Debra Powell

CAMBRIDGE

COMMON MISTAKES at CAE
… and how to avoid them

01
Perfect tenses: simple or continuous?
02
Perfect tenses: active or passive?
03
Give or have?
Test 1
04
How many objects does the verb need?
05
Do I use the gerund or infinitive with the verb + object?
06
Give, provide or offer?
Test 2
07
How do I use must and have to?
08
Do I put the adverb before or after a modal verb?
09
How do I use be supposed to, be expected to and be meant to?
Test 3
10
This or these?
11

How do I use amount of, number of, kinds of, etc.?
12
Which article do I use?
Test 4
13
You, your, yours, or you're?
14
Opportunity, possibility or chance?
15
Commonly confused nouns
Test 5
16
Commonly confused adjectives
17
Big, great or large?
18
When do I use a hyphen in compound words?
Test 6
19
Noun or verb?
20
How do I use negative prefixes?
21
When do I use regarding?
Test 7
22
How do I punctuate sentences with because and however?
23
How do I use because of?
24

If or whether! 42
Test 8
25
How do I use put?
26
Pay or spend?
27
Which preposition do I use?
Test 9
28
What are some common spelling mistakes?
29
Is the spelling British or American?
30
Kids or children?
Test 10
ANSWER KEY


Perfect tenses: simple or continuous?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
Global w e a t h e r patterns have changed fop many years.

1 a
b
2 a
b

G-lobal w e a t h e r patterns have been changing f o r many years.
I'd stayed a t a hotel f o r six months when I b o u g h t my house.

I'd been staying a t a hotel f o r six months when I b o u g h t my hodse.

We u s e t h e s i m p l e a s p e c t of t e n s e s for a c t i o n s w h i c h w e t h i n k are:
•

finished: I've done my homework,

•

p e r m a n e n t : I've lived in England

(the h o m e w o r k is finished)
for 10 years. I've worked for this company

for

most

of that time. (I t h i n k I will r e m a i n i n E n g l a n d a n d c o n t i n u e to w o r k for t h e s a m e
company)
We u s e t h e c o n t i n u o u s a s p e c t of t e n s e s for a c t i o n s w h i c h w e t h i n k are:
•

u n f i n i s h e d or i n p r o g r e s s : I've been doing my homework,

•

t e m p o r a r y : I've been living in England

for six months.


(it isn't finished

I've been working

yet)
as an au

pair. (I t h i n k I will leave E n g l a n d o n e d a y - m y j o b is t e m p o r a r y )
We u s e p a s t p e r f e c t t e n s e s t o c o n n e c t t w o p a s t a c t i o n s , a n d p a s t p e r f e c t c o n t i n u o u s
w h e n one event interrupts another:
I'd been waiting

for twenty

minutes

when the bus

arrived.

T*r T h e s i m p l e o r c o n t i n u o u s a s p e c t a p p l i e s a c r o s s t h e e n t i r e t e n s e s y s t e m .

3 C o m p l e t e t h e s e n t e n c e s w i t h t h e correct f o r m of t h e v e r b i n brackets.
1 I

(live) h e r e all m y life a n d n e v e r w a n t t o leave.

2 I


(attend)

3 We
4 I
5 Mr Georgiou

a b e g i n n e r ' s class i n S p a n i s h for six w e e k s .

(drive) for h o u r s w h e n w e s p o t t e d t h e h o t e l .
(take) t h e t r a i n for a l o n g t i m e . 1 prefer t o drive.
(work) for t h e c o m p a n y for t w e n t y y e a r s w h e n

h e retired.
6 T h e city I g r e w u p i n

(changed)

so m u c h , I h a r d l y r e c o g n i s e it

any more.
7 I

(work) i n a n office for t h e p a s t m o n t h , b u t m y p r o f e s s i o n is

acting.
8 She

(always I take) g o o d care of h e r finances.
5



Perfect tenses: active or passive?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a
b
2 a
b

Eating habits have changed dramatically in the last decade.
Eating habits have been changed dramatically in the last decade.
Smoking has s h o w n t o b e a cause o f cancer.
Smoking has been s h o w n t o be a cause o f cancer.

We u s e active f o r m s of p e r f e c t t e n s e s {had I has + p a s t participle} to d e s c r i b e a
situation which has changed:
It's really stormy - the roof has blown

off!

We u s e p a s s i v e f o r m s of p e r f e c t t e n s e s [has I had been + p a s t participle) t o d e s c r i b e
s o m e t h i n g w h i c h h a p p e n e d i n t h e p a s t a n d h a s a clear effect o n t h e p r e s e n t :
The effect of diet on health

has been

proved.

We u s e active f o r m s of p e r f e c t t e n s e s t o d e s c r i b e a s i t u a t i o n w h i c h h a s c h a n g e d b y
itself. We u s e p a s s i v e f o r m s w h e n t h e s i t u a t i o n h a s b e e n c h a n g e d b y s o m e o n e or
s o m e t h i n g i n particular. C o m p a r e :

Attitudes

to religion have

His attitude

changed.

to life has been changed

by the

accident.

We u s e t h e p r e s e n t p e r f e c t for activities w h i c h h a v e a clear effect o n t h e p r e s e n t . For
finished activities w i t h n o c o n n e c t i o n t o t h e p r e s e n t , u s e t h e p a s t s i m p l e . C o m p a r e :
Last week's football
Today's football

match

match

was cancelled,

(we a r e t h i n k i n g of t h e past)

has been cancelled,

(we a r e t h i n k i n g of t h e p r e s e n t - m e r e is n o


m a t c h today)

3 Underline the most suitable tense.
1 T h e e c o n o m i c s i t u a t i o n has improved
2 T h e light b u l b was invented

I has been improved

I had been invented

considerably.

by T h o m a s Edison.

3 I had applied I applied for t h e j o b last w e e k a n d n o w I h a v e b e e n invited for interview.
4 T h e h o u s e i n w h i c h h e lived had left I had been left t o h i m b y h i s m o t h e r .
5 Since l o s i n g h i s j o b h i s lifestyle has changed

I has been changed

considerably.

6 It has proved I has been proved t h a t caffeine affects h e a r t r a t e a n d b l o o d p r e s s u r e .
7 We have organised
8 H e had handed

I have been organised

in I handed


a l e a v i n g p a r t y for Alex.

in I has handed
6

in h i s n o t i c e last w e e k .


Give or have?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a
b
2 a
b

Madonna g a v e an excellent performance,
Madonna had an excellent performance.
Television can give a g r e a t effect on the family,
Television can have a g r e a t effect on the family.

We u s e give t o f o r m c o l l o c a t i o n s w i t h c e r t a i n n o u n s w i t h a n active m e a n i n g , i.e. 'to
deliver':
•

give a performance

•

give information


I speech I talk: The band gave a great
I advice I an example

He gave no explanation

for his poor

I an

performance,

explanation:

performance.

I n m o r e f o r m a l s p e e c h or writing, w e often r e p l a c e give w i t h o t h e r v e r b s :
•

give I deliver a speech; give I express an opinion;
The lecture will be held in Room

give I hold a lecture:

336.

We u s e have w i t h c e r t a i n n o u n s t o f o r m c o l l o c a t i o n s w i t h t h e s e n s e of o w n e r s h i p :
•

have a(n) problem


I chance I opportunity

If I have a chance,

I'll

•

have an idea I impression

•

have an advantage

I opinion:

I effect I

You have the advantage,
•

I experience

I career I baby.

travel.
Do you have an opinion

on


hunting?

impact.

I'm afraid. My comments

have a meal I break I appointment

had no effect on

I trip: I like to have a light

We u s e have, n o t spend, i n c e r t a i n p h r a s e s t o d o w i t h t i m e :
•

have a great time I a pleasant

evening.

She had a great time in

Ibiza.

3 Correct t h e s e n t e n c e s w i t h a f o r m of give or have as a p p r o p r i a t e .
1 H a v e y o u t a k e n b r e a k f a s t yet?
2 We s p e n t a g r e a t t i m e at t h e party.
3 M a r i a h o l d s a great party, don't y o u think?
4 T h e l e c t u r e s w e r e m a d e b y a series of e x p e r t s
5 The b o o k h a s m a d e a great i m p a c t on public opinion

6 I ' m tired. Are w e m a k i n g a b r e a k ?
7 N o t e v e r y o n e c a n m a k e a g o o d career.
8 If y o u d o n ' t u n d e r s t a n d , I'll s h o w y o u a n o t h e r e x a m p l e
7

him.

breakfast.


TEST 1
1 C o m p l e t e e a c h s e n t e n c e w i t h a f o r m of give o r have a n d o n e of t h e w o r d s i n t h e b o x .
Use each word only once.
advice

appointment

experience

idea

problems

speech

explanation j
j

1 Traditionally, t h e b e s t m a n


a(n)

at the

wedding reception.
2 A: W h e r e are y o u going?
B: I

a(n)

with the bank manager.

3 A: H o w w a s y o u r holiday?
B: N o t great. We

a lot of

(s) w i t h t h e

hotel.
4 The m a n a g e r couldn't

us any

for t h e lack

of facilities a d v e r t i s e d i n t h e b r o c h u r e .
5 It's i m p o r t a n t for y o u t o

a(n)


of h o w t h e

firm is o r g a n i s e d b e f o r e y o u s t a r t w o r k i n g h e r e .
6 Having
like t o

no

of r a i s i n g c h i l d r e n , I w o u l d n ' t

you

o n h o w to d e a l w i t h y o u r

son's p r o b l e m .
2 C o m p l e t e t h e d i a l o g u e . P u t t h e v e r b s i n b r a c k e t s i n e i t h e r t h e p r e s e n t perfect
s i m p l e or p r e s e n t perfect c o n t i n u o u s t e n s e .
Mark:

A n n a , I h a v e n ' t s e e n y o u s i n c e College! W h a t (1)

Anna:

Mark! W h a t a s u r p r i s e ! (2)

Mark:

Well, (3)


(do)!
(work) i n F r a n c e . A n d y o u ?

(have) a few j o b s a b r o a d , b u t I ' m i n L o n d o n

n o w a n d (4)

(teach) a t a s c h o o l i n H a m p s t e a d for t h e

p a s t few m o n t h s .
Anna:

That's great! D o y o u t h i n k you'll s t a y t h e r e ?

Mark:

H a r d t o say. (5)

(always I want) t o live i n t h e Far East,

a n d lately (6)

(think)

a b o u t a p p l y i n g for w o r k i n H o n g

Kong.
Anna:

(7)


Qxear) it's a g r e a t p l a c e t o live. Listen, there's a n e w

p l a y s h o w i n g a t t h e Art C e n t r e . (8)
Mark:

N o t yet. (9)

j o b . Hey, y o u a n d S a r a h w e r e g o o d m a t e s . (10)
yet? M a y b e t h e t h r e e of u s c o u l d go t o g e t h e r .
Anna:

(see) it?

(not I he) o u t m u c h s i n c e I s t a r t e d t h i s n e w

G o o d i d e a . Give m e y o u r n u m b e r ...

8

(ring) h e r


3 Read Mark's e m a i l to a c o l l e a g u e , Alex. U s e t h e i n f o r m a t i o n i n it to c o m p l e t e t h e
m i n u t e s . U s e a n a p p r o p r i a t e p a s s i v e verb for e a c h g a p .

Hi Alex
Sorry you weren't able to make the staff meeting.
Some good news! We got our exam results this
week and they were much better than last year's

- 10% more of our students got a pass. By the
way, there've been a lot of complaints from
students about other students arriving late, so
we've decided that teachers should send late
arrivals to the library. What do you think? Finally,
you know the party that we'd scheduled for
15 Oct - we've postponed it to the 22nd.
See you soon.
Mark

Minutes
1 The Cambridge examination results, which
(1)
this week, show
a pass result (2)
by
10% more students this year than lasl.
2 Complaints (3)
by a
number of students that their classes are
being disturbed by other students who arrive
late. It (4)
that
students who arrive more than 10 minutes
late should be sent to the library J o work.
3 The date for die mid-term party, Which
(5)
for 15 October,
(6)
to 22 October.


4 In e a c h l i n e of t h e text p u t t h e verb i n b r a c k e t s i n a n a p p r o p r i a t e perfect t e n s e .

T H E NEWS T O D A Y
Fresh outbreaks of violence (report) today in the country of

1

Mornavia, where rebel forces (surround)

the capital city.

2

Continued fighting (take) place throughout the day and night.

3

The President (announce) that his government may step down

4

in response to the popular support which (give) to the rebel

5

forces, though previously he (deny) any possibility of surrender.

6


Tensions in the country (build), but violence erupted during

7

the elections last year. To date, the cost of the conflict (be)

8

high. Countless lives (be) lost in the fighting and industry
in the country (virtually/ come) to a halt.

9
10

5 Are t h e s e s e n t e n c e s right or w r o n g ? Correct t h o s e w h i c h are w r o n g .
1 This year's t r a d e figures had been announced y e s t e r d a y
2 We spent a wonderful time a t the beach y e s t e r d a y
3 Look a t the w e a t h e r l It's rained all day!
4 I complained a b o u t the service and they agreed t o have my money back
5 Going t o w a r had an impact on the government's popularity
6 David Buckingham has announced his retirement from professional s p o r t
7 T h e announcement has been made a s h o r t time a g o
9


How many objects does the verb need?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a
b
2 a

b

I'm writing t o give information and advice.
I'm writing t o give y o u information and advice.
I r e g r e t t o inform t h a t there have been complaints a b o u t the service.
I r e g r e t t o inform y o u t h a t there have been complaints a b o u t the service.

Transitive v e r b s r e q u i r e a n object. S o m e v e r b s n e e d t w o objects t o c o m p l e t e t h e i r
m e a n i n g , a n i n d i r e c t object, w h i c h generally c o m e s first, a n d a direct object:
•

send I give (someone

something):

I gave him the money I owed. I I've sent you an

email.

•fr We c a n often p u t t h e d i r e c t o b j e c t [the thing) first, followed b y a p r e p o s i t i o n :
I gave the money
sent to her an

to him. II sent an email

to her. (not J gave to him the money

11

email)


O t h e r v e r b s t a k i n g t w o objects are:
•

assure (someone)

that+

c l a u s e / assure (someone)

I assure you that we'll do everything

of

(something):

we can to help. 11 assure you of our

best

intentions.
•

inform

(someone)

that + c l a u s e / inform

(someone)


This letter is to inform you that I am not satisfied
•

tell (someone)

(something)

I tell (someone)

of I about

(something):

I inform you of my

that + c l a u s e / tell (someone)

dissatisfaction.
how I why,

etc.:
He told me a lie. I He told me that he wasn't married.

I He told me where he lived.

2 Correct t h e m i s t a k e b e l o w .

I'dlike
3 Are t h e s e n t e n c e s right o r w r o n g ? Correct t h o s e w h i c h are w r o n g .

1 I give t o y o u my w o r d t h a t y o u r secret is safe
2 T h e firm assured Nadia o f their complete t r u s t in her ability
3 I sent t o her a message last week
4 1st me give some advice
5 Thank y o u f o r telling a b o u t y o u r stay in Japan
6 James told t o the police the t r u t h
7 He told w h e r e he spent Friday night
8 T h e police informed him t h a t he wasn't a suspect
10


Do I use the gerund or infinitive with the verb + object?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a
b
2 a
b

Let them k n o w when you're arriving.
Let them t o k n o w when you're arriving.
I can't s t o p y o u t o leave if y o u w a n t t o go.
I can't stop y o u leaving if y o u w a n t t o go.

S o m e v e r b s n e e d a n object followed b y a n infinitive w i t h to:
•

allow I authorise

(someone)


The ticket authorises
•

get I force I help (someone)
I got the doctor

•

to do

Iallows

(something):

you to travel for one

to do

(something):

to make a house call.

ask I tell (someone)

month.

Poor health forced

to do (something):


him to give up

Can I ask you to do something

for

smoking.
me?

S o m e v e r b s t a k e a n infinitive w i t h o u t to:
•

let I make

(someone)

do

We can't let you leave.

(something):
You can't make me go.

O t h e r v e r b s n e e d a n object followed b y a g e r u n d :
•

stop I prevent

someone


(from) doing something

The police put up barriers to prevent
•

see I hear I watch I feel (someone)
I watched

the children

playing

people

doing
in the

i n t h e future:

entering

the

house.

(something):
park.

I ' m afraid
3 U n d e r l i n e t h e correct f o r m .

1 H o w c a n w e get t h e m change I to change I changing

their minds?

2 C h i l d r e n a r e n o t allowed travel I to travel I travelling

unaccompanied.

3 There's n o t h i n g p r e v e n t i n g y o u take I to take I taking

a holiday.

4 I w o n ' t let y o u make I to make I making
5 I'm a s k i n g y o u consider

I to consider

such a stupid mistake.

I considering

the consequences.

6 It's i m p o s s i b l e t o m a k e s o m e o n e do I to do I doing s o m e t h i n g t h e y d o n ' t w a n t t o d o .
7 I c a n h e a r m u s i c play I to play I playing

in the background.

8 I w i s h I c o u l d s t o p h e r f r o m feel I to feel I feeling
11


sorry for herself!


Give, provide or offer?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a
b
2 a
b

We wish t o complain a b o u t the service given by y o u r company.
We wish t o complain a b o d t the service p r o v i d e d by y o u r company.
T h e service y o u p r o v i d e d did n o t match y o u r promises,
T h e service y o u o f f e r e d did n o t match y o u r promises.

We u s e

provide:

•

as a g e n e r a l rule, t o talk a b o u t services w h i c h h a v e a l r e a d y h a p p e n e d :

•

i n s t e a d of give i n m o r e f o r m a l c o n t e x t s :

The information


you requested

They have promised

to provide

is provided

in the brochure

we sent

you.

us with a friendly service, (not to give us a

friendly

service)
We u s e offer:
•

t o talk a b o u t p o s s i b l e services w h i c h s o m e o n e m i g h t c h o o s e i n t h e future:
We can offer (you) an excellent

discount

(if you choose our

service).


We u s e offer a n d provide w i t h t w o o b j e c t s :
•

offer (someone

something)

They offer people

They offer free legal advice
•

provide

(someone)

I offer (something)

with financial

problems

to people

with (something)

(someone):

with financial

I provide

The hotel does not provide

guests

The hotel does not provide

an evening

2 Correct t h e m i s t a k e below.

to

free legal

advice.
problems.

(something)

with an evening
meal (for its

for

(someone):

meal.
guests).

_

3 C o m p l e t e t h e s e n t e n c e s b e l o w w i t h t h e correct f o r m of give, offer o r

•

.

provide.

1 We c a n
... t h e ffooc
o o d if y o u c a n s u p p l y t h e e n t e r t a i n m e n t .
2 If y o u sign t h e c o n t r a c t today,
ly, w e ccaann
a 10% d i s c o u n t .
3 M o r n i n g a n d e v e n i n g m e a l s3 a r e
as p a r t of t h e service.
4 We're
y o u a bbeet t e r d e a l t h a n you'll find a n y w h e r e else.
5 It's o u r policy t o
clients w i t h t h e b e s t service p o s s i b l e .
6 For a small surcharge, w e
clients t h e o p t i o n of b r i n g i n g a guest.
7 I've
y o u all t h e i n f o r m a t i o n I h a v e available.
8 Would you
m e 1t h e n a m e of y o u r m a n a g e r , p l e a s e .
12



TEST 2
1 Underline the m o s t appropriate word.
1 T h e h o t e l gives I provides

I offers e v e n i n g e n t e r t a i n m e n t for its g u e s t s .

2 T h e c o m p a n y p r o m i s e s t o give I provide I offer m e a l s m a d e f r o m fresh i n g r e d i e n t s .
3 H a v e t h e y given I provided
4 W o u l d y o u give I provide

I offered y o u a d i s c o u n t if y o u s i g n t o d a y ?
I offer m e y o u r t e l e p h o n e n u m b e r ?

5 C a t e r i n g services a i m t o give I provide
6 T h e y ' r e offering I providing

I offer g o o d f o o d a t l o w cost.

c a s h p r i z e s t o w i n n e r s of t h e b e s t c o m p e t i t i o n .

7 There's n o p o i n t i n f u r t h e r n e g o t i a t i o n . T h e s e a r e t h e b e s t t e r m s I c a n give I
provide I offer.
8 We a r e offering I providing

y o u t h e c h a n c e t o b u y t h e c o m p l e t e set a t half p r i c e .

2 C o m p l e t e Suzanne's e m a i l b y filling i n t h e g a p s w i t h a n a p p r o p r i a t e w o r d w h e r e
necessary.


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e v e n i n g o f 2 2 O c t o b e r a n d 1 a m w o n d e r i n g if y o u w o u l d p r o v i d e u s
!

(1)

information o n t h e catering services your firm

(2)

W o u l d y o u b e a b l e t o p r o v i d e m e a l s (4)
\


offers

T h e r e w i l l b e 2 0 t o 3 0 p e o p l e a t t e n d i n g , b u t I will b e

special dietary requirements?

people

with

( O n e p e r s o n w h o m a y a t t e n d is a v e g e t a r i a n a n d

a n o t h e r is d i a b e t i c . ) C o u l d y o u p l e a s e s e n d (5)

sample

m e n u s f o r h o t a n d c o l d m e a l s a n d a p r i c e list? Finally, a f r i e n d w h o
recommended
(7)

y o u r f i r m t e l l s (6)

t h a t y o u offer

d i s c o u n t s t o larger g r o u p s a n d I a m w o n d e r i n g if y o u

w o u l d b e a b l e t o o f f e r (8)

a reduction o n your s e t rates?


13


3 Is e a c h l i n e in t h e letter b e l o w right or w r o n g ? Correct t h o s e w h i c h are w r o n g .
S o m e t i m e s there is a w o r d m i s s i n g , a w r o n g w o r d or a w o r d w h i c h is n o t n e e d e d .
\Thank;you for your letter;inquiring:about our- catering, service.. -v |
Notonly can we provide you a

fall^

offer to you a 10% discount on numbers over 20 if you

2
:

3

send to us confirmation of your booking within 30 days. We can

t

also provide, dishes tomeet.speGialfdieta^requirementS'if you
to provide'with nartherdnformatioffionrequest.:In closing, I'd:
;

4
5

F


inform in advance. I e n d o s e atull price list..We"will be happy :
like to assure to you of our best intentions.

1

6

- • : 7

'.

8

4 Rewrite t h e s e c o n d s e n t e n c e , u s i n g a f o r m of t h e w o r d i n brackets, s o t h a t it m e a n s
t h e s a m e as t h e first.
1 His d o c t o r m a d e h i m go o n a strict diet, (force)
His d o c t o r
2 His c o m p a n y gave h i m p e r m i s s i o n t o t a k e u n p a i d leave f r o m work,

(authorise)

His c o m p a n y
3 W o u l d y o u d o s o m e t h i n g for m e please? (ask)
Could I
4 T h e s c h o o l d e c i d e d n o t t o let h i m t a k e t h e e x a m ,

(allow)

The school decided
5 T h e p o l i c e didn't allow w i t n e s s e s t o leave t h e s c e n e of t h e c r i m e ,


(prevent)

The police
6 T h e y forced m e to sign t h e d o c u m e n t ,

(make)

They
7 N o m a t t e r w h a t I d o , m y c o m p u t e r w o n ' t w o r k , (get)
I can't
8 They p r o m i s e d to help m e in any way they could,

(assure)

They
5 Are t h e s e n t e n c e s right or w r o n g ? Correct t h o s e w h i c h are w r o n g .
1 I could hear music playing in the b a c k g r o u n d
2 My parents refused t o allow me going o u t on a school night
3 I could smell f o o d c o o k when I walked t h r o u g h the door.
4 T h e y don't allow their children staying up p a s t nine o'clock
5 You haven't told w h y you've come t o see me
6 I'd like t o inform y o u t h a t I've decided n o t t o attend the course
7 T h e tour bus s t o p p e d f o r an hour t o allow passengers going t o the shops.
8 His health prevents him t o w o r k full time.

14


How do I use must and have to?

1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a
b
2 a
b

You mustn't take lessons t o learn t o cook.
You don't have t o take lessons t o learn t o cook.
I must have w e a r a suit and tie in my last j o b .
I had t o w e a r a suit and tie in my last j o b .

All m o d a l v e r b s u s e d t o express c e r t a i n t y i n t h e p a s t t a k e have + p a s t p a r t i c i p l e :
You must be Ellen's sister-you

look just like her. (present)

You must have had a good time last night-you

look terrible!

(past)

T h e n e g a t i v e f o r m of t h i s u s e of must is can't do o r can't have

done:

You can't be certain she's guilty - what proof do you have? (present)
The party can't have been any good - they were home early, (past)
W h e n must is u s e d t o e x p r e s s o b l i g a t i o n , t h e p a s t f o r m is had to + infinitive:
You must see a doctor - you're obviously

I had to leave work early yesterday

not well, (present)

-1 was ill. (past)

T h e n e g a t i v e f o r m s of this u s e of must are:
•

mustn't

do, for n e g a t i v e obligation, a n d don't have to do, for a b s e n c e of obligation:

You mustn't

play with matches

- it's dangerous!

(present)

You don't have to go to school today - it's a holiday,
•

(present)

didn't have to do for a b s e n c e of o b l i g a t i o n :
I didn't have to wear a suit last night - it was an informal

dinner,


(past)

2 Correct t h e m i s t a k e below.

7

3^_JH»^

Jamie's in bed, Doctor, and

3 C o m p l e t e t h e s e n t e n c e s . U s e a f o r m o f must, have to or can't. It m a y b e n e c e s s a r y to
c h a n g e t h e f o r m of t h e w o r d i n b r a c k e t s .
1 T h a t w a s a n awful a c c i d e n t - yyoouu
(be) v e r y frightened.
2 We
(argue)
(argue) a n y m o r e - it's affecting t h e c h i l d r e n .
3 T h e fridge is e m p t y - t h e y
(eat) all t h e food!
4 I
(go) oouutt last n i g h t , t h o u g h I'd r a t h e r h a v e s t a y e d a t h o m e .
5 You
(be) serious!
s
I don't believe you're saying mat!
6 T h e w e d d i n g ' s t o m o r r o w - yyoouu .
(be) feeling n e r v o u s .
7 You
(buy) m e a p r e s e n t , b u t h o w kind!

(buy)
8 She
(tell) 1h i m t h e t r u t h o r t h e y w o u l d n ' t still b e t o g e t h e r .
15


Do I put the adverb before or after a modal verb?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a

I'm s o tired, I can hardly keep my eyes open,

b

I'm s o tired. I hardly can keep my eyes open.

2

a

T h e y won't p r o b a b l y arrive on time - they never do.

b

T h e y p r o b a b l y won't arrive on time - they never do.

We u s u a l l y p u t t h e s e a d v e r b s i m m e d i a t e l y after t h e m o d a l auxiliary v e r b :
•

a d v e r b s of t i m e a n d frequency, e.g. ever, sometimes,

You will never learn to speak English

if you don't

I can still see the mess you left in the
•
•

•

a d v e r b s of d e g r e e , e.g. barely,
manage

We could hardly

have managed

just.

hardly:

it in the time we
it in less

a d v e r b s of certainty, e.g. definitely,
see you

practise.

stretch.


We could barely

I will probably

soon:

kitchen.

f o c u s i n g a d v e r b s , e.g. also, only, even,
I can just reach it if I

never, still, already,

had.
time.

probably,

possibly:

tonight.

These adverbs c o m e before a contracted negative m o d a l :
J probably

won't see you at the party. 11 definitely

A d v e r b s of m a n n e r e n d i n g in -ly, e.g. angrily,


can't meet

easily, happily,

you.

c a n go after t h e m o d a l

v e r b or after all auxiliary v e r b s in a p h r a s e :
You could have easily phoned

and told me where you

were.

You could easily have phoned

and told me where you

were.

^ZT-V^^V—v—V

2 Correct t h e m i s t a k e b e l o w .

\^__

You
3 Add t h e adverb i n b r a c k e t s t o t h e s e n t e n c e .
1 You c a n live well w i t h v e r y litde m o n e y , (still)

2 If you'd t r i e d a little h a r d e r , y o u m i g h t h a v e c o m e first, (even)
3 I'd h a v e a g r e e d t o h e l p if y o u ' d a s k e d m e . (liappily)
4 It's tiny. You c a n s e e it close u p . (only)
5 Travelling is fun, b u t it c a n b e v e r y e x p e n s i v e , (also)
6 I can't go o u t t o n i g h t . I've t o o m u c h w o r k , (definitely)
7 H o w c o u l d y o u go a h e a d w i t h t h e p a r t y after w h a t ' s h a p p e n e d ?
8 You s h o u l d n ' t d r i n k a n d drive, (ever)
16

(possibly)


How do I use be supposed to, be expected to and be meant to?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a
b
2 a
b

You expected t o dress smartly f o r a wedding.
You a r e expected t o dress smartly f o r a wedding.
Cars meant t o make our lives easier.
C a r s a r e meant t o make our lives easier.

Suppose
I suppose

is similar i n m e a n i n g t o 'think':
we should


be leaving. It's getting

late.

We u s e expect to t o s a y w e w a n t o r h o p e t o d o s o m e t h i n g , a n d mean

to to say w e

i n t e n d to d o s o m e t h i n g :
W e expected
I meant

to arrive

before 9.00, but we were

to meet you as we agreed, but I was

We u s e be supposed

to, be expected

late.
delayed.

to a n d be meant

to t o d e s c r i b e s o m e t h i n g s o m e o n e

else t h i n k s w e s h o u l d / s h o u l d n ' t d o :

You're not supposed
You're expected

to park

to arrive

here.

by 9.00 for the

interview.

W h e n t a l k i n g a b o u t t h e p a s t w e u s e was I were supposed
p l a c e of should

to I expected

to I meant

to i n

have done t o criticise s o m e o n e ' s b e h a v i o u r :

You're late! You were supposed
You were expected

to be here an hour

to wear a suit for the


We u s e was I were supposed
We were supposed

ago.

meeting.

to t o s a y t h a t e v e n t s d i d n ' t h a p p e n t h e w a y w e e x p e c t e d :

to stop somewhere

nice for lunch,

( b u t w e didn't)

3 U n d e r l i n e t h e correct w o r d s .
1 Visitors suppose

I are supposed

2 L u n c h should

I was supposed

3 I was meant/

meant

to s e e t h e f a m o u s L o n d o n sights.

to b e i n a typical English r e s t a u r a n t , b u t it wasn't.

t o s e n d y o u a c a r d for y o u r b i r t h d a y , b u t I forgot,

4 A c c o r d i n g t o t h e invitation, w h a t t i m e do we expect I are we expected-to
5 A f a m o u s a c t o r meant
6 You're n o t suppose

I was meant

to I supposed

to o p e n t h i s r e s t a u r a n t .

to w a l k o n t h e grass.

7 T h e r e s u l t w a s n ' t w h a t it was expected
8 We supposed

I were supposed

I expected

to have a meeting.
17

to be.

arrive?



TEST 3
1 W h e r e necessary, a d d am, is or are t o t h e s e n t e n c e .
1 All reeds meant t o be inclusive in the price
2 I expected t o be home earlier, but the t r a f f i c w a s terrible
3 I meant t o bring my wallet but I f o r g o t
4 Black cats supposed t o be unlucky
5 I suppose y o u think I'm mad. but I really w a n t t o leave my j o b
6 Technology meant t o make our lives easier.
7 You expected t o dress smartly f o r the dinner tonight
8 You supposed t o exercise three times a week
2 C o m p l e t e t h e s e c o n d s e n t e n c e s o it m e a n s t h e s a m e as t h e first, u s i n g t h e w o r d s i n
b r a c k e t s . U s e b e t w e e n three a n d six w o r d s .
1 D o c t o r s r e c o m m e n d a b a l a n c e d diet,

(suppose)

You

e a t a b a l a n c e d diet.

2 It's illegal t o w a l k o n t h e grass,

(suppose)

You

o n t h e grass.

3 M y p a r e n t s t h o u g h t I w o u l d b e c o m e a doctor, b u t I didn't,


(expect)

My parents

, b u t I didn't.

4 W h y a r e t h e y h e r e ? T h e y w e r e n ' t invited,

(mean)

They

here.

5 P e o p l e say t h a t t h e n u m b e r t h i r t e e n b r i n g s b a d luck,

(suppose)

The n u m b e r

unlucky.

6 I always i n t e n d e d t o go b a c k t o s c h o o l a n d finish m y e d u c a t i o n ,
I always

(mean)

a n d finish m y e d u c a t i o n .


7 A c c o r d i n g t o t h e itinerary, w e s h o u l d h a v e visited t h e castle yesterday,
We

(suppose)

t h e c a s d e yesterday.

8 T h e y a n t i c i p a t e a lot of p e o p l e will t a k e p a r t i n t h e e v e n t ,

(expect)

A lot of

in t h e event.

3 U n d e r l i n e t h e correct form.
1 You can't I mustn't
2 You mustn't

b e c e r t a i n t h e y ' r e c o i n i n g t o t h e party.

I don't have to lie t o t h e t a x office a b o u t y o u r i n c o m e - y o u c o u l d go t o

prison.
3 I must have gone I had to go o u t - 1 h a d a n i m p o r t a n t m e e t i n g .
4 You mustn't

have I can't have m e t m y m o t h e r - s h e lives i n C a n a d a .

5 You mustn't


I don't have to go t o w o r k o n a p u b l i c holiday.

6 You can't be I can't have been s e r i o u s - s u r e l y y o u d i d n ' t m e a n w h a t y o u said l a s t
night.
7 You must be I must have been tired w h e n y o u a r r i v e d a t t h e party.
8 T h e y must have gone out I had to go out - t h e i r car's g o n e a n d t h e lights are o u t .

IS


4 Reorder t h e w o r d s i n b r a c k e t s t o c o m p l e t e Alan's letter t o a friend.

l>ear Alex
U u s t +o let you know we're back from Barcelona.. What a

disappointment

t h a t was!
First of all, b e c a u s e t h e air conditioning in t h e hotel was broken, we h a d
t o leave oar windows open. The hotel w a s very near t h e c e n t r e a n d t h e
room w a s so noisy we ( l )
(sleep / hardly / could).
Not t h a t we w a n t e d t o look o u t of t h e window either - when we did we
(2j
(only / could / see) building s i t e s !
I have t o s a y t h a t t h e itinerary w a s n ' t b a d , except t h a t on our l a s t
afternoon it poured with rain. I know 5 u n Travel (3)
(could / anticipated
/ hardly / have) b a d w e a t h e r , b u t t h e y

(H)
(easily / had / have / could) a contingency plan.
VJe (5)
(had / should / have / also) more, time a t
t h e Picasso Museum, a s t h e r e w a s so much t o see t h e r e . Oh, a n d t h e
bus t h e y provided w a s so cramped 1 LG)
(move /
could / barely)

my le_gs, b u t by t h e n I was t i r e d of complaining.

Of course, I ' v e a s k e d for compensation, b u t t h e f a c t is nothing
(7)
(up / make / can / ever) for t h e disappointment
of a ruined holiday. T r u t h is, we (8)
(should /
booked / never / have) a package holiday in t h e f i r s t place -

Barcelona

is such an e a s y place t o _get a r o u n d next time we'll j u s t _get on a plane
a n d find our own way round.
ttope you're well,
B e s t wishes
Alan

5 Are t h e s e n t e n c e s right or w r o n g ? Correct t h o s e w h i c h are w r o n g .
1 She can't have left y e t - her coat's still there
2 She must have already arrived
3 I won't see y o u a t the meeting tonight p r o b a b l y

4 She will admit never she w a s w r o n g
5 She p r o b a b l y will win the competition
6 We hardly could see t h e performance because w e w e r e sitting in the b a c k row.
7 We can p r o v i d e samples also o f the menus f o r y o u t o study
8 I w o u l d have happily helped y o u if you'd asked me
19


This or these?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a
b
2 a
b

People d o t o o little exercise this days,
People d o t o o little exercise these days.
After all this advice. I hope you'll come t o the right decision.
After all these advices. I hope you'll come t o the right decision.

We u s e these i n front of p l u r a l n o u n s , e.g. children,
Wliere did all these people

come

mice, people,

police:

from?


We u s e this i n front of:
•

singular countable n o u n s :
Wliy choose this place and

•

time?

uncountable nouns:
/ hope this information

will be

helpful.

An u n c o u n t a b l e n o u n h a s n o p l u r a l f o r m . C o m m o n u n c o u n t a b l e n o u n s are: chaos,
evidence,

ice, information,

pressure, success, thunder,

knowledge,
traffic,

lightning,


literature,

money,

permission,

work

We u s e this a n d these w i t h n o u n s t h a t w e t h i n k a r e close i n s p a c e o r t i m e , a n d

that

a n d those w i t h n o u n s t h a t w e s e e as m o r e d i s t a n t :
Can you help me? There's a problem
I wish you'd stop playing

with that

with this

softtvare.

computer!

3 Are t h e s e n t e n c e s right or wrong? Where n e c e s s a r y correct t h e u n d e r l i n e d expressions.
1 For all these reasons, I hope y o u will consider ray p r o p o s a l
2 Don't y o u think these money should g o in the bank?
3 In this changing times, w e have t o be p r e p a r e d t o a d a p t t o new circumstances.
4 Can someone tell me w h y this children aren't in school?
5 We couldn't have achieved this success w i t h o u t y o u r e f f o r t s

6 People a r e doing very little exercise this d a y s
7 We hope t o continue these w o r k f o r many y e a r s
8 H o w did y o u come by these knowledges?
20


How do I use amount of, number of, kinds of, etc.?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a

T h e amount o f people suffering from this disease is increasing,

b

T h e number o f people suffering from this disease is increasing.

2 a
b

T h e r e a r e hundreds o f different s o r t o f butterflies,
T h e r e a r e hundreds o f different s o r t s o f butterflies.

We u s e number

o/before a plural countable n o u n :

There are a number
We u s e amount

of problems


of or quantity

We have a limited

amount

to

address.

o/before an uncountable noun:

of office equipment

to sell.

We u s e p l u r a l f o r m s like kinds of, sorts of, types of.
•

after p l u r a l e x p r e s s i o n s like all, different,
I've taken all kinds of courses,

•

many,

these a n d

various:


but this was the best.

before plural n o u n s :
These sorts of opportunities

don't come that

often.

W e u s e t h e s i n g u l a r f o r m kind of, sort of, type of.
•

w h e n w e a r e t a l k i n g a b o u t o n e sort, t y p e or k i n d of t h i n g :

•

before u n c o u n t a b l e n o u n s :

There is a demand

for this kind of job.

This sort of information

can be dangerous

in the wrong

hands.

.M

2 Correct t h e m i s t a k e below.

1 fiijcn
3 U n d e r l i n e t h e correct w o r d s .
1 D o n ' t forget t o t a k e a s m a l l amount

I number

of c o i n s w i t h y o u .

2 It's n o t safe t o c a r r y a large amount

I number

of c a s h w i t h y o u .

3 T h i s kind I kinds of h i g h - p a y i n g j o b is difficult t o find.
4 T h e r e w e r e all sort I sorts of articles a n d b o o k s for sale.
5 A large amount

I number

of s t u d e n t s t o o k p a r t i n t h e d e m o n s t r a t i o n .

6 T h e r e a r e p l a n s t o i n c r e a s e t h e amount

I number


of l o w - c o s t a c c o m m o d a t i o n

available.
7 O u r c l u b n e e d s m o r e of t h i s type I types of e v e n t .
8 T h a n k s , b u t I d o n ' t n e e d t h a t sort I sorts of advice.
21


Which article do I use?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a
b
2 a
b

T h e room they b o o k e d w a s a t five-star hotel,
T h e r o o m they b o o k e d w a s a t a five-star hotel.
T h e room w a s on a fourth f l o o r and there w a s no lift
T h e room w a s on the fourth f l o o r and there w a s no lift

We u s e the:
•

w h e n t h e i d e n t i t y of t h e p e r s o n o r t h i n g is k n o w n t o b o t h t h e s p e a k e r a n d listener:

•

t h e r e c a n b e o n l y o n e of t h e p e r s o n or t h i n g referred t o :

The college canteen

We're studying

Japan

serves reasonably
in the sixth

priced

century.

•

in front of s u p e r l a t i v e adjectives:

•

w i t h c o u n t a b l e or u n c o u n t a b l e n o u n s :

Giving money

food.

isn't always the best way to help

The report explains

the current situation.

people.


It provided

us with the correct

information.

We u s e a I an:
•

in front of s i n g u l a r c o u n t a b l e n o u n s :
We're looking for someone

with an outgoing

personality.

•& In front of u n c o u n t a b l e n o u n s , w e u s e some:
He gave me some good advice,
•

(not a good

advice)

w i t h e x p r e s s i o n s like a bit I few I little, a great time, a high standard,
Wlien she looks at me in a certain

way, I know she's


upset.

2 Correct t h e m i s t a k e below.

I think
3 Insert a n a p p r o p r i a t e article i n e a c h s e n t e n c e .
1 Take the lift Our apartment is on f o u r t h floor.
2 We have automatic washing machine a t home
3 Our company has achieved best results ever this year.
4 I'll give y o u e x a c t d a t e when I k n o w w h a t it is
5 Only bride's close friends w e r e invited
6 Confirm arrival time and g a t e b e f o r e y o u leave home
7 I called this meeting because I have f e w suggestions t o make.
8 We've come t o expect high s t a n d a r d o f service
22

a certain

way:


TEST 4
1 U n d e r l i n e t h e correct w o r d s .
1 I h o p e y o u c a n follow this I these i n s t r u c t i o n s .
2 W i t h o u t y o u r work, w e c o u l d n ' t a c h i e v e this I these s u c c e s s .
3 W o u l d y o u p u t this I that cat d o w n ? It's filthy.
4 We all w a n t to solve this I these p r o b l e m s .
5 C h a r i t i e s are d e s i g n e d t o h e l p these I those p e o p l e t h a t are suffering.
6 We'll c o n t i n u e this I these w o r k u n t i l it's finished.
7 L o o k a t that! H a v e y o u s e e n these I those s t a i n s o n t h e c a r p e t ?

8 W h o left this I these stuff here?
2 Are t h e s e n t e n c e s right or w r o n g ? Correct t h o s e w h i c h are w r o n g .
1 A large amount o f people in the w o r l d still suffer from hunger.
2 Our firm arranges different type o f sporting events
3 We have a large number o f office equipments f o r sale
4 What s o r t o f j o b s have y o u done?
5 I've done many different types o f w o r k
6 Perhaps y o u should consider other kind o f accommodation?
7 What kinds o f information are y o u looking for?
8 He spends a large amount o f money on entertainment
3 Is e a c h l i n e i n t h e extract b e l o w right or w r o n g ? Correct t h o s e w h i c h are w r o n g .
S o m e t i m e s t h e r e is a w o r d m i s s i n g , a w r o n g w o r d , or a w o r d w h i c h is n o t n e e d e d .

last week I went shopping for the electronic j a d j e t s and it's

;•

1

amazing whatyon can. spend _ycM.r money 6h.td.is days, There

J

2

were all kind of electronic equipment for sale, everything from

I

3


an electronic cube which will forecast the weather to a solar
powered briefcase which will charge electronic etju.ipm.eht inside

4
'

5

the case. However, a^adget I liked the best was the walking desk, (

6

which has the treadmill and exercise bikeinstalled-underneath.

I

7

They sag an office workeriike me could walk four to five miles

i

8

in an average work dajj. Imagine that!

23



C o m p l e t e t h e extract b y w r i t i n g a, an
o r the i n t h e s p a c e p r o v i d e d . S o m e t i m e s
w o r d is n e e d e d .

What's ( 1 )
(2)

w e a t h e r d o i n g ? We d o n ' t h a v e to w a t c h
w e a t h e r r e p o r t t o find out-

all w e n e e d t o d o Is

look at our weather cubes. Currently ( 3 )
g a d g e t In J a p a n , ( 4 )
(5)

m o s t popular

b a t t e r y - p o w e r e d d e v i c e Is

four-Inch c u b e w h i c h c a n p r e d i c t ( 6 )

w e a t h e r u p t o e i g h t h o u r s In a d v a n c e . ( 7 )
(8)

cube gives

1 2 - to 2 4 - h o u r f o r e c a s t via e a s y - t o - r e a d s y m b o l s

- c l o u d s , rain, s u n - d i s p l a y e d o n ( 9 )


LCD s c r e e n .

(10)

device can predict ( 1 1 )

rain, f e a t u r e s

(12)

s n o w p o s s i b i l i t y a l a r m , a n d will e v e n display

s u n r i s e a n d s u n s e t t i m e s in c i t i e s a r o u n d ( 1 3 )
Would you go on ( 1 4 )
(15)

world.

picnic without one?

w e a t h e r c u b e Is ( 1 6 )

travel a c c e s s o r y .

24

essential



You, your, yours, or you're?
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1

a

I'm sure y o u r going t o be pleased,

b

I'm sure you're going t o be pleased.

2 a
b

Our monthly repayment plan can save y o u money.
Our monthly repayment plan can save you're money.

We u s e you in p l a c e of a n o u n . You refers t o t h e p e r s o n or p e o p l e b e i n g a d d r e s s e d :
I wish you all the

best.

W e u s e your i n front of a n o u n :
I've read your

brochure.

W e u s e yours:
•


i n s t e a d of your + n o u n to s h o w t h a t s o m e t h i n g b e l o n g s t o t h e p e r s o n or p e o p l e
being addressed:
This coat is mine and that one is yours.

•

at t h e e n d of l e t t e r s :
Yours faithfidly

I Yours sincerely I Yours

You're is a c o n t r a c t e d f o r m a n d m e a n s 'you are':
You're always

the last to leave a party!

2 Correct t h e m i s t a k e b e l o w .

^

,

—^—^—v-—v—\

_

Thank
3 C o m p l e t e t h e s e n t e n c e s w i t h you, you're, your o r
1 Formal letters are signed'


yours.
faithfully'.

2 It d o e s n ' t b e l o n g t o m e . It's
3 Thank

for

letter.

4 The information in
5 In
6 I hope
7 Having read
8 I'm writing to

article w a s w r o n g .
advertisement,

r i s e d m a n y things.
pprroom

g o i n g to finish t h a t before y o u leave.
comments, I agree with
to complain.

25



Opportunity, possibility

or chance?

1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a
b
2 a
b

T h e j o b g a v e me the possibility t o travel t o Scotland,
T h e j o b g a v e me the opportunity t o travel t o Scotland.
When y o u have the opportunity, ask y o u r father f o r his advice,
When y o u have the occasion, ask y o u r father f o r his advice.

We u s e opportunity

for a situation in w h i c h it's possible t o d o s o m e t h i n g y o u w a n t t o d o :

J have the opportunity

to study

abroad I of going

Collocations are the earliest (first) opportunity,

to

College.


equal opportunity,

a unique

opportunity,

ii A n occasion is a p a r t i c u l a r r i m e w h e n s o m e t h i n g h a p p e n s :
A birthday

is a special

occasion.

We u s e a possibility

for s o m e t h i n g t h a t m i g h t o r m i g h t n o t h a p p e n :

There's a possibility

of rain tonight

I that it will rain

tonight.

T h e m e a n i n g of chance c a n o v e r l a p w i t h t h e m e a n i n g s of possibility

and


opportunity,

b u t chance m a y b e u s e d less formally:
/ know we're late, but is there any chance
This is your chance

(opportunity)

C o l l o c a t i o n s a r e a slim I slight I faint
I know I disappointed

(possibility)

chance, a second

the

train?

wanted.

chance:

you, but please give me a second

•fr We u s e have a chance b u t n o t have a possibility,
b u t n o t grab a

of catching


to do what you've always

chance.

a n d grab o r seize an

opportunity,

chance.
Thanks for giving me a second
opportunity. I won't disappoint you.

3 U n d e r l i n e t h e correct w o r d s .
1 We w a n t t o i m p r o v e o u r chances I opportunities
2 E v e r y o n e h e r e h a s t h e chance I possibility
3 E v e r y o n e s h o u l d h a v e e q u a l opportunities
4 T h e r e w a s n o opportunity
5 T h e r e is a(n) opportunity

I possibility
I possibility

6 T h a n k y o u for this occasion

I possibilities

in education.

for h i m t o b e e n t e r e d for t h e e x a m .
it will s n o w t o n i g h t .


I opportunity

7 N u r s i n g gives o n e t h e chance I possibility
8 G o i n g to a p a r t y is a great occasion

of w i n n i n g f u t u r e c o n t r a c t s .

to learn a second language.

to b r o a d e n m y knowledge.
to help others.

I opportunity
26

to m e e t n e w p e o p l e .


Commonly confused nouns
1 Tick t h e correct s e n t e n c e i n e a c h pair.
1 a
b
2 a
b

We'd like t o invite y o u t o our next event which will be held in May.
We'd like t o invite y o u t o our next activity, which will be held in May.
Keeping fit is an important activity in the local area,
Keeping fit is an important event in the local area.


Activity o r event!
A n activity is s o m e t h i n g o r g a n i s e d for p e o p l e t o t a k e p a r t in, e.g. a s p o r t :
The centre offers special activities

for children,

including

games and

sports.

A n event is s o m e t h i n g o r g a n i s e d w h i c h p e o p l e a t t e n d , u s u a l l y a social g a t h e r i n g :
The social event was a disaster - nobody

came!

T h e s e w o r d s are s o m e t i m e s c o n f u s e d w i t h activity
•

or

event

a n action is t h e p r o c e s s of d o i n g s o m e t h i n g or a p h y s i c a l m o v e m e n t :
He mimed

the actions


without

saying a word.

•

a happening

is a n i n c i d e n t w h i c h m a y b e difficult to explain, e.g. a strange

•

a meetingis

a n e v e n t w h e n p e o p l e c o m e t o g e t h e r , often t o d i s c u s s b u s i n e s s

•

a n organisation

is a g r o u p of p e o p l e w h o w o r k t o g e t h e r for a c o m m o n p u r p o s e :

The organisation
•

a programme

happening

holds monthly


meetings.

is a p l a n n e d series of activities or e v e n t s :

The school offers a programme

of social events, including

concerts and

parties.

3 U n d e r l i n e t h e correct w o r d s .
1 I n m y o p i n i o n , t h e happening!

eventwas

a big s u c c e s s .

2 G y m n a s t i c s is a p o p u l a r s p o r t s activity

I event a t m y s c h o o l .

3 E v e r y o n e is i n v i t e d t o t h e n e x t activity

I event.

4 A meeting!


event was h e l d t o d i s c u s s t h e club's

5 T h e s p o r t s organisation
6 T h e organisation

finances.

I event w a s well a t t e n d e d .

I event is p r o u d of t h e r e s u l t s .

7 T h e c e n t r e a r r a n g e d a d a y of activities
8 We've o r g a n i s e d a(n) event I activity

I programmes

I programme

t o different p e o p l e .
27

for o l d e r p e o p l e .

of e v e n t s w i t h activities to a p p e a l


TEST 5
1 Are t h e s e n t e n c e s right or w r o n g ? Correct t h o s e w h i c h are w r o n g .
1 Thank y o d f o r this occasion t o speak t o y o d tonight
2 Do men and women in y o d r codntpy have eqdal possibilities?

3 He w a s given a second possibility t o p r o v e he codld d o the j o b
4 I wodld like a j o b w h e r e there are chances f o r promotion
5 Training possibilities a r e available f o r all members o f staff.
6 Ml participants have the same possibility o f winning
7 He has a slim possibility o f sdcceeding if he applies himself.
8

Don't miss this dniqpe opportunity t o see Picasso's later w o r k

2 Fill i n t h e gaps w i t h a n a p p r o p r i a t e w o r d . U s e you, your, yours or you're.
1 I'm sure

going to b e pleased.

2 I'd like t o h e a r

side of t h e story.

3 T h a n k y o u for

concern.

4 I'll b e w a i t i n g for

at the station.

5 I've h u n g m y j a c k e t n e x t t o
6 I t h i n k t h i s is

biggest mistake.


7 Where do you think

going?

8 Here's m y b u s -

is n u m b e r 30.

3 C o m p l e t e t h e extract w i t h a f o r m of activity,

This season's coming (1)

event, programme,

or

meeting.

include the Winter Street Festival,

promising a packed (2)

of street theatre, music and dance.

Another not-to-be-missed annual winter (3)

is the Historic

includes races, road rallies and

Motor Sports Show. The (4).
speed events. A reminder for those 18-80s whose spare-time
(5)

range from bowling to ballroom dancing - the Social

Club meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the month, 8.30 at the
Rose and Crown. The December (6)
Club offers sport and social (7)

was very festive. The
suitable for people of all

ages. Finally, if you have a forthcoming (8) _ _
would like to advertise, contact me on 01832-358217.

28

which you