LONGMAN Flashcards
1
Q
I hope you all have a enjoyable stay.
A
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
2
Q
P My husband is doing a MSc in civil engineering.
A
J My husband is doing an MSc in civil engineering.
Use an (NOT a) before an abbreviation that begins with a vowel sound:
3
Q
Sometimes it is difficult to live a honest life.
A
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.
4
Q
The child had been a deaf since birth.
A
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.
5
Q
Since capital punishment was abandoned, the crime rate has
increased. (2
A
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 ‘
6
Q
It is d~fficulto reach abandoned places such as small country
villages. a\
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.’
7
Q
These machines are destroying our ability of thinking.
A
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.’
8
Q
I want to improve my ability of reading.
A
J 1 want to improve my reading ability.
J
readinglwrltinglteachinglacting ability: ‘Her acting ability was
recognized at a very early age.’
9
Q
1 x One man is able to destroy the whole world.
A
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
10
Q
There are so many places to visit in London that I’m not able to
decide where to go.
A
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
11
Q
% In some countries you are not able to drink until you are 21
A
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.’
12
Q
X Technology has made them able tcrgrow their own food.
A
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
13
Q
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.
A
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.’
14
Q
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.
A
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.’
15
Q
I was about leaving when the telephone rang.
A
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.
16
Q
There were above a hundred people in the crowd.
A
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.’
17
Q
I like to stay at home on a Sunday, as I’ve said aboVe.
A
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
18
Q
Taking all the above into accdunt, one could say that tourism
does more harm than good.
A
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 ‘.
19
Q
He likes reading, above all novels.
A
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.’
20
Q
This year English is above all my most important subject.
A
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.
21
Q
Where would you like to go above all?
A
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.’
22
Q
I would be grateful if you would send it to the address abovementioned.
A
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’.
23
Q
Since I was small, I’ve always wanted to go to abroad.
A
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.’
24
Q
It’s a pity that you were absent from the training session
A
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.’
25
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.
26
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.'
27
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.'
28
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
29
Her car was involved in a big accident.
Her car was involved in a serious accident.
a badldreadfuVnastylseriousIfataI accident (NOT big)
30
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;.
31
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.
32
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.'
33
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.'
34
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.'
35
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
36
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
37
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.'
38
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.
39
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
40
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.
41
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.
42
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.'
43
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.'
44
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
45
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.
46
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.'
47
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.'
48
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.'
49
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
50
Although the film has its advantages, it also has a serious flaw.
Although the film has its meritslgood points, it also has a
serious flaw.
advantage = something that puts you in a better position than other
people: 'A healthier lifestyle is just one of the advantages of living in the
country.' 'The main advantage of using word processors is the amount of
time you save.'
merit = a good quality; a strength: 'The merits of the new health
programme are gradually being recognized.' 'We should judge each
application on its own merits.'
51
Television provides many advantages.
Television provides many benefits.
benefit = a good result which improves your life or situation: 'Belonging
to a union has a number of important benefits.' 'It's over a month since I
got back from holiday, but I still feel the benefit.'
52
What are the advantages in studying in the United States?
There are many advantages of having your own computer.
What are the advantages of studying in the United States?
There are many advantages tolin having your own
computer.
the advantagels of (doinglhaving) sfh: 'He described the advantages
of renewing the contract.' 'The advantages of independence soon
became clear.'
there are (severallmany etc) advantages tofin (doinglhaving) sth:
'There are advantages to working in a supermarket.' 'There are clear
advantages to such an approach.' 'Are there any advantages in
appointing coordinators?'
53
I have just seen your advertisement about a Chinese cook. .+
I am writing in reply to your advertisement of a part-time sales
assistant.
I have just seen your advertisement for a Chinese cook,\
I am writing in reply to your advertisement for a $art-time
sales assistant. L" an advertisement for sblsth: 'an advertisement fol2khnz tomato soup'
54
I adviced him to tell the police.
r' I advised him to tell the police. ,r.
| Advice /adlva~s/ is a noun. Advise /adlv%i is a verb.
55
She gave me a good advice. F
It is full of good advices on'healthy eating.
.
She gave me some good advice.
It is full of good advice on healthy eating
Advice is an uncountable noun: 'I could do with some advice.'
Compare: 'She gave me a good piece of advice.'
56
I asked my lawyer for her advise.
| J
I asked my lawyer for her advice.
| See note at ADVICE 1
57
Nowadays many doctors advise to live in the countryside.
J Nowadays many doctors advise living in the countryside.
J Nowadays many doctors advise people to live in the
countryside.
advise sb to do sth: 'I advised her to see a lawyer.'
advise doing sth (NOT to do): 'I would advise leaving very early. Then
you'll miss all the traffic
58
The programme is about computers and their affect on our
| lives.
J The programme is about computers and their effect on our
lives.
To affect something (verb) is to have an effect on it (noun): 'Smoking
affects your health.' (= smoking has an effect on your health)
59
This problem has also affected on the automobile industry.
J This problem has also affected the automobile industry.
```
affect sblsth (WITHOUT on): 'Fortunately these new tax laws don't
affect us.'
Compare: 'This problem has also had an effect on the automobile
industry.
```
60
My father couldn't afford paying for my education.
J My father couldn't afford to pay for my education.
afford (to do) sth: 'Not many couples can afford to run two cars
nowadays
61
The road to the airport was very busy and we were afraid to miss
the plane.
J The road to the airport was very busy and we were afraidd
missing the plane. ,. \
be afraid to do sth = be unwilling to do something because you are
frightened about what may happen: 'She was afraid to eat it in case ~t
was poisonous.' 'Don't be afraid to ask for help.'
be afraid of doing sth = be worrled or anxious about something which
m~ght happen: 'Most criminals are afraid of being caught.' 'He says that
he IS afraid of loslng his job.'
62
After a week we're going to Italy.
'
I( I hope that I'll still be healthy after ten years.
J In a week's time we're going to Italy.
J I hope that I'll still be healthy in'ten years'
time.
When you mention a time in the fufure that IS measured from 'now' (the
moment of speaking), use in a month's time, in three weeks' time, etc
(or just in a month, in three weeks): 'She'll be back agaln In a couple of
weeks' time.' Note the alternatives: 'A week (from) today we're going to Italy.' 'I hope
that I'll still be healthy ten years from now.
63
I promised to meet Hitomi at the exhibition a week after.
I returned to Germany after two years' time.
I promised to meet Hitomi at the exhibition a week later.
I returned to Germany two years later.
When you mention a time in the past that is measured from an earlier
time in the past, use a month later, three months later, etc: 'Six
months later they got married
64
After 1961 the consumption of cheese has increased each year.
Since 1961 the consumption of cheese has increased each
year.
To refer to a period of time that begins in the past and continues up to
'now' (the moment of speaking), use since (NOT after): 'I've been
standing here waiting for you since half past three.' 'She hasn't been to
see us since she got married
65
My first aim is to get a master's degree. After I would like to go
and work in Canada.
.
A police car arrived within minutes and soon after an ambulance
came.
My first aim is to get a master's degree. Afterwards, I would
like to go and work in Canada
A police car arrived within minutes and soon afterwards an
ambulance came.
After is used instead of afterwards only in informal styles, usually in
phrases such as 'soon after', 'not long after' or 'just after'. Careful users
generally prefer afterwards, especially at the beginning of a sentence:
'Shortly afterwards it was announced that the bank had collapsed.'
In American English after is often used instead of afterwards
66
A police car arrived within minutes and soon after an
| ambulance came.
A police car arrived within minutes and soon afterwards an
ambulance came.
In informal styles, after is used in phrases such as 'soon after', 'not long
after' and 'just after'. Careful users prefer afterwards, especially in *
formal styles: 'Shortly afterwards it was announced that the bank had ' \
collapsed.'
In American English after is often used instead of afterward
67
I studied English for 2 years. After that I got a job as fa
stewardess on an American airline.
. , . We could all meet at my house for lunch.,After doing this, we
could go to the beach. t T'
After studying English for 2 years, I got a jdp&s a
stewardess on an American airline
We could all meet at my house for4unch and afterwards we
could go to the beach
. PS\.
The meaning 'then' can be express& in a number of ways, e.g.
afterwards, then, later on, subsequently, after + v-ing. Avoid the
repeated use of after that and after doing thislthat
68
After you will leave, we will write to you every day.
After you leavehave left, we will write to you every day.
| See Language Note at WILL
69
First we got stuck in a traffic jam and then our car broke down.
After all we decided to cancel the trip and went back home.
We stopped for a meal on the way and after all we didn't arrive
until midnight.
First we got stuck in a traffic jam and then our car broke
down. In the end, we decided to cancel the trip and went
back home.
We stopped for a meal on the way and in the end we didn't
arrive until midnight.
70
Afternoon we have classes until five o'clock.
.
School finishes at five in afternoon.
The afternoon I met them at the hotel and we went to the beach.
In the afternoon we have classes until five o'clock
School finishes at five in the afternoon.
In the afternoon I met them at the hotel and we went to the
beach.
71
We started going out together just to have fun, as friends.
Afterwards we both realized that there was more than just
friendship.
We started going out together just to have fun, as friends.
Later on we both realized that there was more than just
friendship.
Afterwards suggests that the next thing happens as soon as the last
thlng has finished: 'On Saturday morning I went to see Adrian in hospital.
Afterwards I drove into town to do some shopping.'
When there is a long interval or delay between two actions or events,
use later on: 'I couldn't understand why she hadn't answered my letters.
Later on I discovered that she had moved to a new address
72
First you draw a long straight line. Afterwards you draw anothh,
line, parallel to the first one.
First you draw a long straight line. Then you draw ahher
line, parallel to the first one
. ZTo introduce the next action in a process or series of actidhs, use then:
'Check that the paper is properly loaded. Then press the start button.'
Compare: 'We all had lunch together at one o'clock Afterwards we went
to the beach.'
73
It's time I gave you your photographs agaIn.
He'd like to have his bicycle again if you've finished with it.
It's time I gave you your photographs back.
He'd like to have his bicycle back if you've finished with it.
If you give something to the person who gave it to you, you give it back
to them. When you mean 'to the person who had it before', 'to the place
where something was before' etc, use back (NOT again): 'He took the
74
I'll phone you again in five minutes.
| J
I'll phone you back in five minutes.
If you telephone someone after they have telephoned you, you
calUring1phone them back: 'Put down the receiver and I'll call you -.
back.'
75
I would like to visit again some of these places.
P I'II give you again my address.
J I would like to visit some of these places again.
J I'II give you my address again.
Again (= a second time) usually comes after the object: 'It's wonderful to
see you again.' 'Would you like to watch the film again?'
76
Trying to avoid the sheep, he drove his car against a tree.
J Trying to avoid the sheep, he drove his car into a tree.
When someone has an accident,
they drive/run/walk/crashlbump into '\
something (NOT against): 'The lorry
skidded on the ice and crashed Into a wall.'
77
I'm at the age of 22.
J I'm 22 (years old).
be + NUMBER (+ years old): 'David is almost twelve (years old)
78
His age is about fifty-five years old.
J He's about fifty-five (years old).
Do not use age and years old together. The usual way of mentioning
someone's age is simply be + NUMBER: 'She'll be sixteen next August.'
79
Soon you'll be of my age.
.
8 Although we are at the same age, we have different interests.
J Soon you'll be my age
J Although we are the same age, we have different interests.
be mylyour etc age: 'When I was your age, I was already going out to
work.'
be the same age (as sb): 'Most of my friends are the same age as me
80
In the age of 15, you are allowed to drive a car.
J At the age of 15, you are allowed to drive a car. ,
age as me
/-
r
Phrases with age as their main word usually begin with at &OT in):
'Keeping fit is very important at your age.' 'Some girls get married at a
very young age.' 'She is at the age when she wants to go to school.'
81
A child in the age of seven or eight needs a little push.
P People in my age spend a lot of time In pubs.
J A child of seven or eight needs a little push.
J People of my age spend a lot of time in pubs.
noun + of + NUMBER: 'They have aiitlle girl of three and a boy of five.'
noun.+ of + mylyour etc age: 'He is very clever for a boy of his age.' 'A Note the alternative with aged: 'A child aged seven or eight needs a little
push.
girl of her age needs someone to play with.
82
They have two children in the age of 8 and 12 years.
J They have two children aged 8 and 12.
J They have two children, 8 and 12 years of age.
When you mention two ages after a noun, use either of the following:
aged + NUMBER + and + NUMBER: 'two boys aged 12 and 14'
NUMBER + and + NUMBER + years of age: 'two boys, 12 and 14 years
of age'
83
These books are for children at the age of from 4 to 6 years.
J These books are for children aged 4 to 6.
J These books are for children between the ages of 4 and 6.
When you mention an age range after a noun, use either aged +
NUMBER + to + NUMBER: 'suitable for children aged seven to eleven'
or between the ages of + NUMBER + and + NUMBER: 'suitable for
children between the ages of seven and eleven'.
84
Not all aged parents have children to look after them.
| J
Not all elderly parents have children to look after them.
When it means 'very old', aged (pronounced 1 'e1d3:d I) is mainly used in
formal styles, usually in the phrase the aged: 'The poor and the aged are
entitled to free health care.'
The usual word for this meaning is elderly, which also sounds polite:
'The photograph was of an elderly gentleman with a white moustache.'
'The building has been converted into a retirement home for the elderly
85
My father left school at aged fourteen.
.
I( At aged 45, farmers are able to retire.
divorced at the age of twenty-one.
J My father left school at (the age of) fourteen
J At (the age of) 45, farmers are able to retire.
at (the age of) + NUMBER: 'Alan got married at twenty.' 'Sue got
86
I applied for a job at a travel agent.
| J
I applied for a job at a travel agent's. '(\ To refer to a shop or company, use the 's form: a greengrocer's,%
chemist's, a tailor's, a butcher's.
87
The accident happened at ten years ago. /=
. / F
I( I came to England in two years ago. or\
/
P He went to Sydney before flve years ago?
I( I started learn~ng English since two years ago.
J The accident happened ten years ago
J l came to England two years ago.
J He went to Sydney five years ago.r
J I started learning English two years ago.
88
I'm writing in reply to your,t&ler that I've received two days ago.
J I'm writing in reply to,your letter that I received two days ago
With references to past time such as yesterday, last week, a year ago,
use a past tense (NOT the present perfect): 'I came to England exactly
six months ago.' (NOT 'have come')
89
I( The train left at exactly 3 o'clock. Just five minutes ago I had
been stuck in a traffic jam.
J The train left at exactly 3 o'clock. Just five minutes before I
had been stuck in a traffic jam
90
I don't agree the people who say women should stay at home.
J.
P In many ways I agree to his statement.
J
I don't agree with the people who say women should stay at
home
In many ways I agree with his statement.
agree with sblsth = have the same opinion as: 'You can't expect
everyone to agree with you all the time.' 'I tend to agree with you that the
proposal is too risky.'
91
1 don't understand why he doesn't agree the divorce.
P Conservationists will never agree the building of the motorway.
J I don't understand why he doesn't agree to the divorce.
J Conservationists will never agree to the building of the
motorway.
agree to sth = be willing to accept or allow something: 'The bank manager has agreed to a request for a loan
92
( I am agree that archaeological treasures should be protected.
Ir In some ways I am agree with those who want stricter
punishments.
J 1 agree that archaeological treasures should be protected.
J In some ways I agree with those who want stricter
punishments.
93
The government has made an agreement with the People's
| Republic of China
. .'2
J The government has reached agreement with the peopTe9s
Republic of China.
reach agreement or reachlcome tolwork out an agreemeni (with sb):
'After a week of talks, Britain and Iceland reached agreement on fishing
limits.' 'Recent government attempts to work out an agreement have
proved unsuccessful.
94
The country's economy is based on the airiculture.
J The country's economy is based on,agriculture.
95
We must begin to aid ourselvesand not wait for other countries.
Education can aid us to understand our world.
J We must begin to help ourselves and not wait for other
countries
Education can help us to understand our world.
Aid is mainly used as a noun: 'Many countries survive on foreign aid
from richer neighbours.' 'It is government policy to provide aid to the
homeless or the unemployed.'
As a verb, aid is used in formal styles and usually means 'help
something recover, develop, grow, etc': 'The country's economic
recovery has been aided by the recent peace agreement.
96
They can learn faster by the aid of computers.
J They can learn faster with the aid of computers.
with the aid of sth (NOT by): 'These bacteria cannot be seen without
the aid of a microscope.
97
Her lifelong aim was to learn how to fly.
J Her lifelong ambition was to learn how to fly.
98
He was aiming a gun against me.
X These programmes are aimed to a very wide audience.
J He was aiming a gun at me.
J These programmes are aimed at a very wide audience.
aim sth at sblsth: 'Each ball seemed to be aimed at my head.' 'This new
dictionary is aimed at intermediate learners of English.'
99
I started to learn English with the aim to become a teacher
J I started to learn English with the aim of becoming a
teacher.
with the aim of doing sth: 'I originally went out to the Far East with the
aim of setting up my own import-export business Compare: 'My aim is to become a teacher.'
100
It's hard to find a fresh air nowadays.
J It's hard to find any fresh air nowadays.
Air (= the mixture of gases that we breathe) is an uncountable noun:
'Let's go for a walk and get some air in our lungs.'
101
All the aircrafts have to be checked and refuelled.
J All the aircraft have to be checked and refuelled. r
The plural form of aircraft is aircraft (no change).
102
Finally we got really worried and alarmed the lobal police.
J Finally we got really worried and alerted the local police.
alarm = make someone feel worried about a possible danger: 'We don't
wish to alarm people unnecessarily, but it would be wise to avoid
drinking the tap water here.'
alert = Inform someone of possible danger so that they can be ready to
deal with it: 'When the p~lot realized that one engine had failed, he
alerted air traffic control.'
103
Every alive creature in the'gka is affected by pollution.
J Every living creature,in the sea is affected by pollution.
alive = not dead: 'He was very seriously ill and is lucky to be alive.'
living = (1) alive now: 'He has no living relatives.' (2) used to refer to all
creatures and things that live and die: 'Yeast is a living organism and too
much heat or cold can kill it.' 'The ants will eat any living thing that comes
into their path.'
104
Our teacher, Mr Collins, is very alive.
Our teacher, Mr Collins, is very lively.
lively =full of energy: 'The Yorkshire Terrier is a lively breed of dog
105
My reason for being alive had disappeared.
My reason for living had disappeared.
When you mean 'continue to be alive', use the verb live: 'Her
grandmother lived to a great age.' 'The baby was four months premature
and was not expected to live.'
106
He spent all the journey talking about accidents.
This decision changed all of her life.
He spent the whole journey talking about accidents.
This decision changed her whole life.
Before the singular form of a countable noun we usually use whole or
entire: 'We spent the whole lesson singing songs.' 'The entire document
will have to be rewritten.' Note that sometimes both all and wholelentire
are possible: 'It rained the wholelall the afternoon.' In these cases,
wholelentire provides greater emphasis and often expresses a feeling of
surprise, disappointment, satisfaction etc: 'I read the whole book in just two evenings
107
People envy her because she is good at all.
Nobody understands all.
People envy her because she is good at everything.
Nobody understands everything.
Do not use all to mean 'everything' unless it is immediately followed by a
relative clause: 'Is that all she wanted to know?'
108
All of us didn't want to go to bed.
All companies will not tolerate lazy workers.
None of us wanted to go to bed.
No company will tolerate lazy workers
109
We all must try to find a solution to the problem. /-
r
F
We all were delighted when we heard the news. /*
We must all try to find a solution to the problem.
We were all delighted when we heard the news,
110
As all you know, my name is Mary Smith:'
I've never forgotten how beautiful all 'it was.
As you all know, my name is Mary Smith.
I've never forgotten how beautiful it all was.
All of is placed immediately before a pronoun, but all is placed
immediately after. Compare: 'All of them speak French.' 'They all speak
French.'
111
I like all the kinds of music.
All of children learn to speak naturally.
.
All of the young couples need a home of their own.
I like all kinds of music.
All children learn to speak naturally
All young couples need a home of their own.
For general reference, put alllmosVsome etc immediately in front of the
noun: 'In Japan most people use chopsticks.'
For specific reference, use alllmost/some +of thelthesehheir etc +
noun: 'Most of the Americans I met were very friendly.
112
I didn't like the meal and couldn't eat all.
I didn't like the meal and couldn't eat it all.
I didn't like the meal and couldn't eat all of it.
Do not use all to replace a pronoun. Use all (or all of) with a pronoun:
'She took six exams and passed them all.' 'She took six exams and
passed all of them.'
113
They also allow to the prisoners to keep birds.
They also allow the prisoners to keep birds
.
allow sb to do sth (NOT to sb): 'The principal doesn't allow them to
wear jewellery to school
114
It's not allowed to talk in the library.
You aren't allowed to talk in the library.
Talking in the library isn't allowed.
It is not usually used as a preparatory subject before (not) allowed,
especially in spoken English
115
I almost have forgotten what she looks like.
The suitcase almost was too heavy to lift.
I have almost forgotten what she looks like.
The suitcase was almost too heavy to lift.
116
My job takes me almost to every part of the world.
My job takes me to almost every part of the world.
(2
Almost comes immediately before the word it modifies: 'He was
r..: working
in Hungary for almost ten years
117
Outside Japan, almost nobody speaks Japanese:
Outside Japan, hardly anybody speaks Japane! ;e.
e usual to 5 . .. Instead of saying almost nolnobodylnever etc, it is morl ;aY
hardly anylanybodylever etc: 'It was so early that there was naraly any
traffic.' 'I hardly ever go to the cinema nowadays.'
118
She almost couldn't breathe.
She could hardly breathe. ,
Almost is used with a negative verb when something does actually
happen although, at the time, there is a strong possibility that it will not
happen: 'I was feeling so tired that I almost didn't come.' 'The traffic was
so heavy that she almost didn't get here in time.' When you mean 'only a little' or 'only with great difficulty', use hardly:
'We hardly know each other.' 'She was so tired that she could hardly
keep her eyes open.' 'I can hardly hear myself think.'
119
I was very alone at first but then I made some friends.
J I was very lonely at first but then I made some friends.
alone = without other people around you: 'I've thought about getting
married, but I prefer living alone.'
lonely = sad because you are alone and feel that nobody loves you or
cares about you: 'I didn't know anyone in Boston and felt very lonely.'
'Sarah hated the long lonely days in the empty house.
120
Children learn a lot by doing things alone.
J Children learn a lot by doing things on their own.
on your own = without anyone's help or supervision; independently: 'He
built the car all on his own.
121
Walking along the city after dark is not a good idea.
J Walking through the city after dark is not a good idea.
along = (moving) next to the side of something long such as a road or
river: 'We walked along the Thames as far as Hampton Court.'
through = from one side of an area to another: 'The road goes through
all the major towns.'
122
Next July I'm going back to Hong Kong. I booked the tickets
| already.
J Next July I'm going back to Hong Kong. I've booked the
tickets already.
Already is usually used with the present perfect tense (NOT the past
tense): 'If he's already seen the film, he won't want to see it again.'
123
Most of the food is cold already when you get it.
P They had already ten children and didn't want any more.
J Most of the food is already cold when you get it.
J They already had ten children and didn't want any more.
J They had ten children already and didn't want any more.
124
The war is not over already. r
2
J
I( The new shop has not been opened already. /=
yet.' 'The plane hasn't landed yet.'
The war is not over yet. /-
J The new shop has not been opened yet. / F
Instead of using not + already, use not + yet: 'We haven't been paid
