Key Word Transformations 1

For each sentence, use between three and eight words in the space provided so that the second
sentence has the same meaning as the first sentence. You must use the word given in
bold without changing it in any way. Remember, contractions such as I'm or shouldn't count as
two words.

1. 1. Electricity is getting very expensive these days.

cost
The __________________________ higher and higher these days.
2. Unemployment has risen considerably over the last eighteen months and the government is
under pressure to find a solution.
increase
The government is under pressure due to __________________________ over the last eighteen
months.
3. The minister's resignation from the government was caused by the discovery of his role in the
financial scandal.
led
The discovery of the minister's role in the financial scandal __________________________ the
government.
4. Oh, there you are! I didn't even know you had gone out!
unaware
I __________________________ fact that you had gone out.
5. Don't get involved in this John, it has nothing to do with you.
keep
This has nothing to do with you so __________________________.
6. I really can't understand why he can't finish the project on time.
baffled
I am really __________________________ to finish the project on time.
7. Mr. Edwards was sacked partly because of his arriving late to work.
contributed
Mr. Edwards' constant lateness __________________________ from the company.
8. You can't just suddenly decide to go on a safari. You need to plan things very carefully.
spur
Going on safari isn't a decision you can make __________________________ moment. You need
to plan things very carefully.

2. 1. She wants nothing less than to get that job. It would be a dream come true.
set
She has __________________________ getting that job.
2. If they ever discover your role in the incident, you will go to prison.
light
If your role in the incident __________________________, you'll go to prison.
3. Harry plays tennis much better than I do.
nearly
I am not __________________________ tennis player as Harry is.
4. Both candidates for the job are strong. They are both equally good.
hardly
There is __________________________ the two job candidates.
5. That child is twice as tall as he was two years ago.
doubled
That child's __________________________ in the last two years.
6. As soon as I arrived at the pub, a fight started.
sooner
No __________________________ a fight broke out in the pub.
7. There were very few people who understood what the professor said in the meeting.
virtually
There __________________________ who understood what the professor said in the meeting.
8. The bank robbers had disappeared completely by the time the police arrived.
sign
There __________________________ robbers when the police arrived.

3. 1. Give me a call only if you have to buy gas for the car.
run
Unless __________________________ gas, don't call me.
2. Watch the new secretary carefully this week to make sure she doesn't make any big mistakes.
eye
Keep __________________________ secretary this week to make sure she doesn't make any big
mistakes.
3. You shouldn't be surprised at Kevin winning that tournament.
come
It __________________________ that Kevin won that tournament.
4. There is no doubt at all that the government will win the election.
conclusion
It is __________________________ that the government will win the election.
5. This is certainly not the last time you will be needed here on a Sunday.
means
It is __________________________ you won't be needed again on a Sunday.
6. Whatever happens, don't let anyone into the building without proper identity.
circumstances
__________________________ should you let anyone into the building without proper identity.
7. If it wasn't for your arrogance, you would have gotten your promotion a long time ago.
but
__________________________ arrogance, you would have gotten your promotion a long time
ago.
8. I presume you are coming to the party Miriam.
read
Can I __________________________ you are coming to the party Miriam?

4. 1. You are not a bad lawyer Martin, but I don't think it is a very suitable job for you.
cut
I just don't think you __________________________ a lawyer.
2. I don't have the foggiest idea whether he will be coming or not.
whatsoever
I have __________________________ he will be coming or not.
3. He failed the exam as he didn't work as fast as the rest of the class.
pace
His failure was blamed on his inability __________________________ rest of the class.
4. Everyone is criticising the government for its poor unemployment record
come
The government __________________________ over its unemployment record.
5. He was always going to leave that house after the divorce was finalised.
bound
He __________________________ the house after the divorce.
6. I don't find it at all surprising that nobody came to the party.
wonder
It's __________________________ nobody came to the party.
7. Please don't tell anyone else what I told you about Elizabeth.
keep
__________________________ yourself what I told you about Elizabeth.
8. Our boss is absolutely determined not to give us that pay rise.
intent
Our boss __________________________ the pay rise.

5. 1. I could only afford that house because of the loan you gave me.
lent
Had __________________________ money, I wouldn't have been able to afford the house.
2. You don't have to come and see the new house if you don't wish.
obligation
You are __________________________ and see the new house if you don't wish.
3. You should have seen the boss as soon as you arrived. You knew he wanted to see you.
supposed
You __________________________ boss when you arrived.
4. She is already married and you knew! I wish you had told me.
might
You __________________________ she was married!
5. I went in to work for an hour even though I knew it was a holiday.
not
I need __________________________ into work but I did anyway.
6. The headmaster will give a prize to the top student of the year.
awarded
The __________________________ a prize by the headmaster.
7. Police arrested Johnson because they think he was involved in the robbery.
suspicion
Johnson was detained __________________________ in the robbery.
8. You don't need to concern yourself with the new tax laws till October.
effect
The new tax laws __________________________.

6. 1. She still hasn't really recovered from losing her job in August.
being
She still really hasn't got __________________________ in August.
2. I'm afraid I believed his fake story completely!
taken
I regret to say that I __________________________ his fake story.
3. This washing machine will give you years of service if you care for it properly.
after
Properly __________________________ will give you years of service.
4. Could you help me tackle a problem with my son?
dealing
I'd be grateful for __________________________ a problem with my son.
5. The news that the President had quit came as a great surprise to everyone.
aback
Everyone __________________________ President quitting.
6. Do you mind if I observe you while you draw that sketch?
objection
Do you __________________________ observe you while you draw that sketch?
7. Janet has never passed any exams, as far as I'm aware.
knowledge
To __________________________ no formal qualifications.
8. None of us was expecting to have a test this morning.
blue
This morning's test __________________________ for every one of us.

7. 1. The judges gave Joseph the impression that he would win the competition.
believe
Joseph __________________________ he would win the competition.
2. Sharon really has no idea of the difficulty of finding a parking spot.
how
Little does Sharon __________________________ to find a parking spot.
3. Ken said absolutely nothing because he was afraid of offending the women.
fear
Ken remained absolutely silent __________________________ offence to the women.
4. Barbara's total dedication to her job has always been exemplary.
herself
Barbara __________________________ in the most exemplary way.
5. He doesn't mind at all if Kim records his speech.
objection
He has __________________________ his speech.
6. Nobody really expected Glen to do so well in his Biology exams.
taken
Everyone __________________________ did so well in his Biology exams.
7. Nina has run away from home on other occasions.
time
This is __________________________ run away from home.
8. I offered Fred the position but he refused it.
turned
Fred was __________________________ it down.

8. 1. They thought that the music was too loud.

far
As __________________________ the music was too loud.
2. In spite of all my efforts, I didn't manage to persuade them to come to the concert.
hard
No matter __________________________, I didn't manage to persuade them to come to the
concert.
3. The police were forced to release the suspect because new evidence was produced.
light
The police were forced to release the suspect __________________________ evidence produced.
4. But for the sea being unusually warm, they never would have survived.
would
If it hadn't been for the __________________________ been killed.
5. People know more about my novels than the plays I write.
better
I'm __________________________ than as a playwright.
6. I've been informed that you've been late to the office every day this week.
brought
It has __________________________ that you've been late to the office every day this week.
7. I apologise but I totally forgot about our dinner appointment.
confess
I must __________________________ my mind.
8. They made him wait for two hours, then eventually let him in.
kept
He was eventually allowed in after having __________________________ for two hours.

9. 1. Dylan never pays much attention to what his father says.

notice
Dylan doesn't ever __________________________ what his father tells him.
2. I wish Julie would learn to drive.
high
It's __________________________ drive.
3. If only I had traveled more when I had the chance.
taken
I wish __________________________ travel more.
4. Karen had just started her new teaching job when she got flu.
came
Karen __________________________ just after starting her new teaching job.
5. It would have been a total catastrophe for her to be made responsible.
put
If she __________________________, there would have been very serious consequences.
6. Kim doesn't intend to visit her uncle again.
has
Kim __________________________ her uncle again.
7. The third candidate impressed the panel immediately.
made
The third candidate __________________________ the panelists.
8. This part of the factory can only be entered by authorized staff.
restricted
Access __________________________ in this part of the factory.

10. 1. Kids and seniors are much more prone to infection than others.
pick
Kids and seniors __________________________ easily than others.
2. It's highly unlikely that we'll promote Debbie this summer.
chance
There's very little __________________________ being promoted this summer.
3. I'd prefer to be given the opportunity to work with other colleagues.
allowed
I think it would be better __________________________ as a team.
4. Please read the user manual with care before you use this machine.
making
Before __________________________ this machine, please read the user manual with care.
5. I'd never thought of asking the hotel manager for advice about tourist sites.
occurred
It had never __________________________ the hotel manager for advice about tourist sites.
6. The cost of software has gone up a great deal recently.
sharp
There has been __________________________ of software recently.
7. It's very difficult for many people to express their feelings.
words
Putting __________________________ is very difficult for many people.
8. Helga refuses to pay the dry cleaning bill.
intention
Helga has __________________________ the dry cleaning bill.

11. 1. Your brother must try to accept that he'll never be an author!
terms
Your brother must __________________________ the fact that he'll never be an author.
2. No students must enter the examination room after 10 o'clock, whatever the reason.
circumstances
Under __________________________ enter the examination room after 10 o'clock.
3. The accountant called a meeting to discuss the company's perilous finances.
purpose
The accountant's __________________________ to discuss the company's perilous finances.
4. It may seem strange, but a tomato is technically a fruit.
as
Strange __________________________, a tomato is technically a fruit.
5. You'd be in a better position to tackle the exam if you had studied harder.
prepared
If you'd studied harder, __________________________ for the exam.
6. I felt so relaxed at Tricia's apartment because her friends greeted me so warmly.
ease
Tricia's friends __________________________ with the warmth of their greeting.
7. Grant completely ignored his elder brother's recommendation.
notice
Grant __________________________ his elder brother's recommendation.
8. The author said that he'd invented the whole plot himself.
thought
The scriptwriter said that he'd __________________________ any help.

12. 1. Do you think Bob's grandmother was offended by what I said?

exception
Do you think __________________________ my remarks?
2. Jen thinks it would be better to get on as quickly as possible.
much
Jen would prefer us __________________________ progress as we can.
3. I wish to express my concern over the proposed lay offs.
worried
I feel I must say __________________________ the proposed lay offs.
4. We were astonished by the announcement as we hadn't thought we would win an award for the
movie.
expected
Not __________________________ for the film, we were completely astonished by the
announcement.
5. Jones found it difficult to get used to the fact that he'd lost his job.
terms
Jones found it hard __________________________ the fact that he'd lost his job.
6. Neil was upset that his wife didn't support him in the argument.
back
Neil was upset his __________________________ in the argument.
7. The extra cost is annoying, but I'm sure William can solve our problems.
come
The extra cost is annoying, but I'm sure William can __________________________ to our
problems.
8. Jenny didn't feel like meeting friends on Wednesday.
mood
Jenny __________________________ meeting friends on Wednesday.

13. 1. She'd prefer it if you kept it to yourself.

rather
She'd __________________________ anyone.
2. When he had another look at the manuscript, I was really impressed by its quality.
through
On __________________________, he was really impressed by its quality.
3. He continued his talk, even though everyone looked bored.
on
He __________________________ despite everyone looking bored.
4. Martin was very happy to be selected for the hockey team.
delight
Much __________________________ selected for the hockey team.
5. My sister concluded that he should take the teaching job.
came
My sister __________________________ she should take the teaching job.
6. Without the umbrella, we would have been soaked.
it
Had __________________________ the umbrella, we would have been soaked.
7. She'd better give up all hope of promotion.
thoughts
She should __________________________ promoted out of her mind.
8. What's the point of all this extra furniture?
aid
What is __________________________ of?

14. 1. Carla thinks it would be better if Tom discovered the answer for himself.
found
Carla would prefer __________________________ answer for himself.
2. He left the house early, but arrived after he expected.
off
Despite __________________________ late.
3. Unless this weather really changes overnight, we'll leave at 6am.
no
Providing __________________________ the weather overnight, we'll leave at 6am.
4. The desert was completely devoid of trees.
whatsoever
There __________________________ the desert.
5. Patrick wanted to guarantee that everything was as it should be on his wedding day.
leave
Patrick didn't __________________________ on his wedding day.
6. Susan didn't tell Dan about the bill until he'd finished his dinner.
for
Susan __________________________ dinner before telling him about the bill.
7. Don't let his relaxed manner fool you. He's an extremely clever businessman.
taken
Don't be __________________________ his relaxed manner. He's an extremely clever
businessman.
8. "It's none of your business who I go out with!" Bryan informed his mother.
concern
Bryan informed his mother that who his friends were __________________________ of hers.

15. 1. I didn't know about the changes in the schedule.

unaware
I was __________________________ schedule.
2. I prefer to keep far from the water.
rather
I'd __________________________ so close to the water.
3. Amber completely ignored the parking fine stuck to her window.
notice
Amber __________________________ fine stuck to her window.
4. I changed my mind about whether I should take that job.
heart
I __________________________ whether I should take that job.
5. Their marriage endured, through good times and bad.
thin
They stayed together __________________________.
6. John was given the impression that he was going to get promoted.
believe
John was __________________________ going to get the promotion.
7. You've forgotten your keys on other occasions.
time
It's __________________________ you've forgotten your keys.
8. Whether or not I go to the party is none of your business.
concern
It's __________________________ if I go to the party or not.

16. 1. Sarah learns languages more quickly than others.

pick
Sarah can __________________________ than others.
2. You should put a line through anyone on that list you don't know.
out
Anyone's name on that list that you don't know, __________________________.
3. Having worked in the fashion industry for years, Julie understands how everything works.
ropes
Having worked in the fashion industry for years, Julie __________________________.
4. Despite her nerves, she summoned her courage and entered the haunted house.
face
Despite her nerves, she __________________________ and entered the haunted house.
5. If it weren't for the seatbelt, he would have been seriously injured.
been
__________________________ the seatbelt, he would have been seriously injured.
6. Lisa was tired so went to bed before she normally does.
night
Lisa __________________________ because she was tired.
7. I certainly didn�t expect to enjoy this vegan cake as much as I did.
surpassed
This vegan cake certainly __________________________.
8. I really don't know what happened at the party.
whatsoever
I __________________________ happened at the party.
17. 1. I quite like Paris, though Lyon is my favourite city in France.
averse
Although I __________________________, Lyon is my favourite city in France.
2. I presume that you already know about the meeting tomorrow.
read
Can I __________________________ you already know about the meeting tomorrow.
3. The tuition fees for universities have become more expensive.
cost
The __________________________ higher.
4. It makes perfect sense that you want to read the contract very carefully.
reason
__________________________ that you want to read the contract very carefully.
5. Someone fell off a chair just as lunch was starting.
had
Hardly __________________________ fell off a chair.
6. You should not share this information with anyone.
keep
Please __________________________ yourself.
7. The politician was accused of ignoring bullying in her office.
blind
The politician was accused of having __________________________ bullying in her office.
8. I didn't sit down until my mum had finished cleaning the table.
for
I __________________________ the table before I sat down.

18. 1. This issue is just a small part of the larger problem we're facing.
iceberg
This issue is just __________________________. We're facing a much larger problem.
2. I don't mind at all Susan taking on the project.
objection
I __________________________ all to Susan taking on the project.
3. The two houses are basically the same.
hardly
There's __________________________ two houses.
4. The boss and his staff didn't get on well at all at the start.
wrong
The boss and __________________________ foot.
5. The dog is well known for his aggressive nature.
reputed
The dog __________________________ aggressive nature.
6. They are still living in the same house, as far as I know.
knowledge
__________________________ still living in the same house.
7. Mike didn't feel like talking on the phone last night.
mood
Mike __________________________ talking on the phone last night.
8. Why would Kareem be proud of the fact that he didn�t complete school?
pride
Why would Kareem __________________________ that he didn�t complete school?

19. 1. It may sound strange, but this book is actually written backwards.
as
Odd __________________________, this book is actually written backwards.
2. She intentionally ignored him during the meeting.
shoulder
During the meeting, she __________________________.
3. If only you'd given me more time to prepare for the presentation!
might
You __________________________ more time to prepare for the presentation!
4. An ankle sprain meant Steve couldn't participate in the tournament.
him
Steve's ankle sprain __________________________ in the tournament.
5. She was deceived by his lying about his background.
taken
She was __________________________ about his background.
6. They were making me feel bad about my mistake.
hard
They were __________________________ for my mistake.
7. By climbing the mountain, there was a chance we could have got lost.
risk
When we climbed the mountain, __________________________.
8. I don�t intend to study that much for the exam.
intention
I __________________________ that much for the Biology exam.

20. 1. He used his connections to secure a place at the prestigious university for his daughter.
strings
He __________________________ to secure a place at the prestigious university for his daughter.
2. I never thought of asking my boss about training courses.
occurred
It's __________________________ ask my boss about training courses.
3. She would never even consider lying to her boss.
dream
She __________________________ to her boss.
4. She told John that he couldn't both save for a car and save for a house.
ways
You can't __________________________, John, either you buy a car or save for a house.
5. It's not surprising that she won the competition given her training.
wonder
Given her training, it's __________________________ the competition.
6. Her promotion to manager shouldn't surprise you.
come
Her promotion to manager __________________________ to you.
7. He was too slow to catch up with the rest of the runners in the marathon.
pace
He couldn't __________________________ of the runners in the marathon.
8. Sales have decreased significantly in the past month.
sharp
There __________________________ in the past month.

21. 1. The stories of them being divorced are not true.

contrary
Despite information __________________________ not divorced.
2. It's not really known for sure that she cheated in the exam.
means
It's by __________________________ cheated in the exam.
3. He would have completed his project, but there was no more funding available.
run
He would have completed his project had __________________________.
4. Is it alright if I borrow your car for the weekend?
objection
Would __________________________ borrowing your car for the weekend?
5. Despite the worsening weather, he continued with his walk.
on
He __________________________ the worsening weather.
6. Why don�t you listen to me when I tell you something important? said my husband.
paying
My husband accused me of __________________________ when he was telling me something
important.
7. The baby didn't wake up even during the loudest parts of the film.
sound
The baby __________________________ despite the noise of the film.
8. Luke forgot his mother's birthday due to being busy with the children.
slipped
Luke was busy with his children and his mother's birthday completely
__________________________.

22. 1. The area was frequently affected by flooding.

subjected
The __________________________ repeated floods.
2. They aren't keeping as many dogs in the dog shelter as last year.
lot
There are keeping __________________________ at the dog shelter than last year.
3. Kate was told to wait for an hour before her appointment.
kept
Kate __________________________ an hour before her appointment.
4. It's very unlikely that we will win the lottery.
chance
There is very __________________________ the lottery.
5. We found him trying to steal the confidential documents.
red
We __________________________ steal the confidential documents.
6. The company hid all the details of their wrongdoing.
up
Details of their wrongdoing __________________________ by the company.
7. She was extremely pleased when she won the lottery.
delight
__________________________, she won the lottery.
8. She sought advice from Stephen about the new project.
pick
She wanted to __________________________ about the new project.