~

.----- 23

Change the following sentence into a question

The apple will be eaten by the man

Change the following sentence into a question by using a question tag

The banana has been eaten by Paul, __ ?

PART TWO: GET WISE - MEMORIZE

.
'-..J This section of the book needs to be MEMORIZED in order to give you some guidelines in
structuring the English Language.
It consists of: 4. common errors corrected
5. sentences with prepositions and prepositional phrases which you should know
how to use
6. how to express yourself in some situations
7. some useful expressions
8. words easily confused .

4. COMMON ERRORS CORRECTED

The following list of common language errors serves only as a guideline to the second and third
language learners. Spontaneous use of the English language is more essential than accuracy. What is
said or written by the learner is more important than how it is said or written!

INCORRECT CORRECT

9. WHO do you like? 31. WHOM do you like?

10. HIS-self 32. HIM-self
11. One of the horses WERE tired. 33. One of the horses WAS tired.
12. To WHO does this belong? 34. To WHOM does this belong?
13. Who did it? ME. 35. Who did it? I.
14. He brought it for you and I. 36. He brought it for you and ME.
~ 7. You are bigger than ME. 37. You are bigger than I.
15. WAS I to stay, my mother 38. WERE I to stay, my mother would be
would be anxious. anxIOUS.
16. He has GOT IT. 39. He has IT.
17. He went a week BACK. 40. He went a week AGO.
18. We walked SLOW. 41. We walked SLOWLY.
19. WHAT were you talking about? 42. ABOUT WHAT were you talking?
20. The murderer was HUNG. 43. The murderer was HANGED.
21. Give him THEM apples. 44. Give him THOSE apples.
22. I drank it UP. 45. I drank IT.
23. He lives OVER the river. 46. He lives ACROSS the river.
24. Different TO 47. Different FROM
25. Somehow or ANOTHER 48. Somehow or OTHER
26. He differs WITH us. 49. He differs FROM us.
27. By THIS means, he succeeded. 50. By THESE means he succeeded.
28. He died FOR want. 51. He died OF want.
29. The THREE FIRST boys were praised. 52. The FIRST THREE boys were praised.
30. Fish ARE very dear, now. 53. Fish IS very dear, now.
54.
 I
25
i8MB. 33. It is I.
34. She DID it.
I!
DONE it.
man LEARNT him to swim. 35.The man TAUGHT him to swim.
5. Neither of them ARE here. 36.Neither of them IS here. I
6. Nobody has NOT come. 37.Nobody has come.
1
38.ANY of the four men
7. EITHER of the four men ~
8. Two SPOONSFUL 39.Two SPOONFULS
40.The cost of the dresses WAS great.
I
9. The cost of the dresses WERE great. I1
10.He is the TALLEST of the two. 41.He is the TALLER of the two. it
11. Of the two, I like that the 42. Of the two, I like that the
'!l
MOST. MORE .. '.'1
n:1
12.When she COMES back. 43.When she CAME back.
13. There IS the twelve cents I owe you. 44. There ARE the twelve cents I owe you.
14.EVERYBODY quickened 45.EVERYBODY quickened HIS (or
THEIR pace. HER) pace.
15.I thought he CAN come. 46.I thought he COULD come.
16.Neither one OR the other. 47.Neither one NOR the other.
17.Between you and I 48.Between you and ME.
18.My OLDEST child. 49.My ELDEST child.
'''-./ 19.My ELDEST book. 50.My OLDEST book.
20.She had not come THIS two months. 51.She had not come THESE two months.
21.He was none other BUT the king. 52.He was none other THAN the king.
22.He had got ON TO the platform. 53.He had got TO the platform.
23.To WHO did you speak? 54.To WHOM did you speak?
24.They were quicker than US 55.They were quicker than WE (were).
25.It is I who ARE to blame. 56.It is I who AM to blame.
26.A preposition is a bad thing 57.A preposition is a bad thing WITH
TO END A SENTENCE WITH. WHICH TO END A SENTENCE.
27.This is all AS I know. 58.This is all THAT I know.
28.He teased BOTH OF the cats. 59.He teased BOTH the cats.
29.Bread and butter ARE good food. 60.Bread and butter IS good food.
30.The dress was SOWN carelessly. 61.The dress was SEWN carelessly.
31.I am certain it was not HIM. 62.I am certain it was not HE.
32.The book was LAYING on the table. 63.The book was LYING on the table.

<::
5. SENTENCES WITH PREPOSmONS AND PREPOSmONAL PHRASES
: 55.The moon shines AT night.
It is good to know that prepositions are written in certain fixed prepositional phrases for example:
I borrowed FROM Peter his pencil
He lend his bicycle TO me.
Try to memorize all these prepositional phrases in order to write your own sentences.

A
56. We were just IN time for the bus.
64. The boy was hit (knocked down) BY a car.
65. When we arrived AT home we found our house ON fire.
66. We were ON holiday in Durban FOR a week.
67.Some of them went ON foot and some ON' horseback.
68.My friends laughed AT me when my wig was blown off BY the wind.
69.We are going TO Cape Town BY car.
70.The poor woman died OF cancer.
71.Mary stayed WITH us for a few days.
1l. Our house is FOR sale.

57.I was very angry WITH John, because he lied TO me.

58.Yesterday we moved INTO a new house.
59.Peter is very jealous OF his brother.
60.We are all proud OF his success.
61.Mother is very kind TO her neighbours.
62.Will you please lend your book TO me?
63.At midnight I heard a knock AT the door.
64.John went to play WITH a friend yesterday afternoon.
65.The boys threw stones AT me.
66. The dog jumped INTO the water and swam ACROSS the river.
67. Sheep live ON grass.
\.-.../c

68.I have not yet replied TO his invitation.

69.While we were ON holiday in Durban, we stayed AT a hotel.
70.Somebody broke INTO our shop and stole some jewelry.
71.We must always be careful OF snakes.
72.When I dreamed OF snakes I am worried.
73.The farmer counted his sheep one BY one.
74.We left home AFTER supper.
75.BY my watch it was half past seven.
76.We discovered some oranges ON the tree.
77. Our picnic ON Saturday depends ON the weather.
 78. The athlete ran so fast that he was OUT OF breath.

"--..-, 79.This road leads TO Knysna.

80.My brother never quarrels WITH me.
81.They were AT dinner when we arrived.
82.Why are you cross WITH me, John?
83.There were hardly any clouds IN the sky.
84.She wore a ring ON her finger.
85.We fled because we were afraid OF the savage dog.
86.The teacher warned us , but we would not listen TO him.
87.He aims the rifle AT me.
88. My friend and I went FOR a walk.
89. I cycled AGAINST a strong wind.

90.Peter fell FROM a tree and broke his arm.

91.The parcel arrived BY post.
92.How do we know FOR certain whether he spoke the truth?
93.The truck came down the street AT full speed.

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94.
95.

'26
:
~
96.Everybody knew about it EXCEPT me. :'{

97.FOR some reason the teacher does not like me.

'.if,

98.In this place you will be safe FROM danger.

99.I drove INTO a fence and overturned my car.
100. There were three of us sitting BY the fire.
<:» 101. The man was found guilty OF theft.
102. The man was dressed IN brown.

103. The shop is selling the clothes BELOW cost price.

104. If you work hard, you can be certain OF passing the examination.
105. The man's body was almost cut IN two.
106. I am grateful TO you FOR your help.
107. We heard that a child was living AMONG wild' animals. 1
108. The man stared AT me for a long time.
109. There were two other men WITH him in the garden.
110. In that part of the country vegetables are grown all THROUGH the year.
l
111. The boy was hit IN the eye BY a pellet FROM a gun.
112. I suddenly knew that my life was IN danger.
!
113. I am looking forward TO seeing you again.

~ G I

114.
115.
Mother poured the tea INTO the cup.
Help yourself TO another slice of cake, Nick. I
I
116. Many of the poor creatures starved TO death.
117. The people were very friendly TOWARDS me. I
118. The president shook hands WITH us all. I
!

119. When the buffalo charged, the hunter fled FOR his life. i
!
120. Magret plays tennis IN shorts.
121. Once a year the earth moves ROUND the sun.
122. Have you heard ABOUT his accident?
123. The lift was OUT OF order.
124. My father spent much money ON my education.
i
H I
i
I
;1
125. On his way TO town Andrew met WITH an accident.
126. It began to rain TOWARDS the evening. I

1
127. I fell OFF the ladder and broke my ankle.
128. Mary invited us TO her party.
5 . She was IN tears because she had lost her purse.
129. I shall not part WITH it FOR anything.
130. At the theatre he asked me to change places WITH him.
131. How much did he charge you FOR the apples?
132. My uncle finds fault WITH everything I do.
133. It is clear TO me that you don't know who he is.
134. The boy made this cart BY himself.
 27

135. He wrote a book ON his travels in Africa.

136. He took a photo of us IN our wet clothes.
137. The widow called ON her neighbours last night FOR help.
138. AT that time the two countries were AT war.
139. He held the horse BY the bridle.
140. Those people do believe IN God.
141. I got INTO bed very late and fell INTO a deep sleep.
142. He left his school bag AT our home and called FOR it later.
143. We took the wrong route BY mistake.
144. That poison smells OF burnt almonds ..
145. It was AFTER dark when we arrived at home.

146. What do you mean BY that?

147. He turned round and made FOR the gate.
148. When we arrived at Ceres we took a walk ROUND the town.
149. The police had to take the man to the charge-office BY force.
~ 150. Father planted two of his fields WITH mealies.
151. I ran AFTER the bus but could not catch it.
152. The horse leaped OVER the fence.
153. I was not present AT the meeting.
154. The teacher is not pleased WITH the results of the test.
155. They get their rains IN winter.
156. He is BEYOND any doubt very handsome.

K
1. I know him BY name only.
2. AT a distance it looks just like a tree.
3. I looked everywhere FOR my pencil.
4. We had to do our homework BY candlelight.
5. She looked AT me IN anger.
'--./ 6. Henry was walking BESIDE me.
7. Father bought the horse FROM Mr. Daniels and paid him BY cheque.
I saw Derek run FROM the house.
8. I look TO my teacher FOR advice.
9. Are you ready FOR breakfast?
10. She took care OF the sick bird and took it home.
11.
L

157. I was very sad AT leaving my friends.

158. The house was burnt TO the ground.
159. The teacher tried to stop the two boys FROM fighting.
160. Because of the severe cold we sat OVER a fire all night.
161. I saw the boy sitting UP the tree.
162. Carry straight on, keeping TO the left of that hill.
163. The dog snapped AT me.
164. We sat down TO dinner AT one o'clock.
6
5
.

28

167. He failed the test THROUGH carelessness.

!!
168. Why do you shout AT me, Ann?
11 169. These lemons sell AT ten cents each.

M
i

170. My little sister is down WITH measles.

171. The teacher will talk TO him ABOUT his behaviour.
172. At that spot the sea washes AGAINST the rocks.
'------'
173. I shall help you WITH pleasure.
174. As quick as lightning the snake struck AT him.
175. Day BY day the water in the dams became less.
176. The little boy can count FROM one TO ten.
177. I have not seen him SINCE last week.
178. He asked me FOR twenty Rand.
179. I saw Betty and asked AFTER her mother, who was in an accident.
180. Such an act is not worthy OF you.

181. N
72. He wrapped the present IN a piece of paper.
73. This carpet is made BY hand.
74. This machine works BY electricity.
75. I was attacked BY a swarm of bees. She
76. Please write TO the firm FOR a catalogue. cried
77. Charles struggled to keep his head ABOVE the water.
78. I hope your quarrel with your brother is AT an end.
79. If you want this watch, you are welcome TO it.
80. The teacher is sitting AT his desk.
81. I shall be back WITHIN five minutes.
82. My dog barks AT strangers.

FOR joy when she heard that her brother survived the accident.
0 Many soldiers died IN battle at Koppies that day.
1. The bodybuilder ate twelve eggs one AFTER the other.
IN the distance we could see a duststorm coming nearer.
"-.../ 2. She still mourns FOR her son who died many years ago.
3. BY tomorrow afternoon they should be in Windhoek.
4. They were all eager FOR an early start.
5.
The medicine cured her OF her rheumatism.
6.
The shopkeeper sent me a few shirts ON approval.
7. I held on FOR dear life, because help was near AT hand.
9.
10.
11.
P

182. I do not agree WITH you ON this matter.

183. In every room a lamp was hanging
FROM the ceiling.
184. The plants died FROM lack OF water.
185. You may have one pencil FROM these
blue ones.
186. He helps me always when I am IN trouble.
187.

29
188. I hope they will agree TO my plan.
189. His disease is such that he is PAST cure.
190. Suddenly I heard someone shout TO me FOR help.
191. She spent the day WITH her grandparents.
192. I told him TO his face that he was a liar.
193. My mother suffers FROM severe headaches.

194. I shall do almost anything FOR you, but do not ask that OF me.
195. Large herds of elephants still roam THROUGH the Knysna bush.
196. I wish FOR good health and real happiness in your life.
197. Peter: May I come to your party? William: Yes, OF course.
198. The buffalo bull ran AT the hunter, but he shot it dead.
199. When a strong wind sprang up, we pulled FOR the shore.
200. Parys lies ON the Vaal River.
201. The man rescued the little girl FROM danger.
202. I felt somebody pulling AT my sleeve.
"---r' 10. My parents were ON board the ship that sailed FOR Durban.

203. We were all IN favour OF starting immediately.

204. He climbed up a tree IN order TO see better.
205. IN view OF his illness he will be unable to play in the match.
206. By way OF a change we had dinner at a hotel.
207. There were two teachers IN charge OF the learners.
208. We all went WITH the exception OF my brother John.
209. We all sat IN front OF the fire.
210. Brits lies TO the west OF Pretoria.
211. He was accused OF theft.
212. He travelled UNDER the name OF Mr. Williams.

213.
s
~
214. The door was closed ON account OF the dust.
215. He was just in time to save me FROM drowning.
216. May I have this puppy IN place OF that one?
217. They were ON the point OF leaving when we arrived.
218. We dragged the ox out of the mud BY means OF a rope.
219. The money was collected IN aid OF the poor.
220. Ben spoke ON behalf OF the learners in his class.
221. He called ON us to open the door IN the name OF the law.
222. We went IN search OF the lost sheep.
223. At noon we came in sight OF the lost city.

224. She pleaded WITH her father to let her come with Mary and me.
225. I have not yet had a letter IN reply TO mine.
226. It is possible to turn some metals INTO gold.
227. Please keep OUT of John's way.
8.
9.

230. The water passes THROUGH a pipe in the dam wall.

231. The furniture was covered WITH dust.
232. If you make a promise, you must keep TO your word.
233. This old scissor is OF no use TO me.
234. They built a bridge ACROSS the river.
235. This morning I woke FROM sleep with a headache.

u
236. The tennis player was AT his best.
<::
237. Sarah waited ON us AT dinner.
238. Ben will always stick BY his friends.
239. You should never jump TO conclusions.
240. Father's profit on the horses was UNDER fifty Rand.
241. Work hard and you can be sure OF success.
242. The teacher has sent the learner ON an errand.
243. Somebody set my car ON fire.
244. We looked FOR him, but he was nowhere IN sight.
245. The man robbed me OF my money.

v
246. My dog always follows me AT my heels.
247. He divided the apples AMONG Tom, Peter and me (three or more persons).
248. He divided the sweets BETWEEN Mary and me (Two persons only).
249. During the uproar the man was beaten TO death.
250. She does care FOR me.
251. The child looked up and smiled AT me.
252. My mother complained OF a headache.
253. The little girl shouted AT the top of her voice.
254. The handicapped person also took part IN the .race.
255. The food must last me TO the end of the month.

W
H
1. I borrowed this book FROM Carl.
<: 2. My sister is engaged TO a man in London.
. I live IN Doornpoort (the speaker only); Peter lives AT
3.
Lydenburg
4. (all towns); Henry lives IN Bloemfontein (all cities).
I woke up AT ten minutes TO six in the morning.
5. The orphan is now living WITH his grandparents.
6. Mother arrived AT two o'clock ON Monday afternoon.
7. He bought his book AT the bookshop.
8. When I came TO the bend, I lost control
9. OF the truck.
10.I am good AT figures but weak IN
spelling.
X At Germiston you must change trains FOR Pretoria.

This car belongs TO my father.

256.

I 31

I 257.
258.
Father sold out because he was tired OF farming.
The pole struck me ACROSS the face.
259. I shall meet you AT the church.

I 260.
261.
262.
Three prisoners escaped FROM the gaol.
Mrs. Anderson moved FROM the farm TO town.
You must get rid OF that savage dog, Steve.
I 263. He feeds his horse ON lucerne only.

I
264. The monkey is very fond OF peanuts.
265. When one catches a lizard BY the tail, its tail falls off.
266. IN the end we could not go because OF the heavy rains.
267. My sister applied FOR a job in Paarl.
268. He filled the radiator of the car WITH water.
269. She looked up and winked AT me.
270. I have been working AT the sum for a week.
271. He lend me fifty Rand and I was glad OF the loan.
272. This book is unfortunately OUT OF print.
273. He saved the girl AT the risk OF his own life.
'-.J
z
274. I jumped into the river IN spite OF his warning.
275. Have you had any news FROM your parents?
276. The service was held IN honour OF those who died in battle.
277. The teacher pointed his finger AT me.
278. I looked AFTER Mrs. Collen's baby while she went to church.
279. He gave us a lecture ON birds and their ways.
280. The car was travelling fast ALONG the road to Johannesburg.
281. Tall buildings have a fire-escape IN case OF fire.
282. The poor child was IN need OF clothing.
283. We start FOR Durban ON Friday afternoon.

6. SOME SITUATIONS
Sometimes you find yourself in a situation and you don't know how to express yourself.
Try to memorize the following examples:
'-.J

284. Disagreeing - I beg to differ.

285. Asking favours - May I ask you a favour ... ? / Please do me a favour ... ? / Do you think
you could ... ? / Please, would you mind . . . ?
Do you perhaps know the way to ... ? / Excuse me, where is ... ?
Goodness me, this is a surprisel/Oh no! Are you sure?!/Really?
83. Asking the I have good cause to be dissatisfied about / I wish to complain about / I am
way- concerned about / I am disturbed about / Are you aware of the fact that...?
84.Being surprised - 286. Congratulating - Congratulations! I see that you won ... /I heard
85.Complaining- that it's your birthday today.
287. Criticizing - Don't you think ... 'l] I don't think you were quite right
when you ... / I
don't think that hairstyle suits you.
8. Encouraging- Come on! Try your best / Keep it up !/ That's much better!/ You are sure to
succeed / Very good ! / I know you can do it.
9. Introducing- How do you do? I am pleased to meet you / Have you met my father?/ This
is my friend / Let me introduce you to my mother.