DRILL 12

DIALOGUE
A : Have you heard from your brother recently?
B : Tom? No, I haven’t. He must be furious with me. I’ve owed him a letter for six weeks. You
know how it is: if you don’t write letters, you don’t get any. That stands to reason.
A : Don’t blame yourself. Remember how busy you’ve been lately. For one thing, you’ve had
exam all month.
B : That’s true. But it’s no excuse. I’ve no business neglecting my own brother.
A : Well, never mind. I’ll write Tom a letter this evening. If you like, I can put in a word for
you. Then you’ll be in the clear.
B : Thanks a lot. I’ll write a letter next week and make up for it.

DEFINITIONS
stand to reason be a logical conclusion
If he lied to you about one thing, it stands to reason that he’d lie about other things, too.
have no business doing something have no right to do something
You had no business using my car without asking me first!
never mind don’t worry
If you can’t get that book for me at the library, never mind. I’m going tomorrow, and I can
get it then.
put in a word for someone, something say something positive for someone or something
If you have a chance to put in a word for me when you speak to the mayor, I’ll appreciate it.
in the clear free from suspicion, blame, or obligation
The suspect’s explanation to the police of why he was present at the scene of the crime was a
very good one and put him in the clear.
make up for something compensate for something, often an unkind or inconsiderate act
Jim took my whole evening asking me questions about his physics exam. However, he made
up for in the next afternoon by repairing my car.

SUBSTITUTION DRILL
Repeat the following sentences, using the substitutions listed.
1. If you don’t write letters, you won’t receive any. That stands reason.
If you don’t study, you won’t learn.
People are nice to us if we are nice to them.
Girls like boys who are polite to them.
Practicing your English will improve it.
If we want to lose weight, we have to eat less.
It isn’t healthy to stay up late every night.
2. STUDENT 1: Mary forgot to write to Tom.
STUDENT 2: Never mind. She can do it tomorrow.
Bill didn’t mail your card.
Alice forgot to phone Bill.
You didn’t tell Mary the news.
We forgot to invite Jane.
I didn’t wash my shirt.
Jack and Bob didn’t do their homework.
3. I’ve no business neglecting my family.
leaving the children alone.
going to the movies tonight.
buying a new car right now.
taking time out for lunch today.
telling Anne all the details.
going fishing today.
 4. I’ll be glad to put in a word for you.
your idea.
Alex.
the Browns.
Bill’s promotion.
Laura.
a new desk for Joe.
5. Pay the bill. Then you’ll be in the clear.
Sign the contract.
Send the letter.
Return the papers.
Buy Ruth some flowers.
Call her immediately.
Tell them the truth.
6. I’ll write a letter next week and make up for it.
I’ll work an extra hour
I’ll do something for them to
I’ll send you five dollars to
I’ll take them in my car
I’ll study until midnight
I’ll buy her some roses to

HOMEWORK EXERCISE
Change the following sentences into questions; then answer them in the negative.
1. What that man said put him in the clear.
2. Mr. Brown promise to put in a word for me at the office.
3. I’ll make up for your help with my homework by cutting your grass.
4. It stands to reason that if you break the law, you will be punished.