LONGMAN Flashcards
I hope you all have a enjoyable stay.
J I hope you all have an enjoyable stay.
Always use an (NOT a) before a word beginning with a vowel sound: ‘an
egg’ Ian egl, ‘an envelope’ Ian ‘envalaop
P My husband is doing a MSc in civil engineering.
J My husband is doing an MSc in civil engineering.
Use an (NOT a) before an abbreviation that begins with a vowel sound:
Sometimes it is difficult to live a honest life.
J Sometimes it is difficult to live an honest life.
Use an (NOT a) before words beginning with h when the h is not pronounced: 'an honour' Ian 'nna'l, 'an hour' Ian aua'l.
The child had been a deaf since birth.
J The child had been deaf since birth.
% One of the girls I share with is a British.
J One of the girls I share with is British.
Since capital punishment was abandoned, the crime rate has
increased. (2
J Since capital punishment was abolished, the crime rate has
increased.
abandon = give up a plan, activity or attempt to do something. r
without being successful: ‘Bad weather forced them to abandon
the search.’ ‘Without government support, the project will have to be
abandoned ‘
abolish = remove a law, tradition or system, ofien by introducing a new
law; do away with: ‘In which year was slavery abolished In the United
States?’ ‘I’d hate to see the monarchy abolished ‘
It is d~fficulto reach abandoned places such as small country
villages. a\
J It is difficult to reach remote places such as small country
villages.
abandoned = left for ever by ffie ohners or occupiers: ‘The field was
littered with abandoned cars.’ ‘Some of these old abandoned coal mines
could be dangerous.’
remote = far away and difficult to reach: ‘The tribe lives in a small
remote mountain village.’ ‘We have now managed to bring famine relief
to people in even the most remote areas.’
These machines are destroying our ability of thinking.
J These machines are destroying our ability to think.
ability to do sth (NOT of doing): ‘Nobody doubts his ability to get the
job done.’ ‘We need someone with the ability to work under pressure.’
I want to improve my ability of reading.
J 1 want to improve my reading ability.
J
readinglwrltinglteachinglacting ability: ‘Her acting ability was
recognized at a very early age.’
1 x One man is able to destroy the whole world.
J One man is capable of destroying the whole world.If someone is able to do something, they can do it and it is not unusual
or surprising if they do it: ‘The doctor said that after a few days I’d be
able to get out of bed.’ ‘Will you be able to play on
There are so many places to visit in London that I’m not able to
decide where to go.
J There are so many places to visit in London that I can’t
decide where to go.
8 We weren’t able to stop laughing.
J We couldn’t stop laughing.
With verbs of perception (e.g. see, hear, smell) and verbs of the mind
(e.g. understand, decide, remember), we usually use can, can’t, etc: ‘I
can’t hear you. Could you speak a bit louder, please?’ ‘I think I can smell
something burning.’ ‘Having met her new boss, I can see why she
doesn’t like him.’ Note also the phrase can’tlcouldn’t stop ‘ ‘
something: ‘The book was so fascinating I couldn’t stop re;
See also COULD 1
% In some countries you are not able to drink until you are 21
J In some countries you can’t drink until you.are 21.
For actions that are controlled by laws or rules, use can, can’t, etc, or be
(not) allowed to: ‘Now that they are both sixteen, they can get married.’
‘The goalkeeper can touch the ball, but nobody else can.’
X Technology has made them able tcrgrow their own food.
J Technology has enabled them to grow their own food.
enable = make someone able to 80 something: ‘This scheme is
designed to enable young people to find work.’
Note also the phrase can’t/couldnlt stop dong something: ‘The book was
so fascinating I couldn’t stop reading it.’ See also COULD 1
f
J
above 1 I(
J
I am always delighted when I receive a letter from you. About the
party on December 26th, I shall be very pleased to attend.
I am always delighted when I receive a letter from you. With
regard to the party on December 26th, I shall be very
pleased to attend.
People usually sleep with the doors and windows closed. About
public transport, the bus and train services are excellent.
People usually sleep with the doors and windows closed.
As for public transport, the bus and train services are
excellent.
About may be used to introduce a topic (or change of topic), but only in
informal styles: ‘About that book you asked for - I’ll get you a copy when
I go to London.’
In other styles, use with regard to, regarding, as for, as regards or as
far as … is concerned: ‘With regard to the matter of unemployment, I
would like to add a few remarks to those of the previous speaker.’ ‘I
regret to inform you that Language and Culture is out of print. As
regards your second question, I suggest that you write to the British
Museum.’
It all depends on how different the new country is from your own.
About myself, I haven’t experienced any culture shock but then
this is my second trip to the States.
It all depends on how different the new country is from your
own. In my own case, I haven’t experienced any culture
shock but then this is my second trip to the States.
To show that you are going to start talking about your own personal
experience or situation, use in my own case or (especially in informal
styles) as for melmyself: ‘Many people have benefited from the
operation. In my own case, I began to feel better immediately.’ ‘Most of
my friends like school. As for me, I can’t wait to leave.’
I was about leaving when the telephone rang.
I was about to leave when the telephone rang.
be about to do sth (NOT doing)
Compare: ‘I was just leaving when the telephone rang.
There were above a hundred people in the crowd.
There were over a hundred people in the crowd.
..A,
Do not use above with numbers (unless referring to points on a seal;):
‘He is over eighty years of age.’ ‘I receive over twenty letters a day.’
Compare ‘Don’t let the temperature get above thirty degrees.’
I like to stay at home on a Sunday, as I’ve said aboVe.
I like to stay at home on a Sunday, as I’ve already said.
What do you think of the above suggestion?
What do you think of mylthis suggestion?
Above is used in formal writing to refer to something that has been
mentioned earlier: ‘From the above arguments it can be seen that
supporters of the dam project fall into two camps.’ In informal styles, this
use of above is inappropriate
Taking all the above into accdunt, one could say that tourism
does more harm than good.
Taking all the above arguments into account, one could say
that tourism does more harm than good.
Instead of using the above as a loose reference to something mentioned
earlier, make the reference more precise by using the above + noun (or
the + noun + above): ‘the above reasons’, ‘the statement above ‘.
He likes reading, above all novels.
He likes reading, especially novels.
Above all means ‘most importantly’: ‘Get plenty of sleep, eat lots of good
food, and above all try to relax.’ ‘There were many qualities that made
him a great leader. Above all, he had charisma.’
This year English is above all my most important subject.
This year English is by far my most important subject.
With a superlative form (‘the most important’), use by far: ‘The riot was
by far the most horrific scene I’d ever witnessed.
Where would you like to go above all?
Where would you like to go most of all?
When you mean ‘more than anywhere/anything/anyone else’, use most
of all or the most: ‘What worries me most of all is that the car is not
roadworthy.’ ‘The one I liked the most was too expensive.’
I would be grateful if you would send it to the address abovementioned.
I would be grateful if you would send it to the abovementioned address.
Above-mentioned comes before the noun: ‘the above-mentioned
person’. ‘the above-mentioned company’.
Note that above may be used before or after the noun: ‘the above
address’, ‘the address above’.
Since I was small, I’ve always wanted to go to abroad.
Since I was small, I’ve always wanted to go abroad.
I would like to continue my studies in abroad.
I would like to continue my studies abroad.
gonivelbe abroad (WITHOUT to, at, in etc)
The only preposition that is used before abroad is from: ‘She came back
from abroad saying how much she had missed her home and family.’
It’s a pity that you were absent from the training session
It’s a pity that you missed the training session.;
It’s a pity that you weren’t at the training session.
be absent = not be present at something that you are officially supposed
to attend: ‘Her teacher wanted to know why she’d been absent.’
miss = not be present at something: ‘She’s missed a lot of
classes this term because of illness.’ ‘I wouldn’t miss Sandro’s party for
the world!’ (= I really want to go to it).
be at = be present at something: ‘John wbn’t be at the meeting. He’s had
to fly to Rome on business.’
It is absolutely important that y/ou see a doctor
immediately.
It is very important that you see a doctor immediately.
It is absolutely essential that you see a doctor immediately.
The company will not accept to buy new machines.
.
The company will not agree to buy new machines
You accept someone’s advice, opinion, or suggestion BUT you agree (=
say you are willing) to do something. Compare: ‘I accepted her
suggestion and agreed to see the doctor that evening.’
The driver did not accept me to get on the bus.
.
We can’t accept a motorway to be built through our town.
The driver did not allow me to get on the bus
We can’t allow a motorway to be built through our town.
You allowlpermit someone to do something, or let them do it: ‘Many
parents do not allowlpermit their children to watch violent films.’ ‘Many
parents do not let their children watch violent films.’
Computers give us an easier access to information.
.
Computers give us easier access to information
Access is an uncountable noun: ‘The entrance has been widened to
provide easier access for disabled people.’ ‘They have no right to refuse
us access to the files
Her car was involved in a big accident.
Her car was involved in a serious accident.
a badldreadfuVnastylseriousIfataI accident (NOT big)
Could you help me look for an accommodation?
Accommodations in London are very expensive.
Could you help me look for accommodation?
Accommodation in London is very expensive.
In British English accommodation (= a place to stay or live in) is always
uncountablef ‘For the first year we Gayid in rented accommodation.’ -
In American Enalish both accommodation and accommodations
(plural) are use;.
To accomplish world unity, we need peace.
.
A balanced diet is accomplished by eating many different kinds
of food.
To achieve world unity, we need peace
A balanced diet is achieved by eating many different kinds
of food.
< 1
When you accomplish something, you manage to do it or comple% it.
especially something that gives you satisfaction: ‘She felt that she could
accomplish more through journalism.’ ‘During his five years as President,
he accomplished very little.’
When you achieve something, you manage to do or obtain what you
have planned to do or obtain, especially after a lot of effort: ‘The
company intends to achieve all these goals within the next five years.’
‘By the age of twenty, she had already achieved her ambition.’
Note that achieve is also used to mean ‘accomplish’: ‘By the end of the
course, you will feel that you’ve really achieved something.
According to me, we should spend more money on education.
In my opinion, we should spend more money on education.
according to + the writerlDr Owenlher teacherslthem etc (NOT
melus): ‘According to Charles Anderson, the government should pay closer attention to public opinion.’
To introduce your own opinion, use in mylour opinion: ‘In my opinion,
he didn’t deserve a prison sentence.’
We also have to take into account that the schools are
overcrowded.
We also have to take into account the fact that the schools
are overcrowded.
take into account + the fact + that-clause: ‘They should take into
account the fact that these archaeological treasures are extremely
valuable.’
I cannot give you the accurate date of my arrival yet.
I cannot give you the exact date of my arrival yet.
Accurate is mainly used (1) to describe something said or written that
contains no errors: ‘Her novels are always historically accurate.’ ‘These
figures can’t be accurate, surely.’ (2) to describe something that
produces no errors: ‘Are you sure the bathroom scales are accurate?’
When you mean ‘correct and as detailed as possible’, use exact: ‘The
exact time is three minutes to seven.’ ‘Do you remember his exact
words?’ ‘They’ll be arriving next week - on Friday at three, to be exact.’
I am beginning to accustom to the British way of life.
I am beginning to get accustomed to the British way of life.
belbecomelgeffgrow accustomed to sth: ‘Within a few minutes, my
eyes had grown accustomed to the dark.’
Note that, apart from in formal styles, most people prefer betbecome1
geffgrow used to: ‘I am beginning to get used to the British way of life
Where I come from, we are not accustomed to see so many
things in the shops.
Where I come from, we are not accustomed to seeing so
many things in the shops.
be accustomed to doing sth (NOT to do): ‘He was accustomed to
leading a life of luxury
After the run, I had an ache in my legs.
After the run, my legs were aching.
Ache is usually used either as a verb or in compounds with too%;ear,
head, back, stomach: ‘I did some weight training on Monday and my
shoulders have been aching ever since.’ ‘That radio of yours is giving me
a headache.’
Compare: ‘After the run, I had pains in my legs.’
I am interested in the way people act towards each other.
It IS time that human beings learned-/how to act properly,
without killing each other.
I am interested in the way people behave towards each
other.
It is time that human beings-learned how to behave
properly, without killing each other.
When you are talking about &hat someone does on a particular
occasion, act and behave are interchangeable: ‘Passengers who left the flight in Rhodes said that they had seen two men actinglbehaving very
suspiciously.’
When you are talking generally about what someone does or what
people do, use behave: ‘You can’t expect all babies to behave the
same.’ ‘From the way he behaves, anyone would think that he doesn’t
get paid.
He refused to accept responsibility for his acts.
He refused to accept responsibility for his actions.
The noun act is usually used when you want to comment on a particular
thing that someone has done: ‘It was an act of great courage.’ ‘These
cowardly terrorist acts bring death and suffering to the innocent.’
When you are talking about someone’s general behaviour, use actions:
‘You can’t be blamed for your parents’ actions
The actions that we do everyday are made easier by computers.
.
If someone has done a wrong action, he should be punished.
The things that we do everyday are made easier by computers
If someone has done something wrong, he should be punished.
Do and action cannot be used together. Use do + thingslsomethingl
anything etc: ‘She’s always doing things for charity.’ ‘Don’t do anything
that might upset them.
It is difficult to forgive those responsible for actions of terrorism.
Blackmail is the action of trying to obtain money from someone
by threatening to expose them.
It is difficult to forgive those responsible for acts of terrorism.
Blackmail is the act of trying to obtain money from someone
by threatening to expose them.
anAhe act of (doing) sth (NOT action): ‘Such acts of violence will not
be tolerated.’ ‘For some people, the very act of talking to a doctor can
help them to feel better.
Few people are aware that an urgent action is needed.
govt should take an action to reduce the birth rate. (2
The Few government people are aware should take that urgent action an action to reduce is needed.
The government should take action to reduce the birth rate.
When you are talking about the idea or process of doing something,
action is uncountable: ‘There is too much talk and not enough action.’
In the phrase take action, action is always uncountable: ‘This illegal
trade will continue unless action is taken to stop it.’
We’d like to know more about the actual cr%sis (Not the economic
problems of the past). (
My actual job involves a lot of administration.
We’d like to know more about the present crisis (Not the economic problems of the past).
My present job involves a lot of administration.
actual = real (as opposed what is believed, plarined or expected):
‘People think he is over fifty but his actual age is forty-eight.’ ‘Although buses are supposed to run every fifteen minutes, the actual waiting time
can be up to an hour.’
presenvcurrent = happening or existing now: ‘No one can drive that car
in its present condition.’ ‘Her current boyfriend works for Shell.’
I never get bored by this city. Actually, each time I return I find
something new to interest me.
I never get bored by this city. In fact, each time I return I find
something new to interest me.
When actually means ‘in fact’, it is usually used to correct a
misunderstanding: ‘People think we’ve got lots of money, but actually
we’re quite poor.’ ‘I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.’ - ‘Well actually I’ve
only just arrived.’
When you simply want to develop a previous statement, use in fact or
as a matter of fact: ‘The winter of 1940 was extremely bad. In fact most
people say it was the worst winter in living memory.’ ‘The company is
doing very well. As a matter of fact, our sales have doubled.’ See also
ACTUAL
We need to produce and export more than we do actually.
We need to produce and export more than we do at present.
When you mean ‘at the present time’, use at present, at the moment or
currently (NOT actually) : ‘At present the company is very short of
staff.’ ‘At the moment I’m working part-time in a travel agency.
The other ingredients are then added into the mixture.
The other ingredients are then added to the mixture.
add sth to sth (NOT into): ‘They are demanding that a new clause be
added to the contract which will give them a share of the profits.’ ‘When a
prefix is added to a word, you make a new word.’
One hour is not long enough to admire all the exhibits.
I enjoyed admiring all the old buildings.
One hour is not long enough to see all the exhibits.
I enjoyed looking at all the old buildings.
Do not use admire when you just mean ‘see’ or ‘look at’. Admire means
‘look at someone or something with a strong feeling of pleasure’. This
meaning of admire is found mainly in novels and tourist brochures:
‘Come and admire the magnificence of the Niagara Falls.’ ‘Rupert was
sitting outside on the verandah, admiring the many jewels in the night
sky.’
Although it was a sad film, I admired it very much. . .
Everybody admired your talk because it was l~vely and
interesting. ,’
Although it was a sad film, I enjoyed it very much?
Everybody enjoyed your talk because it was lively and
interesting.
Do not use admire when you mean ‘enj~~~.~~dmire means ‘have a very
high opinion of someone’: ‘I’ve always adm~red people who think for
themselves.’ ‘Lewis was probably best known and admired for his work
on medieval literature.’
I adore meeting new peoplb\,
I adore reading too.
I like l enjoy l love meeting new people.
I like/enjoy/love reading too
Adore usually expresses a very strong feeling: ‘She adores her
grandchildren and is always buying them presents.’ ‘The one singer I
absolutely adore is Whitney Houston.’ If you use adore to mean ‘like1
enjoyllove’, you may sound insincere
