500 to Rs. 300 in the sale.
• The shopkeeper overcharged me by Rs. 500. • They were a
family of enormous wealth. • He has a good job and is very well
paid. • He has a lot of well-off friends, and they would lend him
as much money as he needs. • Do they have enough finance
for this project? • He’s always borrowing off his friends. • How
much do your arrears for rent add up to? • I think he’s paid a
lot of money for it. • I paid for the things he bought, and he said
he’d settle up with me later. • They’ll deliver the fridge free of
charge. • He’s on a good salary in that job. • He comes from a
poor family. • The American dollar is a strong currency. • Could
you change me a Rs. 100 note? • Could you change a Rs. 100
note for me? • His salary is higher than mine. • It’ll cost at least
Rs. 5,000 to repair the car.
• It’s cheaper to go by bus than by train. • I can’t find the
money — or I’d have bought that car. • I wonder how he and his
family manage to live on one income. • We completed the job
on time, but we haven’t had any payment yet. • He comes from
a well-to-do family. • I don’t like carrying much money on me.
• He borrowed Rs. 1000 from me last month. He hasn’t paid me
back yet.
49
Money
• He wants to get rich quickly. • I bought some groceries
from them on credit last month, and I haven’t been able to settle
up yet. • There’s no charge for children — they go free. • I didn’t
have any money on me at that time. • They’re desperately poor. •
Have you got a 50-paise coin to put in this machine? • He’s gone
to change his dollars for/into Indian money. • He contributed Rs.
1000 to the disaster fund/relief fund/famine fund/earthquake
relief fund. • The trip cost an awful lot of money. • They asked
Rs. 500 for the dress. • Running a car is a great expense. • You’ll
have to make a payment of Rs. 500 as a deposit. • They have very
little money, and they live in poverty. • The country’s finances are
not good. • He borrowed Rs. 20,000 from a bank and bought a
TV. • He’s a successful businessman, and he has money. • At last,
he’s settled all his debts. • They’ll deliver the order for a modest
extra charge. • He had Rs. 100 with him in notes and coins. • I
doubt we’ll ever get rich. • Most people in our village are poor. •
You can claim back on expenses. • I don’t have any spare cash at
the moment. • He made certain he had enough money. • I only
have notes — I don’t have loose/small change. • How much is
the flight from here to Delhi? • Ask about the price. • Houses are
very expensive in that area.
***
50
Entertainment & Leisure
Chapter 7

Group 1
• Let’s go out and see a film. What’s on at the Rex? • There’s
a good film on at the Odeon. • He has no interest in music. •
Earlier, they used to give parties every month, but they don’t
entertain much nowadays. • They went on a tour of Kerala
during the summer holidays. • He kept talking throughout the
meal. • How do you fill your leisure time? • He’s been living a
life of ease. • The fairground was full of roundabouts, swings
and other amusements. • Have fun! • He only likes films/books
that are full of humour. • He played a popular tune. • He likes
playing with his children — he gets a lot of happiness from it. •
Don’t keep working hard like this — you need some relaxation. •
He started telling a story to amuse the children. • Performances
like these never fail to entertain people. • We enjoyed the holiday
very much. • I love watching magic tricks. • He told me a funny
story today. • She’s showing an interest in music. • I don’t have
much time to do things that I enjoy doing.
• I want to be able to live as I want, without any worries or
problems. • He took the children to a restaurant as a special treat.
• Rock climbing seems to be the latest craze among teenagers.
• It’s cheaper to do your entertaining at home rather than in
restaurants. • We went to an exhibition of pictures at the art
gallery today. • He used to do circus stunts. • I can’t describe
the feeling of happiness and satisfaction that was with me at
that time. • What fun! • Cooking is something she really enjoys
doing. • He’s away on holiday. • The children were playing
doctors and nurses. • The children are playing soldiers/pirates.
• Shows like these are intended to inform and entertain. • He
loves travelling — it gives him a lot of pleasure and enjoyment.
51
• I don’t want to stay in and watch TV. That’s not my idea of an
evening’s entertainment. • Eating is his only interest in life. •
The children are playing on the swings. • He doesn’t earn a high
salary, but he gets job satisfaction. • Did you see the exhibition
of sculptures at the museum? • That day, he was entertaining a
few friends for drinks. • This is a special occasion, and we should
give a party to celebrate it. • Who are the cast (in/of the play)?
• Everyone wants to live in comfort.
• Children get a great deal of fun out of playing jokes at
others. • He doesn’t consider gardening to be work — he
considers it to be a pastime. • I don’t like swimming. • The
trouble is, he doesn’t get relaxation or rest from work. • He’s won
first prize — let’s celebrate. • He was full of amusing stories. •
She gets huge pleasure from music. • We went for a show at the
theatre last night. • He played the leading role in that film/play.
• What are the recreation facilities like in your city? • I don’t
feel much enthusiasm for that film. • Golf is a very enjoyable
outdoor activity. • They’re planning to put on an exhibition of her
drawings. • One thing about the new teacher is, she entertains
as well as teaches. • He’s planning to throw a birthday party. •
He always has his evening meal with his children. • We went to
the circus yesterday. • What’s playing at the cinema? • Golf is an
excellent amusement. • I know the tune, but I don’t know the
words. • I’ve always liked fishing.
• I wish I had more leisure time/leisure. • They spend a
lot of money on entertainment. • The celebrations include a
huge display of fireworks/firework display. • He takes pleasure
in eating. • Did you watch the 9 o’clock show on TV? It was
full of comedy scenes. • He’s won the election — let’s have a
celebration. • He looked very relaxed and happy. • Her chief
interests are dress designing and cooking. • They’ve gone to
watch the fireworks. • He couldn’t find any amusements to pass
the time without getting bored. • Every day, he spends some
time entertaining his children when he gets back from work. •
That play has no humour in it. • The place we stayed at had a
52
beautiful view of the mountains. • You can’t fish (in) this river. •
How can you prevent us from fishing (in) the sea? • Didn’t you
go to the party at Peter’s house? • He played/sang two numbers
from that film. • He doesn’t like mixing business and pleasure.
• Swimming and golf are his favourite leisure activities. • Films
are the only amusement that place has — you’ll quickly get bored
there. • Everybody needs some rest and relaxation. • What do
you do in your free time?
Group 2
• Do you like watching sport? • It’s a funny film/play, and the cast
are good. • She only likes shows full of popular songs. • Travelling
is something he likes and enjoys. • Did you enjoy last night’s
party? • The audience was very excited by the performance. •
He only likes films that have a lot of action. • Canoeing is a great
outdoor activity. • The children amused themselves by playing
in water. • His new film has a lot of excitement and comedy. •
These toys are sure to amuse your children. • It was the second
time he had treated her to ice cream/lunch/dinner. • His mother
gave me a delicious meal.
• Don’t play your radio so loud! • Play the radio a little
louder, will you? • Do you like camping in the hills? • That film
really bored me — it was very dull, you know. • That was a lovely
birthday party. • Do you know how to play the piano? • They
were very amused, and they started laughing. • He paints for
pleasure. • Drawing is her chief enthusiasm. • Our town has a lot
of leisure facilities like tennis courts, sports halls, and swimming
pools. • The TV and the radio are the only amusements she has.
• Let’s go to the cinema tonight. • He enjoys watching football
matches — it gives him a lot of pleasure. • He’s a gifted actor/
singer/performer. • He laughed at the trick they played on him
— he’s a real sport. • Who’s that actor? His performance is very
good. • I think the audience is delighted with the performance.
• He enjoys outdoor activities a lot. • That was a funny film —
53
we couldn’t stop laughing. • The children amused themselves by
playing out in the sunshine. • He walked out on the stage, and
started doing his show. • We enjoyed our meals together. • We’re
planning to go camping during the summer holidays. • When
they won the match, they had a celebration party. • She was
dancing to fast music. • When she got her salary, she decided to
treat herself to some new clothes.
• I like painting portraits — I get a lot of satisfaction and
enjoyment from it. • What are the facilities for leisure activities
your town has? • He plays tennis — that’s the only amusement
he has. • For relaxation, he lies down and listens to music. •
Then there was a light entertainment programme. • They’re a
troupe of travelling actors/dancers/singers, and they’re giving a
performance tonight. • He has very little leisure time in that job.
• He sang well, and the audience gave him a clap. • They’re
planning to go to Ooty for their holidays. • I need a rest — I’m
thinking of going on holiday for a week or two. • His behaviour
amused me. • We sat there, talking about magazines and cricket.
• He likes to have three good meals a day. • We’re planning to go
on a camping trip next week. • Don’t you want a life of comfort?
• Did you like the play they performed last week? • The children
enjoyed themselves playing in the garden. • Football matches on
the TV and films are his chief amusements. • The children are
playing on the beach. • They stopped for refreshments on the way
at Mysore. • He’s a gifted musician, and he gave a remarkable
performance.
• What do you do in your leisure hours? • They enjoyed the
singing, and they clapped hard. • He only got back from holiday
yesterday. • The show included several short performances
— dancing, singing, comedy and magic tricks. • What he said
amused everybody. • Nowadays we don’t entertain guests. • She
had a simple meal of bread and butter. • We made camp on a
low hill. • I spent the afternoon reading under the trees. • She’s
gone to a friend’s wedding. • Don’t you like classical music? •
54
Her jokes never get many laughs. • She enjoyed herself at the
party. • Tennis is his favourite pastime. • He’s good fun — he
keeps telling jokes and stories. • He regularly entertains his
business associates. • I don’t enjoy tragic plays at all. • Our town
is planning to hold a festival of dance/music/theatre. • Reading
is one of his favourite relaxations. • She has a poor singing voice.
• We didn’t go on holiday last year. • We’re going to a variety
show tonight. • I’m amused to find them here. • That’s a very
entertaining film. • I need a good night’s rest/sleep. • I like fresh
fish. • We stayed in tents at the campsite. • When is the next
family get-together going to be? • There are very few evening
entertainments in our town. • Has he lost enthusiasm for sport?
• They’re thoroughly enjoying themselves. • What do you do in
your spare time?
• We had a lot of a fun at the party last night. • I just went
for the fun of it. • Who plays the lead in that film/play? • Who
produced that TV show? • That film/play is a musical, and is full
of singing and dancing. • He’s too busy for recreation. • Are you
interested in dancing? • I spent the afternoon doing very little.
• I don’t like teaching. Do you think I do it for enjoyment? • She
went on stage, and started singing. • It amused me to find them
there. • The guests were entertained by singers and dancers. •
Then they went into the house for food and drink. • When they
won the match, their coach was very excited about it. • That
was an amusing story. • Do you like watching television shows?
• After his retirement, he doesn’t entertain much. But earlier,
he used to entertain his clients often. • His enjoyments in life
are limited to gambling and drinking. • Music and golf are his
current enthusiasms. • There’s no fun in staying in — let’s go out.
• You must find some time for relaxation. • Who’s the leading
man/lady in that play? • Watching cricket is a great national/
popular pastime here. • Does your town have a lot of recreational
facilities? • How often do you go to dancing classes? • Yesterday
was a day of rest. • They’ve gone to Goa for a holiday. • She
clapped her hands in time to the music. • She had an amused
55
expression on her face. • We used to invite our friends to our
house and entertain them now and then. • Did you have any
refreshments during the journey/meeting? • I liked the campsite
very much. • That was an entertaining story. • That play is a
funny comedy — you’re sure to like it. • Reading brings a lot
of enjoyment. • It was a fun evening. • We went for a film last
night, but it was poor fun. • Who’s playing the role of Othello? •
Gardening is one of his favourite hobbies.
***
56
Material for Mouth Gymnastics - I
Chapter 8
Material for
Mouth Gymnastics - I
Irrespective of the nature of the topic you want to speak about,
the degree of your fluency depends, to a great extent, on how
trained your organs of speech are in handling the combinations
of English sounds. So if you are a person who has to be – or who
wants to be – fluent not only in speaking everyday English, but
also in speaking about a wide range of topics, it is particularly
important that you should concentrate seriously on the invaluable
fluency-building tool, mouth gymnastics.
We discussed mouth gymnastics in detail in Book 16. And
in that Book, I gave you collections of specially selected word
groups for doing mouth gymnastics. I’m now going to give you
more word groups for mouth gymnastics. These are word groups
that are useful across a wide range of topics.
In Book 16, I gave you word groups by categorizing them
speech-organ-wise. But the word groups I am going to give
you now have not been organized speech-organ-wise, but in a
random way. So these word groups can give training to several
speech organs at the same time.
One great advantage of a collection of word groups arranged
in a random order (rather than speech-organ-wise) is this: They
will force all your organs of speech to move from one position to
another and back repeatedly and make them work in combination
with one another. These movements will adequately exercise your
organs of speech and get them to be really English-friendly.
You see, while you’re actually speaking in a real-life situation,
you’ll have to build your speech by using word groups in the
order in which they occur to you (and, of course, by rearranging
them, refining them and editing them orally and aloud). And
57
they occur to you in an order controlled by factors like the topic,
the verbal and situational contexts, associative thoughts – and
the degree of your mastery of the word groups that are of general
use across a wide range of topics.
And experience has shown that an essential way of training
yourself in the spontaneous-speech-production skill is to do oral
practice with carefully selected word groups that are of general
use across a wide range of topics – whether arranged in a
dictionary-like order or speech-organ-wise or in a random way.
Now then, before you start your oral practice with the word
groups given below, go through Book 16 and refresh your memory
of the principles of mouth gymnastics.
Once you’ve done that, pick up each of the word groups
given below and say it ALOUD – several times.
Here we go:
Group 1
• Don’t act as if you’re a child. (= behave…). • Don’t act so
brave/hurt/innocent/stupid. (= pretend as though you’re brave/
hurt/innocent/stupid). • Don’t all speak at the same time. •
Don’t ask (James) for money — he’s absolutely broke. • Don’t
ask me — you’ll have to decide for yourself. • Don’t ask me why
he’s late. (= I don’t know). • Don’t ask me. You can do it how you
like. • Don’t bang/slam the door. Shut it gently. • Don’t be (too)
long over lunch/breakfast/tea. We’ll miss the train. • Don’t be
absent from work without good cause. • Don’t be difficult — just
do as I tell you. • Don’t be flattered/deceived by those salesmen’s
smooth talk. • Don’t be frightened (by that noise). • Don’t be so
stupid as to believe whatever he says. • Don’t behave as though
you’re above yourself. (= more important than you really are). •
Don’t believe his promises.
• Don’t carry much money (with you). • Don’t carry the
idea to extremes/that extent. • Don’t carry your anger to excess.
58
• Don’t change the order of these names. • Don’t charge it to
my account — I’ll pay cash. • Don’t concern yourself about her
future. • Don’t concern yourself with unimportant details. • Don’t
cry — you’re all right now. • Don’t cut the bread too thin/thick. •
Don’t delay — act immediately. • Don’t do anything against your
doctor’s orders. • Don’t do anything stupid and botch up the job.
• Don’t do anything to prevent him from carrying out his plans. •
Don’t do anything until he gives the word. • Don’t do that. That
would be a foolish step to take. • Don’t drink/eat it all — save
some for tomorrow. • Don’t eat that cake now — it’s for later. •
Don’t eat too many sweet foods — you’ll get fat. • Don’t eat too
much ice cream/pastry/cake. You’ll get fat.
• Don’t ever give in to blackmail. • Don’t exercise/study/
work too hard — you’ll make yourself ill. • Don’t expect an early
end to this strike. • Don’t expect that these problems will go
away of their own accord. • Don’t expect them to give up without
a fight. • Don’t fall in with bad company and get into trouble.
(= get involved with undesirable people). • Don’t fight (with)
your teachers. (= quarrel/argue angrily). • Don’t fill the flask/
glass too full. • Don’t forget about watering the plants. • Don’t
forget that our country is at war. • Don’t forget that our police
officers work in/under difficult conditions. (=… circumstances).
• Don’t forget to bolt the door. • Don’t forget to switch the
power/electricity off at the mains. • Don’t forget to take care of
the waiter. • Don’t forget to wash your hands before you handle
food.
• Don’t forget we’re a long way from home. • Don’t forget
we’re up against a difficult opponent/problem. (= to have to
deal with a difficult opponent/problem). • Don’t give in — we
may win yet. • Don’t give them any cause to find fault with you.
• Don’t give up that right/claim. (= abandon…). • Don’t give
up your old friends. • Don’t give way to anger/hysterics like
this. • Don’t go accusing him of cheating or anything. • Don’t go
blaming everybody for what has happened. • Don’t go by what
she says — decide for yourself. • Don’t go in now. There’s broken
59
glass on the floor. • Don’t go into the city centre during rush
hours. • Don’t bite your fingernails. • Don’t bother me just now
— I’m busy. • Don’t bother to dress up — come as you are. •
Don’t breathe a word of all this to anyone. • Don’t breathe/say
a word about our plan to anyone. • Don’t burden him with your
problems now. He’s very busy. (= tell/worry him about them).
• What about buying a book? • What about going to a
theatre? • What about this? • What about those? • What can
I buy her? • What can I do tomorrow? • What can I have for
dinner? • What do you like about Shimla? • What do you like
doing in the evenings? • What kind of car would you like? •
What kind of house do you live in? • What kind of soup is it?
• What would you like? • What’s the code for Delhi, please? •
What’s the time? • When are we going to Tokyo? • When will we
arrive? • When’s the next bus? • Where are the tickets? • Where
do we get off? • Where is the theatre? • Where will I meet you? •
Which way do I go? • Which way is the Post Office? • Would you
like a drink? • Would you like breakfast? • Would you like some
wine? • Would you like to go to the theatre? • Yes, I do. I want
to visit them today. • Yes, it is. • Yes, it’s lovely. • Yes, please. •
Yes, there are. • Yes, there is. • Yes, you can. • Yes, you’d better.
• You can have fish? • You can’t have fish — there isn’t any. • You
must not go without me. • You will come, won’t you? • You will
write to me, won’t you?
Group 2
• I just do as I am told. • I just do what I am told. • I just don’t
believe it. • I just don’t want to sing. • I just got a slap on the
wrist. (= a mild punishment). • I just want to be left alone. • I
just work here. • I saw him going up the stairs. • I suppose I’ll
have to go. • I suppose I’ll have to help. • I suppose we could try
the other plan. • I suppose you’re working all the time. • I swear
to God. • I swear to you. • I swear. • I take full responsibility.
• I take my exam tomorrow. • I take the blame. • I tell you, I
60
won’t drink it. • I tell you, I won’t listen. • I’d like to close out
my savings account. • I’d like to discuss my daughter’s progress.
• I’d like to file a complaint. • I’d like to get a safety deposit box.
• I’d like to have this pressed, please. • I’d like to help. • I’d like
to know who broke it.
• I’d like to lay down a few ground rules. • I’d like to make
a deposit. • I’ll never speak to him again. • I’ll return it this
evening. • I’ll scrounge up the money somehow. • I’ll see (to
it) that it never happens again. • I’ll see you in my office in
ten minutes. • I’ll see you on Thursday. • I’m sorry, there’s no
vacancy. • I’m sorry, these tickets are nonrefundable. • I’m sorry,
we’re out of that. • I think we can go ahead. • I think we should
risk it. • I think you look terrible. • I think you’ve done it. • I
think you’ve had enough. • I was wondering if you’d like to go
out. • I wasn’t born yesterday. • I wasn’t speaking to you. • I
went with Mr. Sharma. • I will eat it here. • I wish Vidya didn’t
dislike me so. • I wish he’d mind his own business. • I wish I
were dead. • I wish we could do more. • I wish you wouldn’t
keep jostling me. • I’m sorry, we’re sold out tonight. • I’m sorry,
what was your name again? • I’m sorry. • I’m sorry. I missed that.
(= failed to hear what was said). • I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your
name. • I’m speechless. • I’m standing behind you. • I’m starved.
• I’m staying the weekend. • I’m still here. • I’m stone-deaf. •
I’m sure he won’t apply for the job. • I’m sure I’ll fall. • I’m sure
to pass the exam. • I’m sure you will make us proud of you. • I
would like a nonsmoking table for two. • I don’t remember the
password. • I don’t remember.
• I don’t see any point in it. • I don’t suppose it’s true. • I
don’t think Stan knows. • I don’t think he can manage it. • I don’t
think I can dive from that height. • I don’t think I can do it. • I
don’t think I’ll answer her letter. • I don’t think I’ll ever do it. • I
don’t think I’ll go today. • I don’t think I’ll go. • I don’t think I’ll
take a mac. • I don’t think much of that colour. • I don’t think
so. • I don’t think that’s right. • I don’t think we can complete
it today. • I don’t think we ought to tell him. • I don’t think we
61
ought to. • I don’t think you’ve got your facts straight. • I don’t
trust him a bit. • I don’t understand you. • I don’t understand.
• I need a room for the night. • I need a room for two. • I need
a room with a double bed. • I need a room with a single bed. •
I need a room, please. • I need a second mortgage. • I need a
size 42. • I need a sports car. • I need a station wagon. • I need
a swimsuit. • I need a used car. • I need air-conditioning. • I
need an economy car. • I need automatic door locks. • I need
automatic transmission. • I need film (for my camera). • I need
gloves. • I need insect repellent. • I witnessed it. • I won by a
mile. • I won’t be able to go. • I won’t be able to manage it. • I
won’t be able to phone you.
• I would like this to go express mail. • I would like to order
something to carry out. • I wouldn’t put up with it. • I’m looking
for a two-bedroom (flat). • I’m told they’re ill. • I’m told you
refused his offer. • I’m trusting you to take good care of it. •
I’m using the keyboard, but nothing’s happening. • I’m very
dissatisfied with your work. • I’m very sorry. • I’m waiting for
someone else. • I’m walking on air. • I’m willing to hear you out.
• I’m with you. • I’m yours. • I want to change my insurance
coverage. • I was hoping for more. • I was told you’d resigned.
• I was very cross with him. • I write with my left hand. • I just
do as I am told. • I just do what I am told. • I just don’t believe
it. • I just don’t want to sing. • I just want to be left alone. • I
just work here. • I saw him going up the stairs. • I suppose I’ll
have to go. • I suppose I’ll have to help. • I suppose we could try
the other plan. • I suppose you’re working all the time. • I swear
to God. • I swear to you. • I swear. • I take full responsibility.
• I take my exam tomorrow. • I take the blame. • I tell you, I
won’t drink it. • I need it immediately. • I need it now. • I need
more coffee. • I need more furniture polish. • I need more plastic
garbage bags. • I need new heels. • I need to arrange financing.
• I need to change my account to another address. • I’d like to
renew my subscription. • I’d like to return these books. • I’d like
to schedule a meeting in the conference room. • I’d like to set up
62
a training session for my department. • I’d like to speak to the
manager.
• I’d like to speak to your supervisor. • I’d like to subscribe.
• I’d like to take a leave of absence. • I’d like to take advantage
of your special offer for new subscribers. • I’d like to take it for a
test drive. • I’d like to take the rest (home). • I’d like to talk about
my daughter’s grade. • I’d like to transfer money into my savings
account. • I’d like to try this on. • I’d like to withdraw money
from my account. • I’d like two dozen onion bagels, please. • I’d
like you to meet Mary. • I’d like you to meet my friend Liza. •
I’d love to help. • I’ll take this book. • I’ll take this pile of plates.
• I’ll talk to you soon. • I’ll tell him that. • I’ll tell Mummy. • I’ll
thank you to keep your opinions to yourself. • I’ll thank you to
mind your own business! • I’ll try to catch you later. • I’ll turn
the other cheek. • I’ll wait for you. • I’ll wait up. • I’ll want more
than that. • I’ll wash and you dry.
Group 3
• I’m (so) sorry. • I’m going to get some shut-eye. • I’m going
to have a word with him. • I’m going to have to run. • I’m going
to need an extension (of the deadline). • I’m going to resign. •
I’m going to risk it, in spite of what you say. • I’m going to sack
him. • I’m going to sleep. • I’m going to Switzerland. • I’m going
to take a catnap. • I’m going to take a nap. • I’m going to take a
snooze. • I’m in trouble. • I’m in your debt. • I’m indebted to you.
• I’m just browsing. • I’m just following orders. • I’m just going
with the flow. • I’m just going. • I’m just looking, thanks. • I’m
just off for a few days’ holiday. • I’m letting my sideburns grow.
• I’m listening. • I’m looking for a one-bedroom (apartment).
• I’m new at this. • I’m not at all sure. • I’m not getting along
with one of my co-workers. • I’m not going to apologize. • I’m
not going to help him. • I’m not going to help. • I’m not going to
the wretched party. • I’m not interested. • I’m not leaving until
I’m satisfied. • I’m not lending him the money. • I’m not ready
to order yet. • I’m not ready. • I’m not standing for that. • I’m
63
sorry for the inconvenience. • I’m sorry I broke the window. • I’m
sorry I’m late. • I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. • I’m sorry,
but I hate cocoa. • I’m sorry, I can only release the package to
the person it is addressed to. • I’m sorry, I forgot my ticket. • I’m
sorry, I lost my ticket. • I’m surprised at Peter. • I’m swamped. •
I’m sweltering. • I’m taking half day on Wednesday. • I’m taking
Nick out tonight. • I’m taking you in. • I’m talking to you.
• I’ve brought you some flowers. • I’ve come to grips with reality.
• I’ve come to terms with myself. • I’ve come to terms with reality.
• I’ve decided to sack him. • I’ve drawn out 500 rupees. • I’ve
eaten more than Rahul. • I’ve enjoyed myself enormously. • I’ve
fallen in love. • I’ve finished my work. • I’ve finished painting the
kitchen. • I’ve finished. • I’ve forgotten to buy the balloons. • I’ve
found a four-leafed clover. • I’ve found that polish. • I’ve given
Nizam two sweets. • I’ve gone beyond the call of duty. • I’ve
gone out of my way to please you. • I’ve got dreadful cold. • I’ve
got a big test tomorrow. • I’ve got a confession to make. • I’ve
just heard from Ann. • I’ve just met her husband. • It’s not quite
three. • It’s not what I anticipated. • It’s not what I expected. •
It’s not what I had hoped for. • It’s not what I had in mind. • It’s
not what I hoped for. • It’s not what I pictured. • It’s not worth
it. • It’s not worth the trouble. • It’s not worth your while. • It’s
not worthwhile. • It’s now or never. • It’s number eleven. • It’s
on me. (= I’m paying). • It’s on the tip of my tongue. • It’s only
a hundred rupees he wants to borrow. • It’s out of commission. •
It’s out of order. • It’s out of service. • It’s painted on both sides.
• It’s past my bedtime. • It’s your turn to clear the table. • It’s
your turn to do the dishes. • It’s your turn to shuffle the cards.
• It’s your turn. • I want to fill out an insurance form. • I want
to order some new cheques. • I want to report a fire. • I want to
report a robbery in progress. • I want to schedule my vacation
days for this year. • I want to send this parcel post. • I want to
try this on. • I want you a minute. • I want you to go to your
room and think about what you did. • I want you to pick up your
room.
64
• I want you. • I warned you that the fabric was too delicate
for cleaning. • I was absolutely livid. • I was chewing nails. • I
was counting on more. • I was delighted to hear about Benny.
• I was flabbergasted. • I was frightened. • I was gunning for
more. • I won’t do it again. • I won’t have anything to do with it.
• I won’t hear of it. • I won’t hear of your buying one. • I won’t
hold it against you. • I won’t keep you any longer. • I won’t keep
you much longer. • I wonder why Susan didn’t come. • I move
to adjourn the meeting. • I move to table the motion. • I must
be home by six. • I must be off. • I must find out. •I must get my
hair cut. • I must get rid of this new colour television. • I must
go on a diet. • I must go to the bank. • I must pay you what I
owe you. • I must say good night. • I must see Edith. • I mustn’t
take them. • I need (some) change. • I need a (good) used car.
• I need a bathing suit. • I need a belt. • I need a car with air-
conditioning. • I need a change of pace. • I need a change of
scenery. • I need a few more minutes to decide.
• I need a hobby. • I need a pair of gloves. • I need a pair
of pants. • I need a pair of socks. • I need a roll of quarters. • I
need to change the billing address. • I need to change the name
on the bill. • I need to check out. • I need to mortgage my home.
• I need to order new cheques. • I need to pay a fine. • I need to
run. • I need to see some ID. • I need to see some identification.
• I need to send this by registered mail. • I need to send this
overnight. • I need to set up service. • I need to talk. • I need
two hundred pounds. • I need your help. • I need you. • I never
would have guessed. • I now find I can manage Monday. • I
offered it to him. • I ought to go to the lecture. • I ought to invite
her. • I ought to write to him. • I overslept. • I part my hair in the
middle. • I won’t be free I’m afraid. • I won’t be late. • I won’t
bother you much longer. • I won’t buy the shirt this month. • I
wonder why nobody called on them. • I work with Patrick. • I
worked all day on the car.
***
65
Material for Mouth Gymnastics - II
Chapter 9
Material for
Mouth Gymnastics - II
In this chapter, you’re going to get one more collection of
specially chosen material for mouth gymnastics – material that is
extremely useful across a wide range of topics.
Before you start doing oral practice with the word groups
given below, go through the introductory part of the previous
chapter (“Material for Mouth gymnastics - I”).
Give great care and attention to the practice you do with these
word groups. You’ll soon find this practice richly rewarding.
Pick up each word group and say it ALOUD – several times.
Here we go:
Group 1
• I worked from dawn to dusk. • I worked from sunup to sundown.
• I worship you. • I’m going to tell on you. • I’m going to the
party, but Kim isn’t. • I’m grounding you. • I’m happy for you.
• I’m happy to meet you. • I’m having a problem understanding
the teacher. • I’m having my house painted. • I’m having terrible
chest pains. • I’m head over heels in love. • I’m heart-broken. •
I’m here at last. • I’m here for you. • I’m here if you need me. • I
was stuck in traffic. • I was surprised he asked me for it. • I was
taken advantage of. • I was taken to task. • I was terrified. • I
was told you were from Berlin. • I won’t put up with it. • I won’t
stay a minute longer. • I won’t stay another minute. • I won’t
succeed. • I won’t tell a soul. • I wonder if they sell socks. • I
wonder if we could borrow the money. • I wonder what Madhu
will think of it. • I wonder what Deepak thinks. • I’d like just
cheese. • I’d like my bill now, please. • I’d like my hair dyed. •
66
I’d like my payment now, please. • I’d like my steak medium. (=
between rare and well-done). • I’d like my steak medium-rare.
• I’d like my steak medium-well. • I’d like my steak rare. (=
partially cooked). • I’d like my steak well-done. (= completely
cooked). • I’d like no anchovies.
• I’d like one medium cheese pizza, please. • I’d like paper
bags. • I’d like plastic bags. • I’d like some champagne. • I’d
like some eye drops. • I’d like some flowers for my wife. • I’d
like some information on it . • I’d like some information on this
program. • I don’t care. • I don’t have the cash for it. • I don’t
have the faintest idea. • I don’t have the foggiest notion. • I don’t
have time to breathe. • I don’t have time to think. • I don’t know
about Thursday. • I don’t know how that could have happened.
• I don’t know how to tackle him. • I don’t know what I’ll do. • I
don’t know what Ned’ll say. • I don’t know what to say. • I don’t
know what to tell Veena. • I don’t know when I’ve laughed so
much. • I have no training in that area. • I have nothing to add.
• I have nothing to complain about. • I have other plans. • I have
some coupons. • I have the utmost faith in you. • A large bowl
of chili, please. • A letter wouldn’t be quick enough. • A little off
the sides. • All I have is the shirt on my back. • All in good time.
• All is forgiven. • All of our rooms have bath or shower. • All on
one (bill). • All our best! • All right. I’m just going. • All right.
I’ll come. • And that’s not all he said. • And that’s not all. It’s
horribly expensive. • And we’ll have a new carpet. • Any time.
• Apparently, they’ve buried the hatchet. • As I live and breathe!
• At last, he has gone. • At last, Bret has finished. • At least, he
apologized. • Each unit has its own air-conditioning. • Each unit
is centrally air-conditioned. • Easier said than done. • Eat your
vegetables. • Endorse this, please. • Enjoy your meal. • Enjoy
your stay. • I accept myself for what I am. • I adore chocolate. • I
adore you. • I agree with you 100%. • I agree. • I almost jumped
out of my skin. • I almost lost it. • I am 100% behind you. • I
am confident it will all work out. • I am just mortified. • I am
not competent to do that. • I apologize for the inconvenience.
67
• I apologize. • I arrived on Saturday morning. • I arrived this
morning.• I asked him, but he didn’t reply. • I beg your pardon.
• I believe he’s finished his job. • I believe that there is an error
in my account. • I bet he rings you up. • I better get moving. •
I better hit the road. • I blame no one but myself. • I borrowed
Sunil’s to begin with. • I bought that house after all. • I call every
Monday. • I call for a vote on the motion.
• I call the motion to question. • I can do it on Friday. •
I can do that. • I can feel it. • I can only find two books. •
I can provide a description of the assailant. • I can provide a
description of the car. • I can put on a new button, but it may not
match exactly. • I can see that. • I can see two men at the bar. •
I can see what you’re saying. • I can sense it. • I can usually do
crosswords. • I can’t advise you. • I can’t afford that. • I can’t
afford the decorators. • I can’t be there by ten. • I can’t bear the
underground. • I can’t do it before Monday. • I can’t believe it!
• I can’t believe my eyes. • I can’t believe you embarrassed me
like that! • I can’t deal with this any more. • I can’t do it. • I can’t
eat all that. • I can’t eat this. • I could lend you my racket. • I
could never say that word. • I could play. • I couldn’t agree with
you more. • I couldn’t be happier. • I couldn’t be more cross. •
I couldn’t care less. • I couldn’t disagree (with you) more. • I
couldn’t find a parking place.
Group 2
• I couldn’t find a place to park. • I couldn’t get a cab. • I couldn’t
get a taxi. • I couldn’t have said it better. • I cut myself on broken
glass, and I am bleeding very badly. • I dare you. • I daren’t
promise anything. • I did enjoy the match. • I did it in half an
hour. • I did it on my own. • I didn’t catch your name. I’m terrible
at names. • I didn’t do it. • I didn’t get a paper today. • I didn’t
get today’s paper. • I didn’t get what I bargained for. • I didn’t
hear you. • I didn’t intend it that way. • I didn’t know anyone at
the party. • I have to go out now. • I have to have you. • I have
68
to study. • I have to wash my hair. • I haven’t a clue. • I haven’t
broken my leg after all. • I haven’t decided yet. • I haven’t even
started the job. • I haven’t figured out what I want yet. • I haven’t
got a knife. • I haven’t got a spoon. • I’d best be off. • I’d best
leave now. • I’d better be off. • I’d certainly agree. • I’d like
(some) coffee with cream. • I’d like (some) coffee with sugar.
• I’d like (some) coffee. • I’d like a (ham)burger and (French)
fries. • I’d like a beer. • I’d like a coke. • I’d like a cup of coffee.
• I’d like a double (room). • I’d like a dozen roses, please. • I’d
like a floral arrangement. • I’d like a loaf of rye bread. • I’d like a
medium pizza, please. • I’d like a mineral water. • I’ll bring them
round on Friday. • I’ll call on them personally. • I’ll call you when
I get home. • I’ll catch you later. • I’ll come everyday next week.
• I’ll come home early. • I’ll dip into my savings. • I’ll do it right
away. • I’ll dump the suitcases here. • I’ll eat it here.
• I’ll expect you every morning. • I’ll get a new one soon.
• I’ll get it somehow. • I’ll give it to you. • I’ll give that all the
consideration it’s due. • I’ll give them all to Rahman. • I’ll give
you a good hiding. • I’m afraid I must run. • I’m afraid I’ll be
late. • I’m afraid I’m in your way. • I’m afraid I’ve broken it. •
I’m afraid I’ve got a cold. • I’m afraid I’ve lost it. • I’m afraid
I’m lost. • I’m afraid I’ve upset the milk. • I’m afraid my watch
has stopped. • I’m afraid not. • I’m afraid she’s lost your pen. •
I’m afraid ten won’t do. • I’m afraid Madhu will be upset. • I’m
afraid they’ve gone out. • I’m afraid we don’t have it in stock. •
I’m afraid we’re out of that item. • I’m afraid we’ve finished your
whisky. • I’m afraid you’ll be angry. • I’m afraid you’ve failed. •
I’m all choked up. • I’m all ears. • I’m all out of time. I’ll have to
say good-bye now. • I’m allergic to dairy products. • I’m allergic
to wheat. • I’m almost ready. • I’m on tenterhooks. • I’m on your
side. • I’m out of my element. • I’m out of sorts. • I’m proposing
to put Hamlet on. • I’m ravenous. • I’m really sorry. • I’m really
upset with you right now. • I’m running out of time. • I’m seeing
someone else. • I’m sick and tired of this. • I’m sincerely sorry.
• I’ve a confession to make. • I’ve accepted the invitation. • I’ve
69
accepted your parents’ invitation. • I’ve already telephoned your
mother. • I’ve asked Preethi to stand in. • I’ve been better. •
I’ve been cheated. • I’ve been down in the dumps lately. • I’ve
been hearing some good things about you. • I’ve been meaning
to call you. • I’ve been mugged. • I’ve been robbed. • I’ve been
sacked. • I’ve been saving my pennies. • I’ve been saving up
for this. • I’ve been shot. • I’ve been there. • I’ve been thinking
about Imran. • I’ve been to Florida for a week. • I’ve been under
the weather. • I’ve been wanting to meet you for some time. •
I’ve bought ten litres of petrol. • I’ve broken a cup. • I’ve broken
another cup. • I’ve brought six copies. • If only I could turn back
the hands of time. • If there’s anything I can do for you, just ask.
• If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know. • If
there’s anything we can do for you, please let us know. • If there’s
anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask. • If you break it, you
pay for it. • If you can’t be good, be careful.
• If you don’t eat your dinner, you won’t get any dessert. • If
you don’t eat your vegetables, you won’t get any dessert. • If you
don’t pay by this Friday, you’re out. • In the morning, he seemed
better. • In winter, I play tennis. • It appeared out of nowhere. •
It begins at two o’clock. • It broke. • It burst on to the scene. • It
came as no surprise. • It came from nowhere. • It came from out
of the blue. • It certainly isn’t mine. • It cost over ten pounds. •
It costs about twenty pounds. • It couldn’t be better. • It didn’t
take you long. • It doesn’t appear regularly. • It doesn’t get any
better than this. • It doesn’t help at all. • It doesn’t matter a bit.
• It doesn’t matter a scrap. • It doesn’t matter to me. • It doesn’t
matter. • It doesn’t sound as though I have a choice. • It doesn’t
stand a chance. • It doesn’t work. • It dropped from the clouds.
• It dropped like a bomb. • It feels good just to be alive! • It will
be there in 30 minutes. • It will never happen again. • It will
work out in the end. • It won’t happen again. • It’ll be just a few
minutes. • It’ll do. • It’ll never be ready in time. • It’ll serve the
purpose. • It’s (the difference between) apples and oranges. •
It’s a bad omen. • It’s a bad sign. • It’s a done deal. • It’s a far
70
cry from what I expected. • It’s a faster car. • It’s a gift. • It’s a
good omen.
Group 3
• It’s a good sign. • It’s a harbinger of things to come. • It’s a
little pricey. (= expensive). • It’s a masterpiece. • It’s a portent
of things to come. • It’s a quarter of four. • It’s a quarter of. • It’s
a quarter past three. • It’s a quarter till four. • It’s a quarter till. •
It’s a real challenge. • It’s a sign of things to come. • It’s a start. •
It’s a sure thing. • It’s about the play we’re doing. • It’s absolutely
jam-packed. • It’s after eleven. • It’s all in a day’s work. • It’s all
my fault. • It’s all off. Jack’s ill. • It’s all or nothing. • It’s all so
depressing. • It’s all so discouraging. • It’s all the rage. (= the
current fad). • It’s all very well to criticize. • It’s almost done. •
It’s almost ready. • Oh, I’m sorry. • Oh, let’s get out of here. •
Oh, let’s go to the pictures. • Oh my God! • Oh, sorry. • Oh, the
sun’s gone in. • Oh, there you are, Abdul. • Oh, come on. Let’s
get out of here. • Oh, don’t worry him about it. • Oh, he never
answers my letters. • Oh, he’s not such a bad chap. • Oh, I am
miserable. • Oh, I do wish I could go. • Oh, I’m, sorry, how silly
of me. • Oh, I’ve left that job. • Oh, isn’t he cute! • Oh, isn’t she
a darling! • Oh, look at the time! • Oh, my goodness! • Oh, my!
• Oh, there’s no real harm done. • Oh, they’re not bad. • Oh, this
one’ll do. • Okay.
• As you know…. • As you were saying... • April showers
bring May flowers. • Am I surprised to see you! • All he had to
do was to tell us. • A table for two. • A water main has burst out
in the street. • A woman’s work is never done. • All I have is my
good name. (= my reputation). • All right. I’ll give it to you. •
Everyone’s gone home. • Everything in its time. • Everything is
clean. • Everything is fine. • I can’t find my hand bag anywhere.
• I can’t find my hat anywhere. • I can’t find my keys. • I can’t
find my purse anywhere. • I can’t find the file anywhere. • I can’t
find the right-sized screws. • I can’t find your book anywhere. •
71
I can’t get it to work. • I can’t give it to you. • I can’t go yet. It’s
raining. • I can’t hear myself think with all that racket. • I can’t
hear them; they’re out of earshot. • I can’t hear what he’s saying.
• I can’t hear you. • I can’t help you. • I can’t lend you one. • I
can’t play. My back hurts. • I can’t put my finger on the trouble.
• I can’t put my finger on what’s wrong. • I could do that with
my eyes closed. • I could do that with one arm tied behind my
back. • I could do with twice my present salary. • I didn’t know
you smoked. • I didn’t leave it in the kitchen. • I didn’t mean
any harm. • I didn’t mean it that way. • I didn’t mean it, honest.
• I didn’t mean it. • I didn’t mean that. • I didn’t mean to do
it. • I didn’t mean to do that. • I didn’t mean to give you that
impression. • I didn’t mean to imply that. • I didn’t mean to say
that.
• I don’t feel up to it. • I don’t follow you. • I don’t follow.
• I don’t get it. • I don’t get it. Please explain. • I don’t give a
damn. • I don’t have a care in the world. • I don’t have a cent
to my name. • I don’t have a clue. • I don’t have a dollar to my
name. • I don’t have a penny to my name. • I don’t have an ear
for music. • I don’t have any hot water. • I doubt whether Liz’ll
subscribe. • I doubt whether prices are falling. • I feel it in my
bones. • I feel like a fish out of water. • I feel so sleepy. • I feel
sorry for him. • I feel very tired. • I felt something move. • I get
the feeling something’s going to happen. • I give you my word
of honour. • I give you my word. • I go there quite often. • I got
a late start.
• I got an earful. • I got it straight from the horse’s mouth.
• I got lost. • I got really cross with them. • I got sidetracked.
• I got stabbed in the side. • I got ten pounds for it. • I got the
licence number of the car. • I got the licence plate number. • I
got three out of ten. • I got two hundred pounds for it. • I got
you. • I guess I have no choice in the matter. • I guess so. • I
guess. • I had a letter from Imran today. • I had no idea! • I
had to cope alone. • I had to drop someone off. • I had to get
72
money. • I had to get petrol/gas. • I had to give up. I twisted my
knee. • I had to run an errand. • I had to stay in today. • I had
to stop and get petrol/gas. • I had to stop for petrol/gas. • I had
to wait three hours. • I haven’t the vaguest notion. • I haven’t
told my father. • I hear her husband’s died. • I hear what you’re
saying. • I hear you. • I heard it on/through the grapevine. (= a
chain of rumors). • I know what you mean. • I know what you’re
talking about. • I know when I’m not wanted. • I know. • I leave
tomorrow morning. • I left it too late. • I lent him five hundred
rupees. • I like Rupa. • I like it here. • I like it very much. • I like
it. • I like my tea at five sharp. • I like oysters. • I like the color.
• I like the flavor.
• I like the texture. • I like them both. • I like your hair.
• I like your outfit. • I liked that film a lot. • I lost by three
points. • Your train goes from Charing Cross. • I lost ten kilos. •
I lost track of time. • I lost, I’m afraid. • I love it. • I love salted
almonds. • I love what you have done with the living room. • I
love you madly. • I love you passionately. • I love you with all my
heart. • I love you. • I made it without sugar. • I made this cake
myself. • I may be a bit late tonight. • I may be a bit late. • I may
go to the club. • I may have a copy somewhere. • I met him in
Oxford Street. • I might be struck by lightning. • I might see her.
• I might want the anti-lock breaking system. • I misjudged the
time. • I need power steering and power brakes. • I need razor
blades. • I need socks. • I need some antiseptic. • I need some
aspirin. • I need some change, please. • I need some elbowroom.
• I need some jeans. • I need some new shoelaces. • I need
some sleep. • I need some stamps, please. • I need the police. •
I need the toes widened. • I need these resoled. • I need this by
tomorrow. • I said I might have time to make some. • I said no
such thing. • I saw a friend of yours today. • I saw Tom yesterday.
• I saw Linda today. • I saw Ravi at the Sharmas’ party. • I saw
him a few moments ago. • I saw the King yesterday. • I saw the
whole thing. • I scarcely have time to breathe. • I scored. • I
searched this room from top to bottom. • I second that motion.
73
• I see what you mean. • I see where you’re coming from. • I
see you’re playing Hamlet. • I seem to be lost. • I sent the coat
back. • I share your pain. • I share your sorrow. • I should ask
for a rise. • I should fry them. • I should have asked you first. • I
should have known better. • I should have known.
• I should keep quiet about it. • Shall we buy the watch? •
Shall we meet at the hotel? • Sorry, wrong number. • Take the
second on the right. • Take the Preston line. • There are some
shops in the next street. • There’s a bank on the corner. • They
weigh three kilos each. • They’re big. • They’re made of metal.
• They’re nineteen pounds. • They’ve got a pattern on them. •
This way. • We didn’t enjoy it at all. The play was very bad. •
We enjoyed going to the theatre. • We enjoyed ourselves in the
restaurant. • We enjoyed the meal.
***
74
a-and-an word groups
Chapter 10

Here’s a collection of specially-collected word groups – word
groups that are of general use across a wide range of topics.
They’re all nominal groups – that is, groups of words based on
nouns. You can also call them noun phrases. Most of them start
with the indefinite article ‘a’, and some with the indefinite article
‘an’.
The great importance of these word groups is this: They’re
word groups of great general use, and they help you speak about
a wide range of topics. Practise saying them ALOUD. Master them,
and your fluency as well as the quality of the language you use
will start improving dramatically.
Here we go:
Group 1
a wide street; a course of injections; a wide vocabulary; a strong
argument; a grey industrial landscape; a discount for students;
a tall story; a wide river; a party of tourists; an advertising
campaign; a block of seats; a worthy cause; a strong will; a code
of conduct; a tough call; a column of marble; a warning notice;
a price approaching 600; a television personality; a steady
boyfriend; a strong personality; a tennis ball; an egg timer; a wine
bar; a sweet taste; a lover of music; a good practical mechanic;
an entry form; an amateur production; a ring of gold; a battle of
words; a newly married couple; an asthmatic attack; a thinking
person; a town plan; a squash court; a body of water; a bunch
of keys; a total failure; a pack of animals; a bone of contention;
a traffic cone; a vast expanse; a pair of trousers; a few choice
phrases; an itchy feeling; a special occasion; a point of light; a
work table; an essential job; a measure of success; an electric
75
motor; a piece of advice; an objective report; a telling argument;
an overall majority; an ill omen; an ego trip; a life-like painting;
a couple of men; a wedding ring; a most interesting talk; a score
to settle; a magazine of bullets; a tennis racket; a tough problem;
a lot of nerve; a rain of arrows.
a strong smell; an even number; a flock of sheep; a highly
amusing film; a square foot; an added incentive; an inflatable
mattress; a code of behaviour; a strong resemblance; an east
wind; an isolated incident; an all-time low; a cry for help; a mass
of earth; an air terminal; a cross to bear; a sound argument;
an informed choice; an extensive building; a video camera; a
true description; a good many people; a wide choice; a thatched
cottage; an acquired taste; a pack of cards; an odd sock; an
interesting experience; a trouser leg; an economic crisis; a spot
check; a sound body; a professional tennis player; a piece of
information; an outside chance; a tight fit; a deep dark secret;
a terrible play; a straight face; a case of champagne; a band
of disciples; a drop in prices; an angry expression; a theatre
company; a column of water; an old friend; a stable person; a
spy ring; an economic review; a search for truth.
a dirty tricks campaign; an impossible task; a trial separation;
a sticky label; a variety show; an easy slope; a great loss; an
important decision; a tight schedule; a terrible situation; a round
of drinks; a sea of corn; an official function; a piece of string;
a battle of wits; a man of justice; a claim for damages; a cut
in taxes; a tight squeeze; an art gallery; a column of smoke; a
company of soldiers; an individual style; an irrigation channel; a
pack of lies; a stamp collection; a through train; a difference of
opinion; a leader of fashion; an English girl; a steady girlfriend;
a bunch of grapes; an aerobics class; a change of jobs; a gust
of wind; an interested party; a marriage of styles; a pack of
wolves; a feeling of pain; a trade mission; a pair of glasses;
an exact description; a fall of snow; an express letter; a book
about flowers; a pair of scissors; a strong constitution; a cast
of thousands; a fairly easy job; a squash racket; a Member of
76
Parliament; a wrong act; a long-range weather forecast; a French
conversation class; a facility for wood-carving; a spare room; an
electric shock; a telephone number; a sea of faces; a warm stove;
an agricultural fair; a new cancer drug; a typing pool; a block of
flats; a solid citizen; a danger to society; a chorus of disapproval;
an oil slick; a course of treatment; a white man; a weak spot; a
trial period; a list of numbers; a miscarriage of justice; a range of
mountains; a friend of mine; an economic proposition; a post of
responsibility; a tiled floor; an ancient monument; a true copy;
an interesting lot; a wooden post; an old manuscript; a cause
for concern; a back-handed compliment; an advance warning;
a solid compound; a monopoly on wheat; a vegetable plot; an
open car; a group of people; a badly-phrased example; a lapse
of concentration; a family of plants; a line of inquiry; a forward
young woman; an only child; a position of trust; a vital factor; a
reversal of fortune(s); an early reply; a weak signal; an insurance
policy; a cut of meat; a fact of life; a wrong answer
Group 2
a pair of shoes; a stark choice; a thick plank; a fund of knowledge; a
spot broadcast; an added bonus; a novel by Dickens; a useful tool;
a troubled spirit; a top surgeon; an amber light; an independent
clause; an economic holiday; a sports bag; a terraced house; an
independent spirit; a team player; a woman doctor; a swimming
competition; a bank of switches; a piece of news; an unlikely
story; an armed guard; an emergency landing; a long dry period;
an independent voter; a group of trees; a meeting of minds; a
ticket office; a hint of scandal; a long unlit passage; a popular
make of phone etc.; a winning smile; an eight-year-old child; an
ancient record-player; an open tournament; a pool of blood; a
varied selection; a step up; a long lunch hour; a wrong solution;
a would-be artist; a plot of land; a report concerning cancer; a
fine young man; a solid person; a wild night; a studio flat; a
bunch of flowers; a bar to progress; an advertising promotion; a
TV personality; a note of optimism; a sorry state; a knowledge of
77
carpentry; a culture of blame; a block of stone; a lack of money;
an old girlfriend; a crowd of tourists; a swimming pool; a tent
peg; an established couple; a grain of truth; a takeover bid; a
crust of bread; a company’s financial report; a bit of fun; a need
for caution; an easy manner; a piece of furniture; a white face.
a wild guess; an exercise bike; a law of physics; an important
person; a mountain of paperwork; an unfair advantage; a
warlike people; a young couple.; a well-oiled machine; a free
natural manner; a steep hill; a class of objects; a weak argument;
a wooden floor; an old man; a length of wire; a collection of
jumble; a crowd of demonstrators; a square edge; an insurance
claim; a pair of birds; a strained muscle; an easy chair; a call for
assistance; a waterlogged course; an even surface; a sponge cake;
a film of dust; a television programme; a bird of prey; an orange
juice; a sure remedy; a walled garden; a terrorist hide-out; a tour
guide; a bid for power; a sea of daffodils; a reserve of money; a
subject nation; a pair of jeans; a score of five-nil; a guide to plants;
a throbbing pain; a race against time; a boy of ten; a valuable
object; a wonderful sight; a top model; a live radio program; a
saving of 1000 dollars; a pack of fools; a video cassette; a conflict
of interest; a dead tennis ball; an apple tree; a man of means; a
sweet smell; a bar of soap; an electrical engineer; a bite to eat;
a bit of paper; an ideal world; a common young woman; a west
wind; a change of clothes; a load of nonsense; a pair of gloves; a
break with tradition; a mountain of work.
a table mat; a cool young woman; a sponge bag; a list of
names; an empty space; a call of pain; an easy pace; an informal
visit; a swimming cap; a wild throw; a whole host; a most
careful driver; a knowledge of French; a flight of bees; a willing
helper; an even temperature; a return to nature; an emotional
speech; a solid performance; a degree of uncertainty; an untidy
appearance; a man of principle; an old maid; a head for business;
an independent school; a straight answer; an old model; a wet
town; a strange land; a warm scent; a play on words; a deep red
colour; a mouth to feed; a wet day; a pack of thieves; a trade
78
fair; a pack of cigarettes; a striped pattern; a dog with rabies;
an insurance agent; an easy prey; an effective remedy; a temper
tantrum; a strange phenomenon; an angry look; an atomic bomb;
a sporting event; a video terminal; a special tool; a tree-lined
walk; a drop in exports; a weak light; an empty expression; an
independent state; a chapter of accidents; a substantial sum; a
bundle of nerves; a piece of rag; an easy life; a traffic jam; a record
of events; an intermediate course; an easy task; an informal affair;
a steel bar; a wise decision; an open question; a tight budget; a
person of character; a warm climb; a good night’s sleep; a tennis
net; an involved plot; a mine of information; a tourist guide; a
book on minerals; a typographical error; an independent nation;
a line of people; a weekend break; a wine glass; a tower block; an
impossible story; a break for tea; a file of people; a sorry sight; a
true friend; a board of directors; an unmarried mother; a flash of
lightning; a note of fear; a formal dinner party; a warm welcome;
an opera company; a member of staff.
Group 3
a visible sign; an extreme case; an undercover agent; an honest
living; a taxi stand; an independent mind; a programme of
modernization; a white woman; a level playing field; a chest of
drawers; a case of wine; a towel rail; a great tennis player; a
change in circumstances; a ball of wool; a tall order; a chess
grand master; a wooden board; an attractive personality; a wet
candidate; a fresh young man; an extra room; an even pace; a
potential for violence; a gesture of goodwill; a line of figures; a
warm climate; a family of note; an oil rig; a moment of silence;
an electric blanket; a roll of drums; a spelling mistake; an
administrative district; a piece of legislation; a check on growth;
an economic venture; a collection of stamps; an accepted opinion;
an extensive review; a surprise party; a successful business; an
empty gesture; a rumour going about; an impossible child; a
warm jumper; a telephone call; a layer of dust; a tennis court;
an odd shoe; a round of golf; an open secret; a drop of water; a
79
useful experience; a woody expression; a tent pole; an underwater
camera; a collection of essays; a note of distinction; a position of
responsibility; a strange notion; a wide guess; an optional extra;
a book of stamps; a mass of tourists; a travel agency; a weak will;
a warm day; a cut of beef; an open door.
a star attraction; a wild stare; a tight spot; a south wind; a
trial basis; a clap of thunder; an alarm clock; a textiles factory; a
couple of drinks; a mark of respect; a mountain rescue team; a
band of robbers; a university education; a cloud of mosquitoes;
an income band; a battle of wills; an estate agent; a collection
of poems; a wild horse; a jump in prices; a square deal; an
independent conclusion; a drink of water; a sound policy; a
world power; an efficient manager; a crown of thorns; a white
lie; a square refusal; a strip cartoon; a patch of fog; an arm rest;
a guide to Delhi; a man of decision; an isolated case; a wide
shot; a High Court judge; an animal’s hole; a charge of murder;
a wind instrument; an easy mind; a round of applause; a still
evening; an express train; an electronic calculator; a point of
order; a telephone box; a wooden box; an American Indian; a
fall in price; an old bag; a crime against humanity; a pattern of
behaviour; a piece of music; a sound worker; a dress of silk; a
taxi rank; a sweet nature; a rise in prices; a hint of impatience;
an easy delivery; a toy shop; a length of cloth; a video recorder;
a staff shortage; a couple of problems; a tiled roof; a roll of film;
a stray cat; a piece of fruit; a case of nerves; a sound wave;
an effective argument; a change of fortune; an oil painting; a
vocational college; an attitude problem; a bill due today; a large
scale search; an emergency exit.
a stable relationship; a bank of computers; a weak policy;
a matter of concern; a country in crisis; a spare part; a pound
of apples; a thumbnail sketch; a tough policy; an immediate
response; an old person; a suburban train; a coat of paint; a
technical term; an unlikely excuse; a change of direction; a range
of subjects; a family of aristocrats; a toy car; a bar of chocolate;
an opening shot; a violent crime; a bid for mayor; a tough
80
substance; a terrorist attack; a swimming costume; a technical
college; a sports car; an exam paper; an open fire; an enemy
agent; a man of culture; a viable option; an early breakfast; a
rain of bullets; an entrance exam; a clove of garlic; an original
thinker; an emotional welcome; a length of pipe; a lot of people;
a twin room; a transatlantic flight; a tough regime; a really
charming person; an electric shaver; a tense atmosphere; a weak
leader; a cake of soap; a bottle of lemonade; a travel agent; a
working majority; a can of beans; a sports complex; a flight of
stairs; an able pupil; an impossible situation; a trumpet player;
a tough material; an open manner; a video game; a three-speed
bike; a stomach upset; a court of justice; an awful lot; a tool box;
a pale blue shirt; a square meal; a collection of people; an open
shirt; a warm campaign; a glass of milk.
a person of understanding; a titled lady; a window screen;
a whole lot; a career in politics; a well-balanced diet; a blanket
of fog; a successful writer; a flock of birds; a play by Bernard
Shaw; a star pupil; a lot of money; an alternative route; an eating
establishment; a love of books; an open mesh; a growing number
(of people etc.); a telegraph key; an oily rag; a large country
estate; a mind seeking peace; an apple pie; a loaf of bread; a trade
war; a feeling of loneliness; a video shop; an unlikely chance;
a tense silence; a surface scratch; an active person; a flight of
steps; a room to myself; a television set; a painter and decorator;
a three-storey building; a person of (outstanding) ability; a
change of plan; a wooden chair; a through road/street; a round
of parties; a glass of water; an electrical fault; a vivid memory;
a point of view; a piece of cloth; a friend of art; a vicious circle;
an overnight success; an attractive situation; a sports jacket; a
ring of truth; a fuss about nothing; an official statement; a gin
and tonic; a pattern of elegance; a pair of pyjamas; a range of
colours; a gift for languages; a working journalist; an unlikely
chance of success; a hint of a smile; an untenable argument; an
unusual style of house; a bend in the road; a boring job; a break
for the commercial; a break in diplomatic relations; a career in
81
medicine/journalism; a careful piece of work; a champion of
women’s rights; a cold wind from the river; a guest in the hotel;
a hall hung with tapestries; a heavy fall of snow; a high level of
output; a key to the symbols; a mark of good quality; a report of
the accident; a sense of direction; a slice of the cake; a slip of a
girl; a train of events; an across-the-board wage increase; an act
of kindness; an air of importance; an artist of note; an ear for
language; an important business matter; an invitation to a party;
an object of fun; a fit of temper; an oil terminal; a stomach bug; a
roll of paper; an upset stomach; a person of mark; a used car.
***
82
Content-intensive speech: verb + adverb
Chapter 11
Content-intensive speech:
verb + adverb
There’s an important skill you should have if you want to be able
to speak fluently about a wide variety of topics: You must have
the ability to describe actions, events, situations and states easily
– without groping for words to describe them, as though you
have no real idea what those words could be. In fact, this is the
most important sub-skill of the fluency skill.
All action word groups, Verb + Noun combinations and core-
word clusters that you have done practice with in the various
books in this series are word groups that can help you achieve
this sub-skill.
Now here’s another important collection of word combinations
that help you broaden this sub-skill: verb + adverb combinations.
They are word groups referring to (i) the actions that someone or
something performs; or (ii) the events that someone or something
experiences or things that happen to them; or (iii) the situation
or state (that is, the emotional, mental or physical condition) of
someone or something. In addition, these word groups have a
built-in factor that adds an element of how – to the action, event,
situation or state referred to.
All these are word groups of great general use across a wide
range of topics.
The element in the combination that describes the action,
event, situation or state is the verb element, and the element that
expresses ‘the how aspect’ is the adverb element.
I want to stress one thing here: These word groups are very
important from the fluency-development angle. This is especially
so, if you’re someone who needs a high degree of fluency in serious
conversations (and not just in casual, informal, idle chats).
83
Practise saying these word groups ALOUD. Master them, and
watch how your fluency and the quality of your English start
improving markedly.
Here we go:
Group 1
talk enthusiastically; put bluntly; win narrowly; barely disguised;
cut easily; ask querulously; stay indoors; hit badly; stir well;
greatly reduce sth; control tightly; fail dismally; encourage
greatly; talk politely; describe adequately; speak absently; run
badly; try manfully; support loyally; love deeply; want genuinely;
lead undoubtedly; approve warmly; meet levelly; laugh bitterly;
oppose strenuously; thank sincerely; play superbly; reach
gingerly; step carefully; clear partially; nod thoughtfully; wait
eagerly; release eventually; increase rapidly; support strongly;
lose financially; argue consistently; eagerly scan sth; watch
warily; watch carefully; sigh wearily; agree completely; ask
gently; rise slightly; hurt slightly; control properly; treat leniently;
grow upwards; call variously; think contemptuously; look
dubiously; treat equally; recommend earnestly; fund centrally;
talk casually; flush hotly; hurt badly; weaken severely; help
solicitously; understand easily; live vicariously; answer quietly;
vote tactically; agree soberly; bitterly resent sth; ask solicitously;
speak intelligibly; tap softly; say promptly; look disapprovingly;
release immediately; rub vigorously; cut abruptly; lead naturally;
speak harshly; end unhappily; beat comprehensively; fail
completely; attack violently; fly direct; attack vigorously; tap
repeatedly; demand roughly; land badly; hope fervently.
play badly; speak authoritatively; work efficiently; say
gruffly; remember vaguely; release suddenly; maintain properly;
meet fleetingly; increase greatly; operate efficiently; work
closely; think despairingly; beat badly; cut short; fund partly;
speak encouragingly; deeply resent sth; offer helpfully; rise
slowly; write anonymously; laugh heartily; reach eventually;
84
share equally; figure prominently; behave unreasonably; oppose
fiercely; think wistfully; glare accusingly; speak sharply; wildly
exaggerate sth; maintain beautifully; agree voluntarily; live
apart; support generously; hotly deny sth; say patiently; beat
relentlessly; want truly; deal fully; remember vividly; rise quickly;
laugh freely; live harmoniously; need definitely; drive carefully;
demand fiercely; stir thoroughly; bite hard; charge formally; laugh
uproariously; follow blindly; say repeatedly; agree provisionally;
cut considerably; say simply; say thoughtfully; need sorely; speak
quietly; know precisely; act unreasonably; operate electrically;
suggest respectfully; write busily; follow closely; tell bluntly;
treat unfairly; say bitterly; mail direct; ask slyly; broadcast live;
laugh derisively; increase slightly; speak well; say hurriedly;
market heavily; draw beautifully.
laugh quietly; lead ultimately; thank profusely; say carefully;
operate continuously; suggest helpfully; heavily influence sb/
sth; say seriously; nod approvingly; act dishonourably; need
clearly; hardly need; cut severely; operate independently; treat
harshly; understand perfectly; claim falsely; say smoothly; try
valiantly; land awkwardly; say lightly; try desperately; cut thick;
say icily; stand awkwardly; fall slightly; speak openly; care
genuinely; walk swiftly; end peacefully; recommend heartily;
rub briskly; change slowly; cut cleanly; live well; talk earnestly;
thank gratefully; fall dramatically; try feebly; encourage actively;
decide wisely; clear suddenly; laugh briefly; live alone; hit heavily;
fund privately; pass slowly; speak loudly; back unanimously; say
tightly; look imploringly; suggest politely; agree grudgingly;
change considerably; work alone; tap gently; press close/closely;
speak warmly; lead automatically; grow rapidly; talk openly;
meet determinedly; agree lamely; look intently; operate reliably;
change fundamentally; use normally; laugh harshly; tap firmly;
say happily; stand uncertainly; speak calmly; wait expectantly;
answer softly; fight gallantly; flush guiltily.
stop momentarily; look impassively; fight valiantly; look
reflectively; follow carefully; tell truthfully; back hastily;
85
lead eventually; look carefully; approve wholeheartedly; care
passionately; walk fast; run efficiently; break irretrievably;
closely guard sth; experience actually; argue deductively; write
badly; vote formally; think too hard; say coldly; use regularly;
market aggressively; rain heavily; say steadily; cover loosely;
speak coherently; walk slowly; help greatly; play excellently;
closely followed by sb; run upstairs; ask curiously; laugh
happily; say brightly; say sharply; clear quickly; demand coldly;
read silently; step close; support actively; follow immediately;
glare fiercely; consider briefly; experience subjectively; charge
directly; rise higher; walk ahead; suggest tactfully; scarcely credit
sth; ask nastily; react calmly; direct straight; say apologetically;
say thickly; rise steadily; say coolly; grow organically; accept
graciously; grow well; issue formally; back strongly; say vaguely;
categorically deny sth; claim rightly; work badly.
Group 2
treat cruelly; follow faithfully; beat frantically; put mildly; support
overwhelmingly; walk briskly; try vainly; draw irresistibly; say
absently; fail miserably; act sensibly; answer honestly; draw
immediately; drive recklessly; sit quietly; understand well;
oppose vigorously; die prematurely; walk forward; act stupidly;
live frugally; treat unjustly; say stiffly; draw accurately; stand
meekly; fill slowly; grow quickly; say furiously; ask innocently;
rise further; act legally; approve overwhelmingly; try gamely;
support enthusiastically; perform poorly; greatly exaggerate sth;
think rationally; put cleverly; think resentfully; believe firmly;
laugh uncontrollably; borrow freely; describe accurately; stand
passively; compare well; act correctly; stick close; lead normally;
issue immediately; laugh excitedly; receive gratefully; accept
readily; agree unanimously; talk freely; act suspiciously; laugh
politely; fund publicly; anxiously scan sth; change drastically;
call originally; run smoothly; answer curtly; end finally; sit
cross-legged; sing loudly; back fully; laugh delightedly; say
awkwardly; fear genuinely; walk quietly; announce proudly; say
86
hastily; end effectively; laugh sourly; perform live; write clearly;
concern directly; increase steeply; speak boldly; win easily; ask
legitimately; ask apprehensively; treat badly; attack brutally;
jealously guard sth; say truthfully; issue promptly; climb steeply;
beat severely; speak soothingly; cost properly; need obviously;
break easily; go smoothly; agree meekly; watch avidly; say aloud;
look anxiously; happen spontaneously.
flush angrily; use efficiently; show clearly; tell gravely;
work independently; see suddenly; stay late; read aloud;
agree entirely; end tragically; work effectively; tell sternly;
eat sensibly; perform well; add softly; grow exponentially; use
indiscriminately; approve personally; answer affirmatively; see
dimly; live amicably; run fast; deal properly; meet head-on; nod
gravely; ask fearfully; play well; broadcast live; say gently; control
strictly; step briskly; laugh outright; like enormously; weaken
seriously; fund generously; cut drastically; watch intently; rise
steeply; hear clearly; tell falsely; care deeply; like best; fly high;
hope sincerely; complete correctly; say calmly; agree strongly;
feel strongly; back financially; agree absolutely; watch quietly;
say evenly; clear completely; announce formally; answer
truthfully; lead nowhere; look dumbly; suggest seriously; learn
quickly; agree wholeheartedly; speak earnestly; return forcibly;
win duly; think irritably; ask quietly; beat easily; use generally;
draw aside; rise markedly; argue convincingly; operate remotely;
close permanently; tell smugly; concern slightly; agree readily;
look closely; operate autonomously; pass unanimously; approve
officially; attack openly; need badly; laugh shortly; draw badly;
return recently; rise significantly; describe briefly; remember
distinctly; charge jointly; fear seriously; beat convincingly; say
bluntly; remember belatedly; say proudly.
borrow heavily; act wisely; say quietly; wait nervously; stay
here; act brilliantly; sigh deeply; sleep soundly; start suddenly;
say sadly; speak fluently; talk glibly; wait anxiously; draw
carefully; treat fairly; work collaboratively; talk continuously;
look speculatively; take kindly; stand straight; go slowly; fill
87
gradually; change radically; beat wildly; win comfortably;
fund jointly; talk loudly; sleep well; release officially; maintain
lovingly; drive slowly; stop suddenly; remember rightly; vote
unanimously; share fully; live forever; hear well; back hurriedly;
say finally; receive badly; glare furiously; nod vigorously; say
briskly; understand properly; fight hard; increase threefold;
cut savagely; die peacefully; win eventually; ask politely;
market selectively; use rarely; bite badly; matter little; release
conditionally; increase gradually; run quickly; hardly contain
sth; stay overnight; read voraciously; deal quickly; fund partially;
need urgently; react badly; fight bitterly; use carefully; change
suddenly; operate successfully; oppose strongly; play live; appear
suddenly; look quizzically.
ask nicely; design specially; fall steadily; wait patiently; bleed
heavily; direct primarily; say crossly; laugh nervously; listen
closely; win finally; listen attentively; beat lightly; beat narrowly;
change dramatically; listen carefully; ask softly; watch numbly;
look reproachfully; push too hard; say flatly; watch nervously;
attack bitterly; fill rapidly; rise majestically; laugh grimly; play
brilliantly; read avidly; decline rapidly; run downstairs; ask
anxiously; sell cheaply; say loudly; increase dramatically; market
successfully; clear formally; consider seriously; start immediately;
think guiltily; act unconstitutionally; lead inevitably; meet
regularly; listen politely; run late; go quickly; rub lightly; meet
squarely; deal separately; write beautifully; sing softly; think
deeply; say mildly; say fiercely; act strangely; beat violently;
appear currently; ask conversationally; speak suddenly; write
neatly; fund entirely; recommend wholeheartedly; follow swiftly;
oppose vehemently; back overwhelmingly; wait impatiently;
sleep badly; back publicly; beat soundly; thank publicly; like
particularly; vote narrowly; control carefully; love passionately;
nod slowly; talk sensibly; watch impassively; ask sarcastically;
speak eloquently; pass uneventfully; fight tenaciously; act
unlawfully; try clumsily; react adversely; remember well; drive
fast; think indignantly; think grimly; see clearly; fund directly;
88
win unexpectedly; operate commercially; laugh scornfully; back
firmly; remember fondly; control effectively; say cheerfully;
weaken fatally; bring well; release accidentally; hurt physically;
fully intend (to do sth/ doing sth); lead inexorably; run well; say
drily/dryly; follow shortly; reach finally.
attack physically; hear correctly; believe sincerely; spend
lavishly; answer evasively; laugh mirthlessly; ask casually;
buy cheaply; attack savagely; know well; remember suddenly;
describe vividly; fund fully; thank politely; talk non-stop; increase
sharply; tap lightly; complete accurately; describe exactly; say
easily; answer calmly; draw roughly; operate hydraulically; laugh
softly; fear rightly; return voluntarily; release unconditionally;
run jointly; support financially; hit wildly; try unsuccessfully;
smoke heavily; land neatly; fear greatly; laugh aloud; step
smartly; like better; win outright; answer coldly; say firmly;
attack sharply; design specifically; fund properly; walk quickly;
speak meaningfully; agree expressly; dangerously close/ near;
run headlong; reach easily; write well; oppose bitterly; look
apprehensively; work steadily; say solemnly; say suddenly; fly low;
win handsomely; televise live; talk endlessly; glare defiantly; wait
long; rub gently; speak movingly; beat brutally; laugh helplessly;
agree verbally; grow steadily; stay indefinitely; clear totally; take
philosophically; match well; increase significantly; visit regularly;
wait tensely; guard closely; beat thoroughly; encourage strongly;
agree heartily; run independently; lead directly; listen hard; beat
fast; issue directly; clear hastily; look expectantly; say gravely;
use frequently; land safely; complete successfully; live happily;
use occasionally; mind terribly; control directly; demand
aggressively; ask suspiciously; house inadequately; experience
directly; look longingly; act reasonably; say politely; draw
inexorably; argue plausibly; market effectively; guard carefully;
need desperately; vary widely; recommend thoroughly; accept
gratefully; hit severely; step delicately; answer satisfactorily;
fail narrowly; feel deeply; call quaintly; say huskily; cover
completely; say slowly; change fast; think personally; change
89
continually; accept willingly; stand stiffly; climb steadily; beat
comfortably; ask amiably; sit still; draw well; look studiously;
understand correctly; run properly.
Group 3
laugh deeply; wait breathlessly; listen intently; add quickly;
say honestly; argue forcefully; land expertly; ask testily; fail
spectacularly; announce officially; laugh hollowly; go well;
watch silently; meet unflinchingly; beat rapidly; laugh cynically;
sit uneasily; design cleverly; act well; support fervently; pay
well; laugh loudly; dial direct; rise late; ask belligerently; speak
slowly; support wholeheartedly; look archly; house temporarily;
cut suddenly; agree tacitly; talk wildly; speak hesitantly; laugh
hysterically; talk excitedly; love truly; look sharply; decline
dramatically; work full-time; speak briefly; agree reluctantly;
fill fast; glare angrily; lean close; receive well; work smoothly;
consider carefully; tell firmly; stand upright; cling close/
closely; watch idly; talk incessantly; fight stubbornly; increase
enormously; put tactfully; kill accidentally; live modestly; read
carefully; work satisfactorily; sit well; use sparingly; sit easily;
reproduce faithfully; strongly indicate sth; match correctly;
claim justifiably; hurt seriously; act properly; stand successfully;
laugh angrily; act immediately; narrowly beat/defeat sb; put
crudely; say soothingly; take seriously; recommend highly;
think suddenly; put simply; fairly well; step gingerly; direct
specifically; stand still; clearly indicate sth; stand unsuccessfully;
help tremendously; record live; fall overboard; put badly.
follow dutifully; guard fiercely; decide finally; call
collectively; house adequately; issue jointly; understand
intuitively; look enquiringly; last long; claim rightfully; operate
effectively; pay gladly; believe seriously; match carefully; win
convincingly; watch anxiously; increase considerably; act badly;
fail totally; grow outwards; fund independently; decide sensibly;
oppose implacably; approve narrowly; flush darkly; think
90
frantically; laugh lightly; think honestly; watch helplessly; eat
properly; agree gravely; try frantically; react angrily; demand
furiously; end eventually; approve unanimously; remember
correctly; live longer; argue strongly; cut significantly; hope
desperately; produce locally; cut completely; ask incredulously;
stop short; die suddenly; demand irritably; decline sharply;
encourage positively; answer correctly; market cleverly; ask
icily; change gradually; fund externally; look enviously; snuggle
close; say curtly; fill quickly; cut crossways; wait uneasily; act
oddly; cut gradually; attack fiercely; fight desperately; change
constantly; hardly speak; laugh incredulously; charge headlong;
maintain poorly; act promptly; back openly; stop dead; vary
considerably; agree generally; deal fairly; hit accidentally; end
prematurely; rise substantially; fall significantly; stop abruptly;
help enormously; sit comfortably; want badly; think glumly; go
badly; grow fast; significantly reduce sth; produce commercially;
demand indignantly; last forever; suggest tentatively; change
rapidly; perform satisfactorily; sigh happily; beat mercilessly;
happen overnight; walk cautiously; sit demurely; strongly resent
sth; work hard.
recommend strongly; agree tartly; thank personally; strongly
influence sb/ sth; support unanimously; increase steadily; close
firmly; reproduce accurately; stroke softly; thank warmly;
speak distinctly; grossly exaggerate sth; remember dimly; offer
generously; look blankly; lead somewhere; stay behind; rise
rapidly; demand harshly; look questioningly; vary enormously;
happen actually; draw inevitably; put well; act effectively; rub hard;
tap rapidly; fall squarely; return eventually; say conversationally;
attack strongly; sigh heavily; end inconclusively; talk vaguely;
flush deeply; increase substantially; ask pointedly; climb
rapidly; closely pursued by sb; fund inadequately; know exactly;
closely resemble sth; break completely; weaken considerably;
follow slavishly; speak clearly; bring badly; follow quickly; join
enthusiastically; end disappointingly; approve heartily; laugh
humourlessly; laugh suddenly; laugh silently; rise early; hear
91
distantly; run home; rise sharply; vote overwhelmingly; order
direct/directly; speak forcefully; wait quietly; die tragically; lead
indirectly; support fully; guard jealously; hardly credit sth; say
tersely; fall sharply; hit hard; say lamely; answer negatively; land
heavily; deal directly; act dishonestly; behave well; speak freely;
cut lengthways; change significantly; react unfavourably; offer
impulsively; work part-time; vary greatly; return shortly; act
swiftly; say tartly; understand adequately; operate electronically;
rise dramatically; suggest strongly; accept fully; break abruptly;
fall heavily; provide kindly.
fund adequately; barely contain sth; take well; greatly
influence sb/ sth; say ungraciously; speak lovingly; attack
viciously; think carefully; pass quickly; look doubtfully; look
searchingly; release finally; believe mistakenly; care truly; say
impatiently; operate profitably; sing live; run professionally; (not)
sleep well; rise fast; behave badly; say abruptly; act improperly;
direct clearly; speak softly; agree fully; operate manually; cut
effectively; pass peacefully; cost fully; improve dramatically; nod
sympathetically; fly fast; understand readily; say angrily; act
decisively; maintain immaculately; sigh contentedly; fly slowly;
release quickly; change completely; deal effectively; think
seriously; beat well; end abruptly; land lightly; grow slowly;
understand fully; distinctly remember sb/ sth; act bravely; direct
principally; run personally; say casually; laugh gently; work
properly; accept reluctantly; beat savagely; close temporarily; tell
flatly; bite deep; deal speedily; want desperately; spend wisely;
sell well; act responsibly; understand instinctively; laugh easily;
demand sharply; reproduce exactly; watch incredulously; meet
challengingly; react violently; design carefully; control centrally;
tell curtly; speak brusquely; claim wrongly; act wrongly; laugh
openly; eat well; produce organically; market actively; answer
fully; work well.
grow thickly; fall steeply; ask dryly/dryly; nod grimly; run
regularly; announce publicly; say quickly; accept gladly; watch
covertly; act illegally; walk calmly; look pleadingly; close tightly;
92
pay handsomely; draw partly; stop altogether; return safely; say
harshly; approve thoroughly; end disastrously; say sternly; drive
quickly; try hard; thank properly; stand idly; approve formally;
argue persuasively; agree broadly; watch open-mouthed; think
hard; think fleetingly; say grimly; laugh simply; watch closely;
increase twofold; fight doggedly; eat healthily; remember
always; think dully; produce domestically; draw clearly; receive
cheerfully; live comfortably; need simply; offer kindly; drink
heavily; stop immediately; fight successfully; fund well; last
indefinitely; meet first; write extensively; wait politely; argue
passionately; wait silently; sexually harass sb; say breathlessly;
decline steadily; fight bravely; follow obediently; understand
clearly; remember clearly; talk quietly; support tacitly; ask
crossly; say softly; rain hard; draw crudely; laugh cheerfully; run
blindly; demand angrily; rise swiftly; fund poorly; act quickly;
screen live; work perfectly; look pityingly; end suddenly.
***
93
Content-intensive speech: Adverb+Adjective
Chapter 12
Content-intensive speech:
Adverb+Adjective
If you want to become fluent enough to speak about a wide
range of topics, a basic ability you should develop is the ability to
describe a person or thing – by adding more information about
them. And you must have the ability to intensify the descriptive
details you add; and you must be able to tone them down, too.
And to achieve this ability, you must have a practical mastery
of a particular type of word combinations: the adverb + adjective
combinations.
And here’s a rich collection adverb + adjective combinations
that are of great general use across a wide range of topics. Pick
up each word group from this collection and say it ALOUD several
times, and get your organs of speech to become used to saying
them. This practice can bring you immediate benefits.
Here we go:
Group 1
doubly careful; below average; highly unlikely; anatomically
correct; painfully aware; completely dark; sufficiently interested;
mentally ill; beautifully cool; frankly impossible; increasingly
radical; environmentally responsible; correspondingly
expensive; incredibly hot; fairly late; comparatively brief;
notoriously dangerous; incredibly popular; fairly sharp; fairly
clean; genuinely radical; extremely good; possibly dangerous;
nearly ready; ecologically responsible; fairly bad; fundamentally
religious; clearly ready; theoretically impossible; politically
radical; profoundly sad; blissfully warm; botanically correct;
relatively cheap; ideologically correct; mercifully brief;
increasingly effective; fairly tough; generally impossible; legally
94
correct; logically impossible; immensely powerful; specifically
religious; faintly warm; exceptionally hot; exceedingly hot;
truly happy; generally excellent; ominously quiet; scrupulously
careful; relatively successful; greatly interested; remarkably
quick; completely open; deeply religious; morally responsible;
perfectly fair; reasonably tough; legally effective; pretty quiet;
wholly positive; passionately interested; roughly similar; deadly
serious; painfully beautiful.
truly interested; blissfully cool; wildly popular; fairly dramatic;
moderately successful; obviously impossible; fairly formal;
increasingly complex; incredibly rich; phenomenally popular;
distinctly positive; rightly famous; completely safe; scalding
hot; extremely light; legally responsible; genuinely sorry; dead
straight; increasingly severe; truly democratic; comparatively
quiet; strategically important; comfortably warm; hugely
expensive; technically correct; extremely warm; particularly true;
nearly constant; peculiarly narrow; blissfully quiet; devastatingly
effective; particularly serious; pretty hard; increasingly difficult;
fairly full; fairly simple; relatively simple; fairly weak; particularly
happy; extraordinarily complex; ill educated; frightfully sorry;
wholly separate; pretty quick; politically active; absolutely free;
fairly long; frighteningly expensive; pretty heavy; particularly
rich; pretty effective; relatively formal; extremely nice; strangely
happy; essentially correct; fundamentally weak; politically
dangerous; massively popular; completely correct; locally
powerful; mostly dry; remarkably beautiful; deliciously warm;
marvellously warm; particularly effective; bone dry; physically
impossible; extremely rapid; physically weak; suddenly sharp;
absolutely open; mainly interested; single-handedly responsible.
absolutely separate; extremely serious; immensely sad;
highly responsible; enormously expensive; relatively powerful;
extremely original; inherently weak; extremely simple;
immensely popular; extremely safe; highly complex; ecstatically
happy; freezing cold; dangerously democratic; grammatically
correct; beautifully soft; obviously interested; surprisingly
95
effective; environmentally aware; burning hot; pretty traditional;
pretty clear; physically active; politically powerful; reasonably
active; absolutely constant; hitherto impossible; dead unlucky;
incredibly easy; inherently dangerous; fairly rapid; collectively
responsible; moderately positive; hardly able; politically
impossible; pretty bright; phenomenally successful; virtually
essential; internationally popular; pretty free; increasingly
powerful; infinitely complex; fairly good; pretty fast; hugely
popular; excessively narrow; surprisingly early; relatively severe;
reasonably warm; slightly warm; sufficiently stable; nearly full;
statistically significant; wonderfully beautiful; strictly formal;
sufficiently powerful; increasingly critical; tediously slow;
largely responsible; remarkably cheap; extremely effective;
completely free; hardly aware; fabulously rich; truly professional;
refreshingly cool; strictly professional; mentally tough; incredibly
powerful; remarkably slow; extremely formal; economically
powerful; unusually rapid; boiling hot; slightly open; pretty
useful; highly regular; directly responsible; absolutely perfect;
pretty bad; startlingly beautiful; surprisingly large; effectively
impossible; terribly dangerous; potentially radical; extremely
brief; extremely rich; chiefly interested.
fairly active; utterly impossible; fairly rich; lamentably weak;
undoubtedly useful; absolutely correct; academically successful;
bright purple; equally important; potentially powerful; highly
stable; increasingly unlikely; reportedly interested; pretty
strange; fairly quiet; militarily weak; essentially positive; hardly
fair; universally useful; dangerously quiet; politically effective;
extremely personal; broadly liberal; particularly complex;
extremely likely; reasonably dry; apparently positive; perfectly
quiet; dimly aware; unusually complete; extremely dramatic;
sufficiently severe; bitterly cold; widely separate; broadly
positive; fairly important; startlingly original; fiercely critical;
unusually severe; amazingly expensive; deeply sorry; ill informed;
technically complex; pretty small; fairly strange; abundantly
clear; basically correct; pretty clean; dangerously ill; slightly hot;
96
fairly essential; apparently unlikely; comparatively light; fully
effective; far better; increasingly expensive; genuinely ill; truly
radical; perfectly true; fairly significant; bloody hot; practically
ready; particularly quick; depressingly obvious; objectively true;
truly great; harshly critical; downright dangerous; reasonably
quick; perfectly obvious; purely professional; highly critical;
mathematically perfect; slightly green; extremely tough; pretty
sure; immediately obvious; unnaturally bright; uniformly
excellent; extra careful; obviously expensive; increasingly
professional; exceptionally bright; surprisingly weak.
deliriously happy; amazingly cheap; fairly useful; fairly slow;
far superior; terribly interested; comparatively recent; surprisingly
light; especially powerful; baking hot; completely light; simply
huge; extremely early; horribly aware; unduly expensive;
apparently radical; fairly hot; prohibitively expensive; completely
new; completely clear; wide open; slightly sharp; surprisingly
happy; relatively short; extremely successful; thoroughly nice;
hugely successful; crystal clear; highly likely; mathematically
impossible; inordinately expensive; comparatively slow;
extremely old; mainly dry; reasonably fast; extremely dangerous;
still interested; pretty big; generally useful; needlessly expensive;
clearly happy; extremely late; universally popular; unseasonably
warm; socially impossible; extremely severe; professionally cool;
economically impossible; comparatively narrow; acutely ill;
relatively recent.
Group 2
extraordinarily light; hugely important; slightly red; bitterly
critical; pretty broad; fairly radical; dead good; extremely unlikely;
extremely direct; especially complex; apparently interested; pretty
impossible; completely full; somewhat complex; surprisingly
powerful; totally fair; functionally important; superficially similar;
truly sorry; particularly severe; nearly impossible; entirely new;
fairly powerful; comparatively cheap; painfully slow; particularly
97
sad; relatively liberal; oppressively hot; notoriously slow; clearly
correct; mainly responsible; frustratingly slow; overwhelmingly
positive; slightly dangerous; remarkably quiet; ludicrously
expensive; perfectly able; nearly complete; unbearably hot;
completely fair; especially popular; decidedly weak; scorching
hot; absolutely terrible; doubly sure; stiffly formal; potentially
rich; absolutely impossible; primarily responsible; seriously ill;
totally foreign; doubly important; mentally weak; brilliantly
effective; extremely clean; officially open; perfectly happy;
radiantly happy; perfectly normal; scarcely able; extremely
happy; breathtakingly beautiful; fairly easy; partially effective;
astonishingly successful; highly successful; virtually complete;
relatively narrow; disconcertingly direct; physically separate;
socially aware; causally necessary; ultimately impossible; merely
formal; eternally popular; agonizingly slow; fully responsible;
fairly regular; moderately large; entirely correct; relatively soft;
apparently separate; formally responsible; logically necessary;
deceptively simple.
simply terrible; fairly happy; absolutely safe; extremely
similar; dead boring; unusually bright; utterly beautiful; highly
expensive; emotionally ready; fairly short; indirectly responsible;
slightly common; ridiculously easy; pleasantly cool; unbearably
sad; financially impossible; hardly true; fatally ill; fairly cool;
particularly tough; barely dry; far preferable; tantalizingly
brief; perfectly clear; dead right; fairly narrow; amazingly fast;
reasonably broad; extremely bright; fairly cheap; unnaturally
quiet; remarkably similar; exceptionally nice; deeply significant;
highly specific; moderately expensive; entirely foreign; extremely
responsible; relatively late; completely flat; physically perfect;
extremely quick; blissfully happy; seemingly obvious; completely
normal; excessively dry; comparatively safe; potentially useful;
keenly aware; oddly quiet; reasonably firm; largely correct;
relatively slow; fairly able; bloody dangerous; especially
rich; outstandingly beautiful; terribly important; pretty safe;
increasingly interested; critically important; internationally
98
important; extremely interested; completely happy; completely
sure; ridiculously happy; fairly soft; perfectly stable; remarkably
civil; absolutely certain; incredibly big; enormously rich; specially
interested; exceptionally rich; increasingly obvious; mentally
active; tremendously powerful; highly popular; essentially
separate; entirely fair; staggeringly beautiful; terminally ill;
immensely warm; comparatively stable.
remarkably tough; unbelievably fast; fairly constant;
apparently ready; somewhat cool; politically stable; potentially
effective; roughly constant; indefinitely large; dead miserable;
particularly sharp; desperately ill; genuinely useful; fairly small;
environmentally safe; extremely critical; fairly careful; acutely
aware; completely obvious; completely effective; completely
foreign; fairly liberal; seemingly impossible; fairly responsible;
fairly certain; absurdly happy; extremely useful; pretty simple;
completely stable; pretty warm; disproportionately large;
deservedly popular; noticeably slow; fairly heavy; hitherto
separate; relatively safe; extremely clear; deep purple; apparently
obvious; potentially serious; increasingly popular; inherently
unlikely; pretty cool; highly religious; relatively quiet; fairly sure;
reasonably safe; pretty expensive; intuitively obvious; deathly
quiet; fairly successful; essentially liberal; extremely powerful;
completely natural; relatively easy; increasingly important;
relatively light; undoubtedly correct; perfectly civil; fairly positive;
steaming hot; fairly senior; extremely careful; fairly complex;
extremely expensive; pretty nice; moderately hot; relatively
happy; equally active; woefully short; extremely full; powerfully
effective; perfectly correct; unusually broad; far advanced;
reasonably large; highly original; particularly weak; strangely
quiet; serenely beautiful; discreetly expensive; absolutely full;
extremely easy; pretty powerful; pretty strong; pretty happy;
partially responsible; intensely dramatic; individually responsible;
extra vigilant; fundamentally correct; blazing hot; comparatively
large; desperately sorry; light purple.
terribly sorry; dead tired; absolutely clear; apparently
99
stable; relatively expensive; seriously interested; incredibly fast;
amazingly quick; comparatively expensive; hugely complex;
partly responsible; absolutely huge; politically aware; suitably
dramatic; utterly foreign; comparatively liberal; internationally
famous; fairly firm; reasonably free; comparatively weak;
slightly brown; strictly necessary; perfectly aware; stiflingly
hot; fairly expensive; surprisingly complex; amazingly happy;
jointly responsible; qualitatively similar; highly useful; damned
sure; unusually large; exceptionally useful; totally dry; horribly
expensive; entirely responsible; relatively weak; extremely fast;
perfectly legal; technically impossible; supremely beautiful; widely
available; nominally responsible; enormously important; literally
impossible; genuinely democratic; sufficiently senior; perfectly
nice; socially radical; seriously rich; ruinously expensive; fairy
effective; generally positive; particularly strong; vitally important;
genuinely happy; notoriously expensive; remarkably liberal;
absolutely true; relatively small; hauntingly beautiful; incredibly
dangerous; uncomfortably hot; incredibly soft; reasonably light;
extremely democratic; hardly likely; outstandingly successful;
politically popular; fairly complete; fairly common.
necessarily brief; extremely strong; chiefly responsible;
high overhead; critically ill; genuinely popular; relatively brief;
wonderfully rich; highly positive; completely grey; exceptionally
rapid; immensely expensive; strongly critical; virtually perfect;
unusually warm; awfully sorry; relatively dry; pretty deep; stone
cold; strangely sad; pretty unlikely; fairly traditional; incredibly
slow; fairly early; scrupulously fair; exceptionally complex;
extremely hot; slightly foreign; vastly expensive; completely
separate; crucially important; extremely important; severely
ill; suspiciously cheap; surprisingly bright; extremely weak;
pretty good; instantly popular; moderately effective; fairly big;
simply impossible; extremely significant; mildly critical; pretty
obvious; thoroughly professional; scarcely true; perfectly safe;
dark purple; particularly careful; extremely heavy; mercifully
quick; sufficiently broad; completely quiet; reasonably cheap;
100
exceedingly dangerous; completely impossible; fully open;
potentially huge; wonderfully cool; exceptionally large; incredibly
cheap; highly professional; curiously weak; pretty fair; fairly
cold; fairly recent;
Group 3
sufficiently hot; relatively warm; pretty ill; perennially popular;
unexpectedly large; absolutely critical; fairly severe; enormously
complex; absolutely necessary; relatively senior; largely
separate; especially careful; vaguely interested; absolutely
excellent; extremely small; practically perfect; remarkably
effective; incredibly beautiful; intensely interested; mildly
positive; professionally interested; pretty full; pretty slow; fairly
quick; extremely broad; reasonably able; perfectly regular;
extraordinarily powerful; slightly soft; brand new; morally
correct; actively interested; extremely obvious; otherwise
excellent; exceptionally light; highly personal; seemingly perfect;
incredibly nice; severely critical; fully professional; fairly brief;
immediately effective; fairly hard; comparatively short; pretty
sharp; immensely rich; perfectly natural; clearly interested;
tremendously useful; fairly large; politically important; fairly
popular; intensely hot; increasingly active; exceptionally warm;
particularly important; absolutely positive; extremely difficult;
spanking new; genuinely interested; astronomically expensive;
remarkably powerful; extremely positive; sizzling hot; highly
significant; totally separate; extremely short; roughly stable;
absolutely fair; fairly light; somewhat separate; enduringly
popular; pretty tough; fairly usual.
physically tough; culturally rich; virtually impossible; fairly
close; especially interested; chronically ill; politically successful;
truly excellent; pretty hot; uncannily similar; logistically
impossible; scarcely dry; terribly ill; absolutely beautiful;
beautifully warm; extremely beautiful; classically beautiful;
readily available; pretty normal; especially severe; financially
101
responsible; extortionately expensive; desperately sad; extremely
sharp; dazzlingly beautiful; fairly new; reasonably quiet;
relatively early; spectacularly successful; historically important;
perfectly beautiful; economically important; entirely free; wholly
responsible; absolutely essential; uniformly brown; extremely
big; practically impossible; partially successful; reasonably
stable; regionally important; pretty terrible; extremely soft; long
overdue; extremely active; immensely complex; extremely cold;
completely cool; completely legal; virtually full; humanly possible;
extremely dry; particularly warm; incurably ill; extraordinarily
beautiful; increasingly common; extraordinarily difficult; totally
impossible; unnecessarily complex; impossibly perfect; reasonably
clear; necessarily slow; pretty cheap; desperately slow; nearly
dark; widely popular; certainly true; terribly sad; geographically
separate; surprisingly warm; massively expensive; fairly specific;
keenly interested; highly effective; absolutely quiet; extremely
professional; commercially successful; astonishingly beautiful;
apparently impossible; personally responsible; strikingly
beautiful; clearly impossible; exceedingly complex; socially
useful; dead pleased; nearly clean; particularly interested;
awfully careful; relatively stable; politically weak; remarkably
fast; extremely civil; impossibly expensive; especially useful;
incredibly expensive; financially stable.
spotlessly clean; extremely large; vaguely aware; potentially
interested; extremely popular; socially responsible; seemingly
positive; extremely stable; bloody impossible; particularly
significant; reasonably happy; personally popular; extremely
cheap; politically correct; extremely quiet; physically ill;
mildly interested; unnecessarily expensive; extraordinarily
quiet; exceptionally fast; reasonably effective; relatively free;
enormously successful; extremely narrow; slightly sad; sharply
critical; relatively broad; half full; pleasantly warm; exceptionally
severe; intensely bright; extremely open; dreadfully sorry; deeply
critical; totally safe; achingly beautiful; perfectly dry; remarkably
stable; fairly direct; dead set; incredibly tough; fairly serious;
102
pretty weak; remarkably complete; terribly nice; reasonably
bright; relatively complex; openly critical; factually correct;
terribly short; distinctly cool; exquisitely beautiful; transparently
obvious; swelteringly hot; enormously popular; scientifically
impossible; reasonably democratic; dead scared; dead funny;
politically responsible; fairly natural; virtually constant; icy
cold; surprisingly easy; physically strong; dangerously weak;
unutterably sad; fairly fast; unbelievably beautiful; somewhat
radical; sufficiently large; oddly formal; sexually active;
extremely ill; unusually hot; strongly positive; pretty popular;
freely available; largely formal; surprisingly quick; glaringly
obvious; wide awake; fully democratic; fairly deep; extremely
complex; fairly stable; absolutely flat; exceedingly expensive;
uncharacteristically quiet; exceptionally beautiful; fairly old;
piping hot; hardly dry; ridiculously expensive; reasonably
complete; flat broke; patently obvious; filthy dirty; demonstrably
correct; genuinely warm.
highly dramatic; nearly dry; extremely bad; wonderfully
warm; exceptionally powerful; reasonably constant; exceedingly
difficult; especially effective; potentially excellent; rich purple;
purely physical; potentially dangerous; razor sharp; notoriously
difficult; slightly grey; remarkably constant; relatively rich;
entirely separate; fairly democratic; thoroughly dry; somewhat
narrow; locally famous; immensely strong; truly beautiful;
uncomfortably warm; extremely common; somewhat unlikely;
substantially correct; broadly stable; strikingly similar; relatively
rapid; extra long; infinitely large; particularly useful; uniquely
beautiful; fairly strong; fairly normal; hideously expensive;
extremely slow; pretty certain; absolutely great; surprisingly
fast; fairly free; specially careful; slightly ill; emotionally stable;
dangerously fast; broadly similar; deeply interested; completely
dry; terribly expensive; unusually rich; perfectly effective; truly
terrible; relatively large; relatively quick; fully aware; primarily
interested; highly dangerous; gloriously happy; essentially
traditional; practically useful; blindingly fast; relatively fast;
103
coldly beautiful; particularly difficult; barely able; theoretically
possible; terribly old; absolutely sure; incredibly complex;
reasonably powerful; low overhead.
obviously happy; interminably slow; blatantly obvious;
insufferably hot; increasingly narrow; enormously useful; simply
beautiful; thoroughly democratic; deliciously cool; terribly
cold; horrendously expensive; highly active; sufficiently warm;
extraordinarily rich; reasonably fair; outrageously expensive;
entirely positive; fairly flat; fairly obvious; extremely strange;
fairly safe; solely responsible; completely original; fairly
bright; fairly interested; relatively separate; directly effective;
relatively constant; equally useful; newly rich; purely formal;
extremely able; relatively popular; distressingly obvious; equally
impossible; stunningly beautiful; stinking rich; particularly
popular; ridiculously cheap; particularly successful; totally
responsible; extremely hard; moderately severe; totally free;
remarkably successful; substantially complete; enormously
powerful; beautifully light; wonderfully happy; fast asleep;
intensely sad; extremely sad; economically active; blindingly
obvious; doubly difficult; particularly powerful; fairly average;
deeply sad; unusually quiet; abnormally large; devoutly religious;
basically similar; absolutely central; principally interested; fairly
clear; incredibly bright; incredibly difficult; perfectly possible;
positively dangerous; fairly broad; extremely sorry; especially
important; economically weak; vastly popular; broadly correct;
awfully nice; pretty stable; unusually powerful; gravely ill;
essentially religious; weakly positive; easily available; ultimately
responsible; increasingly dangerous; extremely close; filthy rich;
extraordinarily rapid.
That’s it. Bye for now.
***

18-Book-S6 Fluency in Topicwise English (Part I) .Unlocked

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

18-Book-S6 Fluency in Topicwise English (Part I) .Unlocked

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

1

Fluency in Topicwise English - Part I

Prof. Kev Nair was born in Kerala, South India, in 1949.

need that comfort and ease in speech with his specialised

Fluent English Dictionaries1 by Kev Nair

Books by Kev Nair making up

Prof. Kev Nair

Adult Faculties Council

fluency in topicwise english - Part i.

Preface to the 4th edition

Here’s the latest edition of this book.

Vehicle repairs & maintenance

Entertainment & Leisure

a-and-an word groups

You might also like