A self-study reference and practice book for intermediate students
Raymond Murphy
Second Edition
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
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CONTENTS
Thanks vii
To the student viii
To the teacher ix
Present and past
1 Present continuous (I am doing)
2 Present simple (I do)
3 Present continuous and present simple (1) (I am doing and I do)
4 Present continuous and present simple (2) (I am doing and I do)
5 Past simple (I did)
6 Past continuous (I was doing)
Present perfect and past
7 Present perfect (1) (I have done)
8 Present perfect (2) (I have done)
9 Present perfect continuous (I have been doing)
10 Present perfect continuous and simple (I have been doing and I have done)
11 How long have you (been) ...?
12 When ...? and How long ...? For and since
13 Present perfect and past (1) (I have done and I did)
14 Present perfect and past (2) (I have done and I did)
15 Past perfect (I had done)
16 Past perfect continuous (I had been doing)
17 Have and have got
18 Used to (do)
Future
19 Present tenses (I am doing/I do) for the future
20 (I'm) going to (do)
21 Will/shall (1)
22 Will/shall (2)
23 I will and I'm going to
24 Will be doing and will have done
25 When I do/When I've done When and if
Modals
26 Can, could and (be) able to
27 Could (do) and could have (done)
28 Must and can't
29 May and might (1)
30 May and might (2)
31 Must and have to
32 Must mustn't needn't
33 Should (1)
34 Should (2)
35 Had better It's time ...
36 Can/Could/Would you ...? etc. (Requests, offers, permission and invitations)
Conditionals and 'wish'
37 If I do ... and If I did ...
38 If I knew ... I wish I knew ...
39 If I had known ... I wish I had known ...
40 Would I wish ... would
Passive
41 Passive (1) (is done/was done)
42 Passive (2) (be/been/being done)
43 Passive (3)
44 It is said that ... He is said to ... (be) supposed to ...
45 Have something done
Reported speech
46 Reported speech (1) (He said that ...
47 Reported speech (2)
Questions and auxiliary verbs
48 Questions (1)
49 Questions (2) (Do you know where ...? I She asked me where ...
50 Auxiliary verbs (have/do/can etc.) I think so I hope so etc.
51 Question tags (do you? isn't it? etc.)
~ing and the infinitive
52 Verb + ~ing (enjoy doing/stop doing etc.)
53 Verb + to ... (decide to do/forget to do etc.)
54 Verb + (object) + to ... (I want (you) to do etc.)
55 Verb + ~ing or to ... (1) (remember/regret etc.)
56 Verb + ~ing or to ... (2) (try/need/help)
57 Verb + ~ing or to ... (3) (like/would like etc.)
58 Prefer and would rather
59 Preposition (in/for/about etc.) + ~ing
60 Be/get used to something (I'm used to ...
61 Verb + preposition + ~ing (succeed in ~ing/accuse somebody of ~ing etc.)
62 Expressions + ~ing
63 To ... for ... and so that ... (purpose)
64 Adjective + to ...
65 To ... (afraid to do) and preposition + ~ing (afraid of ~ing)
66 See somebody do and see somebody doing
67 ~ing clauses (Feeling tired, I went to bed early.)
Articles and nouns
68 Countable and uncountable nouns (1)
69 Countable and uncountable nouns (2)
70 Countable nouns with a/an and some
71 A/an and the
72 The (1)
73 The (2) (School/the school)
74 The (3) (Children/the children)
75 The (4) (The giraffe/the telephone/the piano etc.; the + adjective)
76 Names with and without the (1)
77 Names with and without the (2)
78 Singular and plural
79 Noun + noun (a tennis ball/a headache etc.)
80 -'s (the girl's name) and of ... (the name of the book)
Pronouns and determiners
81 A friend of mine My own house On my own/by myself
82 Myself/yourself/themselves etc.
83 There ... and it ...
84 Some and any
85 No/none/any
86 Much, many, little, few, a lot, plenty
87 All/all of most/most of no/none of etc.
88 Both/both of neither/neither of either/either of
89 All, every and whole
90 Each and every
Relative clauses
91 Relative clauses (1)-clauses with who/that/which
92 Relative clauses (2)-clauses with or without who/that/which
93 Relative clauses (3)-whose/whom/where
94 Relative clauses (4)-'extra information' clauses (1)
95 Relative clauses (5)-'extra information' clauses (2)
96 ~ing and -ed clauses (the woman talking to Tom, the boy injured in the accident)
Adjectives and adverbs
97 Adjectives ending in ~ing and -ed (boring/bored etc.)
98 Adjectives: word order (a nice new house) Adjectives after verbs (You look tired)
99 Adjectives and adverbs (1) (quick/quickly)
100 Adjectives and adverbs (2) (well/fast/late, hard/hardly)
101 So and such
A. Enough and too
103 Quite and rather
104 Comparison (1)-cheaper, more expensive etc.
105 Comparison (2)
106 Comparison (3)-as ... as than
107 Superlatives-the longest/the most enjoyable etc.
108 Word order (1)-verb + object; place and time
109 Word order (2)-adverbs with the verb
110 Still, yet and already Any more/any longer no longer
111 Even
Conjunctions and prepositions
112 Although/though/even though In spite of despite
113 In case
114 Unless As long as and provided/providing
115 As (reason and time)
116 Like and as
117 As if
118 For, during and while
119 By and until By the time ...
Prepositions
120 At/on/in (time)
121 On time/in time At the end in the end
122 Wat/on (place) (1)
123 In/at/on (place) (2)
124 In/at/on (place) (3)
125 To/at/in/into
126 On/in/at (other uses)
127 By
128 Noun + preposition (reason for, cause of etc.)
129 Adjective + preposition (1)
130 Adjective + preposition (2)
131 Verb + preposition (1) at and to
132 Verb + preposition (2) about/for/of/after
133 Verb + preposition (3) about and of
134 Verb + preposition (4) of/for/from/on
135 Verb + preposition (5) in/into/with/to/on
136 Phrasal verbs (get up/break down/fill in etc.)
Appendix 1 Regular and irregular verbs 274
Appendix 2 Present and past tenses 276
Appendix 3 The future 277
Appendix 4 Modal verbs (can/could/will/would etc.) 278
Appendix 5 Short forms (I'm/you've/didn't etc.) 279
Appendix 6 Spelling 280
Appendix 7 American English 282
Additional exercises 284
Study guide 301
Key to Exercises 310
Key to Additional exercises 340
Key to Study guide 343
Index 344
THANKS
I would like to thank all the students and teachers who used the material that made up the original edition of this book. In particular, I am grateful to my former colleagues at the Swan School of English, Oxford, for all their interest and encouragement. I would also like to thank Adrian du Plessis, Alison Baxter, Barbara Thomas and Michael Swan for their help with the original edition.
Regarding this new edition, I would like to express my thanks to:
Jeanne McCarten for her help and advice throughout the preparation of the project
Alison Silver, Geraldine Mark, Peter Donovan, Ruth Carim and Nick Newton of Cambridge University Press
Gerry Abbot, Richard Fay, Clare West and Pam Murphy for their comments on the manuscript
Sue Andre and Paul Heacock for their help with the appendix on American English
Amanda MacPhall for the illustrations
TO THE STUDENT
This book is for students who want help with English grammar. It is written for you to use without a teacher.
The book will be useful for you if you are not sure of the answers to questions like these:
What is the difference between I did and I have done?
When do we use will for the future?
What is the structure after I wish?
When do we say used to do and when do we say used to doing?
When do we use the?
What is the difference between like and as?
These and many other points of English grammar are explained in the book and there are exercises on each point. Level The book is intended mainly for intermediate students (students who have already studied the basic grammar of English). It concentrates on those structures which intermediate students want to use but which often cause difficulty. Some advanced students who have problems with grammar will also find the book useful.
The book is not suitable for elementary learners.
How the book is organized
There are 136 units in the book. Each unit concentrates on a particular point of grammar. Some problems (for example, the present perfect or the use of tbe) are covered in more than one unit. For a list of units, see the Contents at the beginning of the book.
Each unit consists of two facing pages. On the left there are explanations and examples; on the right there are exercises. At the back of the book there is a Key for you to check your answers to the exercises (page 310).
There are also seven Appendices at the back of the book (pages 274-283). These include irregular verbs, summaries of verb forms, spelling and American English.
Finally, there is a detailed Index at the back of the book (page 344).
How to use the book
The units are not in order of difficulty, so it is not intended that you work through the book from beginning to end. Every learner has different problems and you should use this book to help you with the grammar that you find difficult. It is suggested that you work in this way:
Use the Contents and/or Index to find which unit deals with the point you are interested in.
If you are not sure which units you need to study, use the Study guide on page 301.
Study the explanations and examples on the left-hand page of the unit you have chosen.
Do the exercises on the right-hand page.
Check your answers with the Key.
If your answers are not correct, study the left-hand page again to see what went wrong.
You can of course use the book simply as a reference book without doing the exercises.
Additional exercises
At the back of the book there are Additional exercises (pages 284-300). These exercises bring together some of the grammar points from a number of different units. For example, Exercise 14 brings together grammar points from Units 26-40. You can use these exercises for extra practice after you have studied and practised the grammar in the units concerned.
TO THE TEACHER
English Grammar in Use was written as a self-study grammar book but teachers may also find it useful as additional course material in cases where further work on grammar is necessary.
The book will probably be most useful at middle- and upper-intermediate levels (where all or nearly all of the material will be relevant), and can serve both as a basis for revision and as a means for practicing new structures. It will also be useful for some more advanced students who have problems with grammar and need a book for reference and practice. The book is not intended to be used by elementary learners.
The units are organized in grammatical categories (Present and past, Articles and nouns, Prepositions etc.). They are not ordered according to level of difficulty, so the book should not be worked through from beginning to end. It should be used selectively and flexibly in accordance with the grammar syllabus being used and the difficulties students are having.
The book can be used for immediate consolidation or for later revision or remedial work. It might be used by the whole class or by individual students needing extra help. The lefthand pages (explanations and examples) are written for the student to use individually but they may of course be used by the teacher as a source of ideas and information on which to base a lesson. The student then has the left-hand page as a record of what has been taught and can refer to it in the future. The exercises can be done individually, in class or as homework. Alternatively (and additionally), individual students can be directed to study certain units of the book by themselves if they have particular difficulties not shared by other students in their class.
This new edition of English Grammar in Use contains a set of Additional exercises (pages284-300). These exercises provide 'mixed' practice bringing together grammar points from a number of different units.
A 'classroom edition' of English Grammar in Use is also available. It contains no key and some teachers might therefore prefer it for use with their students.
English Grammar in Use Second Edition
While this Is a completely new edition of English Grammar in Use, the general structure and character of the original book remain the same. The main changes from the original are:
There are new units on compound nouns (Unit 79), there and it (Unit 83),
each and every (Unit 90) and by (Unit 127).
Some units have been redesigned, for example Unit 73 (school or the school)
and Unit 94 (relative clauses 4).
Some of the material has been reorganised. For example, Units 3-4 (present continuous and present simple) and Units 68-69 (countable and uncountable nouns) correspond to single units in the original edition. The material in Units 131-135 (verb + preposition) has been completely rearranged.
Some of the units have been reordered and nearly all units have a different number from the original edition. A few units have been moved to different parts of the book. For example, Unit 35 (had better and it's time ...) Is the new rewritten version of the original Unit 65.
On the left-hand pages, many of the explanations have been rewritten and many of the examples have been changed.
Many of the original exercises have been either modified or completely replaced with new exercises.
There is a new section of Additional exercises at the back of the book (see To the student).
In the edition with answers there is a new Study guide to help students decide which units to study (see To the student). The Study guide is only In the edition with answers.
There are two new appendices on future forms and modal verbs. The other
appendices have been revised.
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UNIT 1. Present continuous (I am doing)
A. Study this example situation:
Ann is in her car. She is on her way to work.
She is driving to work.
This means: she is driving now, at the time of speaking. The action is not finished.
Am/is/are ~ing is the present continuous:
I am(= I'm) driving
he/she/it is(he's etc.) working
we/you/they are(we're etc.) doing etc.
B. I am doing something = I'm in the middle of doing something; I've started doing it and I haven't finished yet.
Often the action is happening at the time of speaking:
* Please don't make so much noise. I'm working. (not 'I work')
* 'Where's Margaret?' 'She's having a bath.' (not 'she has a bath')
* Let's go out now. It isn't raining any more. (not 'it doesn't rain')
* (at a party) Hello, Jane. Are you enjoying the party? (not 'do you enjoy')
* I'm tired. I'm going to bed now. Goodnight!
But the action is not necessarily happening at the time of speaking. For example:
Tom and Ann are talking in a cafe. Tom says:
TOM: I'm reading an interesting book at the moment. IT lend it to you when I've finished it.
Tom is not reading the book at the time of speaking. He means that he has started it but not finished it yet. He is in the middle of reading it.
Some more examples:
* Catherine wants to work in Italy, so she is learning Italian. (but perhaps she isn't learning Italian exactly at the time of speaking)
* Some friends of mine are building their own house. They hope it will be finished before next summer.
C. We use the present continuous when we talk about things happening in a period around now (for example, today/this week/this evening etc.):
* 'You're working hard today.' 'Yes, I have a lot to do.' (not 'you work hard today')
* 'Is Susan working this week?' 'No, she's on holiday.'
We use the present continuous when we talk about changes happening around now:
* The population of the world is rising very fast. (not 'rises')
* Is your English getting better? (not 'does your English get better')
@p3
EXERCISES
1.1 Complete the sentences with one of the following verbs in the correct form:
come get happen look make start stay try work
1. 'You're working hard today.' 'Yes, I have a lot to do.'
2. I --- for Christine. Do you know where she is? Am looking
3. It --- dark. Shall I turn on the light? is getting
4. They haven't got anywhere to I've at the moment. They --- with friends until they find somewhere.
Are staying
5. 'Are you ready, Ann?' 'Yes, I ---.' am coming
6. Have you got an umbrella? It --- to rain. Is starting
7. You --- a lot of noise. Could you be quieter? I --- to concentrate. Are making, am trying
8. Why are all these people here? What ---? Is happening
1.2 Use the words in brackets to complete the questions.
1. 'Is Colin working this week?' 'No, he's on holiday.' (Colin/work)
2. Why --- at me like that? What's the matter? (you/look) are you looking
3. 'Jenny is a student at university.' 'Is she? What --- ?' (she/study) is she studying
4. --- to the radio or can I turn it off? (anybody/listen) Is anybody listening
5. How is your English? --- better? (it/get) Is it getting
1.3 Put the verb into the correct form. Sometimes you need the negative (I'm not doing etc.).
1. I'm tired. I'm going (go) to bed now. Goodnight!
2. We can go out now. it isn't raining (rain) any more.
3. 'How is your new job?' 'Not so good at the moment. I --- (enjoy) it very much.' ‘m not enjoying
4. Catherine phoned me last night. She's on holiday in France. She --- (have) a great time and doesn't want to come back. ‘s having
5. I want to lose weight, so this week I --- (eat) lunch. ‘m not eating
6. Angela has just started evening classes. She --- (learn) German. ‘s learning
7. I think Paul and Ann have had an argument. They --- (speak) to each other. Aren’t speaking
1.4 Read this conversation between Brian and Sarah. Put the verbs into the correct form.
SARAH: Brian! How nice to see you! What (1) --- (you/do) these days?
BRIAN: I (2) --- (train) to be a supermarket manager.
SARAH: Really? What's it like? (3) --- (you/enjoy) it?
BRIAN: It's all right. What about you?
SARAH: Well, actually I (4) --- (not/work) at the moment.
I (5) --- (try) to find a job but it's not easy.
But I'm very busy. I (6) --- (decorate) my flat.
BRIAN: (7) --- (you/do) it alone?
SARAH: No, some friends of mine (8) --- (help) me.
1.5 Complete the sentences using one of these verbs: get change rise fall increase
You don't have to use all the verbs and you can use a verb more than once.
1. The population of the world is rising very fast.
2. Ken is still ill but he --- better slowly.
3. The world ---. Things never stay the same.
4. The cost of living ---. Every year things are more expensive.
5. The economic situation is already very bad and it --- worse.
@p4
UNIT 2. Present simple (I do)
A. Study this example situation:
Alex is a bus driver, but now he is in bed asleep. So: He is not driving a bus. (He is asleep.) but He drives a bus. (He is a bus driver.)
Drive(s)/work(s)/do(es) etc. is the present simple:
I/we/you/they drive/work/do etc.
he/she/it drives/works/does etc.
B. We use the present simple to talk about things in general. We are not thinking only about now. We use it to say that something happens all the time or repeatedly, or that something is true in general. It is not important whether the action is happening at the time of speaking:
* Nurses took after patients in hospitals.
* I usually go away at weekends.
* The earth goes round the sun.
Remember that we say: he/she/it -s. Don't forget the s:
I work ... but He works ... They teach ... but My sister teaches ...
For spelling (-s or -es), see Appendix 6.
C. We use do/does to make questions and negative sentences:
do I/we/you/they work?/come?/do?
does he/she/it work?/come?/do?
I/we/you/they don't work/come/do
he/she/it doesn't work/come/do
* I come from Canada. Where do you come from?
* 'Would you like a cigarette?' 'No, thanks. I don't smoke.'
* What does this word mean? (not 'What means this word?')
* Rice doesn't grow in cold climates.
In the following examples do is also the main verb:
* 'What do you do?' (= What's your job?) 'I work in a shop.'
* He's so lazy. He doesn't do anything to help me. (not 'He doesn't anything')
D. We use the present simple when we say how often we do things:
* I get up at 8 o'clock every morning. (not 'I'm getting')
* How often do you go to the dentist? (not 'How often are you going?')
* Ann doesn't drink tea very often.
* In summer John usually plays tennis once or twice a week.
E. I promise/I apologise etc.
Sometimes we do things by saying something. For example, when you promise to do something, you can say 'I promise ...'; when you suggest something, you can say J suggest ...'. We use the present simple (promise/suggest etc.) in sentences like this:
* I promise I won't be late. (not 'I'm promising')
* 'What do you suggest I do?' 'I suggest that you ...'
In the same way we say: I apologise .../I advise .../I insist .../I agree ... /I refuse ... etc.
@p5
EXERCISES
2.1 Complete the sentences using one of the following:
cause(s) close(s) drink(s) live(s) open(s) speak(s) take(s) place
1. Ann speaks German very well.
2. I never --- coffee. drink
3. The swimming pool --- at 9 o'clock and --- at 18.30 every day. Opens, closes
4. Bad driving --- many accidents. causes
5. My parents --- in a very at small flat. live
6. The Olympic Games --- every four years. Take place
2.2 Put the verb into the correct form.
1. Jane doesn't drink (not/drink) tea very often.
2. What time --- (the banks/close) in Britain? Do the banks close
3. 'Where --- (Martin/come) from?' 'He's Scottish.' Does Martin come
4. 'What --- (you/do)?' 'I'm an electrical engineer.' – do you do
5. It --- (take) me an hour to get to work. How long --- (it/take) you? – take, does it take
6. I --- (play) the piano but I --- (not/play) very well. Play , don’t play
7. I don't understand this sentence. What --- (this word/mean)? Does this word mean
2.3 Use one of the following verbs to complete these sentences. Sometimes you need the negative:
believe eat flow go grow make rise tell translate
1. The earth goes round the sun.
2. Rice doesn't grow in Britain.
3. The sun --- in the east. rises
4. Bees --- honey. - make
5. Vegetarians --- meat. – don’t eat
6. An atheist --- in God. doesn’t believe
7. An interpreter --- from one language into another. translates
8. A liar is someone who --- the truth. Does not tell
9. The River Amazon --- into the Atlantic Ocean. flows
2.4 Ask Liz questions about herself and her family.
1. You know that Liz plays tennis. You want to know how often. Ask her.
How often do you play tennis?
2. Perhaps Liz's sister plays tennis too. You want to know. Ask Liz.
--- your sister --- - does your sister play tennis?
3. You know that Liz reads a newspaper every day. You want to know which one. Ask her.
--- Which newspaper do you read everyday?
4. You know that Liz's brother works. You want to know what he does. Ask Liz.
--- - what does your brother do?
5. You know that Liz goes to the cinema a lot. You want to know how often. Ask her.
--- How often do you go to the cinema?
6. You don't know where Liz's mother lives. Ask Liz.
--- Where does your mother live ?
2.5 Complete using one of the following.
I apologise I insist I promise I recommend I suggest
1. It's a nice day. I suggest we go out for a walk.
2. I won't tell anybody what you said. ---. I promise
3. (in a restaurant) You must let me pay for the meal. ---. – I insist
4. --- for what I said about you. It wasn't true and I shouldn't have said it. – I apologize
5. The new restaurant in Hill Street is very good --- it. I recommend
@p6
UNIT 3. Present continuous and present simple (1) (I am doing and I do)
A. Study the explanations and compare the examples:
Present continuous (I am doing)
Use the continuous for something that is happening at or around the time of speaking.
The action is not finished.
I am doing (now)
* The water is boiling. Can you turn it off?
* Listen to those people. What language are they speaking?
* Let's go out. It isn't raining now.
* 'Don't disturb me. I'm busy.' 'Why? What are you doing?'
* I'm going to bed now. Goodnight!
* Maria is in Britain at the moment. She's learning English.
Use the continuous for a temporary situation:
* I'm living with some friends until I find a flat.
* 'You're working hard today.' 'Yes, I've got a lot to do.'
See Unit I for more information.
Present simple (I do)
Use the simple for things in general or things that happen repeatedly.
I do
* Water boils at 100 degrees celsius.
* Excuse me, do you speak English?
* It doesn't rain very much in summer.
* What do you usually do at weekends?
* What do you do? (= What's your job?)
* I always go to bed before midnight.
* Most people learn to swim when they are children.
Use the simple for a permanent situation:
* My parents live in London. They have lived there all their lives.
* John isn't lazy. He works very hard most of the time.
See Unit 2 for more information.
B. I always do and I'm always doing
Usually we say 'I always do something' (= I do it every time):
* I always go to work by car. (not 'I'm always going')
You can also say 'I'm always doing something', but this has a different meaning. For example:
I've lost my key again. I'm always losing things.
'I'm always losing things' does not mean that I lose things every time. It means that I lose things too often, more often than normal.
'You're always ~ing' means that you do something very often, more often than the speaker thinks is normal or reasonable.
* You're always watching television. You should do something more active.
* John is never satisfied. He's always complaining.
@p7
EXERCISES
3.1 Are the underlined verbs right or wrong? Correct the verbs that are wrong.
1. Water boils at 100 degrees celsius. RIGHT
2. The water boils. Can you turn it off? WRONG: is boilling
3. Look! That man tries to open the door of your car. --- wrong, is trying
4. Can you hear those people? What do they talk about? --- wrong, are they talking
5. The moon goes round the earth. ---right
6. I must go now. It gets late. --- wrong, is getting
7. I usually go to work by car. --- right
8. 'Hurry up! It's time to leave.' 'OK, I come.' --- wrong, am coming
9. I hear you've got a new job. How do you get on? --- wrong, are you getting on
3.2 Put the verb in the correct form, present continuous or present simple.
1. Let's go out. It isn't raining (not/rain) now.
2. Julia is very good at languages. She speaks (speak) four languages very well.
3. Hurry up! Everybody --- (wait) for you. – is waiting
4. '--- (you/listen) to the radio?' 'No, you can turn it off.' – Are you listening
5. '--- (you/listen) to the radio every day?' 'No, just occasionally.' – Do you listen
6. The River Nile --- (flow) into the Mediterranean. - flows
7. Look at the river. It --- (flow) very fast today - much faster than usual. – is flowing
8. We usually --- (grow) vegetables in our garden but this year we --- (not/grow) any. –grow, are not growing
9. 'How is your English?' 'Not bad. It --- (improve) slowly.' Is improving
10. Ron is in London at the moment. He --- (stay) at the Park Hotel. He --- (always/stay) there when he's in London. – is staying, always stays
11. Can we stop walking soon? I --- (start) to feel tired. – am starting
12. 'Can you drive?' 'I --- (learn). My father --- (teach) me.' – am learning, is teaching
13. Normally I --- (finish) work at 5.00, but this week I --- (work) until 6.00 to earn a bit more money. – finish, am working
14. My parents --- (live) in Bristol. They were born there and have never lived anywhere else. Where --- (your parents/live)? Live, do your parents live
15. Sonia --- (look) for a place to live. She --- (stay) with her sister until she finds somewhere.
- is looking , is staying
16. 'What --- (your father/do)?' 'He's an architect but he --- (not/work) at the moment.'
- does your father do, is not working
17. (at a party) Usually I --- (enjoy) parties but I --- (not/enjoy) this one very much.
- enjoy, am not enjoying
18. The train is never late. It --- (always/leave) on time.
Always leaves
19. Jim is very untidy. He --- (always/leave) his things all over the place.
- is always leaving
3.3 Finish B's sentences. Use always ~ing (see Section B).
1. A: I'm afraid I've lost my key again.
B: Not again! You're always losing your key.
2. A: The car has broken down again.
B: That car is useless! It ---
Is always breaking down
3. A: Look! You've made the same mistake again.
B: Oh no, not again! I ---
Am always making the same mistake
4. A: Oh, I've left the lights on again.
B: Typical! You --- are always leaving the lights on
@p8
UNIT 4. Present continuous and present simple (2) (I am doing and I do)
A. We use continuous tenses only for actions and happenings (they are eating/it is raining etc.).
Some verbs (for example, know and like) are not action verbs. You cannot say 'I am knowing' or ,they are liking'; you can only say 'I know', 'they like'.
The following verbs are not normally used in continuous tenses:
like love hate want need prefer know realise suppose mean understand believe remember belong contain consist depend seem
* I'm hungry. I want something to eat. (not 'I'm wanting')
* Do you understand what I mean?
* Ann doesn't seem very happy at the moment.
When think means 'believe', do not use the continuous:
* What do you think (= believe) will happen? (not 'what are you thinking')
but * You look serious. What are you thinking about? (= What is going on in your mind?)
* I'm thinking of giving up my job. (= I am considering)
When have means 'possess' etc., do not use the continuous (see Unit 17):
* We're enjoying our holiday. We have a nice room in the hotel. (not 'we're having')
but * We're enjoying our holiday. We're having a great time.
B. See hear smell taste
We normally use the present simple (not continuous) with these verbs:
* Do you see that man over there? (not 'are you seeing')
* This room smells. Let's open a window.
We often use can + see/hear/smell/taste:
* Listen! Can you hear something?
But you can use the continuous with see (I'm seeing) when the meaning is 'having a meeting with' (especially in the future--see Unit 19A):
* I'm seeing the manager tomorrow morning.
C. He is selfish and He is being selfish
The present continuous of be is I am being/he is being/you are being etc.
I'm being = 'I'm behaving/I'm acting'. Compare:
* I can't understand why he's being so selfish. He isn't usually like that. (being selfish = behaving selfishly at the moment)
but * He never thinks about other people. He is very selfish. (not 'he is being') (= he is selfish generally, not only at the moment)
We use am/is/are being to say how somebody is behaving. It is not usually possible in other sentences:
* It's hot today. (not 'it is being hot')
* Sarah is very tired. (not 'is being tired')
D. Look and feet
You can use the present simple or continuous when you say how somebody looks or feels now:
* You took well today. or You're looking well today.
* How do you feel now? or How are you feeling now?
but * I usually feel tired in the morning. (not 'I'm usually feeling')
@p9
EXERCISES
4.1 Are the underlined verbs right or wrong? Correct the ones that are wrong.
1. I'm seeing the manager tomorrow morning. RIGHT
2. I'm feeling hungry. Is there anything to eat? --- wrong, I feel hungry
3. Are you believing in God? --- wrong, do you believe in God? no I’m an atheist
4. This sauce is great. It's tasting really good. --- - wrong, it tastes really good.
5. I'm thinking this is your key. Am I right? --- wrong, I think
4.2 Look at the pictures. Use the words in brackets to make sentences. (You should also study Unit 3 before you do this exercise.)
1. (you/not/seem/very happy today) You don't seem very happy today.
2. (what/you/do?) ---what are you doing?
Be quiet! (I/think) ---I’m thinking
3. (who/this umbrella/belong to?) --- To whom does this umbrella belong ?
I've no idea.
4. (the dinner/smell/good) ---The dinner smells good.
5. Excuse me. (anybody/sit/here?) ---Is anybody sitting here?
No, it's free
6. Can you ring me back in half an hour? (I/have/dinner) ---I’m having dinner
4.3 Put the verb into the correct form, present continuous or present simple.
1. Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat? (you/want)
2. Jill is interested in politics but she --- to a political party. (not/belong) does not belong to
3. Don't put the dictionary away. I --- it. (use) I’m using it
4. Don't put the dictionary away. I --- it. (need) I need it.
5. Who is that man? What ---? (he/want) does he want
6. Who is that man? Why --- at us? (he/look) is he looking
7. George says he's 80 years old but nobody --- him. (believe) - believes
8. She told me her name but I --- it now. (not/remember) – don’t remember
9. I --- of selling my car. (think) Would you be interested in buying it? Am thinking
10. I --- you should sell your w
car. (think) You --- it very often. (not/use) think, don’t use
11. I used to drink a lot of coffee but these days I --- tea. (prefer) prefer
12. Air --- mainly of nitrogen and oxygen. (consist) consists
4.4 Complete the sentences using the most suitable form of be. Sometimes you must use the simple (am/is/are) and sometimes the continuous is more suitable (am/is/are being).
1. I can't understand why he's being so selfish. He isn't usually like that.
2. Jack --- very nice to me at the moment. I wonder why. – was being
3. You'll like Jill when you meet her. She --- very nice. - is
4. Normally you are very sensible, so why --- so silly about this matter? Are you being
5. Why isn't Sarah at work today? --- ill? – Is she being
@p10
UNIT 5. Past simple (I did)
A. Study this example:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was an Austrian musician and composer. He lived from 1756 to 1791. He started composing at the age of five and wrote more than 600 pieces of music. He was only 35 years old when he died.
Lived/started/wrote/was/died are all past simple.
B. Very often the past simple ends in -ed (regular verbs):
* I work in a travel agency now. Before that I worked in a shop.
* We invited them to our party but they decided not to come.
* The police stopped me on my way home last night.
* She passed her examination because she studied very hard.
For spelling (stopped, studied etc.), see Appendix 6.
But many verbs are irregular. The past simple does not end in -ed. For example:
write -> wrote
* Mozart wrote more than 600 pieces of music.
see -> saw
* We saw Rose in town a few days ago.
go -> went
* I went to the cinema three times last week.
shut -> shut
* It was cold, so I shut the window.
For a list of irregular verbs, see Appendix 1.
C. In questions and negatives we use did/didn't + infinitive (enjoy/see/go etc.):
I/she/they: enjoyed/saw/went
Did: you/she/they: enjoy?/see?/go?
I/she/they: didn't: enjoy/see/go
* A: Did you go out last night?
B: Yes, I went to the cinema but I didn't enjoy the film much.
* 'When did Mr Thomas die?' 'About ten years ago.'
* They didn't invite her to the party, so she didn't go.
* 'Did you have time to write the letter?' 'No, I didn't.'
Be careful when do is the main verb in the sentence:
* What did you do at the weekend? (not 'what did you at the weekend')
* I didn't do anything. (not 'I didn't anything')
D. The past of be (am/is/are) is was/were:
I/he/she/it was/wasn't
we/you/they were/weren't
was I/he/she/it?
were we/you/they?
Note that we do not use did in negatives and questions with was/were:
* I was angry because they were late.
* Was the weather good when you were on holiday?
* They weren't able to come because they were so busy.
* Did you go out last night or were you too tired?
@p11
EXERCISES
5.1 Read what Sharon says about a typical working day:
SHARON
I usually get up at 7 o'clock and have a big breakfast. I walk to work, which takes me about half an hour. I start work at 8.45. I never have lunch. I finish work at 5 o'clock. i'm always tired when I get home. I usually cook a meal in the evening. I don't usually go out. I go to bed at about 11 o'clock. I always sleep well.
Yesterday was a typical working day for Sharon. Write she did or didn't do yesterday.
1. She got up at 7 o'clock.
2. She --- a big breakfast.
3. She ---.
4. It --- to get to work.
5. --- at 8.45.
6. --- lunch.
7. --- at 5 o'clock.
8. --- tired when --- home.
9. --- a meal yesterday evening.
10. --- out yesterday evening.
11. --- at 11 o'clock.
12. --- well last night.
5.25 Put one of these verbs in each sentence:
buy catch cost drink fall hurt sell spend teach throw win write
1. Mozart wrote more than 600 pieces of music.
2. 'How did you learn to drive?' 'My father --- me.'
3. We couldn't afford to keep our car, so we --- it.
4. I was very thirsty. I --- the water very quickly.
5. Paul and I played tennis yesterday. He's much better than me, so he --- easily.
6. Don --- down the stairs this morning and --- his lag.
7. Jim --- the ball to Sue, who --- it.
8. Ann --- a lot of money yesterday. She --- a dress which --- l100.
5.3 A friend has just come back from holiday. You ask him about it. Write your questions.
1. (where/go?) Where did you go?
2. (go alone?) ---
3. (food/good?) ---
4. (how long/stay there?) ---
5. (stay/at a hotel?) ---
6. (how/travel?) ---
7. (the weather/fine?) ---
8. (what/do in the evenings?) ---
9. (meet anybody interesting?) ---
5.4 Complete the sentences, Put the verb into the correct form, positive or negative.
1. It was warm, so I _took_ off my coat. (take)
2. The film wasn't very good. I didn't enjoy it very much. (enjoy)
3. I knew Sarah was very busy, so I --- her. (disturb)
4. I was very tired, so I --- to bed early. (go)
5. The bed was very uncomfortable. I --- very well. (sleep)
6. Sue wasn't hungry, so she --- anything. (eat)
7. We went to Kate's house but she --- at home. (be)
8. It was a funny situation but nobody --- (laugh)
9. The window was open and a bird --- into the room. (fly)
10. The hotel wasn't very expensive. It --- very much. (cost)
11. I was in a hurry, so I --- time to phone you. (have)
12. It was hard work carrying the bags. They --- very heavy. (be)
@p12
UNIT 6. Past continuous (I was doing)
A. Study this example situation:
Yesterday Karen and Jim played tennis. They began at 10 o'clock and finished at 11.30. So, at 10.30 they were playing tennis.
They were playing = 'they were in the middle of playing'. They had not finished playing.
Was/were ~ing is the past continuous:
I/he/she/it was playing/doing/working etc.
we/you/they were playing/doing/working etc.
B. We use the past continuous to say that somebody was in the middle of doing something at a certain time. The action or situation had already started before this time but had not finished:
* This time last year I was living in Brazil.
* What were you doing at 10 o'clock last night?
* I waved to her but she wasn't looking.
C. Compare the past continuous (I was doing) and past simple (I did):
Past continuous (in the middle of an action)
* I was walking home when I met Dave. (= in the middle of walking home)
* Ann was watching television when the phone rang.
Past simple (complete action)
* I walked home after the party last night. (= all the way, completely)
* Ann watched television a lot when she was ill last year.
D. We often use the past simple and the past continuous together to say that something happened in the middle of something else:
* Tom burnt his hand when he was cooking the dinner.
* I saw you in the park yesterday. You were sitting on the grass and reading a book.
* While I was working in the garden, I hurt my back.
But we use the past simple to say that one thing happened after another:
* I was walking along the road when I saw Dave. So I stopped and we had a chat.
Compare:
* When Karen arrived, we were having dinner. (= We had already started dinner before Karen arrived.)
* When Karen arrived, we had dinner. (= First Karen arrived and then we had
dinner.)
E. There are some verbs (for example, know/want/believe) that are not normally used in the continuous (see Unit 4A):
* We were good friends. We knew each other well. (not 'we were knowing')
* I was enjoying the party but Chris wanted to go home. (not 'was wanting')
@p13
EXERCISES
6.1 What were you doing at the following times? Write one sentence as in the examples. The past continuous is not always necessary (see the second example).
1. (at 8 o'clock yesterday evening)
I was having dinner with some friends.
2. (at 5 o'clock last Saturday)
I was on a train on my way to London.
3. (at 10.15 yesterday morning)
4. (at 4.30 this morning)
5. (at 7.45 yesterday evening)
6. (half an hour ago)
6.2 Use your own ideas to complete these sentences. Use the past continuous.
1. Tom burnt his hand while he was cooking the dinner.
2. The doorbell rang while I ---
3. We saw an accident while we ---
4. Mary fell asleep while she ---
5. The television was on but nobody ---
6.3 Put the verbs into the correct form, past continuous or past simple.
1. I saw (see) Sue in town yesterday but she --- (look) the other way.
2. I --- (meet) Tom and Ann at the airport a few weeks ago. They --- (go) to Berlin and I --- (go) to Madrid. We --- (have) a chat while we --- (wait) for our flights.
3. I --- (cycle) home yesterday when suddenly a man --- (step) out into the road in front of me. I --- (go) quite fast but luckily I --- (manage) to stop in time and --- (not/hit) him.
6.4 Put the verbs into the correct form, past continuous or past simple.
1. Jane was waiting (wait) for me when I arrived (arrive).
2. 'What --- (you/do) this time yesterday?' 'I was asleep.'
3. '--- (you/go) out last night?' 'No, I was too tired.'
4. 'Was Carol at the party last night?' 'Yes, she --- (wear) a really nice dress.'
5. How fast --- (you/drive) when the accident --- (happen)?
6. John --- (take) a photograph of me while I --- (not/look).
7. We were in a very difficult position. We --- (not/know) what to do.
8. I haven't seen Alan for ages. When I last --- (see) him, he --- (try) to find a Job in London.
9. I --- (walk) along the street when suddenly I --- (hear) footsteps behind me. Somebody --- (follow) me. I was frightened and I --- (start) to run.
10. When I was young, I --- (want) to be a bus driver.
@p14
UNIT 7 Present perfect (1) (I have done)
A. Study this example situation:
Tom is looking for his key. He can't find it. He has lost his key. 'He has lost his key' = He lost it and he still hasn't got it.
Have/has lost is the present perfect simple:
I/we/they/you have (= I've etc.) finished/lost/done/been etc.
he/she/it has (= he's etc.) finished/lost/done/been etc.
The present perfect simple is have/has + past participle. The past participle often ends in -ed (finished/decided etc.), but many important verbs are irregular (lost/done/been/written etc.). For a list of irregular verbs, see Appendix 1.
B. When we use the present perfect there is always a connection with now. The action in the past has a result now:
* 'Where's your key?' J don't know. I've lost it.' (I haven't got it now)
* He told me his name but I've forgotten it. (I can't remember it now)
* 'Is Sally here?' 'No, she's gone out.' (she is out now)
* I can't find my bag. Have you seen it? (do you know where it is now?)
We often use the present perfect to give new information or to announce a recent happening:
* Ow! I've cut my finger.
* The road is closed. There's been (= there has been) an accident.
* (from the news) The police have arrested two men in connection with the robbery.
C. You can use the present perfect with just, already and yet:
Just = a short time ago:
* 'Would you like something to eat?' 'No, thanks. I've just had lunch.'
* Hello. Have you just arrived?
We use already to say that something happened sooner than expected (see also Unit 110D).
* 'Don't forget to post the letter, will you?' 'I've already posted it.'
* 'What time is Mark leaving?' 'He's already gone.'
Yet = 'until now' and shows that the speaker is expecting something to happen. Use yet only in questions and negative sentences (see also Unit 110C):
* Has it stopped raining yet?
* I've written the letter but I haven't posted it yet.
D. Note the difference between gone (to) and been (to):
* Jim is away on holiday. He has gone to Spain. (= he is there now or on his way there)
* Jane is back home from holiday now. She has been to Italy. (= she has now come back from Italy)
For been (to) see also Units 8 and 125B.
@p15
EXERCISES
7.1 You are writing a letter to a friend. In the letter you give news about yourself and other people. Use the words given to make sentences. Use the present perfect.
Dear Chris,
Lots of things have happened since I last wrote to you.
1. I/buy/a new car
I've bought a new car.
2. my father/start/a new job
3. I/give up/smoking
4. Charles and Sarah/go/to Brazil
5. Suzanne/have/a baby
7.2 Read the situations and write sentences. Choose one of the following:
arrive break go up grow improve lose
1. Mike is looking for his key. He can't find it. He has lost his key.
2. Margaret can't walk and her leg is in plaster. She ---
3. Maria's English wasn't very good. Now it is much better. ---
4. Tim didn't have a beard last month. Now he has a beard. ---
5. This morning I was expecting a letter. Now I have it. ---
6. Last week the bus fare was 80 pence. Now it is 90. ---
7.3 Complete Bs sentences. Use the verb in brackets + just/already/yet (as sbown).
1. A: Would you like something to eat?
B: No, thanks. I've just had lunch. (just/have)
2. A: Do you know where Julia is?
B: Yes, I --- her. (just/see)
3. A: What time is David leaving?
B: He --- (already/leave)
4. A: What's in the newspaper today?
B: I don't know. I --- (not/read/yet)
5. A: Is Ann coming to the cinema with us?
B: No, she --- the film. (already/see)
6. A: Are your friends here yet?
B: Yes, they --- (just/arrive)
7. A: What does Tim think about your plan?
B: I --- (not/tell/yet)
7.4 Read the situations and write sentences with just, already or yet.
1. After lunch you go to see a friend at her house. She says 'Would you like something to eat?'
You say: No, thank you. I've just had lunch. (have lunch)
2. Joe goes out. Five minutes later, the phone rings and the caller says 'Can I speak to Joe?'
You say: I'm afraid --- (go out)
3. You are eating in a restaurant. The waiter thinks you have finished and starts to take your plate away.
You say: Wait a minute! --- (not/finish)
4. You are going to a restaurant this evening. You phone to reserve a table. Later your friend says 'Shall I phone to reserve a table?'
You say: No --- it. (do)
5. You know that a friend of yours is looking for a job. Perhaps she has been successful. Ask her.
You say: ---? (find)
6. Ann went to the bank, but a few minutes ago she returned. Somebody asks 'Is Ann still at the bank?'
You say: No, --- (come back)
7.5 Put in been or gone.
1. Jim is on holiday. He's gone to Italy.
2. Hello! I've just --- to the shops. I've bought lots of things.
3. Alice isn't here at the moment. She's --- to the shop to get a newspaper.
4. Tom has. --- out. He'll be back in about an hour.
5. 'Are you going to the bank?' 'No, I've already --- to the bank.'
@p16
UNIT 8. Present perfect (2) (I have done)
A. Study this example conversation:
DAVE: Have you travelled a lot, Jane?
JANE: Yes, I've been to lots of places.
DAVE: Really? Have you ever been to China?
JANE: Yes, I've been to China twice.
DAVE: What about India?
JANE: No, I haven't been to India.
When we talk about a period of time that continues from the past until now, we use the present perfect (have been/have travelled etc.). Here, Dave and Jane are talking about the places Jane has visited in her life (which is a period that continues until now).
* Have you ever eaten caviar? (in your life)
* We've never had a car.
* 'Have you read Hamlet?' 'No, I haven't read any of Shakespeare's plays.'
* Susan really loves that film. She's seen it eight times!
* What a boring film! It's the most boring film I've ever seen.
In the following examples too the speakers are talking about a period that continues until now (recently/in the last few days/so far/since breakfast etc.):
* Have you heard from George recently?
* I've met a lot of people in the last few days.
* Everything is going well. We haven't had any problems so far.
* I'm hungry. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast. (= from breakfast until now)
* It's nice to see you again. We haven't seen each other for a long time.
B. We use the present perfect with today/this morning/this evening etc. when these periods are not finished at the time of speaking (see also Unit 14B):
* I've drunk four cups of coffee today. (perhaps I'll drink more before today is finished)
* Have you had a holiday this year (yet)?
* I haven't seen Tom this morning. Have you?
* Ron hasn't worked very hard this term.
C. Note that we say 'It's the first time something has happened' (present perfect). For example:
Don is having a driving lesson. He is very nervous and unsure because it is his first lesson.
* It's the first time he has driven a car. (not 'drives') or He has never driven a car before.
* Linda has lost her passport again. It's the second time this has happened. (not 'happens')
* This is a lovely meal. It's the first good meal I've had for ages. (not 'I have')
* Bill is phoning his girlfriend again. That's the third time he's phoned her this evening.
@p17
EXERCISES
8.1 You are asking somebody questions about things he or she has done. Make questions from the words in brackets.
1. (ever/ride/horse?)
Have you ever ridden a horse?
2. (ever/be/California?)
3. (ever/run/marathon?)
4. (ever/speak/famous person?)
5. (always/live/in this town?)
6. (most beautiful place/ever/visit?) What
8.2 Complete Bs answers. Some sentences are positive and some negative. Use a verb from this list:
be be cat happen have meet play read see see try
1 A: What's George's sister like?
B: I've no idea. I've never met her.
2. A: How is Amy these days?
B: I don't know. I --- her recently.
3. A: Are you hungry?
B: Yes. I --- much today.
4. A: Can you play chess?
B: Yes, but --- for ages.
5. A: Did you enjoy your holiday?
B: Yes, it's the best holiday --- for a long time.
6. A: What's that book like?
B: I don't know ---
7. A: Is Brussels an interesting place?
B: I've no idea --- there.
8. A: Mike was late for work again today.
B: Again? He --- every day this week.
9. A: Do you like caviar?
B: I don't know ---
10. A: The car broke down again yesterday.
B: Not again! That's the second time --- this week.
11. Who's that woman by the door)
B: I don't know --- before.)
8.3 Complete these sentences using today/this year/this term etc.
1. I saw Tom yesterday but I haven't seen him today.
2. I read a newspaper yesterday but I --- today.
3. Last year the company made a profit but this year ---
4. Tracy worked hard at school last term but ---
5. It snowed a lot last winter but ---
6. Our football team won a lot of games last season but we ---
8.4 Read the situations and write sentences as shown in the examples.
1. Jack is driving a car but he's very nervous and not sure what to do.
You ask: Have you driven a car before?
2. Len is playing tennis. He's not very good and he doesn't know the rules.
You ask: Have ---
3. Sue is riding a horse. She doesn't look very confident or comfortable.
You ask: ---
She says: ---
4. Maria is in London. She has just arrived and it's very new for her.
You ask: ---
She says: ---
@p18
UNIT 9. Present perfect continuous (I have been doing)
A. It has been raining. Study this example situation:
Is it raining? No, but the ground is wet.
It has been raining.
Have/has been ~ing is the present perfect continuous:
I/we/they/you have (= I've etc.) been doing/waiting/playing etc.
he/she/it has (= he's etc.) been doing/waiting/playing etc.
We use the present perfect continuous for an activity that has recently stopped or just stopped. There is a connection with now:
* You're out of breath. Have you been running? (you're out of breath now)
* Paul is very tired. He's been working very hard. (he's tired now)
* Why are your clothes so dirty? What have you been doing?
* I've been talking to Carol about the problem and she thinks that ...
B. It has been raining for two hours. Study this example situation:
It is raining now. It began raining two hours ago and it is still raining.
How long has it been raining?
It has been raining for two hours.
We often use the present perfect continuous in this way, especially with how long, for ... and since ... The activity is still happening (as in this example) or has just stopped.
* How long have you been learning English? (you're still learning English)
* Tim is still watching television. He's been watching television all day.
* Where have you been? I've been looking for you for the last half hour.
* George hasn't been feeling well recently.
You can use the present perfect continuous for actions repeated over a period of time:
Debbie is a very good tennis player. She's been playing since she was eight.
Every morning they meet in the same cafe. They've been going there for years.
C. Compare I am doing (see Unit 1) and I have been doing:
I am doing (present continuous) -> now
* Don't disturb me now. I'm working.
* We need an umbrella. It's raining.
* Hurry up! We're waiting.
I have been doing (present perfect continuous)
* I've been working hard, so now I'm going to have a rest.
* The ground is wet. It's been raining.
* We've been waiting for an hour.
@p19
EXERCISES
9.1 What have these people been doing or what has been happening?
1. They have been shopping.
2. She ---
3. They ---
4. He ---
9.2 Write a question for each situation.
1. John looks sunburnt. You ask: (you/sit in the sun?) Have you been sitting in the sun?
2. You have just arrived to meet a friend who is waiting for you. You ask: (you/wait/long?)
3. You meet a friend in the street. His face and hands are very dirty. You ask: (what/you/do?)
4. A friend of yours is now living in Baker Street. You want to know 'How long ...?' You ask: (how long/you/live/in Baker Street?)
5. A friend tells you about his job--he sells computers. You want to know 'How long ...?' You ask: (how long/you/sell/computers?)
9.3 Read the situations and complete the sentences.
1. The rain started two hours ago. It's still raining now. It has been raining for two hours.
2. We started waiting for the bus 20 minutes ago. We're still waiting now.
We --- for 20 minutes.
3. I started Spanish classes in December. I'm still learning Spanish now.
I --- since December.
4. Ann began looking for a job six months ago. She's still looking now.
--- for six months.
5. Mary started working in London on 18 January. She's still working there now.
--- since 18 January.
6. Years ago you started writing to a pen-friend. You still write to each other regularly now.
We --- for years.
9.4 Put the verb into the present continuous (I am ~ing etc.) or present perfect continuous (I have been ~ing etc.).
1. Maria has been learning (learn) English for two years.
2. Hello, Tom. I --- (look) for you all morning. Where have you been?
3. Why --- (you/took) at me like that? Stop it!
4. We always go to Ireland for our holidays. We --- (go) there for years.
5. I --- (think) about what you said and I've decided to take your advice.
6. 'Is Ann on holiday this week?' 'No, she ---e (work).'
7. Sarah is very tired. She --- (work) very hard recently.
@p20
UNIT 10. Present perfect continuous and simple (I have been doing and I have done)
A. Study these example situations:
Ann's clothes are covered in paint. She has been painting the ceiling.
Has been Painting is the present perfect
We are interested in the activity. It does not matter whether something has been finished or not. In this example, the activity (painting the ceiling) has not been finished.
The ceiling was white. Now it is blue. She has painted the ceiling.
Has painted is the present perfect simple.
Here, the important thing is that something has been finished. 'Has painted' is a completed action. We are interested in the result of the activity (the painted ceiling), not in the activity itself.
Compare these examples:
* My hands are very dirty. I've been repairing the car. The car is OK again now. I've repaired it.
* She's been smoking too much recently. She should smoke less. Somebody has smoked all my cigarettes. The packet is empty.
* It's nice to see you again. What have you been doing since we last met? Where's the book I gave you? What have you done with it?
* Where have you been? Have you been playing tennis? Have you ever played tennis?
B. We use the continuous to ask or say how long (for an activity that is still happening):
* How long have you been reading that book?
* Mary is still writing letters. She's been writing letters all day.
* They've been playing tennis since 2 o'clock.
We use the simple to ask or say how much, how many or how many times (completed actions):
* How many pages of that book have you read?
* Mary has written ten letters today.
* They've played tennis three times this week.
C. There are some verbs (for example, know/like/believe) that are normally not used in the continuous:
* I've known about it for a long time. (not 'I've been knowing')
For a list of these verbs, see Unit 4A.
@p21
EXERCISES
10.1 Read the situations and write two sentences using the words in brackets.
1. Tom started reading a book two hours ago. He is still reading it and now he is on page 53.
(read/for two hours) He has been reading for two hours.
(read/53 pages so far) He has read 53 pages so far.
2. Linda is from Australia. She is travelling round Europe at the moment. She began her tour three months ago.
(travel/for three months) She ---
(visit/six countries so far) ---
3. Jimmy is a tennis player. He began playing tennis when he was ten years old. This year he is national champion again--for the fourth time.
(win/the national championship four times)
(play/tennis since he was ten)
4. When they left college, Mary and Sue started making films together. They still make films.
(make/ten films since they left college) They ---
(make/films since they left college)
10.2 For each situation, ask a question using the words in brackets.
1. You have a friend who is learning Arabic. You ask: (how long/learn/Arabic?) How long have you been learning Arabic?
2. You have just arrived to meet a friend. She is waiting for you. You ask: (how long/wait?)
3. You see somebody fishing by the river. You ask: (how many fish/catch?)
4. Some friends of yours are having a party next week. You ask: (how many people/invite?)
5. A friend of yours is a teacher. You ask: (how long/reach?)
6. You meet somebody who is a writer. You ask: (how many books/write?)
(how long/write/books?)
7. A friend of yours is saving money to go on holiday. You ask: (how long/save?)
(how much money/save?)
10.3 Put the verb into the more suitable form, present perfect simple (I have done etc.) or continuous (I have been doing etc.).
1. Where have you been? Have you been playing (you/play) tennis?
2. Look! Somebody --- (break) that window.
3. You look tired. --- (you/work) hard?
4. '--- (you/ever/work) in a factory?' 'No, never.'
5. 'Jane is away on holiday.' 'Oh, is she? Where --- (she/go)?
6. My brother is an actor. He --- (appear) In several films.
7. 'Sorry I'm late.' 'That's all right. I --- (not/wait) long.'
8. 'Is it still raining?' 'No, it --- (stop).'
9. I --- (lose) my address book. --- (you/see) it anywhere?
10. I --- (read) the book you lent me but I --- (not/finish) it yet.
11. I --- (read) the book you lent me, so you can have it back now.
@p22
UNIT 11. How long have you (been) ...?
A. Study this example situation:
Bob and Alice are married. They got married exactly 20 years ago, so today is their 20th wedding anniversary.
They have been married for 20 years.
We say: They are married. (present)
but How long have they been married? (present perfect) (not 'How long are they married?')
They have been married for 20 years. (not 'They are married for 20 years')
We use the present perfect to talk about something that began in the past and still continues now. Compare the present and the present perfect:
* Amy is in hospital.
but She has been in hospital since Monday. (not 'Amy is in hospital since Monday')
* We know each other very well.
but We have known each other for a long time. (not 'we know')
* Are you waiting for somebody?
but How long have you been waiting?
B. I have been doing something (present perfect continuous) = 'I started doing something in the past and I am still doing it (or have just stopped)':
* I've been learning English for a long time. (not 'I am learning')
* Sorry I'm late. Have you been waiting long?
* It's been raining since I got up this morning.
The action can be a repeated action:
* 'How long have you been driving?' 'Since I was 17.'
C. I have done (simple) or I have been doing (continuous)
The continuous is more usual with how long, since and for (see also Unit 10B):
* I've been learning English for a long time. (not usually 'I've learnt')
You can normally use either the continuous or simple with live and work:
* John has been living/has lived in London for a long time.
* How long have you been working/have you worked here?
But we use the simple with always:
* John has always lived in London. (not 'has always been living')
You can use the continuous or the simple for actions repeated over a long period:
* I've been collecting/I've collected stamps since I was a child.
Some verbs (for example, know/like/believe) are not normally used in the continuous:
* How long have you known Jane? (not 'have you been knowing')
* I've had a pain in my stomach since I got up this morning.
For a list of these verbs, see Unit 4A. For have see Unit 17.
D. We use the present perfect simple in negative sentences like these:
* I haven't seen Tom since Monday. (= Monday was the last time I saw him)
* Jane hasn't phoned me for two weeks. (= the last time she phoned was two weeks ago)
@p23
EXERCISES
11.1 Are the underlined verbs right or wrong? Correct them if they are wrong.
1. Bob is a friend of mine. _I know him_ very well. RIGHT
2. Bob is a friend of mine. _I know him_ for a long time. WRONG: I've known him.
3. Sue and Alan _are married_ since July. ---
4. The weather is awful. _It's raining_ again. ---
5. The weather is awful. _It's raining_ all day. ---
6. I like your house. How long _are you living_ there? ---
7. Graham _is working_ in a shop for the last few months. ---
8. I'm going to Paris tomorrow. _I'm staying_ there until next Friday. ---
9. 'Do you still smoke?' 'No, I gave it up. _I don't smoke_ for years.' ---
10. That's a very old bicycle. How long _do you have_ it? ---
11.2 Read the situations and write questions from the words in brackets.
1. John tells you that his mother is in hospital. You ask him:
(how long/be/in hospital?)
How long has your mother been in hospital?
2. You meet a woman who tells you that she teaches English. You ask her:
(how long/teach/English?)
3. You know that Jane is a good friend of Carol's. You ask Jane:
(how long/know/Carol?)
4. Your friend's brother went to Australia some time ago and he's still there. You ask your friend:
(how long/be/in Australia?)
5. Tim always wears the same jacket. It's a very old jacket. You ask him:
(how long/have/that jacket?)
6. You are talking to a friend about Alan. Alan now works at the airport. You ask your friend:
(how long/work/at the airport?)
7. A friend of yours is having driving lessons. You ask him:
(how long/have/driving lessons?)
8. You meet somebody on a train. She tells you that she lives in Glasgow. You ask her:
(always/live/in Glasgow?)
11.3 Complete Bs answers to A's questions.
1. A: Amy is in hospital, isn't she?
B: Yes, she has been in hospital since Monday.
2. A: Do you see Ann very often?
B: No, I haven't seen her for three months.
3. A: Is Margaret married?
B. Yes, she --- married for ten years.
4. A: Are you waiting for me?
B: Yes, I --- for the last half hour.
5. A: You know Linda, don't you?
B: Yes, we --- each other for ages.
6. A: Do you still play tennis?
B: No, I --- tennis for years.
7. A: Is Jim watching TV?
B: Yes, he --- TV all evening.
8. A: Do you watch TV a lot?
B: No, I --- TV for a long time.
9. Have you got a headache?
B: Yes, I --- a headache all morning.
10. A: George is never ill, is he?
B: No, he --- ill since I've known him.
11. A: Are you feeling ill?
B: Yes, I --- ill since I got up.
12. Sue lives in London, doesn't she?
B: Yes, she --- in London for the last few years.
13. Do you still go to the cinema a lot?
B: No, I --- to the cinema for ages.
14. Would you like to go to New York one day?
B: Yes, I --- to go to New York. (use always/want)
@p24
UNIT12. When ...? and How long ...? For and since
A. Compare When ...? (+ past simple) and How long ...? (+ present perfect):
A: When did it start raining?
B: It started raining an hour ago/at 1 o'clock.
A: How long has it been raining?
B: It's been raining for an hour/since 1 o'clock.
A: When did Joe and Carol first meet?
B: They first met a long time ago/when they were at school.
A: How long have Joe and Carol known each other?
B: They've known each other for a long time./since they were at school.
B. We use both for and since to say how long something has been happening.
We use for when we say a period of time (two hours, six weeks etc.):
* I've been waiting for two hours.
for two hours
two hours ago -> now
two hours/a week/20 minutes/50 years/five days/a long time/six months/ages
* Sally's been working here for six months. (not 'since six months')
* I haven't seen Tom for three days. (not 'since three days')
We use since when we say the start of a period (8 o'clock, Monday, 1985 etc.):
* I've been waiting since 8 o'clock.
since 8 o'clock
8 o'clock -> now
since
8 o'clock/1977/Monday/Christmas/12 May/lunchtime/April/they were at school
* Sally's been working here since April. (= from April until now)
* I haven't seen Tom since Monday. (= from Monday until now)
It is possible to leave out for (but not usually in negative sentences):
* They've been married (for) ten years. (with or without for)
* They haven't had a holiday for ten years. (you must use for)
We do not use for + all ... (all day/all my life etc.):
* I've lived here all my life. (not 'for all my life')
C. We say 'It's (a long time/two years etc.) since something happened':
* It's two years since I last saw Joe. (= I haven't seen Joe for two years/the last time I saw Joe was two years ago)
* It's ages since we went to the cinema. (= We haven't been to the cinema for ages)
The question is How long is it since ...?
* How long is it since you last saw Joe? (= When did you last see Joe?)
* How long is it since Mrs Hill died? (= When did Mrs Hill die?)
@p25
EXERCISES
12.1 Write questions with how long and when.
1. It's raining.
(how long?) How long has it been raining?
(when?) When did it start raining?
2. Kate is learning Italian.
(how long/learn?)
(when/start/learn?)
3. I know Martin.
(how long/know?)
(when/first/meet?)
4. Bob and Alice are married.
(how long?)
(when?)
12.2 Read the situations and complete the sentences beginning in the way shown.
1. (It's raining now. It's been raining since lunchtime.) It started raining at lunchtime.
2. (Ann and I are friends. We first met years ago.) We've known each other for years.
3. (Mark is ill. He became ill on Sunday.) He has ---
4. (Mark is ill. He became ill a few days ago.) He has ---
5. (Sarah is married. She's been married for two years.) She got ---
6. (You've got a camera. You bought it ten years ago.) I've ---
7. (Sue has been in France for the last three weeks.) She went ---
8. (You're working in a hotel. You started in June.) I've ---
12.3 Put in for or since.
1. It's been raining since lunchtime.
2. Tom's father has been doing the same job --- 20 years.
3. Have you been learning English ---a long time?
4. Sarah has lived in London --- 1985.
5. --- Christmas, the weather has been quite good.
6. Please hurry up! We've been waiting --- an hour.
7. Kevin has been looking for a job --- he left school.
8. The house is very dirty. We haven't cleaned it --- ages.
9. I haven't had a good meal --- last Tuesday.
12.4 Write Bs sentences using the words in brackets.
1. A: Do you often go on holiday?
B: (no/five years) No, I haven't had a holiday for five years.
2. A: Do you often eat in restaurants?
B: (no/ages) No, I ---
3. A: Do you often see Sarah?
B: (no/about a month) ---
4. A: Do you often go to the cinema?
B: (no/a long time) ---
Now write B's answers again. This time use It's ... since...
5. (1) No, it's five years since I had a holiday.
6. (2) No, it's ---
7. (3) No, ---
8. (4) ---
@p26
UNIT 13. Present perfect and past (1) (I have done and I did)
A. Study this example situation:
Tom is looking for his key. He can't find it.
He has lost his key. (present perfect)
This means that he doesn't have his key now.
Ten minutes later:
Now Tom has found his key. He has it now.
Has he lost his key? (present perfect)
No, he hasn't. He has found it.
Did he lose his key? (past simple)
Yes, he did.
He lost his key (past simple)
but now he has found it. (present perfect)
The present perfect is a present tense. It always tells us something about now. 'Tom has lost his key' = he doesn't have his key now (see Unit 7).
The past simple tells us only about the past. If somebody says 'Tom lost his key', we don't know whether he has it now or not. We only know that he lost it at some time in the past.
Two more examples:
* Jack grew a beard but now he has shaved it off. (so he doesn't have a beard now)
* They went out after lunch and they've just come back. (so they are back now)
B. Do not use the present perfect if there is no connection with the present (for example, things that happened a long time ago):
* The Chinese invented printing. (not 'have invented')
* How many plays did Shakespeare write? (not 'has Shakespeare written')
* Beethoven was a great composer. (not 'has been')
Compare:
* Shakespeare wrote many plays.
* My sister is a writer. She has written many books. (she still writes books)
C. We use the present perfect to give new information (see Unit 7). But if we continue to talk about it, we normally use the past simple:
* A: Ow! I've burnt myself.
B: How did you do that? (not 'have you done')
A: I picked up a hot dish. (not 'have picked')
* A: Look! Somebody has spilt milk on the carpet.
B: Well, it wasn't me. I didn't do it. (not 'hasn't been ... haven't done')
A: I wonder who it was then. (not 'who it has been')
@p27
EXERCISES
13.1 What has happened in these situations?
1. Jack had a beard. Now he hasn't got a beard. He has shaved off his beard.
2. Linda was here five minutes ago. Mow she's in bed. She ---
3. The temperature was 25 degrees. Now it is only 17. The temperature ---
4. The light was off. Now it is on. Somebody ---
5. The tree was only three metres high. Now it is four. The tree ---
6. The plane was on the runway a few minutes ago. Now it is in the air.
The plane ---
13.2 Put the verbs in brackets in the correct form, present perfect or past simple.
1. 'Where's your key?' 'I don't know. I've lost it.' (lose)
2. I was very tired, so I lay down on the bed and went to sleep. (be)
3. Mary --- to Australia for a while but she's back again now. (go)
4. 'Where's Ken?' 'He --- out. He'll be back in about an hour.' (go)
5. I did German at school but I --- most of it. (forget)
6. I meant to phone Diane last night but I --- (forget)
7. I --- a headache earlier but I feel fine now. (have)
8. Look! There's an ambulance over there. There --- an accident. (be)
9. They're still building the new road. They --- it. (not/finish)
10. 'Is Helen still here?' 'No, she --- out.' (just/go)
11. The police --- three people but later they let them go. (arrest)
12. Ann --- me her address but I'm afraid I --- it. (give, lose)
13. Where's my bike? It --- outside the house. It --- (be, disappear)
14. What do you think of my English? Do you think I ---? (improve)
13.3 Are the underlined parts of these sentences right or wrong? Correct the ones that are wrong.
1. Do you know about Sue? _She's given up_ her job. RIGHT
2. The Chinese _have invented_ printing. WRONG: The Chinese invented
3. How many plays _has Shakespeare written?_ ---
4. _Have you read_ any of Shakespeare's plays? ---
5. Aristotle _has been_ a Greek philosopher. ---
6. Ow! _I've cut_ my finger. It's bleeding. ---
7. My grandparents _have got_ married in London. ---
8. Where _have you been born?_ ---
9. Mary isn't at home. _She's gone shopping._ ---
10. Albert Einstein has been the scientist who _has developed_ the theory of relativity. ---
13.4 (Section C) Put the verb into the most suitable form, present perfect or past simple.
1. A: Look! Somebody has split (spill) coffee on the carpet.
B: Well, it wasn't (not/be) me. I didn't do (not/do) it.
2. A: Ben --- (break) his leg.
B: Really? How --- (that/happen)?
A: He --- (fall) off a ladder.
3. A: Your hair looks nice. --- (you/have) a haircut?
B: Yes.
A: Who --- (cut) it? --- (you/go) to the hairdresser?
B: No, a friend of mine --- (do) it for me.
@p28
UNIT 14. Present perfect and past (2) (I have done and I did)
A. Do not use the present perfect (I have done) when you talk about a finished time (for example, yesterday/ten minutes ago/in 1985/when I was a child). Use a past tense:
* The weather was nice yesterday. (not 'has been nice')
* They arrived ten minutes ago. (not 'have arrived')
* I ate a lot of sweets when I was a child. (not 'have eaten')
* A: Did you see the news on television last night? (not 'Have you seen')
B: No, I went to bed early. (not 'have gone')
Use a past tense to ask When ...? or What time ...?:
* When did they arrive? (not 'have they arrived')
* What time did you finish work?
Compare:
Present perfect
* Tom has lost his key. He can't get into the house.
Here, we are not thinking of the past action. We are thinking of the present result of the action: Tom doesn't have his key now.
Past simple
* Tom lost his key yesterday. He couldn't get into the house.
Here, we are thinking of the action in the past. We don't know from this sentence whether Tom has his key now.
B. Compare present perfect and past:
Present perfect (have done)
* I've done a lot of work today.
We use the present perfect for a period of time that continues from the past until now. For example, today, this week, since 1985.
* It hasn't rained this week.
* Have you seen Ann this morning? (it is still morning)
* Have you seen Ann recently?
* I don't know where Ann is. I haven't seen her. (= I haven't seen her recently)
* We've been waiting for an hour. (we are still waiting now)
* Ian lives in London. He has lived there for seven years.
* I have never played golf. (in my life)
The present perfect always has a connection with now. See Units 7-12.
Past simple (did)
* I did a lot of work yesterday.
We use the past simple for a finished time in the past. For example, yesterday, last week, from 1985 to 1991.
* It didn't rain last week.
* Did you see Ann this morning? (it is now afternoon or evening)
* Did you see Ann on Sunday?
* A: Was Ann at the party on Sunday?
B: I don't think so. I didn't see her.
* We waited (or were waiting) for an hour. (we are no longer waiting)
* Ian lived in Scotland for ten years.
Now he lives in London.
* I didn't play golf when I was on holiday last summer.
The past simple tells us only about the past. See Units 5-6.
@p29
EXERCISES
14.1 Are the underlined parts of these sentences right or wrong? Correct the ones that are wrong.
1. _I've lost_ my key. I can't find it anywhere. RIGHT
2. _Have you seen_ the news on television last night? WRONG: Did you see
3. _I've bought_ a new car. Do you want to see it? ---
4. _I've bought_ a new car last week. ---
5. Where _have you been_ yesterday evening? ---
6. Jenny _has left_ school in 1991. ---
7. I'm looking for Mike. _Have you seen_ him? ---
8. I'm very hungry. _I haven't eaten_ anything today. ---
9. Diane _hasn't been_ at work yesterday. ---
10. When _has this book been_ published? ---
14.2 Make sentences from the words in brackets. Use the present perfect or past simple.
1. (it/not/rain/this week) It hasn't rained this week.
2. (the weather/be/cold/recently) The weather ---
3. (it cold/last week) It ---
4. (I not/read/a newspaper yesterday) I ---
5. (I not/read/a newspaper today)
6. (Ann/earn/a lot of money/this year)
7. (she not/earn/so much/last year)
8. (you have/a holiday recently?)
14.3 Put the verb into the correct form, present perfect or past simple.
1. I don't know where Amy is. Have you seen (you/see) her?
2. When I --- (get) home last night, I --- (be) very tired and I --- (go) straight to bed.
3. Your car looks very clean --- (you/wash) it?
4. George --- (not/be) very well last week.
5. Mr Clark --- (work) in a bank for 15 years. Then he gave it up.
6. Molly lives in Dublin. She --- (live) there all her life.
7 --- (you/go) to the cinema last night?' 'Yes, but it --- (be) a mistake. The film (be) awful.
8. My grandfather --- (die) 30 years ago. I --- (never/meet) him.
9. I don't know Carol's husband. I --- (never/meet/him).
10. A: Is your father at home?
B: No, I'm afraid he --- (go) out.
A: When exactly --- (he/go) out? B: About ten minutes ago.
11. A: Where do you live?
B: In Boston.
A: How long --- (you/live) there?
B: Five years.
A: Where --- (you/live) before that?
B: In Chicago.
A: And how long --- (you/live) in Chicago?
B: Two years.
14.4 Write sentences about yourself using the ideas in brackets.
1. (something you haven't done today)
I haven't eaten any fruit today.
2. (something you haven't done today)
3. (something you didn't do yesterday)
4. (something you did yesterday evening)
5. (something you haven't done recently)
6. (something you've done a lot recently)
@p30
UNIT 15. Past perfect (I had done)
A. Study this example situation:
Sarah went to a party last week. Paul went to the party too but they didn't see each other. Paul went home at 10.30 and Sarah arrived at 11 o'clock. So:
When Sarah arrived at the party, Paul wasn't there. He had gone home.
Had gone is the past perfect (simple):
I/we/they/you or he/she/it had (= I'd etc./he'd etc.) gone/seen/finished etc.
The past perfect simple is had + past participle (gone/seen/finished etc.). For a list of irregular verbs, see Appendix 1.
Sometimes we talk about something that happened in the past:
* Sarah arrived at the party.
This is the starting point of the story. Then, if we want to talk about things that happened before this time, we use the past perfect (had ... ):
* When Sarah arrived at the party, Paul had already gone home.
Some more examples:
* When we got home last night, we found that somebody had broken into the flat.
* Karen didn't want to come to the cinema with us because she had already seen the film.
* At first I thought I'd done the right thing, but I soon realised that I'd made a serious mistake.
* The man sitting next to me on the plane was very nervous. He hadn't flown before./He had never flown before.
B. Had done (past perfect) is the past of have done (present perfect). Compare:
present perfect
* Who is that woman? I've never seen her before.
* We aren't hungry. We've just had lunch.
* The house is dirty. They haven't cleaned it for weeks.
past perfect
* I didn't know who she was. I'd never seen her before. (= before that time)
* We weren't hungry. We'd just had lunch.
* The house was dirty. They hadn't cleaned it for weeks.
C. Compare the past perfect (I had done) and past simple (I did):
* 'Was Tom at the party when you arrived?' 'No, he had already gone home.'
but 'Was Tom there when you arrived?' 'Yes, but he went home soon afterwards.'
* Ann wasn't at home when I phoned. She was in London.
but Ann had just got home when I phoned. She had been in London.
@p31
EXERCISES
15.1 Read the situations and write sentences from the words in brackets.
1. You went to Jill's house but she wasn't there. (she/go/out) She had gone out.
2. You went back to your home town after many years. It wasn't the same as before.
(it/change/a lot)
3. I invited Rachel to the party but she couldn't come.
(she/arrange/to do something else)
4. You went to the cinema last night. You arrived at the cinema late.
(the film/already/begin)
5. I was very pleased to see tim again after such a long time.
(I/not/see/him for five years)
6. I offered Sue something to eat but she wasn't hungry.
(she/just/have/breakfast)
15.2 Read the situations and write sentences ending with before. Use the verb given in brackets.
1. The man sitting next to me on the plane was very nervous. It was his first flight.
(fly) He had never flown before. OR He hadn't flown before.
2. A woman walked into the room. She was a complete stranger to me.
(see) I --- before.
3. Simon played tennis yesterday. He wasn't very good at it because it was his first game.
(play) He ---
4. Last year we went to Denmark. It was our first time there (be) We ---
15.3 Use the sentences on the left to complete the paragraphs on the right. These sentences are in the order in which they happened - so (1) happened before (2), (2) before (3) etc. But your paragraph begins with the underlined sentence, so sometimes you need the past perfect.
1. (1) Somebody broke into the office during the night.
(2) _We arrived at work in the morning._
(3) We called the police
We arrived at work in the morning and found that somebody had broken into the office during the night. So we ---
2. (1) Ann went out.
(2) _I tried to phone her_ this morning.
(3) There was no answer.
I tried to phone Ann this morning but --- no answer. She --- out.
3. (1) Jim came back from holiday a few days ago.
(2) _I met him the same day._
(3) He looked very well.
I met Jim a few days ago. He --- just --- He ---
4. (1) Kevin wrote to Sally many times.
(2) She never replied to his letters.
(3) _Yesterday he had a phone call from her._
(4) He was very surprised.
Yesterday Kevin --- He --- very surprised. He --- many times but she ---
15.4 Put the verb into the correct form, past perfect (I had done etc.) or past simple (I did etc.).
1. 'Was Tom at the party when you arrived?' 'No, he had gone (go) home.'
2. I felt very tire when I got home, so I --- (go) straight to bed.
3. The house was very quiet when I got home. Everybody --- (go) to bed.
4. Sorry I'm late. The car --- (break) down on my way here.
5. We were driving along the road when we --- (see) a car which. --- (break) down, so we --- (stop) to see if we could help.
@p32
UNIT 16. Past perfect continuous (I had been doing)
A. Study this example situation:
Yesterday morning I got up and looked out of the window. The sun was shining but the ground was very wet.
It had been raining.
It was not raining when I looked out of the window; the sun was shining. But it had been raining before. That's why the ground was wet.
Had been ~ing is the past perfect continuous:
I/we/you/they had(= I'd etc.) been doing/working/playing etc.
he/she/it had (= he'd etc.) been doing/working/playing etc.
Some more examples:
* When the boys came into the house, their clothes were dirty, their hair was untidy and one of them had a black eye. They'd been fighting.
* I was very tired when I arrived home. I'd been working hard all day.
B. You can say that something had been happening for a period of time before something else happened:
* Our game of tennis was interrupted. We'd been playing for about half an hour when it started to rain very heavily.
* Ken gave up smoking two years ago. He'd been smoking for 30 years.
C. Had been ~ing (past Perfect continuous) is the past of have been ~ing (present perfect continuous). Compare:
present perfect continuous
* I hope the bus comes soon. I've been waiting for 20 minutes. (before now)
* He's out of breath. He has been running.
past perfect continuous
* At last the bus came. I'd been waiting for 20 minutes. (before the bus came)
* He was out of breath. He had been running.
D. Compare had been doing and was doing (past continuous):
* It wasn't raining when we went out. The sun was shining. But it had been raining, so the ground was wet.
* Ann was sitting in an armchair watching television. She was tired because she'd been working very hard.
E. Some verbs (for example, know and want) are not normally used in the continuous:
* We were good friends. We had known each other for years. (not 'had been knowing')
For a list of these verbs, see Unit 4A.
@p33
EXERCISES
16.1 Read the situations and make sentences from the words in brackets.
1. I was very tired when I arrived home.
(I/work/hard all day)
I had been working hard all day.
2. The two boys came into the house. They had a football and they were both very tired.
(they/play/football)
3. There was nobody in the room but there was a smell of cigarettes.
(somebody/smoke/in the room)
4. Ann woke up in the middle of the night. She was frightened and didn't know where she was.
(she/dream)
5. When I got home, Mike was sitting in front of the TV. He had just turned it off.
(he/watch/TV)
16.2 Read the situations and complete the sentences.
1. We played tennis yesterday. Half an hour after we began playing, it started to rain.
We had been playing for half an hour when it started to rain.
2. I had arranged to meet Tom in a restaurant. I arrived and waited for him. After 20 minutes I suddenly realised that I was in the wrong restaurant.
I --- for 20 minutes when I ---
3. Sarah got a job in a factory. Five years later the factory closed down.
At the time the factory ---, Sarah --- there for five years.
4. I went to a concert last week. The orchestra began playing. After about ten minutes a man in the audience suddenly began shouting.
The orchestra --- when ---
5. This time make your own sentence:
I began walking along the road. I --- when ---
16.3 Put the verb into the most suitable form, past continuous (I was doing), past perfect (I had done) or past perfect continuous (I had been doing).
1. It was very noisy next door. Our neighbours were having (have) a party.
2. We were good friends. We had known (know) each other for a long time.
3. John and I went for a walk. I had difficulty keeping up with him because he --- (walk) so fast.
4. Mary was sitting on the ground. She was out of breath. She --- (run)
5. When I arrived, everybody was sitting round the table with their mouths full. They --- (eat).
6. When I arrived, everybody was sitting round the table and talking. Their mouths were empty but their stomachs were full. They --- (eat).
7. Jim was on his hands and knees on the floor. He --- (look) for his contact lens.
8. When I arrived, Kate --- (wait) for me. She was rather annoyed with me because I was late and she --- (wait) for a very long time.
9. I was sad when I sold my car. I --- (have) it for a very long time.
10. We were extremely tired at the end of the journey. We --- (travel) for more than 24 hours.
@p34
UNIT 17. Have and have got
A. Have and have got (= possess, own etc.)
We often use have got rather than have alone. So you can say:
* We've got a new car. or We have a new car.
* Ann has got two sisters. or Ann has two sisters.
We use have got or have for illnesses, pains etc.:
* I've got a headache. or I have a headache.
In questions and negative sentences there are three possible forms:
Have you got any money? I haven't got any money.
Do you have any money? I don't have any money.
Have you any money? (less usual) I haven't any money. (less usual)
Has she got a car? She hasn't got a car.
Does she have a car? She doesn't have a car.
Has she a car? (less usual) She hasn't a car. (less usual)
When have means 'possess' etc., you cannot use continuous forms (is having/are having etc.):
* I have/I've got a headache. (not 'I'm having')
For the past we use had (usually without 'got'):
* Ann had long fair hair when she was a child. (not 'Ann had got')
In past questions and negative sentences we normally use did/didn't:
* Did they have a car when they were living in London?
* I didn't have a watch, so I didn't know the time.
* Ann had long fair hair, didn't she?
B. Have breakfast/have a bath/have a good time etc.
Have (but not 'have got') is also used for many actions and experiences. For example:
have breakfast/dinner/a cup of coffee/a cigarette etc.
have a bath/a shower/a swim/a rest/a party/a holiday/a nice time etc.
have an accident/an experience/a dream etc.
have a look (at something)/a chat (with somebody)
have a baby (= give birth to a baby)
have difficulty/trouble/fun
* Goodbye! I hope you have a nice time.
* Mary had a baby recently.
'Have got' is not possible in these expressions. Compare:
* I usually have a sandwich for my lunch. (have = 'eat' - not 'have got')
but * I've got some sandwiches. Would you like one?
In these expressions, have is like other verbs. You can use continuous forms (is having are having etc.) where suitable:
* I had a postcard from Fred this morning. He's on holiday. He says he's having a
wonderful time. (not 'he has a wonderful time')
* The phone rang while we were having dinner. (not 'while we had')
In questions and negative sentences we normally use do/does/did:
* I don't usually have a big breakfast. (not 'I usually haven't')
* What time does Ann have lunch? (not 'has Ann lunch')
* Did you have any difficulty finding somewhere to live?
@p35
EXERCISES
17.1 Write negative sentences with have. Some are present (can't) and some are past (couldn't).
1. I can't make a phone call. (any change)
I haven't got any change.
2. I couldn't read the notice. (my glasses)
I didn't have my glasses.
3. I can't climb up onto the roof. (a ladder)
I ---
4. We couldn't visit the museum. (enough time)
We ---
5. He couldn't find his way to our house. (a map)
6. She can't pay her bills. (any money)
7. They can't get into the house. (a key)
8. I couldn't take any photographs. (a camera)
17.2 Complete these questions with have. Some are present and some are past.
1. Excuse me, have you got a pen I could borrow?
2. Why are you holding your face like that? --- a toothache?
3. --- a bicycle when you were a child?
4. '--- the time, please?' 'Yes, it's ten past seven.'
5. When you did the exam, --- time to answer all the questions?
6. I need a stamp for this letter. --- one?
7. 'It started to rain while I was walking home.' 'Did it? --- an umbrella?'
17.3 In this exercise you have to write sentences about yourself. Choose four of the following things (or you can choose something else):
a car a bicycle a moped a guitar a computer a camera a driving licence a job a dog/a cat (or another animal)
Have you got these things now? Did you have them ten years ago? Write two sentences each time using I've got/I haven't got and I had/I didn't have.
now ten years ago (or five if you're too young)
1. I've got a car. I didn't have a car.
2. --- ---
3. --- ---
4. --- ---
17.4 Complete these sentences. Use an expression from the list and put the verb into the correct form where necessary.
have lunch have a swim have a nice time have a chat have a cigarette have a rest have a good flight have a baby have a shower have a party have a look
1. I don't eat much during the day. I never _have lunch._
2. David likes to keep fit, so he --- every day.
3. We --- last Saturday. It was great - we invited lots of people.
4. Excuse me, can I --- at your newspaper, please?
5. 'Where's Jim?' 'He --- in his room. He's very tired.'
6. I met Ann in the supermarket yesterday. We stopped and ---.
7. I haven't seen you since you came back from holiday ---?
8. Suzanne --- a few weeks ago. It's her second child.
9. I don't usually smoke but I was feeling very nervous, so I ---.
10. The phone rang but I couldn't answer it because I ---.
11. You meet Tom at the airport. He has just arrived. You say:
Hello, Tom. ---?
@p36
UNIT 18. Used to (do)
A. Study this example situation:
Dennis stopped smoking two years ago. He doesn't smoke any more.
But he used to smoke.
He used to smoke 40 cigarettes a day.
'He used to smoke' = he smoked regularly for some time in the past, but he doesn't smoke now. He was a smoker, but now he isn't
B. 'Something used to happen' = something happened regularly in the past but no longer happens:
* I used to play tennis a lot but I don't play very often now.
* Diane used to travel a lot. These days she doesn't go away so often.
* 'Do you go to the cinema very often?' 'Not now, but I used to.' (= I used to go ...)
We also use used to... for something that was true but is not true any more:
* This building is now a furniture shop. It used to be a cinema.
* I used to think he was unfriendly but now I realise he's a very nice person.
* I've started drinking coffee recently. I never used to like it before.
* Janet used to have very long hair when she was a child.
C. 'I used to do something' is past. There is no present form. You cannot say 'I use to do'. To talk about the present, use the present simple (I do).
Compare:
past: he used to smoke we used to live there used to be
present: he smokes we live there is
* We used to live in a small village but now we live in London.
* There used to be four cinemas in the town. Now there is only one.
D. The normal question form is did (you) use to ...?:
* Did you use to eat a lot of sweets when you were a child?
The negative form is didn't use to ... (used not to ... is also possible)
* I didn't use to like him. (or I used not to like him.)
E. Compare I used to do and I was doing (see Unit 6):
* I used to watch TV a lot. (= I watched TV regularly in the past, but I no longer do this)
* I was watching TV when the phone rang. (= I was in the middle of watching TV)
F. Do not confuse I used to do and I am used to doing (see Unit 60). The structures and meanings are different:
* I used to live alone. (= I lived alone in the past but I no longer live alone)
* I am used to living alone. (= I live alone and I don't find it strange or new because I've been living alone for some time)
@p37
EXERCISES
18.1 Complete these sentences with use(d) to ... + a suitable verb.
1. Dennis gave up smoking two years ago. He used to smoke 40 cigarettes a day.
2. Liz --- a motorbike, but last year she sold it and bought a car.
3. We came to live in Manchester a few years ago. We --- in Nottingham.
4. I rarely cat ice cream now but I --- it when I was a child.
5. Jim --- my best friend but we aren't friends any longer.
6. It only takes me about 40 minutes to get to work since the new road was opened. It --- more than an hour.
7. There --- a hotel opposite the station but it closed a long time ago
8. When you lived in London, --- to the theatre very often?
18.2 Brian changed his lifestyle. He stopped doing some things and started doing other things:
He stopped studying hard/going to bed early/running three miles e3very morning
He started smoking/going out in the evening/spending a lot of money
Write sentences about Brian with used to and didn't use to.
1. He used to smoke.
2. He didn't use to smoke.
3. ---
4. ---
5. ---
6. ---
18.3 Compare what Carol said five years ago and what she says today:
FIVE YEARS A GO
I travel a lot,
I play the piano.
I'm very lazy.
I don't like cheese.
I've got a dog.
I'm a hotel receptionist.
I've got lots of friends.
I never read newspapers.
I don't drink tea.
I go to a lot of parties.
TODAY
I eat lots of cheese now.
I work very hard these days.
I don't know in people these days.
I work in a bookshop now.
I don't go away much these days.
My dog died two years ago.
I read a newspaper every day now.
I haven't been to a party for ages.
I haven't played piano for years.
Tea's great! I like it now.
Now write sentences about bow Carol has changed. Use used to/didn't use to/never used to in the first part of your sentence.
1 She used to travel a lot but she doesn't go away much these days.
2. She used --- but ---
3. --- but ---
4. --- but ---
5. --- but ---
6. --- but ---
7. --- but ---
8. --- but ---
9. --- but ---
10. --- but ---
@p38
UNIT 19. Present tenses (I am doing/I do) for the future
A. Present continuous J am doing) with a future meaning
Study this example situation:
This is Tom's diary for next week.
He is playing tennis on Monday afternoon.
He is going to the dentist on Tuesday morning.
He is having dinner with Ann on Friday.
In all these examples, Tom has already decided and arranged to do these things.
Use the present continuous to say what you have already arranged to do. Do not use the present simple J do):
* A: What are you doing on Saturday evening? (not 'what do you do')
B: I'm going to the theatre. (not 'I go')
* A: What time is Cathy arriving tomorrow?
B: At 10.30. I'm meeting her at the station.
* I'm not working tomorrow, so we can go out somewhere.
* Ian isn't playing football on Saturday. He's hurt his leg.
'(I'm) going to (do)' is also possible in these sentences:
* What are you going to do on Saturday evening?
But the present continuous is more natural for arrangements. See also Unit 20B.
Do not use will to talk about what you have arranged to do:
* What are you doing this evening? (not 'what will you do')
* Alex is getting married next month. (not 'will get')
B. Present simple (I do) with a future meaning
We use the present simple when we talk about timetables, programmes etc. (for example, for public transport, cinemas etc.):
* The train leaves Plymouth at 11.30 and arrives in London at 14.45.
* What time does the film begin?
* It's Wednesday tomorrow.
You can use the present simple for people if their plans are fixed like a timetable:
* I start my new job on Monday.
* What time do you finish work tomorrow?
But the continuous is more usual for personal arrangements:
* What time are you meeting Ann tomorrow? (not 'do you meet')
Compare:
* What time are you leaving tomorrow?
but * What time does the train leave tomorrow?
* I'm going to the cinema this evening.
but * The film starts at 8.15 (this evening).
@p39
EXERCISES
19.1 A friend of yours is planning to go on holiday soon. You ask her about her plans. Use the words in brackets to make your questions.
1. (where/go?) Where are you going? Scotland.
2. (how long/stay?) Ten days.
3. (when/go?) Next Friday.
4. (go/alone?) No, with a friend of mine.
5. (travel/by car?) No, by train.
6. (where/stay?) In a hotel.
19.2 Tom wants you to visit him but you are very busy. Look at your diary for the next few days and explain to him why you can't come.
TOM: Can you come on Monday evening?
You: Sorry but I'm playing volleyball. (1)
TOM: What about Tuesday evening then?
You: No, not Tuesday I --- (2)
TOM: And Wednesday evening?
YOU: --- (3)
TOM: Well, are you free on Thursday?
YOU: I'm afraid not. --- (4)
19.3 Have you arranged to do anything at these times? Write (true) sentences about yourself.
1. (this evening) I'm going out this evening. or I'm not doing anything this evening. or I don't know what I'm doing this evening.
2. (tomorrow morning) I ---
3. (tomorrow evening)
4. (next Sunday)
5. (choose another day or time)
19.4 Put the verb into the more suitable form, present continuous or present simple.
1. I'm going (go) to the theatre this evening.
2. Does the film begin (the film/begin) at 3.30 or 4.30?
3. We --- (have) a party next Saturday. Would you like to come?
4. The art exhibition --- (open) on 3 May and --- (finish) on 15 July.
5. I --- (not/go) out this evening. I --- (stay) at home.
6. '--- (you/do) anything tomorrow morning?' 'No, I'm free. Why?'
7. We --- (go) to a concert tonight. It --- (begin) at 7.30.
8. You are on the train to London and you ask another passenger:
Excuse me. What time --- (this train/get) to London?
9. You are talking to Ann:
Ann, I --- (go) to town. --- (you/come) with me?
10. Sue --- (come) to see us tomorrow. She --- (travel) by train and her train --- (arrive) at 10.15. I --- (meet) her at the station.
11. I --- (not/use) the car this evening, so you can have it.
12. You and a friend are watching television. You say:
I'm bored with this programme. When --- (it/finish)?
@p40
UNIT 20. (I'm) going to (do)
A. 'I am going to do something' = I have already decided to do it, I intend to do it:
* A: There's a film on television tonight. Are you going to watch it?
B: No, I'm tired. I'm going to have an early night.
* A: I hear Ruth has won some money. What is she going to do with it?
B: She's going to buy a new car.
* A: Have you made the coffee yet?
B: I'm just going to make it. (just = right at this moment)
* This food looks horrible. I'm not going to eat it.
B. I am doing and I am going to do
We normally use I am doing (present continuous) when we say what we have arranged to do for example, arranged to meet somebody, arranged to go somewhere (see Unit 19A):
* What time are you meeting Ann this evening?
* I'm leaving tomorrow. I've got my plane ticket.
'I am going to do something' = I've decided to do it (but perhaps not arranged to do it):
* 'The windows are dirty.' 'Yes, I know. I'm going to clean them later.' (= I've decided to clean them but I haven't arranged to clean them)
* I've decided not to stay here any longer. Tomorrow I'm going to look for somewhere else to stay.
Often the difference is very small and either form is possible.
C. You can also say that 'something is going to happen' in the future. For example:
The man can't see where he's walking. There is a hole in front of him.
He is going to fall into the hole.
When we say that 'something is going to happen', the situation now makes us believe this. The man is walking towards the hole now, so he is going to fall into it.
* Look at those black clouds! It's going to rain. (the clouds are there now)
* I feel terrible. I think I'm going to be sick. (I feel terrible now)
D. 'I was going to (do something)' = I intended to do it but didn't do it:
* We were going to travel by train but then we decided to go by car instead.
* A: Did Peter do the examination?
B: No, he was going to do it but he changed his mind.
* I was just going to cross the road when somebody shouted 'Stop!'
You can say that something was going to happen (but didn't happen):
* I thought it was going to rain but then the sun came out.
@p41
EXERCISES
20.1 Answer the questions. You are going to do all these things but you haven't done them yet. Use going to and the word(s) in brackets.
1. Have you cleaned the car? (tomorrow) Not yet. I'm going to clean it tomorrow.
2. Have you phoned Sally? (later) Not yet. ---
3. Have you done the shopping? (this afternoon) Not yet. ---
4. Have you read the paper? (after dinner) Not ---
5. Have you had dinner? (just) ---
20.2 Write a question with going to for each situation.
1. Your friend has won some money. You ask:
(what/do with it?) What are you going to do with it?
2. Your friend is going to a party tonight. You ask:
(what/wear?)
3. Your friend has just bought a new table. You ask:
(where/put it?)
4. Your friend has decided to have a party. You ask:
(who/invite?)
20.3 Read the situations and complete the dialogues. Use going to.
1. You have decided to write some letters this evening.
FRIEND: Are you going out this evening? You: No, I'm going to write some letters.
2. You are a smoker but you have decided to give it up soon.
FRIEND: Smoking is very bad for you.
YOU: I know. ---
3. You have been offered a job but you have decided not to take it.
FRIEND: I hear you've been offered a job.
YOU: That's right, but ---
4. You are in a restaurant. The food is awful and you've decided to complain.
FRIEND: This food is awful, isn't it?
YOU: Yes, it's disgusting. ---
20.4 What is going to happen in these situations? Use the words in brackets.
1. There are a lot of black clouds in the sky. (rain) It's going to rain.
2. It is 8.30. Jack is leaving his house. He has to be at work at 8.45 but the journey takes 30 minutes. (late) He ---
3. There is a hole in the bottom of the boat. A lot of water is coming in through the hole. (sink) The boat ---
4. Emma is driving. There is very little petrol left in the tank. The nearest petrol station is a long way away. (run out) She ---
20.5 Complete the sentences with was/were going to + one of these verbs:
give up have phone play travel
1. We were going to travel by train but then we decided to go by car instead.
2. We --- tennis yesterday but it rained all day.
3. I --- Jim, but I decided to write him a letter instead.
4. When I last saw Tim, he --- his job but in the end he decided not to.
5. We --- a party last week but some of our friends couldn't come, so we cancelled it.
@p42
UNIT 21. Will/shall (1)
A. We use I'll (= I will) when we decide to do something at the time of speaking:
* Oh, I've left the door open. I'll go and shut it.
* 'What would you like to drink?' 'I'll have an orange juice, please.'
* 'Did you phone Ruth?' 'Oh no, I forgot. I'll phone her now.'
You cannot use the present simple (I do/I go etc.) in these sentences:
* I'll go and shut the door. (not 'I go and shut')
We often use I think I'll ... and I don't think I'll ...:
* I feel a bit hungry. I think I'll have something to cat.
* I don't think I'll go out tonight. I'm too tired.
In spoken English the negative of will is usually won't (= will not):
* I can see you're busy, so I won't stay long.
B. Do not use will to talk about what you have already decided or arranged to do (see Units 19-20):
* I'm going on holiday next Saturday. (not 'I'll go')
* Are you working tomorrow? (not 'will you work')
C. We often use will in these situations:
Offering to do something
* That bag looks heavy. I'll help you with it. (not 'I help')
Agreeing to do something
* A: You know that book I lent you. Can I have it back if you've finished with it?
B: Of course. I'll give it to you this afternoon. (not 'I give')
Promising to do something
* Thanks for lending me the money. I'll pay you back on Friday. (not 'I pay')
* I won't tell anyone what happened. I promise.
Asking somebody to do something (Will you ...?)
* Will you please be quiet? I'm trying to concentrate.
* Will you shut the door, please?
You can use won't to say that somebody refuses to do something:
* I've tried to advise her but she won't listen. (= she refuses to listen)
* The car won't start. I wonder what's wrong with it. (= the car 'refuses' to start)
D. Shall I ...? Shall we ...?
Shall is used mostly in the questions shall I ...?/shall we ...?
We use shall I ...?/shall we ...? to ask somebody's opinion (especially in offers or suggestions):
* Shall I open the window? (= do you want me to open the window?)
* I've got no money. What shall I do? (= what do you suggest?)
* 'Shall we go?' 'Just a minute. I'm not ready yet.'
* Where shall we go this evening?
Compare shall I ...? and will you ...?:
* Shall I shut the door? (= do you want me to shut it?)
* Will you shut the door? (= I want you to shut it)
@p43
EXERCISES
21.1 Complete the sentences with I'll + a suitable verb.
1. I'm too tired to walk home. I think I'll get a taxi.
2. 'It's a bit cold in this room.' 'Is It? --- on the heating then.'
3. 'We haven't got any milk.' 'Oh, haven't we? --- and get some.'
4. 'Do you want me to do the washing-up?' 'No, it's all right. --- it.'
5. 'I don't know how to use this computer.' 'OK, --- you.'
6. 'Would you like tea or coffee? '--- coffee, please.'
7. 'Goodbye! Have a nice holiday.' 'Thanks. --- you a postcard.'
8. Thank you for lending me your camera. --- it back to you on Monday, OK?
9. 'Are you coming with us?' 'No, I think --- here.'
21.2 Read the situations and write sentences with I think I'll ... or I don't think I'll ...
1. It's a bit cold. You decide to close the window. You say: I think I'll close the window.
2. You are feeling tired and it's quite late. You decide to go to bed. You say: I think ---
3. A friend of yours offers you a lift in his car but you decide to walk. You say: Thank you but ---
4. You arranged to play tennis today. Now you decide that you don't want to play. You say: I don't think ---
5. You were going to go swimming. Now you decide that you don't want to go. ---
21.3 Which is correct? (If necessary, study Units 19-20 first.)
1. 'Did you phone Ruth?' 'Oh no, I forgot. _I phone (X)/I'll phone (O)_ her now.' (I'll phone is correct)
2. I can't meet you tomorrow afternoon. _I'm playing (O)/I'll play (X)_ tennis. (I'm playing is correct)
3. _'I meet/I'll meet_ you outside the hotel in half an hour, OK?' 'Yes, that's fine.'
4. 'I need some money.' 'OK, _I'm lending/I'll lend_ you some. How much do you need?'
5. _I'm having/I'll have_ a party next Saturday. I hope you can come.
6. 'Remember to buy a newspaper when you go out.' 'OK. _I don't forget/I won't forget.'_
7. What time _does your train leave/will your train leave_ tomorrow?
8. I asked Sue what happened but she _doesn't tell/won't tell_ me.
9. _'Are you doing/Will you do_ anything tomorrow evening?' 'No, I'm free. Why?'
10. I don't want to go out alone. _Do you come/Will you come_ with me?
11. It's a secret between us. I promise _I don't tell/I won't tell_ anybody.
21.4 What do you say in these situations? Write sentences with shall I ...? or shall we ...?
1. You and a friend want to do something this evening but you don't know what. You ask your friend. What shall we do this evening?
2. You try on a jacket in a shop. You are not sure whether to buy it or not. You ask a friend for advice. --- it?
3. It's Ann's birthday next week. You want to give her a present but you don't know what. You ask a friend for advice. What ---
4. You and a friend are going on holiday together but you haven't decided where. You ask him/her. ---
5. You and a friend are going out. You haven't decided whether to go by car or to walk. You ask him/her ---
6. Your friend wants you to phone later. You don't know what time to phone. You ask him/her ---
@p44
UNIT 22. Will/shall (2)
A. We do not use will to say what somebody has already arranged or decided to do in the future:
* Ann is working next week. (not 'Ann will work')
* Are you going to watch television this evening? (not 'will you watch')
For 'I'm working ...' and 'Are you going to ...?, see Units 19-20.
But often, when we talk about the future, we are not talking about what somebody has decided to do. For example:
CHRIS: Do you think Ann will pass the exam?
JOE: Yes, she'll pass easily.
'She'll pass' does not mean 'she has decided to pass'. Joe is saying what he knows or thinks will happen. He is predicting the future.
When we predict a future happening or situation, we use will/won't.
* Jill has been away a long time. When she returns, she'll find a lot of changes.
* 'Where will you be this time next year)' 'I'll be in Japan.'
* That plate is very hot. If you touch it, you'll burn yourself.
* Tom won't pass the examination. He hasn't worked hard enough for it.
* When will you know your exam results?
B. We often use will ('ll) with:
probably: I'll probably be home late this evening.
I expect: I haven't seen Carol today. I expect she'll phone this evening.
(I'm) sure: Don't worry about the exam. I'm sure you'll pass.
(I) think: Do you think Sarah will like the present we bought her?
(I) don't think: I don't think the exam will be very difficult.
I wonder: I wonder what will happen.
After (I) hope, we generally use the present:
* I hope Carol phones this evening.
* I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.
C. Generally we use will to talk about the future, but sometimes we use will to talk about now. For example:
* Don't phone Ann now. She'll be busy. (= I know she'll be busy now)
D. I shall .../we shall ...
Normally we use shall only with I and we.
You can say I shall or I will (I'll), we shall or we will (we'll):
* I shall be tired this evening. (or I will be ...)
* We shall probably go to Scotland for our holiday. (or We will probably go ...)
In spoken English we normally use I'll and we'll:
* We'll probably go to Scotland.
The negative of shall is shall not or shan't:
* I shan't be here tomorrow. (or I won't be ...)
Do not use shall with he/she/it/you/they:
* She will be very angry. (not 'she shall be')
@p45
EXERCISES
22.1 Which form of the verb is correct (or more natural) in these sentences? The verbs are underlined.
1. Ann isn't free on Saturday. _She'll work (X)/She's working (O)._ (She's working is correct)
2. _I'll go/I'm going_ to a party tomorrow night. Would you like to come too?
3. I think Jane _will get/is getting_ the job. She has a lot of experience.
4. I can't meet you this evening. A friend of mine _will come/is coming_ to see me.
5. A: Have you decided where to go for your holidays?
B: Yes, _we will go/we are going_ to Italy.
6. There's no need to be afraid of the dog. _It won't hurt/It isn't hurting_ you.
22.2 Complete the sentences with will ('ll) + one of these verbs:
be be come get like look meet pass
1. Don't worry about your exam. I'm sure you I'll pass.
2. Why don't you try on this jacket? It --- nice on you.
3. You must meet George sometime. I think you --- him.
4. It's raining. Don't go out. You --- wet.
5. They've invited me to their house. They --- offended if I don't go.
6. Goodbye. I expect we --- again before long.
7. I've invited Sue to the party but I don't think she ---.
8. I wonder where I --- 20 years from now.
22.3 Put in will ('ll) or won't.
1. Can you wait for me? I won't be very long.
2. There's no need to take an umbrella with you. It --- rain.
3. If you don't eat anything now, you --- be hungry later.
4. I'm sorry about what happened yesterday. It --- happen again.
5. I've got some incredible news! You --- never believe what's happened.
6. Don't ask Margaret for advice. She --- know what to do.
22.4 Where will you be at these times? Write true sentences about yourself. Use one of these:
I'll be ... or I expect I'll be... or I'll probably be ... or I don't know where I'll be. or I'm not sure. I might be ... (For might see Unit 30.)
1. (next Monday evening at 7.45) I'll probably be at home.
or I'm not sure. I might be at the cinema.
or I don't know where I'll be. (etc.)
2. (at 5 o'clock tomorrow morning) ---
3. (at 10.30 tomorrow morning) ---
4. (next Saturday afternoon at 4.15) ---
5. (this time next year) ---
22.5 Write questions using do you think ... will ...? + one of these verbs:
be back cost finish get married happen like rain
1. I've bought Mary a present. Do you think she'll like it?
2. The weather doesn't look very good. Do you ---
3. The meeting is still going on. When do you ---
4. My car needs to be repaired. How much ---
5. Sally and David are in love. Do ---
6. 'I'm going out now.' 'OK. What time ---'
7. The future situation is uncertain. What ---
@p46
UNIT 23. I will and I'm going to
A. Future actions
Study the difference between will and going to:
Sue is talking to Helen:
SUE: Let's have a party
HELLEN: That's a great idea. We'll invite lots of people.
will ('ll): We use will when we decide to do something at the time of speaking. The speaker has not decided before. The party is a new idea.
Later that day, Helen meets Dave:
HELLEN: Sue and I have decided to have a party. We're going to invite lots of people.
going to: We use (be) going to when we have already decided to do something. Helen had already decided to Invite lots of people before she spoke to Dave.
Compare:
* 'George phoned while you were out.' 'OK. I'll phone him back.'
but * 'George phoned while you were out.' 'Yes, I know. I'm going to phone him back.'
* 'Ann is in hospital.' 'Oh really? I didn't know. I'll go and visit her.'
but * 'Ann is in hospital.' 'Yes, I know. I'm going to visit her tomorrow.'
B. Future happenings and situations (predicting the future)
Sometimes there is not much difference between will and going to. For example, you can say:
* I think the weather will be nice later.
* I think the weather is going to be nice later.
When we say 'something is going to happen', we know (or think) this because of the situation now. For example:
* Look at those black clouds. It's going to rain. (not 'it will rain' - we can see the clouds now)
* I feel terrible. I think I'm going to be sick. (not 'I think I'll be sick' - I feel terrible now)
Do not use will in situations like these. (See also Unit 20C.)
In other situations, it is safer to use will:
* Tom will probably arrive at about 8 o'clock.
* I think Ann will like the present we bought for her.
@p47
EXERCISES
23.1 Complete the sentences using will ('ll) or going to.
1. A: Why are you turning on the television?
B: I'm going to watch the news. (I/watch)
2. A: Oh, I've just realised. I haven't got any money.
B: Haven't you? Well, don't worry. --- you some. (I/lend)
3. A: I've got a headache.
B: Have you? Wait there and --- an aspirin for you. (I/get)
4. A: Why are you filling that bucket with water?
B: --- the car. (I/wash)
5. A: I've decided to repaint this room.
B: Oh, have you? What colour --- it? (you/paint)
6. A: Where are you going? Are you going shopping?
B: Yes, --- something for dinner. (I/buy)
7. A: I don't know how to use this camera.
B: It's quite easy. --- you. (I/show)
8. A: What would you like to eat?
B: --- a sandwich, please. (I/have)
9. A: Did you post that letter for me?
B: Oh, I'm sorry. I completely forgot --- it now. (I/do)
10. A: The ceiling in this room doesn't took very safe, does it?
B: No, it looks as if --- down. (it/fall)
11. A: Has George decided what to do when he leaves school?
B: Oh, yes. Everything is planned. --- a holiday for a few weeks and then --- a computer programming course. (he/have, he/do)
23.2 Read the situations and complete the sentences using will ('ll) or going to.
1. The phone rings and you answer. Somebody wants to speak to Jim.
CALLER: Hello. Can I speak to Jim, please?
YOU: Just a moment. --- him. (I/get)
2. It's a nice day. You've decided to sit in the garden. Before going outside, you tell your friend.
YOU: The weather's too nice to stay indoors. --- in the garden. (I/sit)
FRIEND: That's a good idea. I think --- you. (I/join)
3. Your friend is worried because she has lost an important letter.
YOU: Don't worry about the letter. I'm sure --- it. (you/find)
FRIEND: I hope so.
4. There was a job advertised in the paper recently. At first you were interested but then you decided not to apply.
FRIEND: Have you decided what to do about that job that was advertised?
YOU: Yes, --- for it. (I/not/apply)
5. You and a friend come home very late. Other people in the house are asleep. Your friend is noisy.
You: Shhh! Don't make so much noise. --- everybody up. (you/wake)
6. John has to go to the airport to catch a plane tomorrow morning.
JOHN: Ann, I need somebody to take me to the airport tomorrow morning.
ANN: That's no problem. --- you. (I/take) What time is your flight?
JOHN: 10.50.
ANN: OK. --- at about 9 o'clock then. (we/leave)
Later that day, Joe offers to take John to the airport.
JOE: John, do you want me to take you to the airport?
JOHN: No thanks, Joe. --- me. (Ann/take)
@p48
UNIT 24. Will be doing and will have done
A. Study this example situation:
Kevin loves football and this evening there is a big football match on television. The match begins at 7.30 and ends at 9.15. Paul wants to see Kevin the same evening and wants to know what time to come to his house.
PAUL: Is it all right if I come at about 8.30?
KEVIN: No, I'll be watching the football then.
PAUL: Well, what about 9.30?
KEVIN: Fine. The match will have finished by then.
B. 'I will be doing something' (future continuous) = I will be in the middle of doing something. The football match begins at 7.30 and ends at 9.15. So during this time, for example at 8.30, Kevin will be watching the match. Another example:
* I'm going on holiday on Saturday. This time next week I'll be lying on a beach or
swimming in the sea.
Compare will be (do)ing and will (do):
* Don't phone me between 7 and 8. We'll be having dinner then.
* Let's wait for Mary to arrive and then we'll have dinner.
Compare will be ~ing with other continuous forms:
* At 10 o'clock yesterday, Sally was in her office. She was working. (past)
It's 10 o'clock now. She is in her office. She is working. (present)
At 10 o'clock tomorrow, she will be in her office. She will be working.
C. We also use will be doing in a different way: to talk about complete actions in the future:
* A: If you see Sally, can you ask her to phone me?
B: Sure. I'll be seeing her this evening, so I'll tell her then.
* What time will your friends be arriving tomorrow?
In these examples will be ~ing is similar to the present continuous for the future. (See Unit 19A.)
You can use Will you be ~ing ...? to ask about somebody's plans, especially if you want something or want them to do something. For example:
* A: Will you be passing the post office when you're out?
B: Probably. Why?
A: I need some stamps. Could you get me some?
* A: Will you be using your bicycle this evening?
B: No. Do you want to borrow it?
D. We use will have (done) (future perfect) to say that something will already be complete. Kevin's football match ends at 9.15. So after this time, for example at 9.30, the match will have finished. Some more examples:
* Sally always leaves for work at 8.30 in the morning, so she won't be at home at 9
o'clock. She'll have gone to work.
* We're late. The film will already have started by the time we get to the cinema.
Compare will have (done) with other perfect forms:
* Ted and Amy have been married for 24 years. (present perfect)
Next year they will have been married for 25 years.
When their first child was born, they had been married for three years. (past perfect)
@p49
EXERCISES
24.1 Read about Colin. Then you have to tick (V) the sentences which are true. In each group of sentences at least one is true.
Colin goes to work every day. He leaves home at 8 o'clock and arrives at work at about 8.45. He starts work immediately and continues until 12.30 when he has lunch (which takes about half an hour). He starts work again at 1.15 and goes home at exactly 4.30. Every day he follows the same routine and tomorrow will be no exception.
1. At 7.45
a. he'll be leaving the house
b. he'll have left the house
c. he'll be at home (V)
d. he'll be having breakfast (V)
2. At 8.15
a. he'll be leaving the house
b. he'll have left the house
c. he'll have arrived at work
d. he'll be arriving at work
3. At 9.15
a. he'll be working
b. he'll start work
c. he'll have started work
d. he'll be arriving at work
4. At 12.45
a. he'll have lunch
b. he'll behaving lunch
c. he'll have finished his lunch
d. he'll have started his lunch
5. At 4 o'clock
a. he'll have finished work
b. he'll finish work
c. he'll be working
d. he won't have finished work
6. At 4.45
a. he'll leave work
b. he'll be leaving work
c. he'll have left work
d. he'll have arrived home
24.2 Put the verb into the correct form, will be (do)ing or will have (done).
1. Don't phone me between 7 and 8. We'll be having (we/have) dinner then.
2. Phone me after 8 o'clock. --- (we/finish) dinner by then.
3. Tomorrow afternoon we're going to play tennis from 3 o'clock until 4.30. So at 4 o'clock, --- (we/play) tennis.
4. A: Can we meet tomorrow afternoon?
B: Not in the afternoon. --- (I/work).
5. B has to go to a meeting which begins at 10 o'clock. It will last about an hour.
A: Will you be free at 11.30?
B: Yes, --- (the meeting/finish) by that time.
6. Tom is on holiday and he is spending his money very quickly. If he continues like this, --- (he/spend) all his money before the end of his holiday.
7. Chuck came to Britain from the USA nearly three years ago. Next Monday it will be exactly three years. So on Monday, --- (he/be) in Britain for exactly three years.
8. Do you think --- (you/still/do) the same job in ten years' time?
9. Jane is from New Zealand. She is travelling around Europe at the moment. So far she has travelled about 1,000 miles. By the end of the trip, --- (she/travel) more than 3,000 miles.
10. If you need to contact me, --- (I/stay) at the Lion Hotel until Friday.
11. A: --- (you/see) Laura tomorrow?
B: Yes, probably. Why?
A: I borrowed this book from her. Can you give it back to her?
@p50
Unit 25. When I do/When I've done When and if
A. Study these examples:
A: What time will you phone me tomorrow?
B: I'll phone you when I get home from work.
'I'll phone you when I get home from work' is a sentence with two parts:
the main part: 'I'll phone you'
and the when-part: 'when I get home from work (tomorrow)'
The time in the sentence is future ('tomorrow') but we use a present tense (get) in the when part of the sentence.
We do not use will in the when-part of the sentence:
* We'll go out when it stops raining. (not 'when it will stop')
* When you are in London again, you must come and see us. (not 'when you will be')
* (said to a child) What do you want to be when you grow up? (not 'will grow')
The same thing happens after: while before after as soon as until or till
* I'm going to read a lot of books while I'm on holiday. (not 'while I will be')
* I'm going back home on Sunday. Before I go, I'd like to visit the museum.
* Wait here until (or till) I come back.
B. You can also use the present perfect (have done) after when/after/until/as soon as:
* Can I borrow that book when you've finished it?
* Don't say anything while Ian is here. Wait until he has gone.
It is often possible to use the present simple or the present perfect:
* I'll come as soon as I finish. or I'll come as soon as I've finished.
* You'll feel better after you have something to eat. or You'll feel better after you've had something to eat.
But do not use the present perfect if two things happen together. The present perfect shows that one thing will be complete before the other (so the two things do not happen together).
Compare:
* When I've phoned Kate, we can have dinner. (= First I'll phone Kate and after that we can have dinner.)
but * When I phone Kate this evening, I'll invite her to the party. (not 'when I've phoned') (In this example, the two things happen together.)
C. After if, we normally use the present simple (if I do/if I see etc.) for the future:
* It's raining hard. We'll get wet if we go out. (not 'if we will go')
* Hurry up! If we don't hurry, we'll be late.
Compare when and if:
We use when for things which are sure to happen:
* I'm going shopping this afternoon. (for sure) When I go shopping, I'll buy some food.
We use if (not 'when') for things that will possibly happen:
* I might go shopping this afternoon. (it's possible) If I go shopping, I'll buy some food.
* If it is raining this evening, I won't go out. (not 'when it is raining')
* Don't worry if I'm late tonight. (not 'when I'm late')
* If they don't come soon, I'm not going to wait. (not 'when they don't come')
@p51
EXERCISES
25.1 Complete these sentences using the verbs in brackets. All the sentences are about the future. Use will/won't or the present simple (I see/he plays/it is etc.).
1. I'll phone (phone) you when I get (get) home from work.
2. I want to see Margaret before she --- (go) out.
3. We're going on holiday tomorrow. I --- (tell) you all about it when we --- (come) back.
4. Brian looks very different now. When you --- (see) him again, you --- (not/recognise) him.
5. We must do something soon before it --- (be) too late.
6. I don't want to go without you. I --- (wait) until you --- (be) ready.
7. Sue has applied for the job but she isn't very well qualified for it. I --- (be) surprised if she --- (get) it.
8. I'd like to play tennis tomorrow if the weather --- (be) nice.
9. I'm going out now. If anybody --- (phone) while I --- (be) out, can you take a message?
25.2 Make one sentence from two.
1. You will be in London again. You must come and see us then.
You must come and see us. when you are in London again.
2. I'll find somewhere to live. Then I'll give you my address.
I --- when ---
3. I'll do the shopping. Then I'll come straight back home.
--- after ---
4. It's going to start raining. Let's go home before that.
--- before ---
5. She must apologise to me first. I won't speak to her until then.
--- until ---
25.3 Read the situations and complete the sentences.
1. A friend of yours is going to visit London. You want to know where she is going to stay.
You ask: Where are you going to stay when _you are in London?_
2. A friend of yours is visiting you. She has to go soon but maybe there's time for a cup of tea.
You ask: Would you like a cup of tea before ---?
3. Your friend is reading the newspaper. You'd like it after her.
You ask: Can I have the newspaper when ---?
4. You want to sell your car. Jim is interested in buying it but he hasn't decided yet.
You ask: Can you let me know as soon as ---?
5. There are serious traffic problems in your town but they are building a new road.
You say: I think it will be better when ---.
25.4 Put in when or if.
1. Don't worry _if_ I'm late tonight.
2. Tom might phone while I'm out this evening. --- he does, can you take a message?
3. I'm going to Rome next week. --- I'm there, I hope to visit a friend of mine.
4. I think Jill will get the job. I'll be very surprised --- she doesn't get it.
5. I'm going shopping. --- you want anything, I can get it for you.
6. I'm going away for a few days. I'll phone you --- I get back.
7. I want you to come to the party but --- you don't want to come, that's all right.
8. We can cat at home or, --- you prefer, we can go to a restaurant.
@p52
Unit 26. Can, could and (be) able to
A. We use can to say that something is possible or that somebody has the ability to do something.
* We use can + infinitive (can do/can see etc.):
* We can see the lake from our bedroom window.
* Can you speak any foreign languages?
* I can come and see you tomorrow if you like.
The negative is can't (= cannot):
* I'm afraid I can't come to the party on Friday.
B. (Be) able to ... is possible instead of can, but can is more usual:
* Are you able to speak any foreign languages?
But can has only two forms, can (present) and could (past). So sometimes it is necessary to use (be) able to... Compare:
* I can't sleep.
but I haven't been able to sleep recently. (can has no present perfect)
* Tom can come tomorrow.
but Tom might be able to come tomorrow. (can has no infinitive)
C. Could and was able to...
Sometimes could is the past of can. We use could especially with:
see hear smell taste feel remember understand
* When we went into the house, we could smell burning.
* She spoke in a very low voice, but I could understand what she said.
We also use could to say that somebody had the general ability or permission to do something:
* My grandfather could speak five languages.
* We were completely free. We could do what we wanted. (= we were allowed to do ...)
We use could for general ability. But if we are talking about what happened in a particular situation, we use was/were able to... or managed to... (not could):
* The fire spread through the building quickly but everybody was able to escape.
or ... everybody managed to escape. (but not 'could escape')
* They didn't want to come with us at first but we managed to persuade them.
or ... we were able to persuade them. (but not 'could persuade')
Compare:
* Jack was an excellent tennis player. He could beat anybody. he had the general ability to beat anybody)
but
* Jack and Alf had a game of tennis yesterday. Alf played very well but in the end Jack managed to beat him. or ... was able to beat him. (= he managed to beat him in this particular game)
The negative couldn't (could not) is possible in all situations:
* My grandfather couldn't (could not) is possible in all situations
* We tried hard but we couldn't persuade them to come with us.
* Alf played well but he couldn't beat Jack.
@p53
EXERCISES
26.1 Complete the sentences using can or (be) able to. Use can if possible; otherwise use (be) able to.
1. George has travelled a lot. He _can_ speak four languages.
2. I haven't _been able to_ sleep very well recently.
3. Sandra --- drive but she hasn't got a car.
4. I can't understand Martin. I've never --- understand him.
5. I used to --- stand on my head but I can't do it now.
6. I can't see you on Friday but I --- meet you on Saturday morning.
7. Ask Catherine about your problem. She might --- help you.
26.2 Write sentences about yourself using the ideas in brackets.
1. (something you used to be able to do) I used to be able to sing well.
2. (something you used to be able to do) I used ---
3. (something you would like to be able to do) I'd ---
4. (something you have never been able to do) I've ---
26.3 Complete the sentences with can/can't/could/couldn't + one of these verbs:
come cat hear run sleep wait
1. I'm afraid I _can't come_ to your party next week.
2. When Tim was 16, he was a fast runner. He --- 100 meters in 11 seconds.
3. Are you in a hurry?' 'No, I've got plenty of time. I ---.'
4. I was feeling sick yesterday. I --- anything.
5. Can you speak up a bit? I --- you very well.
6. 'You look tired.' 'Yes, I --- last night,'
26.4 Complete the answers to the questions with was/were able to.
1 A: Did everybody escape from the fire?
B: Yes. Although the fire spread quickly, everybody _was able to escape._
2 A: Did you have difficulty finding Ann's house?
B: Not really. Ann had given us good directions and we ---
3. A: Did you finish your work this afternoon?
B: Yes. There was nobody to disturb me, so ---
4. A: Did the thief get away?
B: Yes. No one realised what was happening and the thief ---
26.5 Complete the sentences using could, couldn't or was/were able to.
1. My grandfather was a very clever man. He _could_ speak five languages.
2. I looked everywhere for the book but I _couldn't_ find it.
3. They didn't want to come with us at first but we _were able to_ persuade them.
4. Laura had hurt her leg and --- walk very well.
5. Sue wasn't at home when I phoned but I --- contact her at her office.
6. I looked very carefully and I --- see a figure in the distance.
7. I wanted to buy some tomatoes. The first shop I went to didn't have any but I --- get some in the next shop.
8. My grandmother loved music. She --- play the piano very well.
9. A girl fell into the river but fortunately we --- rescue her.
10. I had forgotten to bring my camera so I --- take any photographs.
@p54
UNIT 27 Could (do) and could have (done)
A. We use could in a number of ways. Sometimes could is the past of can (see Unit 26C):
* Listen. I can hear something. (now)
* I listened. I could hear something. (past)
But could is not only used in this way. We also in the future (especially to make a suggestion). For example:
* A: What shall we do this evening?
B: We could go to the cinema.
* It's a nice day. We could go for a walk.
* When you go to New York next month, you could stay with Barbara.
* A: If you need money, why don't you ask Karen?
B: Yes, I suppose I could.
Can is also possible in these sentences ('We can go for a walk,' etc.). Could is less sure than can. You must use could (not 'can') when you don't really mean what you say. For example:
* I'm so angry with him. I could kill him! (not 'I can kill him')
B. We also use could to say that something is possible now or in the future:
* The phone is ringing. It could be Tim.
* I don't know when they'll be here. They could arrive at any time.
Can is not possible in these examples (not 'It can be Tim')
In these sentences could is similar to might (see Unit 29-30):
* The phone is ringing. It might be Tim.
C. Compare could (do) and could have (done):
* I'm so tired. I could sleep for a week. (now)
* I was so tired. I could have slept for a week. (past)
Most often, we use could have (done) for things which were possible but did not happen:
* Why did you stay at a hotel when to New York? You could have stayed with Barbara. (= you had opportunity to stay with her but you didn't)
* Jack fell off a ladder yesterday but he's all right. He's lucky - he could have hurt himself badly. (but ha didn't hurt himself)
* The situation was bad but it could have been worse.
D. Sometimes could means 'would be able to...':
* We could go away if we had enough money.(= we would be able to go away)
* I don't know how you work so hard. I couldn't do it.
Could have (done) = would have been able to (do):
* Why didn't Liz apply for the job? She could have got it.
* We could have gone away if we'd had enough money.
* The trip was cancelled last week. Paul couldn't have gone anyway because he was ill. (= he wouldn't have been able to go)
* You did very well to pass the exam. I'm sure I couldn't have passed it. (= I wouldn't have been able to pass it if I had taken it)
@p55
EXERCISES
27.1 Answer the questions with a suggestion. Use could.
1. Where shall we go for our holidays? (to Scotland) We could go to Scotland.
2. What shall we have for dinner tonight? (fish) We ---
3. What shall I give Ann for her birthday? (a book) You ---
4. When shall I phone Angela? (now) ---
5. When shall we go and see Tom? (on Friday) ---
6. Where shall we hang this picture? (in the kitchen) ---
27.2 Put in can or could. Sometimes either word is possible.
1. 'The phone is ringing. Who do you think it is?' 'It _could_ be Tim.'
2. I'm really hungry. I --- eat a horse!
3. If you're very hungry, we --- have dinner now.
4. It's so nice here. I --- stay here all day but unfortunately I have to go.
5. 'I can't find my bag. Have you seen it?' 'No, but it --- be in the car.'
6. Peter is a keen musician. He plays the flute and he --- also play the piano.
7. 'What shall we do?' 'There's a film on television. We --- watch that.'
8. The weather is nice now but it --- change later.
27.3 Complete the sentences. Use could or could have + a suitable verb.
1. A: What shall we do this evening?
B: I don't mind. We _could go_ to the cinema.
2. A: I had a very boring evening at home yesterday.
B: Why did you stay at home? You --- to the cinema.
3. A: There's an interesting job advertised in the paper. You --- for it.
B: What sort of Job is it? Show me the advertisement.
4. A: Did you go to the concert last night?
B: No. We --- but we decided not to.
5. A: Where shall we meet tomorrow?
B: Well, I --- to your house if you like.
27.4 Read this information about Ken:
Ken didn't do anything on Saturday evening.
Ken was short of money last week.
Ken doesn't know anything about machines.
Ken's car was stolen on Monday.
Ken was free on Monday afternoon.
Ken had to work on Friday evening.
Some people wanted Ken to do different things last week but they couldn't contact him. So be didn't do any of these things. You have to say whether be could have done or couldn't have done them.
1. Ken's aunt wanted him to drive her to the airport on Tuesday.
He couldn't have driven her to the airport (because his car had been stolen).
2. A friend of his wanted him to go out for a meal on Friday evening.
Ken ---
3. Another friend wanted him to play tennis on Monday afternoon.
Ken ---
4. Jack wanted Ken to lend him l50 last week. ---
5. Jane wanted Ken to come to her party on Saturday. evening.
He ---
6. Ken's mother wanted him to repair her washing machine. ---
@p56
UNIT 28. Must and can't
A. Study this example:
We use must to say that we feel sure something is true:
* You've been travelling all day. You must be tired. (Travelling is tiring and you've been travelling all day, so you must be tired.)
* 'Jim is a hard worker.' 'Jim? A hard worker? You must be joking. He's very lazy.'
* Carol must get very bored in her job. She does the same thing every day.
We use can't to say that we feel sure something is not possible:
* You've just had lunch. You can't be hungry already. (People are not normally hungry just after eating a meal. You've just eaten, so you can't be hungry.)
* Brian said he would definitely be here before 9.30. It's 10 o'clock now and he's never late. He can't be coming.
* They haven't lived here for very long. They can't know many people.
Study the structure:
I/you/he (etc.) must/can't be (tired/hungry/at work etc.)
I/you/he (etc.) must/can't be (doing/coming/joking etc.) do/go/know/have etc.
I/you/he (etc.) must/can't do/go/know/have etc.
B. For the past we use must have (done) and can't have (done). Study this example:
George is outside his friends' house.
He has rung the doorbell three times but nobody has answered.
They must have gone out. (otherwise they would have answered)
* The phone rang but I didn't hear it. I must have been asleep.
* I've lost one of my gloves. I must have dropped it somewhere.
* Jane walked past me without speaking. She can't have seen me.
* Tom walked straight into a wall. He can't have been looking where he was going.
Study the structure:
I/you/he (etc.) must/can't have been (asleep/at work etc.)
I/you/he (etc.) must/can't have been (doing/working etc.)
I/you/he (etc.) must/can't have done /gone/known/had etc.
Couldn't have ... is possible instead of can't have...:
* She couldn't have seen me.
* Tom couldn't have been looking where he was going. * 'Shall I stay here?' 'I'd rather you came with us.'
@p57 * 'Shall I tell them the news?' 'No. I'd rather they didn't know.'
EXERCISES * Shall I tell them or would you rather they didn't know?
28.1 Put in must or can't. In this structure we use the past (came, did etc.), but the meaning is present or future, not past.
1. You've been travelling all day. You must be very tired. Compare:
2. That restaurant --- be very good. It's always full of people. * I'd rather cook the dinner now.
3. That restaurant --- be very good. It's always empty. but * I'd rather you cooked the dinner now. (not 'I'd rather you cook')
4. You're going on holiday next week. You --- be looking forward to it. The negative is 'I'd rather you didn't ...':
5. It rained every day during their holiday, so they --- have had a very nice time. * I'd rather you didn't tell anyone what I said.
6. Congratulations on passing your exam. You --- be very pleased. * 'Do you mind if I smoke?' 'I'd rather you didn't.'
7. You got here very quickly. You --- have walked very fast. @p117
8. Bill and Sue go away on holiday very often, so they --- be short of money. EXERCISES
28.2 Complete the sentences with a verb in the correct form. 58.1 Which do you prefer? Write sentences using 'I prefer (something) to (something else)'. Put the verb into the correct form where necessary.
1. I've lost one of my gloves. I must have dropped it somewhere. 1. (drive/travel by train) _I prefer driving to travelling by train._
2. They haven't lived here for long. They can't know many people. 2. (tennis/football) I prefer ---
3. Ted isn't at work today. He must --- ill. 3. (phone people/write letters) I --- to ---
4. Ted wasn't at work last week. He must --- ill. 4. (go to the cinema/watch films on TV) ---
5. (The doorbell rings) I wonder who that is. It can't --- Mary. She's still at work at this time. Now rewrite sentences 3 and 4 using the structure 'I prefer (to do something)...'.
6. Carol knows a lot about films. She must --- to the cinema a lot. 5. (1) I prefer to drive rather travel by train.
7. Look. Jack is putting on his hat and coat. He must --- out. 6. (3) I prefer to ---
8. I left my bike outside the house last night and this morning it isn't there any more. Somebody must --- it. 7. (4) ---
9. Ann was in a very difficult situation. It can't --- easy for her. 58.2 Write sentences using I'd prefer ... or I'd rather... + one of the following:
10. There is a man walking behind us. He has been walking behind us for the last 20 minutes. He must --- us. eat at home get a taxi go alone go for a swim listen to some music stand think a out it for a while
28.3 Read the situations and use the words in brackets to write sentences with must have and can't have.
1. The phone rang but I didn't hear it. (I/asleep)
_I must have been asleep._
2. Jane walked past me without speaking. (she/see/me)
_She can't have seen me._
3. The jacket you bought is very good quality. (it/very expensive)
4. I haven't seen the people next door for ages. (they/go away)
6. Don passed the exam without studying for it. (the exam/very difficult)
7. She knew everything about our plans. (she/listen/to our conversation)
8. Fiona did the opposite of what I asked her to do. (she/understand/what I said)
9. When I woke up this morning, the light was on. (I/forget/to turn it off)
10. The lights were red but the car didn't stop. (the driver I see/the red light)
11. I was woken up in the middle of the night by the noise next door. (the neighbours/have/a party)
@p58
UNIT 29. May and might (1)
A. Study this example situation:
You are looking for Bob. Nobody is sure where he is but you get some suggestions.
You: Where's Bob?
He may be in his office. (= perhaps he is in his office)
He might be having lunch. (= perhaps he is having lunch)
Ask Ann. She might know. (= perhaps she knows)
We use may or might to say that something is a possibility. Usually you can use may or might you can say:
* It may be true. or It might be true. (= perhaps it is true)
* She might know. or She may know.
The negative forms are may not and might not (or mightn't):
* It might not be true. (= perhaps it isn't true)
* I'm not sure whether I can lend you any money. I may not have enough. (= perhaps I don't have enough)
Study the structure:
I/you/he (etc.) may/might (not) be (true/in his office etc.)
I/you/he (etc.) may/might (not) be (doing/working/having etc.)
I/you/he (etc.) may/might (not) do/know/have/want etc.
B. For the past we use may have (done) or might have (done):
* A: I wonder why Kay didn't answer the phone.
B: She may have been asleep. (= perhaps she was asleep)
* A: I can't find my bag anywhere.
B: You might have left it in the shop. (= perhaps you left it in the shop)
* A: I was surprised that Sarah wasn't at the meeting.
B: She might not have known about it. (= perhaps she didn't know)
* A: I wonder why Colin was in such a bad mood yesterday.
B: He may not have been feeling well. (= perhaps he wasn't feeling well)
Study the structure:
I/you/he (etc.) may/might (not) have been (asleep/at home etc.)
I/you/he (etc.) may/might (not) have been (doing/waiting etc.)
I/you/he (etc.) may/might (not) have done/known/had/seen etc.
C. Sometimes could has a similar meaning to may and might:
* The phone's ringing. It could be Tim. (= it may/might be Tim)
* You could have left your bag in the shop. (= you may/might have left it...)
But couldn't (negative) is different from may not and might not. Compare:
* She was too far away, so she couldn't have seen you. (= it is not possible that she saw you)
* A: I wonder why she didn't say hello.
B: She might not have seen you. (= perhaps she didn't see you; perhaps she did)
@p59
EXERCISES
29.1 Write these sentences in a different way using may or might.
1. Perhaps Margaret is in her office. _She might be in her office._
2. Perhaps Margaret is busy.
3. Perhaps she is working.
4. Perhaps she wants to be alone.
5. Perhaps she was ill yesterday.
6. Perhaps she went home early.
7. Perhaps she had to go home early.
8. Perhaps she was working yesterday.
In sentences 9-11 use may not or might not.
9. Perhaps she doesn't want to see me.
10. Perhaps she isn't working today.
11. Perhaps she wasn't feeling well yesterday.
29.2 Complete the sentences with a verb in the correct form.
1. 'Where's Bob?' 'I'm not sure. He might _be having_ lunch.'
2. 'Who is that man with Ann?' 'I'm not sure. It might --- her brother.'
3. 'Who was the man we saw with Ann yesterday?' 'I'm not sure. It might --- her brother.'
4. 'Why are those people waiting in the street?' 'I don't know. They might --- for a bus.'
5. 'Shall I buy this book for Tim?' 'You'd better not. He might already --- it.'
29.3 Read the situations and make sentences from the words in brackets. Use may or might.
1. I can't find George anywhere. I wonder where he is.
a (he/go/shopping) He may have gone shopping.
b (he/play/tennis) He might be playing tennis.
2. I'm looking for Helen. Do you know where she is?
a (she/watch/TV/in her room)
b (she/go/out)
3. I can't find my umbrella. Have you seen it?
a (it/be/in the car)
b (you/leave/in the restaurant last night)
4. Why didn't Tom answer the doorbell? I'm sure he was in the house at the time.
a (he/be/in the bath)
b (he/not/hear/the bell)
29.4 Complete the sentences using might not or couldn't.
1. A: Do you think she saw you?
B: No, she was too far away. _She couldn't have seen me._
2. A: I wonder why she didn't say hello. Perhaps she didn't see me.
B: That's possible. _She might not have seen you._
3. A: I wonder why Ann didn't come to the party. Perhaps she wasn't invited.
B: Yes, it's possible. She ---
4. A: Tom loves parties. I'm sure he would have come to the party if he'd been invited.
B: I agree. He ---
5. A: I wonder how the fire started. Do you think it was an accident?
B: No, the police say it ---
6. A: How did the fire start? I suppose it was an accident.
B: Well, the police aren't sure. They say it ---
@p60
UNIT 30. May and might (2)
A. We use may and might to talk about possible actions or happenings in the future:
* I haven't decided yet where to spend my holidays. I may go to Ireland. (= perhaps I will go to Ireland)
* Take an umbrella with you when you go out. It might rain later. (= perhaps it will rain)
* The bus doesn't always come on time. We might have to wait a few minutes. (= perhaps we will have to wait)
The negative forms are may not and might not (mightn't):
* Ann may not come to the party tonight. She isn't well. (= perhaps she will not come)
* There might not be a meeting on Friday because the director is ill. (= perhaps there will not be a meeting)
B. Usually it doesn't matter whether you use may or might. So you can say:
* I may go to Ireland. or I might go to Ireland.
* Jane might be able to help you. or Jane may be able to help you.
But we use only might (not may) when the situation is not real:
* If I knew them better, I might invite them to dinner. (The situation here is not real because I don't know them very well, so I'm not going to invite them. 'May' is not possible in this example.)
C. There is also a continuous form: may/might be ~ing. Compare this with will be ~ing:
* Don't phone at 8.30. I'll be watching the football on television.
* Don't phone at 8.30. I might be watching (or I may be watching) the football on
television. (= perhaps I'll be watching it)
For will be ~ing see Unit 24.
We also use may/might be ~ing for possible plans. Compare:
* I'm going to Ireland in July. (for sure)
* I may be going (or I might be going) to Ireland in July. (possible)
But you can also say 'I may go (or I might go) to Ireland...' with little difference of meaning.
D. Might as well/may as well
Study this example:
Helen and Clare have just missed the bus. The buses run every hour.
Helen: What shall we do? Shall we walk?
Clare: We might as well. It's a nice day and I don't want to wait here for an hour.
'(We) might as well do something'= (We) should do something because there is nothing better to do and there is no reason not to do it.
You can also say 'may as well'.
* A: What time are you going?
B: Well, I'm ready, so I might as well go now. (or ... I may as well go now)
* The buses are so expensive these days, you might as well get a taxi. (= taxis are just as good, no more expensive)
@p61
EXERCISES
30. Write sentences with may or might.
1. Where are you going for your holidays? (to Ireland???)
I haven't decided yet. _I may go to Ireland._
2. What sort of car are you going to buy? (a Mercedes???)
I'm not sure yet. I ---
3. What are you doing this weekend? (go to London???)
I haven't decided yet. ---
4. Where are you going to hang that picture? (in the dining room???)
I haven't made up my mind yet. ---
5. When is Tom coming to see us? (on Saturday???)
I don't know yet. ---
6. What is Julia going to do when she leaves school? (go to university???)
She hasn't decided yet. ---
30.2 Complete the sentences using might + one of these verbs:
bite break need rain slip wake
1. Take an umbrella with you when you go out. It _might rain_ later.
2. Don't make too much noise. You --- the baby.
3. Be careful of that dog. It --- you.
4. I don't think we should throw that letter away. We --- it later.
5. Be careful. The footpath is very icy. You ---
6. I don't want the children to play in this room. They --- something.
30.3 Complete the sentences using might be able to or might have to + a suitable verb.
1. I can't help you but why don't you ask Jill? She _might be able to help_ you.
2. I can't meet you this evening but I --- you tomorrow evening.
3 I'm not working on Saturday but I --- on Sunday.
4. George isn't well. He --- to hospital for an operation.
30.4 Write sentences with may not or might not.
1. (I don't know if Ann will come to the party.) Ann might not come to the party.
2. (I don't know if I'll go out this evening.) I ---
3. (I don't know if Tom will like the present I bought for him.)
Tom ---
4. (I don't know if Sue will be able to meet us this evening.) ---
30.5 Read the situations and make sentences with may/might as well.
1. You and a friend have just missed the bus. The buses run every hour.
You say: We'll have to wait an hour for the next bus. _We might as well waik._
2. You have a free ticket for a concert. You're not very keen on the concert but you decide to go. You say: I --- to the concert. It's a pity to waste a free ticket.
3. You're in a cafe with a friend. You've finished your drinks. It's a nice cafe and there is no reason to go now, so why not have another drink? You say: We ---. What would you like?
4. You and a friend are at home. You are bored. There's a film on TV starting in a few minutes. You say: ---. There's nothing else to do.
@p62
UNIT 31.Must and have to
A. We use must and have to to say that it is necessary to do something. Sometimes it doesn't matter which you use:
* Oh, it's later than I thought. I must go. or I have to go.
But there is a difference between must and have to and sometimes this is important:
Must is personal. We use must when we give our personal feelings.
'You must do something' = 'I (the speaker) say it is necessary':
* She's a really nice person. You must meet her. (= I say this is necessary)
* I haven't phoned Ann for ages. I must phone her tonight.
Compare:
* I must get up early tomorrow. There are a lot of things I want to do.
Have to is impersonal. We use have to for facts, not for our personal feelings.
'You have to do something' because of a rule or the situation:
* You can't turn right here. You have to turn left. (because of the traffic system)
* My eyesight isn't very good. I have to wear glasses for reading.
* George can't come out with us this evening. He has to work.
* I have to get up early tomorrow. I'm going away and my train leaves at 7.30.
If you are not sure which to use, it is usually safer to use have to.
B. you can use must to talk about the present or future, but not the past:
* We must go now.
* We must go tomorrow. (but not 'We must go yesterday')
You can use have to in all forms. For example:
* I had to go to hospital. (past)
* Have you ever had to go to hospital? (present perfect)
* I might have to go to hospital. (infinitive after might)
In questions and negative sentences with have to, we normally use do/does/did:
* What do I have to do to get a driving licence? (not 'What have I to do?')
* Why did you have to go to hospital?
* Karen doesn't have to work on Saturdays.
C. Mustn't and don't have to are completely different:
You mustn't do something = it is necessary that you do not do it (so, don't do it):
* You must keep it a secret. You mustn't tell anyone. (= don't tell anyone)
* I promised I would be on time. I mustn't be late. (= I must be on time)
You don't have to do something = you don't need to do it (but you can if you want):
* You can tell me if you want but you don't have to tell me. (= you don't need to tell me)
* I'm not working tomorrow, so I don't have to get up early.
D. You can use 'have got to' instead of 'have to'. So you can say:
* I've got to work tomorrow. or have to work tomorrow.
* When has Ann got to go? or When does Ann have to go?
@p63
EXERCISES
31.1 Complete these sentences with must or have to (in the correct form). Sometimes it is possible to use either; sometimes only have to is possible.
1. It's later than I thought. I must or have to go now.
2. Jack left before the end of the meeting. He had to go home early.
3. In Britain many children. --- wear uniform when they go to school.
4. When you come to London again, you --- come and see us.
5. Last night Don became ill suddenly. We --- call a doctor.
6. You really --- work harder if you want to pass the examination.
7. I'm afraid I can't come tomorrow. I.. --- work late.
8. I'm sorry I couldn't come yesterday. I --- work late.
9. Paul doesn't like his new job. Sometimes he --- work at weekends.
10. Caroline may --- go away next week.
11. We couldn't repair the car ourselves. We --- take it to a garage.
12. Julia wears glasses. She --- wear glasses since she was very young.
31.2 Make questions with have to.
1. I had to go to hospital last week. Why did you have to go to hospital?
2. I have to get up early tomorrow. Why --- early?
3. Ann has to go somewhere now. Where --- she ---.
4. George had to pay a parking fine yesterday. How much ---.
5. I had to wait a long time for the bus. How long ---.
6. I have to phone my sister now. Why ---
7. Paul has to leave soon. What time ---
31.3 Complete these sentences using don't/doesn't/didn't have to + one of these verbs:
do get up go go pay shave wait work
1. I'm not working tomorrow, so I _don't have to get up_ to early.
2. The car park is free-you --- to park your car there.
3. I went to the bank this morning. There was no queue, so I ---.
4. Sally is extremely rich. She ---.
5. We've got plenty of time. We --- yet.
6. Jack has got a beard, so he ---.
7., I'm not particularly busy. I've got a few things to do but I ---them now.
8. A man was slightly injured in the accident but he --- to hospital.
31.4 Complete these sentences with mustn't or don't/doesn't have to.
1. I don't want anyone to know. You _mustn't_ tell anyone.
2 He doesn't have to wear a suit to work but he usually does.
3. I can stay in bed tomorrow morning because I --- go to work.
4. Whatever you do, you --- touch that switch. It's very dangerous.
5. There's a lift in the building, so we --- climb the stairs.
6. You --- forget what I told you. It's very important.
7. Sue --- get up early. She gets up early because she wants to,
8. Don't make so much noise. We --- wake the baby.
9. I --- eat too much. I'm supposed to be on a diet.
10. You --- be a good player to enjoy a game of tennis.
@p64
UNIT 32. Must mustn't needn't
A. Must mustn't needn't
'You must do something' = it is necessary that you do it:
* Don't tell anybody what I said. You must keep it a secret.
* We haven't got much time. We must hurry.
'You mustn't do something' = it is necessary that you do not do it (so don't do it):
* You must keep it a secret. You mustn't tell anybody else. (= don't tell anybody else)
* It's essential that nobody hears us. We mustn't make any noise.
'You needn't do something' = it is not necessary that you do it, you don't need to do it:
* You can come with me if you like but you needn't come if you don't want to. (= it is not necessary for you to come)
* We've got plenty of time. We needn't hurry. (= it is not necessary to hurry)
B. Instead of needn't, you can use don't/doesn't need to. So you can say:
* We needn't hurry. or We don't need to hurry.
Remember that we say 'don't need to do', but 'needn't do' (without to).
Needn't and don't need to are similar to don't have to (see Unit 31C):
* We've got plenty of time. We don't have to hurry.
C. Needn't have (done)
Study this example situation:
I think it's going to rain. I'll take the umbrella.
I needn't have brought the umbrella.
George had to go out. He thought it was going to rain, so he decided to take the umbrella.
But it didn't rain, so the umbrella was not necessary. So:
He needn't have taken the umbrella.
'He needn't have taken the umbrella' = He took the umbrella but this was not necessary. Of course, he didn't know this when he went out.
Compare needn't (do) and needn't have (done):
* That shirt isn't dirty. You needn't wash it.
* Why did you wash that shirt? It wasn't dirty. You needn't have washed it.
D. Didn't need to (do) and needn't have (done)
I didn't need to ... = it was not necessary for me to... (and I knew this at the time):
* I didn't need to get up early, so I didn't.
* I didn't need to get up early, but it was a lovely morning, so I did.
'I needn't have (done) something' = I did something but now I know that it was not necessary:
* I got up very early because I had to get ready to go away. But in fact it didn't take me long to get ready. So, I needn't have got up so early. I could have stayed in bed longer.
@p65
EXERCISES
32.1 Complete the sentences using needn't + one of these verbs:
ask come explain leave tell walk
1. We've got plenty of time. We _needn't leave_ yet.
2. I can manage the shopping alone. You --- with me.
3. We --- all the way home. We can get a taxi.
4. just help yourself if you'd like something to eat. You --- first.
5. We can keep this a secret between ourselves. We --- anybody else.
6. I understand the situation perfectly. You --- further.
32.2 Complete the sentences with must, mustn't or needn't.
1. We haven't got much time. We _must_ hurry.
2. We've got plenty of time. We _needn't_ hurry.
3. We have enough food at home so we --- go shopping today.
4. Jim gave me a letter to post. I --- remember to post it.
5. Jim gave me a letter to post. I --- forget to post it.
6. There's plenty of time for you to make up your mind. You --- decide now.
7. You --- wash those tomatoes. They've already been washed.
8. This is a valuable book. You --- look after it carefully and you ---lose it.
9. 'What sort of house do you want to buy? Something big?' 'Well, it --- be big--that's not important. But it --- have a nice garden--that's essential.'
32.3 Read the situations and make sentences with needn't have.
1. George went out. He took an umbrella because he thought it was going to rain. But it didn't rain. He needn't have taken an umbrella.
2. Ann bought some eggs when she went shopping. When she got home, she found that she already had plenty of eggs. She ---.
3. A friend got angry with you and shouted at you. You think this was unnecessary. Later you say to him/her: You ---.
4. Brian had no money, so he sold his car. A few days later he won some money in a lottery. He ---.
5. When we went on holiday, we took the camera with us but we didn't use it in the end. ---.
6. I thought I was going to miss my train so I rushed to the station. But the train was late and in the end I had to wait 20 minutes. ---.
32.4 Write two sentences for each situation. Use needn't have in the first sentence and could have in the second (as in the example). For could have see Unit 27.
1. Why did you rush? Why didn't you take your time?
_You needn't have rushed. You could have taken your time._
2. Why did you walk home? Why didn't you take a taxi?
3. Why did you stay at a hotel? Why didn't you stay with us?
4. Why did she phone me in the middle of the night? Why didn't she phone me in the morning?
5. Why did you leave without saying anything? Why didn't you say goodbye to me?
@p66
UNIT 33. Should (1)
A. You should do something = it Is a good thing to do or the right thing to do. You can use should to give advice or to give an opinion:
* You look tired. You should go to bed.
* The government should do more to help homeless people.
* 'Should we invite Susan to the party?' 'Yes, I think we should.'
We often use should with I think/I don't think/Do you think...?:
* I think the government should do more to help homeless people.
* I don't think you should work so hard.
* 'Do you think I should apply for this job?' 'Yes, I think you should.'
'You shouldn't do something' = it isn't a good thing to do:
* You shouldn't believe everything you read in the newspapers.
Should is not as strong as must:
* You should apologise. (= it would be a good thing to do)
* You must apologise. (= you have no alternative)
B. We also use should when something is not right or what we expect. For example:
* I wonder where Liz is. She should be here by now. (= she isn't here yet, and this is not normal)
* The price on this packet is wrong. It should be L1.20, not L1.50.
* Those boys shouldn't be playing football at this time. They should be at school.
We use should to say that we expect something to happen:
* She's been studying hard for the exam, so she should pass. (= I expect her to pass)
* There are plenty of hotels in the town. It shouldn't be difficult to find somewhere to stay. (= I don't expect that it will be difficult)
C. 'You should have done something' = you didn't do it but it would have been the right thing to do:
* It was a great party last night. You should have come. Why didn't you? (= you didn't come but it would have been good to come)
* I'm feeling sick. I shouldn't have eaten so much chocolate. (= I ate too much chocolate)
* I wonder why they're so late. They should have been here an hour ago.
* She shouldn't have been listening to our conversation. It was private.
Compare should (do) and should have (done):
* You look tired. You should go to bed now.
* You went to bed very late last night. You should have gone to bed earlier.
D. Ought to ...
You can use ought to instead of should in the sentences on this page. Note that we say 'ought to do...' (with to):
* Do you think I ought to apply for this job? (= Do you think I should apply ...?)
* Jack ought not to go to bed so late. (= Jack shouldn't go ...)
* It was a great party last night. You ought to have come.
* She's been studying hard for the exam, so she ought to pass.
@p67
EXERCISES
33.1 For each situation write a sentence with should or shouldn't + one of the following.
go away for a few days go to bed so late look for another job put some pictures on the walls take a photograph use her car so much
1. (Liz needs a change.) _She should go away for a few days._
2. (My salary is very low.) You ---.
3. (Jack always has difficulty getting up.) He ---.
4. (What a beautiful view!) You---.
5. (Sue drives everywhere. She never walks.) She ---.
6. (Bill's room isn't very interesting.) ---.
33.2 Read the situations and write sentences with I think/I don't think ... should...
1. Peter and Judy are planning to get married. You think it's a bad idea. (get married) _I don't think they should get married._
2. You don't like smoking, especially in restaurants. (be banned) I think ---.
3. I have a very bad cold but I plan to go out this evening. You don't think this is a good idea. You say to me: (go out) ---.
4. You are fed up with the government. You think they have made too many mistakes. (resign) ---.
33.3 Complete the sentences with should (have) + the verb in brackets.
1. Margaret should pass the exam. She's been studying very hard. (pass)
2. You missed a great party last night. You should have come. (come)
3. We don't see you enough. You --- and see us more often. (come)
4. I'm in a difficult position. What do you think I ---? (do)
5. I'm sorry that I didn't take your advice. I --- what you said. (do)
6. I'm playing tennis with Jill tomorrow. She --- she's much better than me. (win)
7. We lost the match but we ---. We were the better team. (win)
8. 'Is John here yet?' 'Not yet, but he --- here soon.' (be)
9. I posted the letter three days ago, so it --- by now. (arrive)
33.4 Read the situations and write sentences with should/shouldn't. Some of the sentences are past and some are present.
1. I'm feeling sick. I ate too much. _I shouldn't have eaten so much._
2. That man on the motorbike isn't wearing a helmet. That's dangerous.
He _should be wearing a helmet._
3. When we got to the restaurant, there were no free tables. We hadn't reserved one. We ---.
4. The notice says that the shop is open every day from 8.30. It is 9 o'clock now but the shop isn't open yet. ---.
5. The speed limit is 30 miles an hour, but Catherine is doing 50.
She ---.
6. I went to Paris. A friend of mine lives in Paris but I didn't go to see him while I was there.
When I saw him later, he said: You ---.
7. I was driving behind another car. Suddenly, the driver in front stopped without warning and I drove into the back of his car. It wasn't my fault ---.
8. I walked into a wall. I wasn't looking where I was going.
---.
@p68
UNIT 34. Should (2)
A. You can use should after a number of verbs, especially:
suggest propose recommend insist demand
* They insisted that we should have dinner with them.
* I demanded that he should apologise.
* What do you suggest I should do?
In the same way, you can use should after suggestion/proposal/recommendation etc.
* What do you think of Jane's suggestion that I should buy a car?
and also after 'it's important/vital/necessary/essential that ...'
* It's essential that you should be here on time.
B. You can also leave out should in all the sentences in Section A:
* It's essential that you be here on time. (= that you should be here)
* I demanded that he apologise.
* What do you suggest I do?
This form (you be/he apologise etc.) is sometimes called the subjunctive.
You can also use normal present and past tenses:
* It's essential that you are here on time.
* I demanded that he apologised.
Be careful with suggest. You cannot use to ... ('to do/to buy' etc.) after suggest:
* What do you suggest we should do?
or What do you suggest we do? (but not 'What do you suggest us to do?')
* Jane suggested that I (should) buy a car.
or Jane suggested that I bought a car. (but not 'Jane suggested me to buy')
For suggest ~ing, see Unit 52.
C. You can use should after a number of adjectives, especially:
strange odd funny typical natural interesting surprised surprising
* It's strange that he should be late. He's usually on time.
* I was surprised that she should say such a thing.
D. If ... should...
You can say 'If something should happen...'. For example:
* If Tom should phone while I'm out, tell him I'll phone him back later.
'If Tom should phone' is similar to 'If Tom phones'. With should, the speaker feels that the possibility is smaller. Another example:
* I've left the washing outside. If it should rain, can you bring it in?
You can also put should at the beginning of these sentences (Should something happen ...):
* Should Tom phone, can you tell him I'll phone him back later?
E. You can use I should .../I shouldn't ... to give somebody advice. For example:
* 'Shall I leave now?' 'No, I should wait a bit longer.'
Here, 'I should wait'= 'I would wait if I were you, I advise you to wait'. Two more examples:
* It's very cold this morning. I should wear a coat when you go out.
* I shouldn't stay up too late. You'll be tired tomorrow.
@p69
EXERCISES
34.1 Write a sentence (beginning in the way shown) that means the same as the first sentence.
1. 'I think it would be a good idea to see a specialist,' the doctor said to me.
The doctor recommended that I should see a specialist.
2. 'You really must stay a little longer,' she said to me.
She insisted that ---.
3. 'Why don't you visit the museum after lunch?' I said to them.
I suggested that ---.
4. 'You must pay the rent by Friday,' the landlord said to us.
The landlord demanded that ---.
5. 'Why don't you go away for a few days?'Jack said to me.
Jack suggested that ---.
34.2 Are these sentences right or wrong?
1. a Tom suggested that I should look for another job. RIGHT
b Tom suggested that I look for another job. ---
c Tom suggested that I looked for another job. ---
d Tom suggested me to look for another job. ---.
2. a Where do you suggest I go for my holiday? ---
b Where do you suggest me to go for my holiday? ---
c Where do you suggest I should go for my holiday? ---
34.3 Complete the sentences using should + one of these verbs:
ask be leave listen say worry
1. It's strange that she _should be_ late. She's usually on time.
2. It's funny that you --- that. I was going to say the same thing.
3. It's only natural that parents --- about their children.
4. Isn't it typical of Ron that he --- without saying goodbye to anybody?
5. I was surprised that he --- me for advice. What advice could I give him?
6. It's very important that everybody --- very carefully.
34.4 Complete these sentences using if ... should... .
1. (It's possible that you'll see Tom this evening.)
_If you should see Tom this evening_, can you ask him to phone me?
2. (It's possible that Ann will arrive before I get home.)
If ---, can you look after her until I come?
3. (Perhaps there will be some letters for me while I'm away.)
---, can you send them on to this address?
4. (I don't suppose you'll need help but you might.)
---, let me know.
Write sentences 3 and 4 again, this time beginning with should.
5. (3) ---, can you send them on to this address?
6. (4) ---.
34.5 (Section E) Complete the sentences using I should + one of these verbs:
buy keep phone wait
1. 'Shall I leave now?' 'No, _I should wait_ a bit longer.'
2. 'Shall I throw these things away?' 'No --- them. You may need them.'
3. 'Shall I go and see Paul?' 'Yes, but --- him first.'
4. 'Do you think it's worth repairing this TV set?' 'No --- a new one.'
@p70
UNIT 35. Had better it's time
A. Had better (I'd better/you'd better etc.)
I'd better do something = It is advisable to do it. If I don't, there will be a problem or a danger:
* I have to meet Ann in ten minutes. I'd better go now or I'll be late.
* 'Shall I take an umbrella?' 'Yes, you'd better. It might rain.'
* We'd better stop for petrol soon. The tank is almost empty.
The negative is I'd better not (= I had better not):
* A: Are you going out tonight?
B: I'd better not. I've got a lot of work to do.
* You don't look very well. You'd better not go to work today.
You can use had better when you warn somebody that they must do something:
* You'd better be on time./You'd better not be late. (or I'll be very angry)
Note that:
The form is 'had better' (usually 'I'd better/you'd better' etc. in spoken English):
* I'd better phone Carol, hadn't I?
Had is a past form, but in this expression the meaning is present or future, not past: * I'd better go to the bank now/tomorrow.
We say 'I'd better do...' (not 'to do'):
* It might rain. We'd better take an umbrella. (not 'we'd better to take')
B. Had better and should
Had better is similar to should (see Unit 33A) but not exactly the same.
We use had better only for a particular situation (not for things in general).
You can use should in all types of situation to give an opinion or to give advice:
* It's cold today. You'd better wear a coat when you go out. (a particular situation)
* I think all drivers should wear seat belts. (in general - not 'had better wear')
Also, with had better, there is always a danger or a problem if you don't follow the advice.
Should only means 'it is a good thing to do'. Compare.
* It's a great film. You should go and see it. (but no danger, no problem if you don't)
* The film starts at 8.30. You'd better go now or you'll be late.
C. It's time ...
You can say 'It's time (for somebody) to do something':
* It's time to go home./It's time for us to go home.
You can also say:
* It's late. It's time we went home.
Here we use the past (went) but the meaning is present or future, not past:
* It's 10 o'clock and he's still in bed. It's time he got up. (not 'It's time he gets up')
It's time you did something = 'you should have done it already or started it'. We often use this structure to criticise or to complain:
* It's time the children were in bed. It's long after their bedtime.
* The windows are very dirty. I think it's time we cleaned them.
You can also say: It's about time.../It's high time... . This makes the criticism stronger:
* Jack is a great talker. But it's about time he did something instead of )'just talking.
* You're very selfish. It's high time you realised that you're not the most important person in the world.
@p71
EXERCISES
35.1 Complete the sentences. Sometimes you need only one word, sometimes two.
1. a I need some money. I'd better _go_ to the bank.
b John is expecting you to phone him. You --- better do it now.
c 'Shall I leave the window open?' 'No, you'd better --- it.'
d We'd better leave as soon as possible, --- we?
2. a It's time the government --- something about the problem.
b It's time something --- about the problem.
c I think it's about time you --- about me instead of only thinking about
yourself.
35.2 Read the situations and write sentences with had better. Use the words in brackets.
1. You're going out for a walk with Tom. It might rain. You say to Tom:
(an umbrella) We'd better take an umbrella.
2. Jack has just cut himself. It's quite a bad cut. You say to him:
(a plaster) ---
3. You and Ann plan to go to a restaurant this evening. It's a very popular restaurant. You say to Ann: (reserve) We ---
4. Jill doesn't look very well - not well enough to go to work. You say to her:
(work) ---
5. You received your phone bill four weeks ago but you haven't paid it yet. If you don't pay very soon, you could be in trouble. You say to yourself: (pay)
---
6. You want to go out but you're expecting an important phone call. You say to your friend: (go out) I ---
7. You and Fiona are going to the theatre. You've missed the bus and you don't want to be late.
You say to Fiona: (a taxi) ---
35.3 Put in had better or should. Sometimes either is possible.
1. I have an appointment in ten minutes. _I'd better_ go now or I'll be late.
2. It's a great film. You _should_ go and see it. You'll really like it.
3. I --- get up early tomorrow. I've got a lot to do.
4. When people are driving, they --- keep their eyes on the road.
5. Thank you for coming to see us. You --- come more often.
6. She'll be upset if we don't invite her to the wedding, so we --- invite her.
7. These biscuits are delicious. You --- try one.
8. I think everybody --- learn a foreign language.
35.4 Read the situations and write sentences with It's time (somebody did something).
1. You think the children should be in bed. It's already 11 o'clock.
_It's time the children were in bed._
2. You haven't had a holiday for a very long time. You need one now.
It's time I ---
3. You're waiting for Mary. She is late. Why isn't she here yet?
It's time she ---
4. You're sitting on a train waiting for it to leave the station. It's already five minutes late.
5. You enjoy having parties. You haven't had one for a long time.
6. The company you work for is badly run. You think there should be some changes.
@p72
UNIT 36. Can/Could/Would you ...? etc. (Requests, offers, permission and invitations)
A. Asking people to do things (requests)
We often use can or could to ask people to do things:
* Can you wait a moment, please? or Could you wait a moment, please?
* Liz, can you do me a favour?
* Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the airport?
* I wonder if you could help me.
Note that we say 'Do you think (you) could ...? (not usually 4can'):
* Do you think you could lend me some money until next week?
We also use will and would to ask people to do things (but can/could are more usual):
* Liz, will you do me a favour?
* Would you please be quiet? I'm trying to concentrate.
B. Asking for things
To ask for something we use Can I have ...? or Could I have ...?:
* (in a shop) Can I have these postcards, please?
* (during a meal) Could I have the salt, please?
May I have ...? is also possible (but less usual):
* May I have these postcards, please?
C. Asking for and giving permission
To ask for permission to do something, we use can, could or may:
* (on the phone) Hello, can I speak to Tom, please?
* 'Could I use your phone?' 'Yes, of course.'
* Do you think I could borrow your bike?
* 'May I come in?' 'Yes, please do.'
To give permission, we use can or may.
* You can use the phone. or You may use the phone.
May is formal and less usual than can or could.
D. Offering to do things To offer to do something, we sometimes use Can I ...?:
* 'Can I get you a cup of coffee?' 'Yes, that would be very nice.'
* 'Can I help you?' 'No, it's all right. I can manage.'
You can also use I'll ... to offer to do things (see Unit 21C):
* You look tired. I'll get you a cup of coffee.
E. Offering and inviting
To offer or to invite we use Would you like ...? (not do you like)
* 'Would you like a cup of coffee?' 'Yes, please.'
* 'Would you like to come to dinner tomorrow evening?' 'Yes, I'd love to.'
I'd like... is a polite way of saying what you want:
* (at a tourist information office) I'd like some information about hotels, please.
* (in a shop) I'd like to try on this jacket, please.
@p73
EXERCISES
36.1 Read the situations and write questions beginning Can ... or Could ...
1. You're carrying a lot of things. You can't open the door yourself. There's a man standing near the door. You say to him: _Could you open the door, please?_
2. You phone Ann but somebody else answers. Ann isn't there. You want to leave a message for her. You say: ---
3. You are a tourist. You want to go to the station but you don't know where it is. You ask at your hotel. You say: ---
4. You are in a clothes shop. You see some trousers you like and you want to try them on. You say to the shop assistant: ---
5. You have a car. You have to go to the same place as John, who hasn't got a car. You want to give him a lift. You say to John: ---
36.2 Read the situations and write questions beginning Do you think ...
1. You want to borrow your friend's camera. What do you say to him?
Do you think _I could borrow your camera?_
2. You are at a friend's house and you want to use her phone. What do you say?
3. You've written a letter in English. Before you send it, you want an English friend to check it. What do you ask him?
4. You want to leave work early because you have some things to do. What do you ask your boss?
5. The woman in the next room is playing music. It's very loud. You want her to turn it down. What do you say to her?
6. You are phoning the owner of a flat which was advertised in a newspaper. You are interested in the flat and you want to come and see it today. What do you say to the owner?
36.3 What would you say in these situations?
1. John has come to see you in your flat. You offer him something to eat.
YOU: ---
JOHN: No, thank you. I'm not hungry.
2. You need help to change the film in your camera. You ask Ann.
You: Ann, I don't know how to change the film. ---
ANN: Sure. It's easy. All you have to do is this.
3. You're on a train. The woman next to you has finished reading her newspaper. Now you want to have a look at it. You ask her.
YOU: Excuse me ---
WOMAN: Yes, of course. I've finished with it.
4. You're on a bus. You have a seat but an elderly man is standing. You offer him your seat.
YOU: ---
MAN: Oh, that's very kind of you. Thank you very much.
5. You're the passenger in a car. Your friend is driving very fast. You ask her to slow down.
YOU: You're making me very nervous. ---
DRIVER: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realise I was going so fast.
6. You've finished your meal in a restaurant and now you want the bill. You ask the waiter:
YOU: ---
WAITER: Right. I'll get it for you now.
7. A friend of yours is interested in one of your books. You invite him to borrow it.
FRIEND: This book looks very interesting.
YOU: Yes, it's very good. ---
@p74
UNIT 37. If I do ... and If I did ...
A. Compare these examples:
(1) Sue has lost her watch. She thinks it may be at Ann's house.
SUE: I think I left my watch at your house. Have you seen it?
ANN: No, but I'll have a took when I get home. If I find it, I'll tell you.
In this example, Ann feels there is a real possibility that she will find the watch. So she says:
If I find ..., I'll ....
(2) Ann says: If I found a wallet in the street, I'd take it to the police.
This is a different type of situation. Here, Ann is not thinking about a real possibility; she is imagining the situation and doesn't expect to find a wallet in the street. So she says:
If I found ..., I'd (= I would) ... (not If I find ...,I'll)
When you imagine something like this, you use if + past (if I found/if you were/if we didn't etc.). But the meaning is not past:
* What would you do if you won a million pounds? (we don't really expect this to happen)
* I don't really want to go to their party, but I probably will go. They'd be offended if I didn't go.
* Sarah has decided not to apply for the job. She isn't really qualified for it, so she probably wouldn't get it if she applied.
B. We do not normally use would in the if-part of the sentence:
* I'd be very frightened if somebody pointed a gun at me. (not 'if somebody would point')
* If I didn't go to their party, they'd be offended. (not 'If I wouldn't go')
But it is possible to say 'if... would' when you ask somebody to do something:
* (from a formal letter) I would be grateful if you would send me your brochure as soon as possible.
* 'Shall I close the door?' 'Yes, please, if you would.'
C. In the other part of the sentence (not the if-part) we use would ('d)/wouldn't:
* If you took more exercise, you'd (= you would) probably feet healthier,
* Would you mind if I used your phone?
* I'm not tired enough to go to bed yet. I wouldn't steep (if I went to bed now).
Could and might are also possible:
* If you took more exercise, you might feet healthier. (= it is possible that you would feel healthier)
* If it stopped raining, we could go out. (= we would be able to go out)
D. Do not use when in sentences like those on this page:
* They would be offended if we didn't accept their invitation. (not 'when we didn't')
* What would you do if you were bitten by a snake? (not 'when you were bitten')
For if and when see also Unit 25C.
@p75
EXERCISES
37.1 Put the verb into the correct form.
1. They would be rather offended if I _didn't go_ to see them. (not/go)
2. If you took more exercise, you _would feel_ better. (feel)
3. If I was offered the job, I think I --- it. (take)
4. I'm sure Amy will lend you the money. I'd be very surprised if she ---. (refuse)
5. If I sold my car, I --- much money for it. (not/get)
6. A lot of people would be out of work if the factory ---. (close down)
7. What would happen if I --- that red button? (press)
8. Liz gave me this ring. She --- very upset if I lost it. (be)
9. Mark and Carol are expecting us. They would be disappointed if we ---. (not/come)
10. Would Tim mind if I --- his bicycle without asking him? (borrow)
11. If somebody --- in here with a gun, I'd be very frightened. (walk)
12. I'm sure Sue --- if you explained the situation to her. (understand)
37.2 You ask a friend questions. Use What would you do if ...?
1. (Maybe one day your friend will win a lot of money.)
_What would you do if you won a lot of money?_
2. (Your friend's car has never been stolen but perhaps one day it will be.)
What ---
3. (Perhaps one day your friend will lose his/her passport.)
4. (There has never been a fire in the building.)
37.3 Answer the questions in the way shown.
1. A: Shall we catch the 10.30 train?
B: No. (arrive/too early) _If we caught the 10.30 train, we'd arrive too early._
2. A: Is Ken going to take the examination?
B: No. (fall) If he ---
3. A: Why don't we stay at a hotel?
B: No. (cost too much money) If ---
4. A: Is Sally going to apply for the job?
B: No. (not/get it) If ---
5. A: Let's tell them the truth.
B: No. (not/believe us) If ---
6. A: Why don't we invite Bill to the party?
B: No. (have to invite his friends too)
37.4 Use your own ideas to complete these sentences.
1. If you took more exercise, _you'd feel better._
2. I'd feel very angry if ---
3. If I didn't go to work tomorrow ---
4. Would you go to the party if ---
5. If you bought some new clothes
6. Would you mind if ---
@p76
UNIT 38. If I knew ... I wish I knew ...
A. Study this example situation:
Sue wants to phone Paul but she can't do this because she doesn't know his number. She says:
If I knew his number, I would phone him.
Sue says: If I knew his number... . This tells us that she doesn't know his number.
She is imagining the situation. The real situation is that she doesn't know his number.
When you imagine a situation like this, you use if + past (if I knew/if you were/if we didn't etc.). But the meaning is present, not past:
* Tom would read more if he had more time. (but he doesn't have much time)
* If I didn't want to go to the party, I wouldn't go. (but I want to go)
* We wouldn't have any money if we didn't work. (but we work)
* If you were in my position, what would you do?
* It's a pity you can't drive. It would be useful if you could.
B. We use the past in the same way after wish (I wish I knew/I wish you were etc.). We use wish to say that we regret something, that something is not as we would like it to be:
* I wish I knew Paul's phone number. (= I don't know it and I regret this)
* Do you ever wish you could fly? (you can't fly)
* It rains a lot here. I wish it didn't rain so Often.
* It's very crowded here. I wish there weren't so many people. (but there are a lot of people)
* I wish I didn't have to work. (but I have to work)
C. After if and wish, you can use were instead of was (if I were I wish it were etc.). So you can say:
* If I were you, I wouldn't buy that coat. or If I was you...
* I'd go out if it weren't raining. or if it wasn't raining.
* I wish it were possible. or I wish it was possible.
D. We do not normally use would in the if-part of the sentence or after wish:
* If I were rich, I would have a yacht. (not 'If I would be rich')
* I wish I had something to read. (not 'I wish I would have')
Sometimes wish ... would is possible ('I wish you would listen'). See Unit 40C.
E. Note that could sometimes means 'would be able to' and sometimes 'was/were able to':
* You could get a job more easily. (you could get = you would be able to get)
if you could speak a foreign language. (you could speak = you were able to speak)
@p77
EXERCISES
38.1 Put the verb into the correct form.
1. If I _knew_ his number, I would phone him. (know)
2. I _wouldn't buy_ that coat if I were you. (not/buy)
3. I --- you if I could, but I'm afraid I can't. (help)
4. We would need a car if we --- in the country. (live)
5. If we had the choice, we --- in the country. (live)
6. This soup isn't very good. It --- better if it wasn't so salty. (taste)
7. I wouldn't mind living in England if the weather --- better. (be)
8. If I were you, --- (not/wait). I --- now. (go)
9. You're always tired. If you --- to bed so late every night, you wouldn't be tired all the time. (not/go)
10. I think there are too many cars. If there --- so many cars (not/be), there --- so much pollution. (not/be)
38.2 Write a sentence with If ... for each situation.
1. We don't visit you very often because you live so far away.
_If you didn't live so far away, we'd visit you more often._
2. He doesn't speak very clearly--that's why people don't understand him.
If he --- more --- people ---
3. That book is too expensive, so I'm not going to buy it.
If the book ---, I ---
4. We don't go out very often because we can't afford it.
5. It's raining, so we can't have lunch in the garden.
6. I have to work tomorrow evening, so I can't meet you.
38.3 Write sentences beginning I wish ...
1. I don't know many people (and I'm lonely).
_I wish I knew more people._
2. I don't have a key (and I need one). I wish ---
3. Ann isn't here (and I need to see her).
4. It's cold (and I hate cold weather).
5. I live in a big city (and I don't like it).
6. I can't go to the party (and I'd like to).
7. I have to work tomorrow (but I'd like to stay in bed).
8. I don't know anything about cars (and my car has just broken down).
9. I'm not lying on a beautiful sunny beach (and that's a pity).
38.4 Write your own sentences beginning I wish ...
1. (somewhere you'd like to be now--on the beach, in New York, in bed etc.)
I wish I ---
2. (something you'd like to have--a computer, a job, lots of money etc.)
3. (something you'd like to be able to do--sing, speak a language, fly etc.)
4. (something you'd like to be--beautiful, strong, rich etc.)
@p78
UNIT 39. If I had known ... I wish I had known ...
A. Study this example situation:
Last month Gary was in hospital for an operation. Liz didn't know this, so she didn't go to visit him. They met a few days ago. Liz said:
If I had known you were in hospital, I would have gone to visit you.
Liz said: If I had known you were in hospital... . The real situation was that she didn't know he was in hospital.
When you are talking about the past, you use if + had ('d) ... (if I had known/been/done etc.):
* I didn't see you when you passed me in the street. If I'd seen you, of course I would have said hello. (but I didn't see you)
* I decided to stay at home last night. I would have gone out if I hadn't been so tired. (but I was tired)
* If he had been looking where he was going, he wouldn't have walked into the wall. (but he wasn't looking)
* The view was wonderful. If I'd had a camera, I would have taken some photographs. (but I didn't have a camera)
Compare:
* I'm not hungry. If I was hungry, I would eat something. (now)
* I wasn't hungry. If I had been hungry, I would have eaten something. (past)
B. Do not use would in the if-part of the sentence. We use would in the other part of the sentence:
* If I had seen you, I would have said hello. (not 'If I would have seen you')
Note that 'd can be would or had:
* If I'd seen you, (I'd seen = I had seen)
I'd have said hello. (I'd have said = I would have said)
C. We use had (done) in the same way after wish. I wish something had happened = I am sorry that it didn't happen:
* I wish I'd known that Gary was ill. I would have gone to see him. (but I didn't know)
* I feel sick. I wish I hadn't eaten so much cake. (I ate too much cake)
* Do you wish you had studied science instead of languages? (you didn't study science)
* The weather was cold while we were away. I wish it had been warmer.
Do not use would have... after wish in these sentences:
* I wish it had been warmer. (not 'I wish it would have been')
D. Compare would (do) and would have (done):
* If I had gone to the party last night, I would be tired now. (I am not tired now--present)
If I had gone to the party last night, I would have met lots of people. (I didn't meet lots of people--past)
Compare would have, could have and might have:
* If the weather hadn't been so bad, we would have gone out.
* If the weather hadn't been so bad, we could have gone out. (= we would have been able to go out)
* If the weather hadn't been so bad, we might have gone out. (=perhaps we would have gone out)
@p79
EXERCISES
39.1 Put the verb into the correct form.
1. I didn't know you were in hospital. If I'd known (I/know), I would have gone (I/go) to visit you.
2. Ken got to the station in time to catch his train. If, --- (he/miss) it --- (he/be) late for his interview.
3. It's good that you reminded me about Ann's birthday. --- (I/forget)if --- (you/not/remind) me.
4. Unfortunately, I didn't have my address book with me when I was in New York. If --- (I/have) your address, --- (I/send) you a postcard.
5. A: How was your holiday? Did you have a nice time?
B: It was OK, but --- (we/enjoy) it more if --- (the weather/be) better.
6. I took a taxi to the hotel but the traffic was very bad. --- (it/be) quicker if --- (I/walk).
7. I'm not tired. If --- (I/be) tired, I'd go home now.
8. I wasn't tired last night. If --- (I/be) tired, I would have gone home earlier.
39.2 Write a sentence with if for each situation.
1. I wasn't hungry, so I didn't eat anything.
_If I'd been hungry, I would have eaten something._
2. The accident happened because the driver in front stopped so suddenly.
If the driver in front ---
3. I didn't know that George had to get up early, so I didn't wake him up.
if I ---
4. I was able to buy the car only because Jim tent me the money.
5. Margaret wasn't injured in the crash because she was wearing a seat belt.
6. You didn't have any breakfast - that's why you're hungry now.
7. I didn't get a taxi because I didn't have any money on me.
39.3 Imagine that you are in these situations. For each situation, write a sentence with I wish ...
1. You've eaten too much and now you feel sick.
You say: _I wish I hadn't eaten so much._
2. There was a job advertised in the newspaper. You decided not to apply for it. Now you think that your decision was wrong.
You say: I wish I ---
3. When you were younger, you didn't learn to play a musical instrument. Now you regret this.
You say: ---
4. You've painted the gate red. Now you think that it doesn't look very nice.
You say: ---
5. You are walking in the country. You would like to take some photographs but you didn't bring your camera.
You say: ---
6. You have some unexpected guests. They didn't tell you they were coming. You are very busy and you are not prepared for them.
You say (to yourself): ---
@p80
UNIT 40. Would I wish ... would
A. We use would ('d) when we imagine a situation or action:
* It would be nice to have a holiday but we can't afford it.
* I'm not going to bed yet. I'm not tired and I wouldn't sleep.
We use would have (done) when we imagine situations or actions in the past:
* They helped me a lot. I don't know what I would have done without their help.
* I didn't go to bed. I wasn't tired, so I wouldn't have slept.
For would in sentences with if see Units 37-39.
B. Compare will ('11) and would ('d):
* I'll stay a bit longer. I've got plenty of time.
* I'd stay a bit longer but I really have to go now. (so I can't stay longer)
Sometimes would/wouldn't is the past of will/won't. Compare:
present -> past
Tom: I'll phone you on Sunday. -> Tom said he'd phone me on Sunday.
ANN: I promise I won't be late. -> Ann promised that she wouldn't be late.
Liz: Damn! The car won't start. -> Liz was angry because the car wouldn't start.
C. I wish ... would...
Study this example situation:
It is raining. Jill wants to go out, but not in the rain. She says:
I wish it would stop raining.
This means that Jill is complaining about the rain and wants it to stop.
We use I wish ... would... when we want something to happen or when we want somebody to do something. The speaker is not happy with the present situation.
* The phone has been ringing for five minutes. I wish somebody would answer it.
* I wish you would do something instead of just sitting and doing nothing.
You can use I wish ... wouldn't ... to complain about things people do repeatedly:
* I wish you wouldn't keep interrupting me.
We use I wish ... would ... for actions and changes, not situations. Compare:
* I wish Sarah would come. (= I want her to come)
but * I wish Sarah were (or was) here now. (not 'I wish Sarah would be...')
* I wish somebody would buy me a car.
but * I wish I had a car. (not 'I wish I would have...')
For 'I wish ... were/had (etc.)' see Units 38B and 39C.
D. You can also use would when you talk about things that happened regularly in the past:
* When we were children, we lived by the sea. In summer, if the weather was fine, we would all get up early and go for a swim. (= we did this regularly)
* Whenever Arthur was angry, he would walk out of the room.
With this meaning, would is similar to used to (see Unit 18):
* Whenever Arthur was angry, he used to walk out of the room.
@p81
EXERCISES
40.1 Complete the sentences using would + one of the following verbs in the correct form:
be do enjoy enjoy phone stop
1. They helped me a lot. I don't know what I would have done without their help.
2. You should go and see the film. You --- it.
3. It's a pity you couldn't come to the party last night. You --- it.
4. I --- you last night but I didn't have your number.
5. Why don't you go and see Clare? She --- very pleased to see you.
6. I was in a hurry when I saw you. Otherwise I --- to talk.
40.2 Write sentences using promised.
1. I wonder why she's late. She promised she wouldn't be late.
2. I wonder why Tom hasn't written to me. He promised ---
3. I'm surprised they didn't wait for us. They ---
4. Why did you tell Jill what I said? You ---
40.3 What do you say in these situations? Write sentences with I wish ... would ...
1. It's raining. You want to go out, but not in the rain.
You say: I wish it would stop raining.
2. You're waiting for John. He's late and you're getting impatient.
You say (to yourself): I wish ---
3. You can hear a baby crying and you're trying to study.
You say: ---
4. You're looking for a job - so far without success. Nobody will give you a job.
You say: I wish somebody ---
5. Brian has been wearing the same clothes for years. You think he needs some new clothes.
You say (to Brian): ---
For the following situations, write sentences with I wish ... wouldn't ....
6. Your friend drives very fast. You don't like this.
You say (to your friend): I wish you ---
7. Jack always leaves the door open. This annoys you.
You say (to Jack): ---
8. A lot of people drop litter in the street. You don't like this.
You say: I wish people ---
40.4 Are these sentences right or wrong? Correct the ones that are wrong.
1. I wish Sarah would be here now.
2. I wish you would listen to me.
3. I wish I would have more money.
4. I wish it wouldn't be so cold today.
5. I wish the weather would change.
6. I wish you wouldn't complain all the time.
7. I wish everything wouldn't be so expensive.
40.5 These sentences are about things that often happened in the past. Complete the sentences using
would + one of these verbs: forget shake share walk
1. Whenever Arthur was angry, he would walk out of the room.
2. I used to live next to a railway line. Whenever a train went past, the house ---
3. You could never rely on George. It didn't matter how many times you reminded him to do something, he --- always ---
4. Brenda was always very generous. She didn't have much but she --- what she had with everyone else.
@p82
UNIT 41. passive (1) (is done/was done)
A. Study this example:
This house was built in 1930.
'Was built' is passive. Compare active and passive:
Somebody built this house (object) in 1930. (active)
This house (subject) was built in 1930. (passive)
We use an active verb to say what the subject does:
* My grandfather was a builder. He built this house in 1930.
* It's a big company. It employs two hundred people.
We use a passive verb to say what happens to the subject:
* This house is quite old. It was built in 1930.
* Two hundred people are employed by the company.
B. When we use the passive, who or what causes the action is often unknown or unimportant:
* A lot of money was stolen in the robbery. (somebody stole it but we don't know who)
* Is this room cleaned every day? (does somebody clean it?--it's not important who)
If we want to say who does or what causes the action, we use by...
* This house was built by my grandfather.
* Two hundred people are employed by the company.
C. The passive is be (is/was/have been etc.) + the past participle (done/cleaned/seen etc.):
(be) done (be) cleaned (be) seen (be) damaged (be) built etc.
For irregular past participles (done/known/seen etc.), see Appendix 1.
Study the active and passive forms of the present simple and past simple:
Present simple
active: clean(s)/see(s) etc.
Somebody cleans this every day.
passive: am/is/are cleaned/seen etc.
This room is cleaned every day.
* Many accidents are caused by careless driving.
* I'm not often invited to parties.
* How is this word pronounced?
Present simple
active: cleaned/saw etc.
Somebody cleaned this room yesterday.
passive: was/were cleaned/seen etc.
This room was cleaned yesterday.
* We were woken up by a loud noise during the night.
* 'Did you go to the party?' 'No, I wasn't invited.'
* How much money was stolen?
@p83
EXERCISES
41.1 Complete the sentences using one of these verbs in the correct form:
cause damage hold include invite make overtake show translate write
1. Many accidents _are caused_ by dangerous driving.
2. Cheese --- from milk.
3. The roof of the building --- in a storm a few days ago.
4. There's no need to leave a tip. Service --- in the bill.
5. You --- to the wedding. Why didn't you go?
6. A cinema is a place where films ---
7. In the United States, elections for President --- every four years.
8. Originally the book --- in Spanish and a few years ago it
9. We were driving along quite fast but we --- by lots of other cars.
41.2 Write questions using the passive. Some are present and some are past.
1. Ask about the telephone. (when/invent?)
_When was the telephone invented?_
2. Ask about glass. (how/make?) How ---
3. Ask about Australia. (when/discover?)
4. Ask about silver. (what/use for?)
5. Ask about television. (when/invent?)
41.3 Put the verb into the correct form, present simple or past simple, active or passive.
1. It's a big factory. Five hundred people _are employed_ (employ) there.
2. Water --- (cover) most of the Earth's surface.
3. Most of the Earth's surface --- (cover) by water.
4. The park gates --- (lock) at 6.30 p.m. every evening.
5. The letter --- (post) a week ago and it --- (arrive) yesterday.
6. The boat --- (sink) quickly but fortunately everybody --- (rescue).
7. Ron's parents --- (die) when he was very young. He and his sister --- (bring) up by their grandparents.
8. I was born in London but I --- (grow) up in the north of England.
9. While I was on holiday, my camera --- (steal) from my hotel room.
10. While I was on holiday, my camera --- (disappear) from my hotel room.
11. Why --- (Sue/resign) from her job? Didn't she enjoy it?
12. Why --- (Bill/sack) from his job? What did he do wrong?
13. The company is not independent. It --- (own) by a much larger company.
14. I saw an accident last night. Somebody --- (call) an ambulance but nobody --- (injure) so the ambulance --- (not/need).
15. Where --- (these photographs/take)? In London? --- (you/take) them?
41.4 Rewrite these sentences. Instead of using 'somebody/they/people' etc. write a passive sentence.
1. Somebody cleans the room every day. _The room is cleaned every day._
2. They cancelled all flights because of fog. All ---
3. People don't use this road very often. ---
4. Somebody accused me of stealing money. I ---
5. How do people learn languages? How ---
6. People advised us not to go out alone. ---
@p84
UNIT 42. Passive (2) (be/been/being done) Study the following active and passive forms:
A. Infinitive
active: (to) do/clean/see etc. Somebody will clean the room later.
passive: (to) be done/cleaned/seen etc. The room will be clean later.
* The situation is serious. Something must be done before it's too late.
* A mystery is something that can't be explained.
* The music was very loud and could be heard from a long way away.
* A new supermarket is going to be built next year.
* Please go away. I want to be left alone.
B. Perfect infinitive
active: have done/cleaned/seen etc. Somebody should have cleaned the room.
passive: have been done/cleaned/seen etc. The room should have been cleaned.
* I haven't received the letter yet. It might have been sent to the wrong address.
* If you hadn't left the car unlocked, it wouldn't have been stolen.
* There were some problems at first but they seem to have been solved.
C. Present perfect
active: have/has (done) The room looks nice. Somebody has cleaned it.
passive: have/has been (done) The room looks nice. It has been clean.
* Have you heard the news? The President has been shot!
* Have you ever been bitten by a dog?
* 'Are you going to the party?' 'No, I haven't been invited.'
Past perfect
active: had(done) The room looked nice. Somebody had clean it.
passive: had been (done) The room looked nice. It had been clean.
* The vegetables didn't taste very good. They had been cooked for too long.
* The car was three years old but hadn't been used very much.
D. Present continuous
active: am/is/are (do)ing Somebody is cleaning the room at the moment.
passive: am/is/are being (done) The room is being cleaned at the moment.
* There's somebody walking behind us. I think we are being followed.
* (in a shop) 'Can I help you, madam?' 'No, thank you. I'm being served.'
Past continuous
active: was/were (do)ing Somebody was cleaning the room when I arrived.
passive: was/were being (done) The room was being cleaned when I arrived.
* There was somebody walking behind us. We were being followed.
@p85
EXERCISES
42.1 What do these words mean? Use it can ... or it can't... . Use a dictionary if necessary.
If something is
1. washable, _it can be washed._
2. unbreakable, it ---
3. edible, it ---
4. unusable, ---
5. invisible, ---
6. portable, ---
42.2 Complete these sentences with one of the following verbs (in the correct form):
carry cause do make repair send spend wake up
Sometimes you need have ('might have', 'could have' etc.).
1. The situation is serious. Something must be done before it's too late.
2. I haven't received the letter. It might have been sent to the wrong address.
3. A decision will not --- until the next meeting.
4. I told the hotel receptionist that I wanted to --- at 6.30 the next morning.
5. Do you think that less money should --- on armaments?
6. This road is in very bad condition. It should --- a long time ago.
7. The injured man couldn't walk and had to ---
8. It's not certain how the fire started but it might --- by an electrical fault.
42.3 Rewrite these sentences. Instead of using 'somebody' or 'they', write a passive sentence.
1. Somebody has cleaned the room. _The room has been cleaned._
2. They have postponed the concert. The ---
3. Somebody is using the computer at the moment. The computer ---
4. I didn't realise that somebody was recording our conversation. I didn't realise that ---
5. When we got to the stadium we found that they had cancelled the game. When we got to the stadium, we found that ---
6. They are building a new ring road round the city. ---
7. They have built a new hospital near the airport. ---
42.4 Make sentences from the words in brackets. Sometimes the verb is active, sometimes passive. (This exercise also includes the past simple--see Unit 41 C.)
1. There's somebody behind us. (I think/we/follow) _I think we're being followed._
2. This room looks different. (you/paint?) _Have you painted it?_
3. My car has disappeared. (it/steal!) It ---
4. My umbrella has disappeared. (somebody/take) Somebody ---
5. Tom gets a higher salary now. (he/promote) ---
6. Ann can't use her office at the moment. (it/redecorate) ---
7. The photocopier broke down yesterday, but now it's OK. (it/work/again; it/repair)
8. The police have found the people they were looking for. (two people/arrest/last night)
9. A tree was lying across the road. (it/blow down/in the storm)
10. The man next door disappeared six months ago. (nobody/see/since then)
11. I was mugged on my way home a few nights ago. (you/ever/mug?)
@p86
UNIT 43. Passive (3)
A. I was born ...
We say: I was born ... (not 'I am born'):
past simple
* I was born in Chicago.
* Where were you born? (not 'where are you born')
but present simple
* How many babies are born everyday?
B. Some verbs can have two objects. For example, give:
* We gave _the police_(object 1) _the information._(object 2) (= We gave the information to the police.)
So it is possible to make two passive sentences:
* The police were given the information. or The information was given to the police.
Other verbs which can have two objects are: ask offer pay show teach tell
When we use these verbs in the passive, most often we begin with the person:
* I was offered the job but I refused it. (= they offered me the job)
* You will be given plenty of time to decide. (= we will give you plenty of time)
* Have you been shown the new machine? (= has anybody shown you ...?)
* The men were paid L200 to do the work. (= somebody paid the men L200)
C. I don't like being ...
The passive of doing/seeing etc. is being done/being seen etc. Compare:
active: I don't like people telling me what to do.
passive: I don5t like being told what to do.
* I remember being given a toy drum on my fifth birthday. (= I remember somebody giving me a toy drum...)
* Mr. Miller hates being kept waiting. (= he hates people keeping him waiting)
* We managed to climb over the wall without being seen. (= ... without anybody seeing us)
D. Get
Sometimes you can use get instead of be in the passive:
* There was a fight at the party but nobody got hurt. (= nobody was hurt)
* I don't often get invited to parties. (= I'm not often invited)
* I'm surprised Ann didn't get offered the lob. (... Ann wasn't offered the job)
You can use get to say that something happens to somebody or something, especially if this is unplanned or unexpected:
* Our dog got run over by a car.
You can use get only when things happen or change. For example, you cannot use get in these sentences:
* Jill is liked by everybody. (not 'gets liked' - this is not a 'happening')
* He was a mystery man. Nothing was known about him. (not 'got known')
We use get mainly in informal spoken English. You can use be in all situations.
We also use get in the following expressions (which are not passive in meaning):
get married get divorced get dressed (= put on your clothes) get changed (= change your clothes)
@p87
EXERCISES
43.1 When were they born? Choose five of these people and write a sentence for each. (Two of them were born in the same year.)
Beethoven Galileo Elvis Presley 1452 1869 1929
Agatha Christie Mahatma Gandhi Leonardo da Vinci 1564 1891 1935
Walt Disney Martin Luther King William Shakespeare 1770 1901
1. _Walt Disney was born in 1901._
2. ---
3. ---
4. ---
5. ---
6. ---
7. And you? I ---
43.2 Write these sentences in another way, beginning in the way shown.
1. They didn't give me the money. I _wasn't given the money._
2. They asked me some difficult questions at the interview. I ---
3. Janet's colleagues gave her a present when she retired. Janet ---
4. Nobody told me that George was ill. I wasn't ---
5. How much will they pay you? How much will you ---
6. I think they should have offered Tom the job. I think Tom ---
7. Has anybody shown you what to do? Have you ---
43.3 Complete the sentences using being + one of these verbs:
ask attack give invite keep pay
1. Mr Miller doesn't like _being kept_ waiting.
2. They went to the party without ---.
3. Most people like --- presents.
4. It's a dangerous city. People won't go out after dark because they are afraid of ---.
5. I don't like --- stupid questions.
6. Few people are prepared to work without ---.
43.4 Complete the sentences using get/got + one of these verbs (in the correct form): ask break damage hurt pay steal sting stop use
1. There was a fight at the party but nobody got hurt.
2. Ted --- by a bee while he was sitting in the garden.
3. How did that window ---?
4. These tennis courts don't --- very often, Not many people want to play.
5. I used to have a bicycle but it ---.
6. Last night I --- by the police as I was driving home.
7. How much did you --- last month?
8. Please pack these things very carefully. I don't want them to ---.
9. People often want to know what my Job is. I often --- that question.
@p88
UNIT 44. It is said that... He is said to... (be) supposed to...
A. Study this example situation:
Henry is very old. Nobody knows exactly how old he is, but:
It is said that he is 108 years old. or He is said to be 108 years old.
Both these sentences mean: 'People say that he is 108 years old.'
You can use these structures with a number of other verbs, especially:
thought believed considered reported known expected alleged understood
Compare the two structures:
* Cathy works very hard.
It is said that she works 16 hours a day. or She is said to work 16 hours a day.
* The police are looking for a missing boy.
It is believed that the boy is wearing a or white pullover and blue jeans. The boy is believed to be wearing a white pullover and blue jeans.
* The strike started three weeks ago.
It is expected that it will end soon. or The strike is expected to end soon
* A friend of mine has been arrested.
It is alleged that he kicked a policeman. or He is alleged to have kicked a policeman.
* Those two houses belong to the same family.
It is said that there is a secret tunnel between them. There is said to be a secret tunnel between them.
These structures are often used in news reports. For example, in a report about an accident:
* It is reported that two people were injured in the explosion. or Two people are reported to have been injured in the explosion.
B. (Be) supposed to
Sometimes it is supposed to ... = it is said to...
* Let's go and see that film. It's supposed to be very good. (= it is said to be very good)
* 'Why was he arrested?' 'He's supposed to have kicked a policeman.' (= he is said to have kicked a policeman)
But sometimes supposed to has a different meaning. 'Something is supposed to happen' = it is planned, arranged or expected. Often this is different from what really happens:
* I'd better hurry. It's nearly 8 o'clock and I'm supposed to be meeting Ann at 8.15. (= I have arranged to meet Ann, I said I would meet her)
* The train was supposed to arrive at 11.30 but it was an hour late. (= the train was
expected to arrive at 11.30 according to the timetable)
* You were supposed to clean the windows. Why didn't you do it?
'You're not supposed to do something' = it is not allowed or advisable for you to do it:
* You're not supposed to park your car here. It's private parking only.
* Mr. Bond is much better after his illness but he's still not supposed to do any heavy work. (= his doctors have advised him not to ...)
@p89
EXERCISES
44.1 Write these sentences in another way, beginning as shown. Use the underlined word in your sentence.
1. It is _expected_ that the strike will end soon. The strike _is expected to end soon._
2. It is _expected_ that the weather will be good tomorrow. The weather is ---
3. It is _believed_ that the thieves got in through the kitchen window. The thieves ---
4. It is _reported_ that many people are homeless after the floods. Many people ---
5. It is _thought_ that the prisoner escaped by climbing over a wall. The prisoner ---
6. It is _alleged_ that the man drove through the town at 90 miles an hour. The man is ---
7. It is _reported_ that the building has been badly damaged by fire. The building ---
8. a: It is _said_ that the company is losing a lot of money. The company ---
b: It is _believed_ that the company lost a lot of money last year. The company ---
c: It is _expected_ that the company will lose money this year. The company ---
44.2 People say a lot of things about Arthur. For example:
1 Arthur cats spiders.
2 He is very rich.
3. (He writes poetry.
4. (He has 12 children.)
5. (He robbed a bank a long time ago.
Nobody knows for sure whether these things are true or not. Write sentences about Arthur using (be) supposed to.
1. Arthur is supposed to eat spiders.
2. He ---
3. ---
4. ---
5. ---
44.3 Now you have to use (be) supposed to with its other meaning. In each example what happens is different from what is supposed to happen. Use (be) supposed to + one of these verbs:
arrive be block come park phone start
Some of the sentences are negative (like the first example).
1. You_'re not suppose to park_ here. It's private parking only.
2. The train _was supposed to arrive_ at 11.30, but it was an hour late.
3. What are the children doing at home? They --- at school at this time.
4. We --- work at 8.15, but we rarely do anything before 8.30.
5. This door is a fire exit. You --- it.
6. Oh dear! I --- Ann but I completely forgot.
7. They arrived very early--at 2 o'clock. They --- until 3.30.
@p90
UNIT 45. Have something done
A. Study this example situation:
The roof of Jill's house was damaged in a storm, so she arranged for somebody to repair it. Yesterday a workman came and did the job.
Jill had the roof repaired yesterday.
This means: Jill arranged for somebody else to repair the roof. She didn't repair it herself.
We use have something done to say that we arrange for somebody else to do something for us.
Compare:
* Jill repaired the roof. (= she repaired it herself)
* Jill had the roof repaired. (= she arranged for somebody else to repair it)
Study these sentences:
* Did Ann make the dress herself or did she have it made?
* 'Are you going to repair the car yourself?' 'No, I'm going to have it repaired.'
Be careful with word order. The past participle (repaired/cut etc.) is after the object (the roof your hair etc.):
have + object + past participle
Jill had the roof repaired yesterday.
Where did you have your hair cut?
Your hair looks nice. Have you had it cut?
Julia has just had central heating installed in her house.
We are having the house painted at the moment.
How often do you have your car serviced?
I think you should have that coat cleaned soon.
I don't like having my photograph taken.
B. You can also say 'get something done' instead of 'have something done' (mainly in informal spoken English):
* When are you going to get the roof repaired? (= have the roof repaired)
* I think you should get your hair cut.
C. Sometimes have something done has a different meaning. For example:
* Jill and Eric had all their money stolen while they were on holiday.
Of course this does not mean that they arranged for somebody to steal their money. 'They had all their money stolen' means only: 'All their money was stolen from them.'
With this meaning, we use have something done to say that something happens to somebody or their belongings. Usually what happens is not nice:
* George had his nose broken in a fight.
* Have you ever had your passport stolen?
@p91
EXERCISES
45.1 Tick (V) the correct sentence, (a) or (b), for each picture.
1. SARAH
a Sarah is cutting her hair.
b Sarah is having her hair cut.
2. BILL
a Bill is cutting his hair.
b Bill is having his hair cut.
3. JOHN
a John is cleaning his shoes.
b John is having his shoes cleaned.
4. SUE
a Sue is taking a photograph.
b Sue is having her photograph taken.
45.2 Why did you do these things? Answer using 'have something done'. Use one of these verbs:
clean cut repair service
1. Why did you take your car to the garage? _To have it serviced._
2. Why did you take your jacket to the cleaner's? To ---
3. Why did you take your watch to the jeweller's? ---
4. Why did you go to the hairdresser? ---
45.3 Write sentences in the way shown.
1. Jill didn't repair the roof herself. She _had it repaired._
2. I didn't cut my hair myself. I ---
3. They didn't paint the house themselves. They ---
4. Sue didn't make the curtains herself. ---
45.4 Use the words in brackets to complete the sentences. Use the structure 'have something done'.
1. We _are having the house painted_ (the house/paint) at the moment.
2. I lost my key. I'll have to --- (another key/make).
3. When was the last time you --- (your hair/cut)?
4. You look different --- (you/your hair/cut)?
5. --- (you/a newspaper/deliver) to your house or do you go to the shop to buy one?
6. A: What are those workmen doing in your garden?
B: Oh, we --- (a swimming pool/build).
7. A: Can I see the photographs you took when you were on holiday?
B: I'm afraid I --- (not/the film/develop) yet.
8. This coat is dirty. I must --- (it/clean).
9. If you want to wear earrings, why don't you --- (your ears/pierce)?
45.5 Now you have to use 'have something done' with its second meaning (see Section C).
1. George's nose was broken in a fight.
What happened to George? _He had his nose broken in a fight._
2. Sarah's bag was stolen on a train.
What happened to Sarah? She ---
3. Fred's hat was blown off in the wind.
What happened to Fred? ---
4. Diane's passport was taken away from her by the police.
What happened to Diane? ---
@p92
UNIT 46. Reported speech (1) (He said that ...)
A. Study this example situation:
You want to tell somebody else what Tom said.
There are two ways of doing this:
You can repeat Tom's words (direct speech):
Tom said 'I'm feeling ill.'
Or you can use reported speech:
Tom said that he was feeling ill.
Compare:
direct: Tom said I am feeling ill.' in writing we use these to show direct speech.
reported: Tom said that he was feeling ill.
B. When we use reported speech, the main verb of the sentence is usually past (Tom said that ... I told her that... etc.). The rest of the sentence is usually past too:
* Tom said that he was feeling ill.
* I told her that I didn't have any money.
You can leave out that:
* Tom said (that) he was feeling ill.
* I told her (that) I didn't have any money.
In general, the present form in direct speech changes to the past form in reported speech:
am/is -> was
do/does -> did
will -> would
are -> were
have/has -> had
can -> could
want/like/know/go etc. -> want/liked/knew/went etc.
Compare direct speech and reported speech:
You met Judy. Here are some of the things she said to you in direct speech:
Judy:
'my parents are very well.'
'I'm going to learn to drive.'
'John has given up his job.'
'I can't come to the party on Friday.'
'I want to go away for a holiday but I don't know where to go.' 'I'm going away for a few days. I'll phone you when I get back.'
Later you tell somebody what Judy said. You use reported speech:
* Judy said that her parents were very well.
* She said that she was going to learn to drive.
* She said that John had given up his job.
* She said that she couldn't come to the party on Friday.
* She said that she wanted to go away for a holiday but (she) didn't know where to go.
* She said that she was going away for a few days and would phone me when she got back.
C. The past simple (did/saw/knew etc.) can usually stay the same in reported speech, or you can change it to the past Perfect (had done/had seen/had known etc.):
direct: Tom said: 'I woke up feeling ill, so I didn't go to work.'
reported: Tom said (that) he woke up feeling ill, so he didn't go to work. or Tom said (that) he had woken up feeling ill, so he hadn't gone to work.
@p93
EXERCISES
46.1 Yesterday you met a friend of yours, Charlie. Here are some of the things Charlie said to you:
1. I'm living in London now.
2. My father isn't very well.
3. Sharon and Paul are getting married next month.
4. Margaret has had a baby.
5. I don't know what Fred is doing.
6. I saw Helen at a party in June and she seemed fine.
7. I haven't seen Diane recently.
8. I'm not enjoying my job very much.
9. You can come and stay at my flat if you are ever in London.
10. My car was stolen a few weeks ago.
11. I want to go on holiday but I can't afford it.
12. I'll tell Ann I saw you.
Later that day you tell another friend what Charlie said. Use reported speech.
1. _Charlie said that he was living in London now._
2. He said that ---
3. He ---
4. ---
5. ---
6. ---
7. ---
8. ---
9. ---
10. ---
11. ---
12. ---
46.2 Somebody says something to you which is the opposite of what they said before. Write a suitable answer beginning I thought you said ....
1. A: That restaurant is expensive.
B: is It? _I thought you said it was cheap._
2. A: Ann is coming to the party tonight.
B: Is she? I thought you said she ---
3. A: Ann likes Paul.
B: Does she? I thought ---
4. A: I know lots of people.
B: Do you? I thought you said you ---
5. A: I'll be here next week.
B: Will you? ---
6. A: I'm going out this evening.
B: Are you? ---
7. A: I can speak a little French.
B: Can you? ---
8. A: I haven't been to the cinema for ages.
B: Haven't you? ---
@p94
UNIT 47. Reported speech (2)
A. It is not always necessary to change the verb when you use reported speech. If you report. something and it is still true, you do not need to change the verb:
* direct: Tom said 'New York is more lively than London.'
reported: Tom said that New York is more lively than London.
(New York is still more lively. The situation hasn't changed.)
* direct: Ann said 'I want to go to New York next year.'
reported: Ann said that she wants to go to New York next year.
(Ann still wants to go to New York next year.)
Note that it is also correct to change the verb into the past:
* Tom said that New York was more lively than London.
* Ann said that she wanted to go to New York next year.
But you must use a past form when there is a difference between what was said and what is really true. Study this example situation:
You met Sonia a few days ago.
She said: 'Jim is ill.' (direct speech)
Later that day you see Jim. He is looking well and carrying a tennis racket.
You say: 'I didn't expect to see you, Jim. Sonia said you were ill.
(not 'Sonia said you are ill', because clearly he is not ill.)
B. Say and tell
If you say who you are talking to, use tell:
* Sonia told me that you were ill. (not 'Sonia said me')
* What did you tell the police? (not 'say the police')
Otherwise use say:
* Sonia said that you were ill. (not 'Sonia told that ...')
* What did you say?
But you can say something to somebody':
* Ann said goodbye to me and left. (not 'Ann said me goodbye')
* What did you say to the police?
C. Tell/ask somebody to do something
We also use the infinitive (to do/to stay etc.) in reported speech, especially with tell and ask (for orders and requests):
* direct: 'Stay in bed for a few days,' the doctor said to me.
reported: The doctor told me to stay in bed for a few days.
* direct: 'Don't shout,' I said to Jim.
reported: I told Jim not to shout.
* direct: 'Please don't tell anybody what happened,' Ann said to me.
reported: Ann asked me not to tell anybody what (had) happened.
'... said to do something' is also possible:
* The doctor said to stay in bed for a few days. (but not 'The doctor said me ...')
@p95
EXERCISES
47.1 Here are some things that Ann said to you:
I've never been to the United States.
I don't have any brothers or sisters.
Dave is lazy.
I don't like fish.
I can't drive.
Jane is a friend of mine
I'm working tomorrow evening.
Jane has a very well-paid job.
But later Ann says something different to you. What do you say?
1. Dave works very hard.
_But you said he was lazy._
2. Let's have fish for dinner.
3. I'm going to buy a car.
4. Jane is always short of money.
5. My sister lives in London.
6. I think New York is a fantastic place.
7. Let's go out tomorrow evening.
8. I've never spoken to Jane.
47.2 Complete the sentences with say or tell (in the correct form). Use only one word each time.
1. Ann said goodbye to me and left.
2. --- us about your holiday. Did you have a nice time?
3. Don't just stand there! --- something!
4. I wonder where Sue is. She --- she would be here at 8 o'clock.
5. Jack --- me that he was fed up with his job.
6. The doctor --- that I should rest for at least a week.
7. Don't --- anybody what I --- It's a secret just between us.
8. 'Did she --- you what happened?' 'No, she didn't --- anything to me.'
9. George couldn't help me. He --- me to ask Kate.
10. George couldn't help me. He --- to ask Kate.
47.3 (Section C) The following sentences are direct speech:
Don't wait for me if I'm late.
Will you marry me?
Hurry up!
Can you open your bag, please?
Mind your own business
Please slow down!
Could you repeat what you said,.please?
Don't worry, sue.
Do you think you could give me a hand, Tom?
Now choose one of these to complete each sentence below. Use reported speech.
1. Bill was taking a long time to get ready, so I _told him to hurry up._
2. Sarah was driving too fast, so I asked ---
3. Sue was very pessimistic about the situation. I told ---
4. I couldn't move the piano alone, so I ---
5. The customs officer looked at me suspiciously and ---
6. I had difficulty understanding him, so I ---
7. I didn't want to delay Ann, so I ---
8. John was very much in love with Mary, so he ---
9. He started asking me personal questions, so ---
@p96
UNIT 48. Questions (1)
A. We usually make questions by changing the word order: we put the first auxiliary verb (AV) before the subject (S):
Tom will -> will Tom?
* Will Tom be here tomorrow?
you have -> have you?
* Have you been working hard?
I can -> can I?
* What can I do? (not 'What I can do?')
the house was -> was the house?
* When was the house built? (not 'When was built the house?')
B. In present simple questions, we use do/does:
you live -> do you live?
* Do you live near here?
the film begins -> does the film begin?
* What time does the film begin? (not 'What time begins ...?')
In past simple questions, we use did:
you sold -> did you sell?
* Did you sell your car?
the accident happened -> did the accident happen?
* How did the accident happen?
But do not use do/does/did in questions if who/what/which is the subject of the sentence. Compare:
who object
Emma telephoned _somebody._(object)
_Who_(object) did Emma telephone?
who subject
_Somebody_(subject) telephoned Emma.
_Who_(subject) telephoned Emma?
In these examples, who/what/which is the subject:
* Who wants something to eat? (not 'Who does want')
* What happened to you last night? (not 'What did happen')
* Which bus goes to the city centre? (not 'Which bus does go')
C. Note the position of prepositions in questions beginning Who/What/Which/Where ...?:
* Who do you want to speak to?
* What was the weather like yesterday?
* Which job has Jane applied for?
* Where do you come from?
D. Negative questions (isn't it ...?/didn't you ...?)
We use negative questions especially to show surprise:
* Didn't you hear the bell? I rang it four times.
or when we expect the listener to agree with us:
* 'Haven't we met somewhere before 'Yes, I think we have.'
* Isn't it a beautiful day! (= It's a beautiful day, isn't it?)
Note the meaning of yes and no in answers to negative questions:
* Don't you want to go to the party? Yes. (=Yes, I want to go)
* Don't you want to go to the party? .No. (=No, I don't want to go)
Note the word order in negative questions beginning Why ...?:
* Why don't we go out for a meal tonight? (not 'Why we don't...')
* Why wasn't Mary at work yesterday? (not 'Why Mary wasn't...')
@p97
EXERCISES
48.1 Ask Liz questions. (Look at her answers before you write the questions.)
1. (where/from?) Where are you from?
_From London originally._
2. (where/live/now?) Where ---
In Manchester.
3. (married?) ---
Yes.
4. (how long/married?) ---
12 years.
5. (children?) ---
Yes, three boys.
6. (how old/they?) ---
4, 7 and 9.
7. (what/husband/do?) ---
He's a policeman.
8. (he/enjoy his job?) ---
Yes, very much.
9. (arrest anyone yesterday?) ---
I don't know.
10. (how often/go/on holiday?) ---
Usually once a year.
11. (where/next year?) ---
We don't know yet.
48.2 Make questions with who or what.
1. Somebody hit me.
_Who hit you?_
2. I hit somebody.
_Who did you hit?_
3. Somebody gave me the key.
Who ---
4. Something happened.
What ---
5. Diane told me something.
---
6. This book belongs to somebody.
---
7. Somebody lives in that house.
---
8 I fell over something.
---
9. Something fell on the floor.
---
10. This word means something.
---
11. I borrowed the money from somebody.
---
12. I'm worried about something.
---
48.3 Put the words in brackets in the correct order. All the sentences are questions.
1. (when/was/built/this house) _When was this house built?_
2. (how/cheese/is/made)
3. (when/invented /the computer/was)
4. (why/Sue/working/ isn't/today)
5. (what time/coming/your friends/are)
6. (why/was/cancelled/the concert)
7. (where/your mother/was/born)
8. (why/you/to the party/didn't/come)
9. (how/the accident/did/happen)
10. (why/this machine/doesn't/work)
48.4 Write negative questions from the words in brackets. In each situation you are surprised.
1. A: We won't see Ann this evening.
B: Why not? (she/not/come/to the party?) _Isn't she coming to the party?_
2. A: I hope we don't meet Brian tonight.
B: Why? (you/not/like/him?)
3. A: Don't go and see that film.
B: Why not? (it/not/good)
4. A: I'll have to borrow some money.
B: Why? (you/not/have/any?)
@p98
UNIT 49. Questions (2) (Do you know where ..? She asked me where ...)
A. When we ask for information, we often say Do you know ...?/Could you tell me ...? etc. If you begin a question like this, the word order is different from a simple question.
Compare:
Where has Tom gone? (simple question)
but Do you know where Tom has gone? (not 'Do you know where has Tom gone?')
When the question (Where has Tom gone?) is part of a longer sentence (Do you know ...?/I don't know.../Can you tell me ...? etc.), it loses the normal question word order.
Compare:
* What time is it? but Do you know what time it is?
* Who is that woman? but I don't know who that woman is.
* Where can I find Linda? but Can you tell me where I can find Linda?
* How much will it cost? but Have you any idea how much it will cost?
Be careful with do/does/did questions:
* What time the film begins? but Do you know what time the film begins? (not 'Do you know what time does...')
* What do you mean? but Please explain what you mean.
* Why did Ann leave early? but I wonder why Ann left early.
Use if or whether where there is no other question word (what, why etc.):
* Did anybody see you? but Do you know if (or whether) anybody saw you?
B. The same changes in word order happen in reported questions:
direct: The police officer said to us, "Where are you going?
reported: The police officer asked us where we were-going.
direct: Clare said, 'What time do the bank close?
reported: Clare wanted to know what time the banks closed.
In reported questions, the verb usually changes to the past (were, closed). See Unit 46.
Study these examples. You had an interview for a job and these were some of the questions the interviewer asked you:
INTERVIEWER
How old are you?
What do you do in your spare time?
How long have you been working in your present job?
Why did you apply for the job?
Can you speak any foreign languages?
Have you got a driving licence?
Later you tell a friend what the interviewer asked you. You use reported speech:
* She asked (me) how old I was.
* She wanted to know what I did in my spare time.
* She asked (me) how long I had been working in my present job.
* She asked (me) why I had applied for the job. (or ... why I applied)
* She wanted to know whether (or if) I could speak any foreign languages.
* She asked whether (or if) I had a driving licence. (or ... I had got ... )
@p99
EXERCISES
49.1 Make a new sentence from the question in brackets.
1. (Where has Tom gone?) Do you know where Tom has gone?
2. (Where is the post office?) Could you tell me where ---
3. (What's the time?) I wonder ---
4. (What does this word mean?) I want to know ---
5. (What time did they leave?) Do you know ---
6. (Is Sue going out tonight?) I don't know ---
7. (Where does Carol live?) Have you any idea ---
8. (Where did I park the car?) I can't remember ---
9. (Is there a bank near here?) Can you tell me ---
10. (What do you want?) Tell me ---
11. (Why didn't Kay come to the party?) I don't know ---
12. (Do you have to pay to park here?) Do you know ---
13. (Who is that woman?) I've no idea ---
14. (Did Ann receive my letter?) Do you know ---
15. (How far is it to the airport?) Can you tell me ---
49.2 You are making a phone call. You want to speak to Sue but she isn't there. Somebody else answers the phone. You want to know three things:
(1) Where has she gone? (2) When will she be back? and (3) Did she go out alone?
Complete the conversation:
A: Do you know where ---(1)?
B: Sorry, I've got no idea.
A: Never mind. I don't suppose you know ---(2).
B: No, I'm afraid not.
A: One more thing. Do you happen to know ---(3)?
B: I'm afraid I didn't see her go out.
A: OK. Well, thank you anyway. Goodbye.
49.3 You have been away for a while and have just come back to your home town. You meet Gerry, a friend of yours. He asks you a lot of questions:
1. How are you?
2. Where have you been?
3. How long have you been back?
4. What are you doing now?
5. Where are you living?
6. Why did you come back?
7. Are you glad to be back?
8. Do you have any plans to go away again?
9. can you lend me some money?
Now you tell another friend what Gerry asked you. Use reported speech.
1. _He asked me how I was._
2. He asked me ---
3. He ---
4. ---
5. ---
6. ---
7. ---
8. ---
9. ---
@p100
UNIT 50. Auxiliary verbs (have/do/can etc.) I think so/I hope so etc.
A. There are two verbs in each of these sentences:
I have lost my keys.
She can't come to the party.
The hotel was built ten years ago.
Where do you live?
In these examples have/can't/was/do are auxiliary (= helping) verbs.
You can use an auxiliary verb (without the rest of the sentence) when you don't want to repeat something:
* 'Have you locked the door?' 'Yes, I have.' (= I have locked the door)
* George wasn't working but Janet was. (= Janet was working)
* She could lend me the money but she won't. (= she won't lend me the money)
* 'Are you angry with me?' 'Of course I'm not.' (= I'm not angry)
Use do/does/did for the present and past simple:
* 'Do you like onions?' 'Yes, I do. (= I like onions)
* 'Does Mark smoke?' 'He did but he doesn't any more.'
B. We use have you?/isn't she?/do they? etc. to show polite interest in what somebody has said:
* 'I've just met Simon.' 'Oh, have you? How is he?'
* 'Liz isn't very well today.' 'Oh,98 isn't she? What's wrong with her?'
* 'It rained every day during our holiday.' 'Did it? What a pity!'
Sometimes we use these 'short questions' to show surprise:
* 'Jim and Nora are getting married.' 'Are they? Really?'
C. We use auxiliary verbs with so and neither:
* 'I'm feeling tired.' 'So am L' (= I'm feeling tired too)
* 'I never read newspapers.' 'Neither do L' (= I never read newspapers either)
* Sue hasn't got a car and neither has Martin.
Note the word order after so and neither (verb before subject):
* I passed the exam and so did Tom. (not 'so Tom did')
You can use nor instead of neither:
* 'I can't remember his name.' 'Nor can L' or 'Neither can I'
You can also use '...not ... either':
* 'I haven't got any money.' 'Neither have I' or 'Nor have I' or 'I haven't either.'
D. I think so/I hope so etc.
After some verbs you can use so when you don't want to repeat something:
* 'Are those people English?' J think so.' (= I think they are English)
* 'Will you be at home tomorrow morning?' 'I expect so.' (= I expect I'll be at home..)
* 'Do you think Kate has been invited to the party?' 'I suppose so.'
You can also say I hope so, I guess so and I'm afraid so.
The usual negative forms are:
I think so/I expect so -> I don't think so/I don't expect so
I hope so/I'm afraid so/I guess so -> I hope not/I'm afraid not/I guess not
I suppose so/I don't suppose so or I suppose not
* 'Is that woman American?' 'I think so./I don't think so.'
* 'Do you think it's going to rain?' J hope so./I hope not.' (not 'I don't hope so')
@p101
EXERCISES
50.1 Complete the sentences with an auxiliary verb (do/was/could/should etc.). Sometimes the verb must be negative (don't/wasn't etc.).
1. I wasn't tired but my friends _were._
2. I like hot weather but Ann ---
3. 'Is Colin here?' 'He --- five minutes ago but I think he's gone home now.'
4. She might phone later this evening but I don't think she ---.
5. 'Are you and Chris coming to the party?' 'I --- but Chris ---.'
6. I don't know whether to apply for the job or not. Do you think I ---?
7. 'Please don't tell anybody what I said.' 'Don't worry. I ---.'
8. 'You never listen to me.' 'Yes, I ---!'
9. 'Can you play a musical instrument?' 'No, but I wish I ---.'
10. 'Please help me.' 'I'm sorry. I --- if I --- but I ---.'
50.2 You never agree with Sue. Answer in the way shown.
1. I'm hungry. _Are you? I'm not._
2. I'm not tired. _Aren't you? I am._
3. I like football. ---
4. I didn't enjoy the film. ---
5. I've never been to South America. ---
6. I thought the exam was quite easy. ---
50.3 You are talking to Tina. Write true sentences about Yourself. Reply with So ... or Neither... if suitable. Study the two examples carefully.
1. I feel really tired. _So do I_
2. I'm working hard. _Are you? I'm not._
3. I watched television last week. ---
4. I won't be in London next week. ---
5. I live in a small town. ---
6. I'd like to go to the moon. ---
7. I can't play the trumpet. ---
50.4 In these conversations, you are B. Read the information in brackets and then answer with I think so, I hope not etc.
1. (You don't like rain.)
A: Is it going to rain?
B: (hope) _I hope not._
2. (You need more money quickly.)
A: Do you think you'll get a pay rise soon?
B: (hope) ---
3. (You think Diane will probably get the job that she applied for.)
A: I wonder if Diane will get the job.
B: (expect) ---
4. (You're not sure whether Jill is married--probably not.)
A: Is Jill married?
B: (think) ---
5. (You are the receptionist at a hotel. The hotel is full.)
A: Have you got a room for tonight?
B: (afraid) ---
6. (You're at a party. You have to leave early.)
A: Do you have to leave already?
B: (afraid) ---
7. (Ann normally works every day, Monday to Friday. Tomorrow is Wednesday.)
A: Is Ann working tomorrow?
B: (suppose) ---
8. (You are going to a party. You can't stand John.)
A: Do you think John will be at the party?
B: (hope) ---
9. (You're not sure what time the concert is--probably 7.30.)
A: Is the concert at 7.30?
B: (think) ---
@p102
UNIT 51. Question tags (do you? isn't it? etc.)
A. Study these examples:
You haven't seen Mary today, have you?
No, I'm afraid not.
It was a good film, wasn't it?
Yes. I really enjoyed it.
Have you? and wasn't it? are question tags (= mini-questions that we often put on the end of a sentence in spoken English). In question tags, we use an auxiliary verb (have/was/will etc.).
We use do/does/did for the present and past simple (see also Unit 50):
* 'Karen plays the piano, doesn't she?' 'Well, yes, but not very well.'
* 'You didn't lock the door, did you?' 'No, I forgot.'
B. Normally we use a negative question tag after a positive sentence:
positive sentence + negative tag
Mary will be here soon, won't she?
There was a lot of traffic, wasn't there?
Jim should pass the exam, shouldn't he?
... and a positive question tag after a negative sentence:
negative sentence + positive tag
Mary won't be late, will she?
They don't like us, do they?
You haven't got a car, have you?
Notice the meaning of yes and no in answer to a negative sentence:
* You're not going out today, are you? Yes. (Yes, I am going out)
* You're not going out today, are you? No. (No, I am not going out)
C. The meaning of a question tag depends on how you say it. If your voice goes down, you aren't really asking a question; you are only inviting the listener to agree with you:
* 'It's a nice day, isn't it?' 'Yes, lovely.'
* 'Tim doesn't look well today, dose he? 'No, he looks very tired.'
* She's very pretty. She's got beautiful eyes, hasn't she?
But if the voice goes up, it is a real question:
* 'You haven't seen Mary today, have you?' 'No, I'm afraid not.'
(= Have you seen Mary today by any chance?)
We often use a negative sentence + positive tag to ask for things or information, or to ask somebody to do something. The voice goes up at the end of the tag in sentences like these:
* 'You haven't got a pen, have you?' 'Yes, here you are.'
* 'You couldn't do me a favour, could you?' 'It depends what it is.'
* 'You don't know where Karen is, do you?'Sorry, I've no idea.'
D. After Let's... the question tag is ... shall we?:
Let's go for a walk, shall we?
After the imperative (Do.../Don't do... etc.), the tag is usually ... will you?:
Open the door, will you?
Don't be late, will you?
Note that we say ... aren't I? (= am I not?):
I'm late, aren't I?
@p103
EXERCISES
51.1 Put a question tag on the end of these sentences.
1. Tom won't be late, will her? No, he's never late.
2. You're tired, aren't you? Yes, a little.
3. You've got a camera, ---? Yes, why? Do you want to borrow it?
4. You weren't listening, ---? Yes, I was!
5. Sue doesn't know Ann, ---? No, they've never met.
6. Jack's on holiday, ---? Yes, he's in Portugal.
7. Ann's applied for the job, ---? Yes, but she won't get it.
8. You can speak German, ---? Yes, but not very fluently.
9. He won't mind if I use his phone, ---? No, of course he won't.
10. There are a lot of people here, ---? Yes, more than I expected.
11. Let's go out tonight, ---? Yes, let's.
12. This isn't very interesting, ---? No, not very.
13. I'm too impatient, ---? Yes, you are sometimes.
14. You wouldn't tell anyone ---?No, of course not.
15. Listen, ---? OK, I'm listening.
16. I shouldn't have lost my temper, ---? No, but never mind.
17. Don't drop that vase, ---? No, don't worry.
18. He'd never met her before, ---?, No, that was the first time.
51.2 Read the situation and write a sentence with a question tag. In each situation you are asking your friend to agree with you.
1. You look out of the window. The sky is blue and the sun is shining. What do you say to your friend? (beautiful day)
_It's a beautiful day, isn't_
2. You're with a friend outside a restaurant. You're looking at the prices, which are very high. What do you say? (expensive)
It ---
3. You've just come out of the cinema with a friend'. You really enjoyed the film. What do you say to your friend? (great)
The film ---
4. You and a friend are listening to a woman singing. You like her voice very much. What do you say to your friend? (a lovely voice)
She ---
5. You are trying on a jacket. You look in the mirror and you don't like what you see. What do you say to your friend? (not/took/very good)
It ---
6. Your friend's hair is much shorter than when you last met. What do you say to her/him? (have/your hair/cut)
You ---
7. You and a friend are walking over a wooden bridge. It is very old and some parts are broken. What do you say? (not/very safe)
This bridge ---
51.3 In these situations you are asking for information and asking people to do things. Make sentences like those in Section C.
1. You need a pen. Perhaps Jane has got one. Ask her.
Jane, you haven't got a pen. have you?
2. Jack is just going out. You want him to get you some stamps. Ask him.
Jack, you ---
3. You're looking for Ann. Perhaps Kate knows where she is. Ask her.
Kate, you ---
4. You need a bicycle pump. Perhaps Helen has got one. Ask her.
Helen ---
5. You're looking for your keys. Perhaps Robin has seen them. Ask him.
@p104
UNIT 52. Verb + ~ing (enjoy doing/stop doing etc.)
A. Look at these examples:
* I enjoy dancing. (not 'I enjoy to dance')
* Would you mind closing the door? (not 'mind to close')
* Ian suggested going to the cinema. (not 'suggested to go')
After enjoy, mind and suggest, we use ~ing (not to ...).
Here are some more verbs that are followed by ~ing:
stop delay fancy consider admit miss involve finish postpone imagine avoid deny risk practise
* Suddenly everybody stopped talking. There was silence.
* I'll do the shopping when I've finished cleaning the flat.
* He tried to avoid answering my question.
* I don't fancy going out this evening.
* Have you ever considered going to live in another country?
Note the negative form not ~ing:
* When I'm on holiday, I enjoy not having to get up early.
B. We also use ~ing after:
give up (= stop)
put off (= postpone)
carry on/go on (= continue)
keep or keep on (= do something continuously or repeatedly)
* Paula has given up smoking.
* We must do something. We can't go on living like this! (or ... carry on living ...)
* Don't keep interrupting me while I'm speaking. (or Don't keep on interrupting ...)
C. With some verbs you can use the structure verb + somebody + ~ing-
* I can't imagine George riding a motorbike.
* You can't stop me doing what I want.
* 'Sorry to keep you waiting so long.' 'That's all right.'
Note the passive form (being done/seen/kept etc.):
* I don't mind being kept waiting. (= I don't mind people keeping me ...)
D. When you are talking about finished actions, you can say having done/stolen/said etc.:
* She admitted having stolen the money.
But it is not necessary to use having (done). You can also use the simple ~ing form for finished actions:
* She admitted stealing the money.
* I now regret saying (or having said) what I said.
For regret, see Unit 55B.
E. After some of the verbs on this page (especially admit/deny/suggest) you can use that ...
* She denied that she had stolen the money. (or She denied stealing ...)
* Ian suggested that we went to the cinema. (or Ian suggested going ...)
For suggest, see also Unit 34.
@p105
EXERCISES
52.1 Complete each sentence with one of these verbs:
answer apply be be listen make see try use wash work write
1. He tried to avoid _answering_ my question.
2. Could you please stop --- so much noise?
3. I enjoy --- to music.
4. I considered --- for the job but in the end I decided against it.
5. Have you finished --- your hair yet?
6. If you walk into the road without looking, you risk --- knocked down.
7. Jim is 65 but he isn't going to retire yet. He wants to carry on ---.
8. I don't mind you --- the phone as long as you pay for all your calls.
9. Hello! Fancy --- you here! What a surprise!
10. I've put off --- the letter so many times. I really must do it today.
11. What a stupid thing to do! Can you imagine anybody --- so stupid?
12. Sarah gave up ---to find a job in this country and decided to go abroad.
52,2 Complete the sentences for each situation using ~ing.
1. What shall we do? We could go to the cinema.
She suggested going to the cinema.
2. Do you want to play tennis? No, not really.
He didn't fancy ---
3. You were driving too fast. Yes, it's true. Sorry!
She admitted ---
4. Why don't we go for a swim? Good idea!
She suggested ---
5. You broke into the shop. No, I didn't!
He denied ---
6. Can you wait a few minutes?. Sure, no problem.
They didn't mind ---
52.3 Complete the sentences so that they mean the same as the first sentence. Use ~ing.
1. I can do what I want and you can't stop me.
You can't stop me doing what I want.
2. It's not a good idea to travel during the rush hour.
It's better to avoid ---
3. Shall we go away tomorrow instead of today?
Shall we postpone --- until ---?
4. The driver of the car said it was true that he didn't have a licence.
The driver of the car admitted ---
5. Could you turn the radio down, please?
Would you mind ---?
6. Please don't interrupt me all the time.
Would you mind?
52.4 Use your own ideas to complete these sentences. Use ~ing.
1. She's a very interesting person. I always enjoy _talking to her._
2. I'm not feeling very well. I don't fancy ---
3. I'm afraid there aren't any chairs. I hope you don't mind ---
4. It was a lovely day, so I suggested ---
5. It was very funny. I couldn't stop ---
6. My car isn't very reliable. It keeps ---
@p106
UNIT 53. Verb + to... (decide to do/forget to do etc.)
A. offer decide hope deserve attempt promise agree plan aim afford manage threaten refuse arrange learn forget fail
If these verbs are followed by another verb, the structure is usually verb + to ... (infinitive):
* It was late, so we decided to take a taxi home.
* Simon was in a difficult situation, so I agreed to lend him some money.
* How old were you when you learnt to drive? (or 'learnt how to drive')
* I waved to Karen but failed to attract her attention.
Note these examples with the negative not to ...:
* We decided not to go out because of the weather.
* I promised not to be late.
With many verbs you cannot normally use to... . For example, enjoy/think/suggest:
* I enjoy dancing. (not 'enjoy to dance')
* Ian suggested going to the cinema. (not 'suggested to go')
* Are you thinking of buying a car? (not 'thinking to buy')
For verb + ~ing, see Unit 52. For verb + preposition + ~ing, see Unit 61.
B. We also use to... after: seem appear tend pretend claim. For example:
* They seem to have plenty of money,
* I like George but I think he tends to talk too much.
* Ann pretended not to see me as she passed me in the street.
There is also a continuous infinitive (to be doing) and a perfect infinitive (to have done):
* I pretended to be reading the newspaper. (= I pretended that I was reading)
* You seem to have lost weight. (= it seems that you have lost weight)
C. We say 'decide to do something', 'promise to do something' etc. In the same way, we say 'a decision to do something', 'a promise to do something' etc. (noun + to..).
* I think his decision to give up his Job was stupid.
* George has a tendency to talk too much.
D. After dare you can use the infinitive with or without to:
* I wouldn't dare to tell him. or I wouldn't dare tell him.
But after daren't (or dare not), you must use the infinitive without to:
* I daren't tell him what happened. (not 'I daren't to tell him')
E. After the following verbs you can use a question word (what/whether/how etc.) + to ...
ask decide know remember forget explain learn understand wonder
We asked how to get to the station.
Have you decided where to go for your holidays?
I don't know whether to apply for the job or not.
Do you understand what to do?
Also: show/tell/ask/advise/teach somebody what/how/where to do something:
* Can somebody show me how to change the film in this camera?
* Ask Jack. He'll tell you what to do.
@p107
EXERCISES
53.1 Complete the sentences for each situation.
1. Shall we get married? Yes, let's.
They decided _to get married._
2. Please help me. OK.
She agreed ---
3. Can I carry your bag for you? No, thanks. I can manage.
He offered ---
4. Let's meet at 8 o'clock. OK, fine.
They arranged ---
5. What's your name? I'm not going to tell you.
She refused ---
53.2 Complete each sentence with a suitable verb.
1. Don't forget to post the letter I gave you.
2. There was a lot of traffic but we managed --- to the airport in time.
3. Jill has decided not --- a car.
4. We've got a new computer in our office. I haven't learnt --- it yet.
5. I wonder where Sue is. She promised not late.
6. We were all too afraid to speak. Nobody dared --- anything.
53.3 Put the verb into the correct form, to ... or ~ing. (See Unit 52 for verb + ~ing.)
1. When I'm tired, I enjoy .watching television. It's relaxing. (watch)
2. It was a nice day, so we decided --- for a walk. (go)
3. It's a nice day. Does anyone fancy --- for a walk? (go)
4. I'm not in a hurry. I don't mind --- (wait)
5. They don't have much money. They can't afford --- out very often. (go)
6. I wish that dog would stop --- It's driving me mad. (bark)
7. Our neighbour threatened --- the police if we didn't stop the noise. (call)
8. We were hungry, so I suggested --- dinner early. (have)
9. Hurry up! I don't want to risk --- the train. (miss)
10. I'm still looking for a job but I hope --- something soon. (find)
53.4 Make a new sentence using the verb in brackets.
1. He has lost weight. (seem)
_He seems to have lost weight._
2. Tom is worried about something. (appear)
Tom appears ---
3. You know a lot of people. (seem)
You ---
4. My English is getting better. (seem)
5. That car has broken down. (appear)
6. David forgets things. (tend)
7. They have solved the problem. (claim)
53.5 Complete each sentence using what/how/whether + one of these verbs:
do go ride say use
1. Do you know how to get John's house?
2. Can you show me --- this washing machine?
3. Would you know --- if there was a fire in the building?
4. You'll never forget --- a bicycle once you have learned.
5. I was really astonished. I didn't know ---
6. I've been invited to the party but I don't know --- or not.
@p108
UNIT 54. Verb + (object) + to... (I want (you) to do etc.)
A. want ask help would like would love
expect beg mean (= intend) would prefer would hate
These verbs are followed by to... (infinitive). The structure can be:
verb + to ...
* We expected to be late.
* Would you like to go now?
* He doesn't want to know.
or verb + object + to...
* We expected Tom to be late.
* Would you like me to go now?
* He doesn't want anybody to know.
Be careful with want. Do not say 'want that...':
* Do you want me to come with you? (not 'Do you want that I come')
After help you can use the infinitive with or without to. So you can say:
* Can you help me to move this table? or Can you help me move this table?
B. tell remind force enable teach order warn invite persuade get (= persuade, arrange for)
These verbs have the structure verb + object + to ... :
* Can you remind me to phone Ann tomorrow?
* Who taught you to drive?
* I didn't move the piano by myself. I got somebody to help me.
* Jim said the switch was dangerous and warned me not to touch it.
In the next example, the verb is passive (was warned):
* I was warned not to touch the switch.
Note that you cannot use suggest with the structure verb + object + to ...
* Jane suggested that I should buy a car. (not 'Jane suggested me to buy')
For suggest, see Units 34 and 52.
C. advise recommend encourage allow permit forbid
There are two possible structures after these verbs. Compare:
verb + ~ing (without an object)
* I wouldn't recommend staying in that hotel.
* She doesn't allow smoking in the house.
verb + object + to...
* I wouldn't recommend anybody to stay in that hotel.
* She doesn't allow us to smoke in the house.
Compare these examples with (be) allowed (passive):
* Smoking isn't allowed in the house.
* We aren't allowed to smoke in the house.
D. Make and let
These verbs have the structure verb + object + infinitive (without to):
* The customs officer made Sally open her case. (not 'to open')
* Hot weather makes me feel tired. (= causes me to feel tired)
* Her parents wouldn't let her go out alone. (= wouldn't allow her to go out)
* Let me carry your bag for you.
We say 'make somebody do...' (not 'to do'), but the passive is '(be) made to do ...' (infinitive with to):
* Sally was made to open her case (by the customs officer).
@p109
EXERCISES
54.1 Complete the questions, Use do you want me to ...? or would you like me to ...? with one of these verbs (+ any other necessary words): come lend repeat show shut wait
1. Do you want to go alone or _do you want me to come with you?_
2. Have you got enough money or do you want ---?
3. Shall I leave the window open or would you ---?
4. Do you know how to use the machine or would ---?
5. Did you hear what I said or do ---?
6. Can I go now or do ---?
54.2 Complete the sentences for each situation.
1. Look the door. OK.
She told him to lock the door.
2. Why don't you come and stay with us for a few day? Yes, I'd love to.
They invited him ---
3. Can I use your phone? No!
She wouldn't let ---
4. Be careful. Don't worry. I will.
She warned ---
5. Can you give me a hand? Yes, of course.
He asked ---
54.3 Complete these sentences so that the meaning is similar to the first sentence.
1. My father said I could use his car.
My father allowed _me to use his car._
2. I was surprised that it rained.
I didn't expect ---
3. Don't stop him doing what he wants.
Let ---
4. He looks older when he wears glasses.
Glasses make ---
5. I think you should know the truth.
I want ---
6. Don't let me forget to phone my sister.
Remind ---
7. At first I didn't want to apply for the job but Sarah persuaded me.
Sarah persuaded ---
8. My lawyer said I shouldn't say anything to the police.
My lawyer advised ---
9. I was told that I shouldn't believe everything he says.
I was warned ---
10. If you've got a car, you are able to travel round more easily.
Having a car enables ---
54.4 Put the verb in the right form: ~ing or infinitive (with or without to).
1. She doesn't allow smoking in the house. (smoke)
2. I've never been to Iceland but I'd like --- there. (go)
3. I'm in a difficult position. What do you advise me ---? (do)
4. She said the letter was personal and wouldn't let me ---it. (read)
5. We were kept at the police station for two hours and then we were allowed --- (go)
6. Where would you recommend me --- for my holidays? (go)
7. I wouldn't recommend --- in that restaurant. The food is awful. (eat)
8. The film was very sad. It made me --- (cry)
9. Carol's parents always encouraged her --- hard at school. (study)
@p110
UNIT 55 Verb + ~ing or to... (1) (remember/regret etc.)
A. When one verb follows another verb, the structure is usually verb + ~ing or verb + to ... Compare:
verb + ~ing
* They denied stealing the money.
* I enjoy going out.
Often we use ~ing for an action that happens before the first verb or at the same time:
stealing <- denied
verb + to ...
* They decided to steal the money.
* I want to go out.
Often we use to... for an action that follows the first verb:
decided -> to steal want -> to go
This difference is often helpful (see Section B) but does not explain all uses of ~ing and to...
B. Some verbs can be followed by ~ing or to... with a difference of meaning:
remember
I remember doing something = I did it and now I remember this.
You remember doing something after you have done it:
* I'm absolutely sure I locked the door. I clearly remember locking it. (= I locked it, and now I remember this)
* He could remember driving along the road just before the accident happened, but he couldn't remember the accident itself.
I remembered to do something = I remembered that I had to do it, and so I did it.
You remember to do something before you do it:
* I remembered to lock the door when I left but I forgot to shut the windows. (= I remembered that I had to lock the door and so I locked it)
* Please remember to post the letter. (= don't forget to post it)
regret
I regret doing something = I did it and now I'm sorry about it:
* I now regret saying what I said. I shouldn't have said it.
I regret to say/to tell you/to inform you = I'm sorry that I have to say (etc.):
* (from a formal letter) We regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you the job.
go on
Go on doing something = continue doing the same thing:
* The minister went on talking for two hours.
* We must change our ways. We can't go on living like this.
Go on to do something = do or say something new:
* After discussing the economy, the minister then went on to talk about foreign policy.
C. begin start intend continue bother
These verbs can be followed by ~ing or to... with little or no difference in meaning. So you can say:
* It has started raining. or It has started to rain.
* John intends buying a house. or John intends to buy ...
* Don't bother locking the door. or Don't bother to lock ...
But normally we do not use ~ing after ~ing:
* It's starting to rain. (not 'it's starting raining')
@p111
EXERCISES
55.1 Put the verb into the correct form, ~ing or to... . Sometimes either form is possible.
1. They denied _stealing_ the money. (steal)
2. I don't enjoy --- very much. (drive)
3. I don't want --- out tonight. I'm too tired. (go)
4. I can't afford --- out tonight. I haven't got enough money. (go)
5. Has it stopped --- yet? (rain)
6. Can you remind me --- some coffee when we go out? (buy)
7. Why do you keep --- me questions? Can't you leave me alone? (ask)
8. Please stop --- me questions! (ask)
9. I refuse --- any more questions. (answer)
10. One of the boys admitted --- the window. (break)
11. The boy's father promised --- for the window to be repaired. (pay)
12. Ann was having dinner when the phone rang. She didn't answer the phone; she just carried on ---. (eat)
13. 'How did the thief get into the house?' 'I forgot --- the window.' (shut)
14. I've enjoyed --- you. (meet) I hope --- you again soon. (see)
15. The baby began --- in the middle of the night. (cry)
16. Julia has been ill but now she's beginning --- better. (get)
55.2 Here is some information about Tom when be was a child.
1. He was in hospital when he was four.
2. He went to Paris when he was eight.
3. Once he fell into a river.
4. He cried on his first day at school.
5. He said he wanted to be a doctor.
6. Once he was bitten by a dog.
He can still remember 1, 2 and 4. But be can't remember 3, S and 6. Write sentences beginning He can remember ... or He can't remember...
1. He can remember being in hospital when he was four.
2. ---
3. ---
4. ---
5. ---
6. ---
55.3 Complete these sentences with a suitable verb in the correct form, ~ing or to ...
1. a. Please remember to lock the door when you go out.
b. A: You lent me some money a few months ago.
B: Did I? Are you sure? I don't remember --- you any money.
c. A: Did you remember --- your sister?
B: Oh no, I completely forgot. I'll phone her tomorrow.
d. When you see Mandy, remember --- her my regards, won't you?
e. Someone must have taken my bag. I clearly remember --- it by the window and now it has gone.
2. a. I believe that what I said was fair. I don't regret --- it.
b. (after a driving test) I regret --- that you have failed the test.
3. a. Keith joined the company 15 years ago. He was quickly promoted and became assistant manager after two years. A few years later he went on --- manager of the company.
b. I can't go on --- here any more. I want a different job.
c. When I came into the room, Liz was reading a newspaper. She looked up and said hello to me, and then went on --- her newspaper.
@p112
UNIT 56. Verb + ~ing or to ... (2) (try/need/help)
A. Try to ... and try ~ing
Try to do = attempt to do, make an effort to do:
* I was very tired. I tried to keep my eyes open but I couldn't.
* Please try to be quiet when you come home. Everyone will be asleep.
Try also means 'do something as an experiment or test'. For example:
* These cakes are delicious. You must try one. (= you must have one to see if you like it)
* We couldn't find anywhere to stay. We tried every hotel in the town but they were
all full. (= we went to every hotel to see if they had a room)
If try (with this meaning) is followed by a verb, we say try ~ing:
* A: The photocopier doesn't seem to be working.
B: Try pressing the green button. (= press the green button - perhaps this will help to solve the problem)
Compare:
* I tried to move the table but it was too heavy. (so I couldn't move it)
* I didn't like the way the furniture was arranged, so I tried moving the table to the other side of the room. But it still didn't look right, so I moved it back again.
B. Need to ... and need ~ing
I need to do something = it is necessary for me to do it:
* I need to take more exercise.
* He needs to work harder if he wants to make progress.
* I don't need to come to the meeting, do I?
Something needs doing = something needs to be done:
* The batteries in the radio need changing. (= they need to be changed)
* Do you think my jacket needs cleaning? (= ... needs to be cleaned)
* It's a difficult problem. It needs thinking about very carefully. (= it needs to be thought about)
C. Help and can't help
You can say 'help to do' or 'help do' (infinitive with or without to):
* Everybody helped to clean up after the party. or Everybody helped clean up ...
* Can you help me to move this table? or Can you help me move ...
There is also an expression 'can't/couldn't help doing something'. 'I can't help doing something' = I can't stop myself from doing it:
* I don't like him but he has a lot of problems. I can't help feeling sorry for him.
* She tried to be serious but she couldn't help laughing. (= she couldn't stop herself from laughing)
* I'm sorry I'm so nervous. I can't help it. (= I can't help being nervous)
@p113
EXERCISES
56.1 Make helpful suggestions. Each time write a sentence using try + one of the following
suggestions: phone him at work move the aerial change the batteries turn it the other way take an aspirin
1. The radio isn't working. I wonder what's wrong with it.
_Have you tried changing the batteries?_
2. I can't open the door. The key won't turn.
Try ---
3. The TV picture isn't very good. What can I do about it?
Have you ---
4. I can't contact Fred. He's not at home. What shall I do?
Why don't you ---
5. I've got a terrible headache. I wish it would go.
Have you ---
56.2 For each picture write a sentence with need(s) + one of the following verbs:
clean cut empty redecorate tighten
1. Her jacket is dirty. It needs cleaning.
2. The grass is very long. It ---
3. The room isn't very nice ---
4. The screws arc loose ---
5. The bin is full ---
56.3 Put the verb into the correct form, ~ing or to... .
1. a. I was very tired. I tried to keep (keep) my eyes open but I couldn't.
b. I rang the doorbell but there was no answer. Then I tried --- (knock) on the door, but there was still no answer.
c. We tried --- (put) the fire out but we were unsuccessful. We had to call the fire brigade.
d. Sue needed to borrow some money. She tried --- (ask) Gerry but he was short of money too.
e. I tried --- (reach) the shelf but I wasn't tall enough.
f. Please leave me alone. I'm trying --- (concentrate).
2. a. I need a change. I need --- (go) away for a while.
b. She isn't able to look after herself. She needs --- (look) after.
c. The windows are dirty. They need --- (clean).
d. Why are you leaving now? You don't need --- (go) yet, do you?
e. You don't need --- (iron) that shirt. It doesn't need --- (iron).
3. a. They were talking very loudly. I couldn't help --- (overhear) them.
b. Can you help me --- (get) the dinner ready?
c. He looks so funny. Whenever I see him, I can't help --- (smile).
d. The fine weather helped --- (make) it a very enjoyable holiday.
@p114
UNIT 57. Verb + ~ing or to... (3) (like/would like etc.)
A. like love hate can't bear enjoy dislike mind can't stand
These verbs and expressions all mean 'like' or 'not like'. They are often followed by ~ing:
* Ann hates flying.
* Why do you dislike living here?
* I don't like people shouting at me. (= I don't like being shouted at.)
After love, hate and can't bear, you can also use to ... So you can say:
* I love meeting people. or I love to meet people.
* She can't bear being alone. or She can't bear to be alone.
But after enjoy/dislike/mind/can't stand, we use only ~ing (not 'to ...'):
* I enjoy being alone. (not 'I enjoy to be')
* Tom doesn't mind working at night. (not 'mind to work')
B. Like
You can say 'I like doing something' or 'I like to do something'. Often it doesn't matter which you use, so you can say:
* I like getting up early. or I like to get up early.
In British English, there is sometimes a difference between 'I like doing' and 'I like to do'.
'I like doing something' means 'I enjoy it':
* Do you like cooking? (= do you enjoy it?)
* I like living here. (= I enjoy it)
'I like to do something' means 'I think it is good or right +() do it':
* I like to clean the kitchen as often as possible. (This doesn't mean that I enjoy it; it means that I think it is a good thing to do.)
* Mary likes people to be on time.
C. Would like/would love/would hate/would prefer are usually followed by to ... (infinitive):
* I would like to be rich.
* Would you like to come to dinner on Friday?
* I'd love (= would love) to be able to travel round the world.
* Would you prefer to have dinner now or later?
Compare I like and I would like:
* I like playing/to play tennis. (= I enjoy it in general)
* I would like to play tennis today. (= I want to play today)
Note that would mind is followed by ~ing (not to ...)
* Would you mind closing the door, please?
D. You can also say 'I would like to have done something' (= I regret now that I didn't or couldn't do something):
* It's a pity we didn't see Val when we were in London. I would like to have seen her again.
* We'd like to have gone on holiday but we didn't have enough money.
You can use the same structure after would love/would hate/would prefer:
* Poor old Tom! I would hate to have been in his position.
* I'd love to have gone to the party but it was impossible.
@p115
EXERCISES
57.1 Complete the sentences with likes... or doesn't like... + one of the following (in the correct form):
be kept waiting do nothing drive fly solve mysteries take photographs take risks work in the open air
1. George is a detective. He enjoys his work. He _likes solving mysteries._
2. Ann very rarely travels by plane. She _doesn't like flying._
3. Rose always carries her camera with her. She ---
4. Christine doesn't use her car very often. She ---
5. Dave is a gardener. He likes his job. He ---
6. Jennifer is a very cautious person. She ---
7. Ted is extremely lazy. He ---
8. Helen is very impatient. She ---
57.2 Write sentences about yourself. Say whether you like or don't like these activities. Choose one of these verbs for each sentence: (don't) like love hate enjoy don't mind
1. (flying) _I don't like flying._
2. (playing cards)
3. (doing the ironing)
4. (going to museums)
5. (lying on the beach all day)
57.3 How would you feel about doing these jobs? In your sentences use one of these:
I'd like/I wouldn't like I'd love I'd hate I wouldn't mind
1. (a teacher) _I wouldn't like to be a teacher._
2. (a dentist)
3. (a hairdresser)
4. (an airline pilot)
5. (a tourist guide)
57.4 Put in a suitable verb in the correct form, ~ing or to ... Sometimes either form is possible.
1. It's nice to be with other people but sometimes I enjoy _being_ alone.
2. I'm not quite ready yet. Do you mind --- a little longer?
3. When I was a child, I hated --- to bed early.
4. I don't enjoy --- letters. I can never think what to write.
5. I need a new job. I can't stand --- here any more.
6. I would love --- to your wedding but I'm afraid it isn't possible.
7. Caroline never wears a hat. She doesn't like --- hats.
8. 'Would you like --- down?' 'No, thanks. I'll stand.'
9. When I have to catch a train, I'm always worried that I'll miss it. So I like --- to the station in plenty of time.
10. Have you got a moment? I'd like --- to you about something.
.57.5 Write sentences like those in Section D. Use the verb in brackets.
1. It's a pity I couldn't go to the wedding. (like)
_I would like to have gone to the wedding._
2. It's a pity I didn't see the programme. (like)
3. I'm glad I didn't lose my watch. (hate)
4. It's a pity I didn't meet Ann. (love)
5. I'm glad I wasn't alone. (not/like)
6. It's a pity I couldn't travel by train. (prefer)
@p116
UNIT 58. Prefer and would rather
A. Prefer to do and prefer doing
You can use 'prefer to (do)' or 'prefer ~ing' to say what you prefer in general:
* I don't like cities. I prefer to live in the country. or I prefer living in the country.
Study the differences in structure after prefer. We say:
I prefer something to something else.
I prefer doing something to doing something else.
but I prefer to do something rather than (do) something else.
* I prefer this coat to the coat you were wearing yesterday.
* I prefer driving to travelling by train.
but * I prefer to drive rather than travel by train.
* Ann prefers to live in the country rather than (live) in a city.
B. Would prefer (I'd prefer...)
We use 'would prefer' to say what somebody wants in a particular situation (not in general):
* 'Would you prefer tea or coffee?' 'Coffee, please.'
We say 'would prefer to do' (not 'doing'):
* 'Shall we go by train?' 'Well, I'd prefer to go by car.' (not 'I'd prefer going')
* I'd prefer to stay at home tonight rather than go to the cinema.
C. Would rather (I'd rather...)
Would rather (do) = would prefer (to do). After would rather we use the infinitive without to.
Compare:
* 'Shall we go by train?' 'I'd prefer to go by car.'
* 'Shall we go by train?' 'I'd rather go by car.' (not 'to go')
* 'Would you rather have tea or coffee?' 'Coffee, please.'
The negative is 'I'd rather not (do something)':
* I'm tired. I'd rather not go out this evening, if you don't mind.
* 'Do you want to go out this evening?' 'I'd rather not.'
Study the structure after would rather:
I'd rather do something than (do) something else.
* I'd rather stay at home tonight than go to the cinema.
D. I'd rather you did something
When you want somebody to do something, you can say 'I'd rather you did something':
wait a few minutes wait till later
1. Shall we walk home? (prefer) _I'd prefer to get a taxi._
2. Do you want to eat now? (rather) _I'd rather wait till later._
3. Shall we watch TV? (prefer) ---
4. What about a game of tennis? (rather) ---
5. Shall we leave now? (rather) ---
6. Do you want to go to a restaurant? (prefer) ---
7. I think we should decide now? (rather) ---
9. Do you want me to come with you? (prefer) ---
Now write sentences using than and rather than.
10. (get a taxi/walk home) I'd prefer _to get a taxi rather than walk home._
11. (go for a swim/play tennis)
I'd rather ---
12. (wait a few minutes/leave now)
I'd rather ---
13. (eat at home/go to a restaurant)
I'd prefer ---
14. (think about it for a while/decide now)
I'd rather ---
58.3 Complete the sentences using would you rather I ...
1. Are you going to cook the dinner or would you rather I cooked it?
2. Are you going to tell Ann what happened or would you rather ---?
3. Are you going to do the shopping or ---?
4. Are you going to answer the phone or ---?
58.4 Use your own ideas to complete these sentences.
1. Shall I tell Ann the news?' 'No, I'd rather she didn't know.'
2. Do you want me to go now or would you rather I --- here?
3. Do you want to go out this evening or would you rather --- at home?
4. This is a private letter addressed to me. I'd rather you --- read it.
5. It's quite a nice house but I'd rather it --- a bit bigger.
6. Do you mind if I turn on the radio?' 'I'd rather you --- I'm trying to study.'
@p118
UNIT 59. Preposition (in/for/about etc.) + ~ing
A. If a preposition (in/for/about etc.) is followed by a verb, the verb ends in ~ing. For example:
Are you interested in working for us?
I'm not very good at learning languages.
She must be fed up with studying.
What are the advantages of having a car?
This knife is only for cutting bread.
How about playing tennis tomorrow?
I bought a new bicycle instead of going away on holiday.
Carol went to work in spite of feeling ill.
You can also say 'interested in somebody (do)ing .....', fed up with you (do)ing...' etc.:
* I'm fed up with you telling me what to do.
B. Note the use of the following prepositions + ~ing:
before ~ing and after ~ing:
* Before going out, I phoned Sarah. (not 'Before to go out')
* What did you do after leaving school?
You can also say 'Before I went out ...' and '... after you left school'.
by ~ing (to say bow something happens):
* The burglars got into the house by breaking a window and climbing in.
* You can improve your English by reading more.
* She made herself ill by not eating properly.
without ~ing:
* I ran ten kilometer without stopping.
* They climbed through the window without anybody seeing them. (or ... without being seen.)
* She needs to work without people disturbing her. (or ... without being disturbed.)
* It's nice to go on holiday without having to worry about money.
C. To ~ing
To is often part of the infinitive (to do/to see etc.):
* We decided to go out.
* Would you like to play tennis?
But to is also a preposition (like in/for/about/from etc.). For example:
* We drove from London to Edinburgh.
* I prefer tea to coffee.
* Are you looking forward to the weekend?
If a preposition is followed by a verb, the verb ends in ~ing; (in doing/about going etc.- see Section A). So, when to is a preposition and it is followed by a verb, you must say to ~ing:
* I prefer driving to travelling by train. (not 'to travel')
* Are you looking forward to seeing Ann again? (not 'looking forward to see')
For be/get used to ~ing, see Unit 60.
@p119
EXERCISES
59.1 Complete the sentences so that they mean the same as the sentence(s) in brackets.
1. (Why is it useful to have a car?)
What are the advantages of _having a car_?
2. (I don't intend to lend you any money.)
I have no intention of ---
3. (Helen has a good memory for names.)
Helen is good at ---
4. (Mark won't pass the exam. He has no chance.)
Mark has no chance of ---
5. (Did you get into trouble because you were late?)
Did you get into trouble for ---
6. (We didn't eat at home. We went to a restaurant instead.)
Instead of ---
7. (Tom thinks that working is better than doing nothing.)
Tom prefers working to ---
8. (They got married. They didn't tell any of their friends.)
They got married without ---
9. (Our team played well but we lost the game.)
Our team lost the game in spite of ---
59.2 Complete the sentences using by ~ing. Use one of the following (with the verb in the correct form): borrow too much money break a window drive too fast put some posters up on the walls stand on a chair turn a key
1. The burglars got into the house _by breaking a window._
2. I was able to reach the top shelf ---
3. You start the engine of a car ---
4. Kevin got himself into financial difficulty ---
5. You can put people's lives in danger ---
6. We made the room look nicer ---
59.3 Complete the sentences with a suitable word. Use only one word each time.
1. I ran ten kilometers without _stopping._
2. He left the hotel without --- his bill.
3. It's a nice morning. How about --- for a walk?
4. I was surprised that she left without --- goodbye to anyone.
5. Before --- to bed, I like to have a hot drink.
6. We were able to translate the letter into English without --- a dictionary.
7. It was a very long journey. I was very tired after --- on a train for 36 hours.
8. I was annoyed because the decision was made without anybody --- me.
9. After --- the same job for ten years, I felt I needed a change.
59.4 For each, situation write a sentence with I'm (not) looking forward to.
1. You are going on holiday next week. How do you feel about this?
_I'm looking forward to going on holiday._
2. Diane is a good friend of yours and she is coming to visit you soon. So you will see her again soon. How do you feel about this?
I'm ---
3. You are going to the dentist tomorrow. You don't like visits to the dentist. How do you feet about this?
I'm not ---
4. Carol is a student at school. She hates it but she is leaving school next summer. How does she feel about this? ---
5. You've arranged to play tennis tomorrow. You like tennis. How do you feel about this? ---
@p120
UNIT 60. Be/get used to something (I'm used to ...)
A. Study this example situation:
Jane is American but she has lived in Britain for three years. When she first drove a car in Britain, she found it very difficult because she had to drive on the left instead of on the right. Driving on the left was strange and difficult for her because:
She wasn't used to it.
She wasn't used to driving on the left.
But after a lot of practice, driving on the left became less strange. So:
She got used to driving on the left.
Now after three years, it's no problem for Jane:
She is used to driving on the left.
I'm used to something = it is not new or strange for me:
* Frank lives alone. He doesn't mind this because he has lived alone for 15 years. It is not strange for him. He is used to it. He is used to living alone.
* I bought some new shoes. They felt a bit strange at first because I wasn't used to them.
* Our new flat is on a very busy street. I expect we'll get used to the noise, but at the moment it's very disturbing.
* Diane has a new job. She has to get up much earlier now than before - at 6.30. She finds this difficult because she isn't used to getting up so early.
* Brenda's husband is often away from home. She doesn't mind this. She is used to him being away.
B. After be/get used you cannot use the infinitive.(to do/to drive etc.). We say:
* She is used to driving on the left. (not 'she is used to drive')
When we say 'I am used to...', 'to' is a preposition, not a part of the infinitive (see Unit 59C). So we say:
* Frank is used to living alone. (not 'Frank is used to live')
* Jane had to get used to driving on the left. (not 'get used to drive')
C. Do not confuse I am used to doing (be/get used to) and I used to do. They are different in structure and meaning.
I am used to (doing) something = something isn't strange or new for me:
* I am used to the weather in this country.
* I am used to driving on the left because I've lived in Britain for a long time.
I used to do something = I did something regularly in the past but no longer do it (see Unit 18). You can use this structure only for the past, not for the present. The structure is 'I used to do' (not 'I am used to do'):
* I used to drive to work every day, but these days I usually go by bike.
* We used to live in a small village, but now we live in London.
@p121
EXERCISES
60.1 Read the situations and complete the sentences. Use (be/get) used to as in the example.
1. Jane is American. She came to Britain and at first she found driving on the left difficult.
When she arrived in Britain, she _wasn't used to driving_ on the left, but she soon _got used to_ it. Now she has no problems. She _is used to driving_ on the left.
2. Juan is Spanish and came to live in England. In Spain he always had dinner late in the evening, but in England dinner was at 6 o'clock. This was very early for him. When Juan first came to England, he --- dinner so early, but after some time he --- it. Now he finds it quite normal. He --- at six o'clock.
3. Julia is a nurse. A year ago she started working nights. At first she found it hard. At first Julia didn't like it. She --- nights and it took her a few months to --- it. Now, after a year, she's quite happy. She --- nights.
60.2 What do you say in these situations? Use I'm (not) used to... .
1. You live alone. You don't mind this. You have always lived alone.
FRIEND: Do you get a bit lonely sometimes? You: No, I'm used to living alone.
2. You steep on the floor. You don't mind this. You have always slept on the floor.
FRIEND: Wouldn't you prefer to sleep in a bed? You: No, I ---
3. You have to work hard. This is not a problem for you. You have always worked hard.
FRIEND: You have to work very hard in your job, don't you? YOU: Yes, but I don't mind that. I ---
4. You normally go to bed early. Last night you went to bed very late (for you) and as a result you are very tired this morning.
FRIEND: You look tired this morning. YOU: Yes, ---
60.3 Read the situation and complete the sentences using used to.
1. Some friends of yours have just moved into a flat on a busy street. It is very noisy.
They'll have to _get used to the noise._
2. Jack once went to the Middle East. It was very difficult for him at first because of the heat.
He wasn't ---
3. Sue moved from a big house to a much smaller one. She found it strange at first.
She had to --- in a much smaller house.
4. The children at school had a new teacher. She was different from the teacher before her but this wasn't a problem for the children. The children soon ---
5. Somebody from Britain is thinking of going to live in your country. Warn him/her!
You would have to ---
60.4 (Section Q Complete the sentences using only one word each time.
1. Jane had to get used to driving on the left.
2. We used to live in a small village but now we live in London.
3. Tom used to --- a lot of coffee. Now he prefers tea.
4. I feet very full after that meal. I'm not used to --- so much.
5. I wouldn't like to share an office. I'm used to --- my own office.
6. I used to --- a car but I sold it a few months ago.
7. When we were children, we used to --- swimming every day.
8. There used to --- a cinema here but it was knocked down a few years ago.
9. I'm the boss here! I'm not used to --- told what to do.
@p122
UNIT 61. Verb + preposition + ~ing (succeed in ~ing/accuse somebody of ~ing etc.)
A. Many verbs have the structure verb + preposition (in/for/about etc.) + object. For example:
verb + preposition + object
We talked about the problem.
You must apologize for what you said.
If the object is another verb, it ends in ~ing:
verb + preposition + ~ing (object)
We talked going to America.
She apologized for not telling the truth.
Here are some more verbs with this structure:
succeed (in)
Have you succeeded in finding a job yet?
insist (on)
They insisted on paying for the meal.
think (of)
I'm thinking of buying a house.
dream (of)
I wouldn't dream of asking them for money.
approve(of)
She doesn't approve of gambling.
decide (against)
We have decided against moving to London.
feel (like)
Do you feel like going out tonight?
look forward (to)
I'm looking forward to meeting her.
We say 'apologize to somebody for...':
* She apologized to me for not telling the truth. (not 'she apologized me')
B. With some of the verbs in A, you can use the structure verb + preposition + somebody + ~ing:
verb + preposition somebody + ~ing
She doesn't approve of me gambling.
We are all looking forward to Liz coming home.
C. The following verbs can have the structure verb + object + preposition + ~ing:
verb + object + preposition + ~ing
congratulate (on)
I congratulated Ann on passing the exam.
accuse (of)
They accused me of telling lies.
suspect (of)
Nobody suspected the man of being a spy.
prevent (from)
What prevented him from coming to see us?
stop (from*)
The police stopped everyone from leaving the building.
thank (for)
I forgot to thank them for helping me.
forgive (for)
Please forgive me for not writing to you.
warn (against)
They warned us against buying the car.
You can also say 'stop somebody doing' (without from). So you can say:
* You can't stop me doing what I want. or ... stop me from doing what I want.
Some of these verbs are often used in the passive. For example:
* I was accused of telling lies.
* The man was suspected of being a spy.
* We were warned against buying the car.
@p123
EXERCISES
61.1 Complete each sentence using only one word.
1. Our neighbours apologized for _making_ so much noise.
2. I feel lazy. I don't feel like --- any work.
3. I wanted to go out alone but Joe insisted on --- with me.
4. I'm fed up with my job. I'm thinking of --- something else.
5. We have decided against --- a new car because we can't really afford it.
6. I hope you write to me soon. I'm looking forward to --- from you.
7. The weather was extremely bad and this prevented us from --- out.
8. The man who has been arrested is suspected of --- a false passport.
9. I think you should apologize to Sue for --- so rude to her.
10. Some parents don't approve of their children --- a lot of television.
11. I'm sorry I can't come to your party but thank you very much for --- me.
61.2 Complete the sentences using a preposition + one of the following verbs (in the correct form): cause escape go help interrupt live play solve spend walk
1. Do you feel _like going_ out this evening?
2. It took us a long time but we finally succeeded --- the problem.
3. I've always dreamed --- in a small house by the sea.
4. The driver of the other car accused me --- the accident.
5. There was a fence around the lawn to stop people --- on the grass.
6. Forgive me --- you but may I ask you something?
7. Where are you thinking --- your holiday this year?
8. The guards weren't able to prevent the prisoner ---
9. I wanted to cook the meal by myself but Dave insisted --- me.
10. I'm sorry we've had to cancel our game of tennis tomorrow. I was really looking for-ward ---.
61.3 Complete the sentences on the right.
1. It was nice of you to help me. Thanks very much.
George thanked _me for helping him._
2. I'll drive you to the station. I insister.
TOM insisted ---
3. Congratulations!
Jim congratulated me ---
4. It was nice of you to come to see me. Thank you.
Mrs Bond thanked ---
5. Dont stay at the hotel near the airport.
I warned ---
6. I'm sorry I didn't phone you earlier.
Mary apologized ---
7. You're selfish.
Jane accused ---
@p124
UNIT 62. Expressions + ~ing
A. When these expressions are followed by a verb, the verb ends in ~ing:
It's no use .../It's no good ...:
* There's nothing you can do about the situation, so it's no use worrying about it.
* It's no good trying to persuade me. You won't succeed.
There's no point in ...:
* There's no point in having a car if you never use it.
* There was no point in waiting any longer, so we went.
It's (not) worth ...:
* I live only a short walk from here, so it's not worth taking a taxi.
* It was so late when we got home, it wasn't worth going to bed.
You can say 'a film is worth seeing', 'a book is worth reading', etc.
* What was the film like? Was it worth seeing?
* I don't think newspapers are worth reading.
B. (Have) difficulty ~ing
We say 'have difficulty doing something' (not 'to do'):
* I had difficulty finding a place to live. (not 'I had difficulty to find')
* Did you have any difficulty getting a visa?
* People often have great difficulty reading my writing.
We usually say 'have difficulty' (not 'have difficulties'):
* I'm sure you'll have no difficulty passing the exam. (not 'have no difficulties')
C. We use ~ing after:
a waste of money .../a waste of time ... (to ... is also possible):
* It was a waste of time reading that book. It was rubbish.
* It's a waste of money buying things you don't need.
spend/waste (time) ...
* He spent hours trying to repair the clock.
* I waste a lot of time daydreaming.
(be) busy ...:
* She said she couldn't see me. She was too busy doing other things.
D. Go swimming/go fishing etc.
We use go ~ing for a number of activities (especially sports). For example, you can say:
go swimming/go sailing/go fishing/go climbing/go skiing/go jogging etc.
also: go shopping/go sightseeing.
* I'd like to go skiing.
* When did you last go shopping?
* I've never been sailing. (For been and gone, see Unit 7D.)
You can also say 'come swimming/come skiing' etc.:
* Why don't you come swimming with us?
@p125
EXERCISES
62.1 Complete the sentences on the right.
1. Shall we get a taxi home?
No, it isn't far. It's not worth _getting a taxi._
2. If you need help, why don't you ask Tom?
It's no use ---. He won't be able to help us.
3. I don't really want to go out tonight.
Well, stay at home! There's no point --- if you don't want to.
4. Shall I phone Ann now?
No, it's no good ---. She won't be at home.
5. Are you going to complain about what happened?
No, it's not worth ---. Nobody will do anything about it.
6. Do you ever read newspapers?
No. I think it's a waste ---
62.2 Make sentences with worth ~ing or not worth ~ing. Choose one of these verbs:
consider keep read repair see visit
1. The film isn't very good. _It's not worth seeing._
2. It would cost too much to repair this watch. It's not worth ---
3. If you have time, you should go to the museum. It's worth ---
4. It's quite an interesting suggestion ---
5. There's an interesting article in the paper today. ---
6. We can throw these old clothes away. They ---
62.3 Make sentences beginning There's no point... .
1. Why have a car if you never use it? There's no point in having a car if you never use it.
2. Don't eat if you're not hungry.
There's no ---
3. Why work if you don't need money?
4. Don't study if you feet tired.
62.4 Write sentences using difficulty.
1. I managed to get a visa but it was difficult.
_I had difficulty getting a visa._
2. I can't remember people's names.
I have difficulty ---
3. Lucy managed to get a job without difficulty.
She had no ---
4. Do you find it difficult to understand him?
Do you have ---
5. It won't be difficult to get a ticket for the concert.
You won't have any ---
62.5 Complete the sentences. Use only one word each time.
1. It's a waste of money buying things you don't need.
2. Every morning I spend about an hour --- the newspaper.
3. 'What's Carol doing?' 'She's busy --- letters.'
4. I think you waste too much time --- television.
5. There's a beautiful view from that hill. It is worth --- to the top.
62.6 Complete these sentences with one of the following (with the verb in the correct form):
go skiing go shopping go swimming go sailing go riding
1. Barry lives by the sea and he's got a boat, so he often _goes sailing._
2. There's plenty of snow in the mountains so we'll be able to ---
3. It was a very hot day, so we --- in the river.
4. Margaret has got two horses. She often ---
5. The shops are shut now. It's too late to ---
@p126
UNIT 63. To ..., for ... and so that ... (purpose)
A. We use to ... to say why somebody does something (= the purpose of an action):
* 'Why did you go out?' 'To post a letter.'
* A friend of mine phoned to invite me to a party.
* We shouted to warn everybody of the danger.
We use to... to say why something exists or why somebody has/wants/needs something:
* This wall is to keep people out of the garden.
* The President has a team of bodyguards to protect him.
* I need a bottle opener to open this bottle.
B. We use to ... to say what can be done or must be done with something:
* It's difficult to find a place to park in the city centre. (= a place where you can park)
* Would you like something to eat?
* Have you got much work to do? (= work that you must do)
* I get lonely if there's nobody to talk to.
Also: money/time/chance/opportunity/energy/courage etc. to (do something):
* They gave us some money to buy some food.
* Do you have much opportunity to practise your English?
* I need a few days to think about your proposal.
C. For ... and to ...
Compare:
* I'm going to Spain for a holiday.
but I'm going to Spain to learn Spanish. (not 'for learn Spanish', not 'for learning Spanish')
We use for + noun (for a holiday) but to + verb (to learn). Some more examples:
* What would you like for dinner?
but What would you like to eat? (not 'for eat')
* Let's go to the pool for a swim.
but Let's go to the pool to have a swim.
Note that you can say ... for (somebody) to (do something):
* There weren't any chairs for us to sit on, so we had to sit on the floor.
You can use for ~ing to say what the general purpose of a thing is. To... is also possible:
* This knife is only for cutting bread. (or ... to cut bread.)
You can use What ... for? to ask about purpose:
* What is this switch for?
* What did you do that for?
D. So that
Sometimes you have to use so that for purpose. We use so that (not to ...):
i) when the purpose is negative (so that ... won't/wouldn't):
* I hurried so that I wouldn't be late. (= because I didn't want to be late)
* Leave early so that you won't (or don't) miss the bus.
ii) with can and could (so that ... can/could)
* She's learning English so that she can study in Canada.
* We moved to London so that we could visit our friends more often.
iii) when one person does something so that another person does something else:
* I gave her my address so that she could contact me.
* He wore glasses and a false beard so that nobody would recognize him.
@p127
EXERCISES
63.1 Use a sentence from Box A and a sentence from Box B to make a new sentence.
A
1. I shouted
2. I had to go to the bank
3. I'm saving money
4. I went into hospital
5. I'm wearing two pullovers
6. I phoned the police station
B
I want to keep warm
I wanted to report that my car had been stolen
I want to go to Canada
I had to have an operation
I needed to get some money
I wanted to warn people of danger
1. _I shouted to warn people of the danger._
2. I had to go to the bank ---
3. I ---
4. ---
5. ---
6. ---
63.2 Complete these sentences using a suitable verb.
1. The President has a team of bodyguards _to protect_ him.
2. I didn't have enough time --- the newspaper today.
3. I came home by taxi. I didn't have the energy ---
4. 'Would you like something ---?' 'Yes, please. A cup of coffee.'
5. We need a bag --- these things in.
6. There will be a meeting next week --- the problem.
7. I wish we had enough money --- a new car.
8. I saw Helen at the party but we didn't have a chance --- to each other.
9. I need some new clothes. I haven't got anything nice ---
10. They've just passed their exams. They're having a party ---
11. I can't do all this work alone. I need somebody --- me.
63.3 Put in to or for.
1. I'm going to Spain _for_ a holiday.
2. You need a lot of experience --- this job.
3. You need a lot of experience --- do this job.
4. We'll need more time --- make a decision.
5. I went to the dentist --- a check-up.
6. I had to put on my glasses --- read the letter.
7. Do you wear glasses --- reading?
8. I wish we had a garden --- the children --- play in.
63.4 Write sentences with so that.
1. I hurried. I didn't want to be late.
_I hurried so that I wouldn't be late._
2. We wore warm clothes. We didn't want to get cold.
We wore ---
3. The man spoke very slowly. He wanted me to understand what he said.
The man ---
4. I whispered. I didn't want anybody else to here our conversation.
--- nobody ---
5. Please arrive early. We want to be able to start the meeting on time.
Please ---
6. She locked the door. She didn't want to be disturbed.
---
7. I slowed down. I wanted the car behind to be able to overtake.
---
@p128
UNIT 64. Adjective + to ...
A. Difficult to understand etc.
Compare sentences a and b:
* Jim doesn't speak very clearly. It is difficult to understand him. (a)
* Jim doesn't speak very clearly. He is difficult to understand. (b)
Sentences a and b have the same meaning. But note that we say:
* He is difficult to understand. (not 'He is difficult to understand him.')
You can use the structures in the box with:
difficult easy hard impossible dangerous safe expensive cheap and a number of other adjectives (for example, nice/interesting/exciting):
* Do you think it is safe to drink this water?
Do you think this water is safe to drink? (not 'to drink it')
* Your writing is awful. It is impossible to read it. (= to read your writing)
Your writing is impossible to read. (not 'to read it')
* I like being with Jill. It's very interesting to talk to her.
Jill is very interesting to talk to. (not 'to talk to her')
You can also use this structure with an adjective + noun:
* This is a difficult question (for me) to answer. (not 'to answer it')
B. (It's) nice (of you) to...
You can use this structure to say what you think of what somebody does:
* It was nice of you to take me to the station. Thank you very much.
You can use many other adjectives in this way. For example:
kind clever sensible mean silly stupid careless unfairV considerate:
* It's silly of Mary to give up her job when she needs the money.
* I think it was very unfair of him to criticise me.
C. (I'm) sorry to ...
You can use this structure to say how somebody reacts to something:
* I was sorry to hear that your father is ill.
You can use many other adjectives in this way. For example:
happy glad pleased delighted sad disappointed surprised amazed astonished relieved:
* Was Tom surprised to see you when you went to see him?
* We were delighted to get your letter last week.
D. The first (person) to know, the next train to arrive
We use to ... after the first/second/third etc. and also after the next, the last, the only:
* If I have any more news, you will be the first (person) to know.
* The next train to arrive at platform 4 will be the 6.50 to Cardiff.
* Everybody was late except me. I was the only one to arrive on time.
E. You can say that something is sure/certain/bound/likely to happen:
* She's very intelligent. She's sure/certain/bound to pass the exam.
* I'm likely to be late home this evening. (= I will probably be late home)
@p129
EXERCISES
64.1 (Section A) Write these sentences in another way, beginning as shown.
1. It's difficult to understand him.
He _is difficult to understand._
2. It's quite easy to use this machine.
This machine is ---
3. It was very difficult to open the window.
The window ---
4. It's impossible to translate some words.
Some words ---
5. It's not safe to stand on that chair.
That chair ---
6. It's expensive to maintain a car.
A ---
64.2 (Section A) Complete the second sentence using the adjective in brackets. Use a/an +adjective + noun + to ... (as in the example).
1. I couldn't answer the question. (difficult) It was _a difficult question to answer._
2. Everybody makes that mistake. (easy)
It's an ---
3. I like living in this place. (nice)
It's a ---
4. We enjoyed watching the game. (good)
It was ---
64.3 (Section B) Make a new sentence beginning It ... Use one of these adjectives each time:
careless considerate kind nice
1. You did my shopping for me.
_It was kind of you to do my shopping for me._
2. You make the same mistake again and again.
It ---
3. Don and jenny invited me to stay with them.
---
4. John made so much noise when I was trying to sleep.
It wasn't very ---
64.4 (Section C) Use the following words to complete these sentences:
sorry/hear glad/hear delighted/get surprised/see
1. We _were delighted to get_ your letter last week.
2.Thank you for your letter. I --- that you're keeping well.
3. We --- Pauline at the party. We didn't expect her to come.
4. I --- that your mother isn't well. I hope she gets well soon.
64.5 (Section D) Complete the second sentence using the words in brackets + to ...
1. Nobody left before me. (the first)
I was _the first person to leave._
2. Everybody else arrived before Paul. (the last)
Paul was the ---
3. Fiona passed the exam. All the other students failed. (the only)
Fiona was ---
4. I complained to the restaurant manager about the service. Another customer had already complained before me. (the second)
I was ---
5. Nell Armstrong walked on the moon in 1969. Nobody had done this before him. (the first)
Neil Armstrong was ---
64.6 (Section E) Complete these sentences using the word in brackets and a suitable verb.
1. Diane is very intelligent. She _is bound to pass_ the exam. (bound)
2. I'm not surprised you're tired. After such a long journey you --- tired. (bound)
3. Tom's got a very bad memory. He --- what you told him. (sure)
4. I don't think you need to take an umbrella. It --- (not likely)
5. The holidays begin this weekend. There --- a lot of traffic on the roads. (likely)
@p130
UNIT 65. To ... (afraid to do) and preposition + ~ing (afraid of ~ing)
A. Afraid to (do) and afraid of (do)ing
I am afraid to do something = I don't want to do it because it is dangerous or the result could be bad. We use afraid to do for things we do intentionally:
* A lot of people are afraid to go out at night. (= they don't want to go out because it is dangerous--so they don't go out)
* He was afraid to tell his parents about the broken window. (= he didn't want to tell them because he knew they would be angry)
I am afraid of something happening = it is possible that something bad will happen (for example, an accident). We do not use afraid of ~ing for things we do intentionally:
* The path was icy, so we walked very carefully. We were afraid of falling. (= it was possible that we would fall--not 'we were afraid to fall')
* I don't like dogs. I'm always afraid of being bitten. (not 'afraid to be bitten')
So, you are afraid to do something because you are afraid of something happening as a result:
* I was afraid to go near the dog because I was afraid of being bitten.
B. Interested in (do)ing and interested to (do)
I'm interested in doing something = I'm thinking of doing it, I'd like to do it:
* I'm trying to sell my car but nobody is interested in buying it. (not 'to buy')
We use interested to especially with hear/see/know/read/learn. I was interested to hear it = 'I heard it and it was interesting for me':
* I was interested to hear that Diane has got a new job.
* Ask George for his opinion. I would be interested to know what he thinks. (=it would be interesting for me to know)
This structure is the same as surprised to/delighted to... etc. (see Unit 64C):
* I was surprised to hear that Diane has got a new job.
C. Sorry to (do) and sorry for (do)ing
We usually say sorry to... to apologize when (or just before) we do something:
* I'm sorry to bother you, but I need to talk to you.
We use sorry to (hear/read etc.) to show sympathy with somebody (see Unit 64C):
* I was sorry to hear that Fiona lost her job. (= I was sorry when I heard ...)
You can use sorry for (doing something) to apologize for something you did before:
* (I'm) sorry for shouting at you yesterday. (not 'Sorry to shout ...')
You can also say:
* (I'm) sorry I shouted at you yesterday.
D. Note that we say:
I want to (do)/I'd like to (do) but I'm thinking of (do)ing/I dream of (do)ing
I failed to (do) but I succeeded in (do)ing
I allowed them to (do) but I prevented them from (do)ing
For examples, see Units 53-54 and 61.
@p131
EXERCISES
65.1 Read the situation and use the words in brackets to write a sentence with afraid.
1. The streets are unsafe at night.
(a lot of people/afraid/go/out) _A lot of people are afraid to go out._
2. We walked very carefully along the icy path.
(we/afraid/fall) _We were afraid of falling._
3. I don't usually carry my passport with me.
(I/afraid/lose/it)
4. The sea was very rough.
(we/afraid/go/swimming)
5. We rushed to the station.
(we/afraid/miss/our train)
6. In the middle of the film there was a particularly horrifying scene.
(we/afraid/look)
7. The glasses were very full, so Jane carried them very carefully.
(she/afraid/spill/the drinks)
8. I didn't like the look of the food on my plate.
a (I/afraid/eat/it)
b (I/afraid/make/myself ill)
65.2 Complete the sentences using one of these verbs:
buy get go hear read start
1. I'm trying to sell my car but nobody is interested _in buying_ it.
2. Julia is interested --- her own business.
3. I was interested --- your letter in the newspaper last week.
4. Bill wants to stay single. He's not interested --- married.
5. You must tell me what you think. I'm always interested --- your opinion.
6. There's a party tonight but I'm not interested ---
65.3 Complete the sentences using the verb in brackets.
1. I'm sorry _for shouting_ at you yesterday. (shout)
2. Sorry --- you but have you got a pen I could borrow? (disturb)
3. Sorry --- late last night. I didn't realize the time. (be)
4. I'm sorry --- what I said yesterday. I didn't really mean it. (say)
5. 'I've just had my exam results. I failed.' 'Oh? I'm sorry --- that.' (hear)
65.4 Complete the sentences using the verb in brackets.
1. a. We wanted _to leave_ the building. (leave)
b. We weren't allowed --- the building. (leave)
c. We were prevented --- the building. (leave)
2. a. Fred failed --- the problem. (solve)
b. Amy succeeded --- the problem. (solve)
3. a. I'm thinking --- away next week. (go)
b. I'm hoping --- away next week. (go)
c. I'm looking forward --- away next week. (go)
d. I'd like --- away next week. (go)
4. a. Mary wanted --- me a drink. (buy)
b. Mary promised --- me a drink. (buy)
c. Mary insisted --- me a drink. (buy)
d. Mary wouldn't dream --- me a drink. (buy)
@p132
UNIT 66. See somebody do and see somebody doing
A. Study this example situation:
Tom got into his car and drove away. You saw this. You can say:
* I saw Tom get into his car and drive away.
In this structure we use get/drive/do etc. (infinitive without 'to'):
Somebody did something + I saw this = I saw somebody do something.
Note that we use the infinitive without to:
* We saw them go out. (not 'to go')
But after a passive ('they were seen') etc., we use to:
* They were seen to go out.
B. Study this example situation:
Yesterday you saw Ann. She was waiting for a bus. You can say:
* I saw Ann waiting for a bus.
In this structure we use ~ing (waiting):
Somebody was doing something + I saw this = I saw somebody doing something.
C. Study the difference in meaning between the two structures:
'I saw him do something' = he did something (past simple) and I saw this. I saw the complete action from beginning to end:
* He fell off the wall. I saw this. -> I saw him fall off the wall.
* The accident happened. Did you see this? -> Did you see the accident happen?
'I saw him doing something' = he was doing something (past continuous) and I saw this. I saw him when he was in the middle of doing it. This does not mean that I saw the complete action:
* He was walking along the street. + I saw this when I drove past in my car. = I saw him walking along the street.
Sometimes the difference is not important and you can use either form:
* I've never seen her dance. or I've never seen her dancing.
D. We use these structures with see and hear, and a number of other verbs:
* I didn't hear you come in.
* Liz suddenly felt something touch her on the shoulder.
* Did you notice anyone go out?
* I could hear it raining.
* The missing boys were last seen playing near the river.
* Listen to the birds singing!
* Can you smell something burning?
* I found Sue in my room reading my letters.
@p133
EXERCISES
66.1 Complete the answers to the questions.
1. Did anybody go out?
I don't know. I didn't see _anybody go out._
2. Has Jill arrived yet?
Yes, I think I heard her ---
3. How do you know I took the money?
I know because I saw you ---
4. Did the doorbell ring?
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