10-book10+oral+training+in+fluency+vocabulary+(part+ii).unlocked

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Kev Nair

Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary – Part II Prof. Kev Nair was born in Kerala, South India, in 1949. He’s an eminent scholar of international repute. He’s a first class LL.B. and a first class LL.M. And he was ranked first in university in both the LL. B. and LL. M. exams. • “Nair was the first person in the world to give shape to the area of study now known as ‘English fluency development’ and to systematize it into a distinct teachable subject... So he is better known as the father of fluency development.” – General Knowledge Today. • “He had been researching since 1971, and the results... led him to new discoveries... ” – THE HINDU. • “Prof. Kev Nair is regarded the world over as the father of fluency lexicography... Fluency lexicography came into existence as a separate branch of dictionary writing with the publication of Prof. Nair’s Dictionary of Active Fluency Combinations in 1986.” – Competition Success Review. • “A renowned English language lexicographer” – The New Sunday Express. • “One of the world’s most respected English language scholars...Perhaps more innovative in method than Roget and more modern in approach than Fowler, Prof. Kev Nair is... one of the foremost Indian scholars who wield great influence on the thinking of the English-educated people around the world.” – General Knowledge Today. • “A towering English language expert” – Competition Success Review. • “Prof. Kev Nair... has... reached out to thousands – judicial officers, professionals, top executives, scholars – who need

2 that comfort and ease in speech with his specialised fluency techniques.” – The New Indian Express. Prof. Nair is a lawyer by profession. He lives with his wife and children in Kochi, Kerala, an enchanting place on the earth.

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Fluent English Dictionaries1 by Kev Nair • A Dictionary of Active Fluency Combinations. • A Dictionary of Fluency Word Clusters. • The Complete Fluency Words. • A Dictionary of Essential Fluency Phrases. • Core Fluency Thesaurus. • Comprehensive Adjectival Fluency Dictionary. • Narrative Fluency Dictionary. • Thesaurus of Phrasal Verbs. • Thesaurus of Descriptive English.

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Note: The Fluent English Dictionaries do not form part of Fluentzy: The English Fluency Encyclopedia. They’re separate publications – meant for those who want to specialize in fluency-oriented vocabulary. For details, visit www. fluencybookz.com.

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Books by Kev Nair making up Fluentzy: The English Fluency Encyclopedia • B1: Idea units & Fluency. • B2: Speech Generation & Flow Production. • B3: Teaching your Tongue & Speech Rhythm. • B4: Key Speech-initiators & Speech-unit Patterns. • S1/B13 & S2/B14: Fluency in Functional English (Vols. 1 & 2). • S3/B15: Fluency in Telephone English & Sectoral English. • B5: How to Deal with Hesitation. • B6: Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary (Vol.1). • B7: Packing of Information. • B8: Impromptu Speech-flow Techniques. • S4/B16: Fluency Building & Mouth Gymnastics. • S5/B17: Fluency in speaking about people. • B9: Fluency in Asking Questions. • B10: Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary (Vol.2). • B11: Fluency & Moment-to-Moment Speech-production. • B12: Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary (Vol.3). • S6/B18 & S8/B20: Fluency in Topicwise English (Vols. 1 & 2). • S7/B19: Fluency & Pronunciation.

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Oral Training in Fluency Vocabulary Part-2 “Oral Training in fluency vocabulary comes in three volumes. They concentrate on training you thoroughly in techniques of vocabulary-manipulation during spontaneous speech production.” – The New Sunday Express. Fifth Edition

Prof. Kev Nair

TM

Adult Faculties Council

TM

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For Uma oral training in fluency vocabulary (Part - ii). Copyright © Prof. K. E. V. Nair @ KevNair 1982, 1989, 1996, 2000, 2007. First published 1982. 4th edition 2000 (12 impressions). 5th edition 2007. Reprinted 2008. Prof. K. E. V. Nair @ KevNair has asserted his right to be identified as the author of this book in accordance with the Copyright Act, 1957. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this book shall be copied or reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or manner whatever, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission, in writing, of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations or as expressly permitted by law. All quotations from this book shall credit the author, Prof. KevNair. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, and without a similar condition, including this condition, being imposed on any acquirer or the subsequent purchaser. Any violation of these terms and conditions will invite civil and criminal proceedings and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Published in India by Mrs. Uma V. Nair, Adult Faculties Council, DP Lane, Elamakkara PO, Kochi-682 026, Kerala. Printed in India by Ayodhya Printers Ltd., Elamakkara PO, Kochi-682 026, Kerala. Adult Faculties Council’s websites: www.fluentzy.com; www.fluencybookz.com. Phone: (91)(0484) 2538449, 2408361. Fax: (91)(0484) 2408361. E-mail: [email protected]. Price: Rs.175.00

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Contents Chapter 1: Reply Expressions, 11 Prompt-response practice, 11

Chapter 2: Subsidiary word groups, 23 Manner word groups, 23

Chapter 3: Complementation of verbs, 31 Prepositional phrases, 31 The lexical bond, 32 Free combinations of verbs and prepositions, 33 Prepositional verbs are not phrasal verbs, 34 Frequently-used prepositional phrases, 36

Chapter 4: Generative Structures: Last instalment, 44 GS No. 106 to GS No. 135

Fluency and General Structures, 56

Chapter 5: Phrasal verbs, 57 Gg to Mm

Chapter 6: “Adjective + Noun” word groups, 67 Chapter 7: Fixed & semi-fixed expressions – Part I, 77 Chapter 8: Fixed & semi-fixed expressions – Part 2, 88 Chapter 9: It-Clusters, 100

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Preface to the 5th edition Here’s the latest edition of this book. I have now added some new material – extremely valuable – covering the topics “Fixed and semi-fixed Expressions” and “ItClusters”. If you have any comments and suggestions, please do write to me care of the publishers. KEV Nair Kochi, 2007.

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Abbreviations

fml

formal

infml

informal

sb

somebody

sth

something



sw

somewhere

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Chapter 1

Reply Expressions Have you noticed one thing from your own experience? Have you noticed that the most difficult part in giving a reply is to start the reply? When somebody asks you a question, do you get the feeling that you have a lump in your throat? A tight feeling in your throat, preventing the reply from coming out? Often, the reply just doesn’t start coming out. Most non-fluent people have this problem. To overcome this problem, this is what you must do: You see, there are certain prefabricated-sort-of responseinitiator word groups — word groups that would help you start your reply. Sometimes, these expressions alone would be enough for a complete reply. At other times, these expressions would help you to avoid a lump getting formed in your throat, and to start your reply. You have to get into the habit of starting your replies with an expression of this kind. Once you get started, your general training would come to your help — the training you get through the other Books in this series. So the thing you should do now is to get to know closely the frequently-occurring types of response-initiator word groups. You’ll find these expressions against the letter ‘Y’ under the following heading (‘Prompt-response practice’). Pay particular attention to them.

Prompt-response practice You’ll find below a series of prompts and responses. Most of the prompts are questions made up of the “question-initiator word groups” you saw in Book 9. Repeat each prompt (‘X’) and each response (‘Y’) several times — ALOUD.

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• X: Will they be angry with me? ~ Y: I think so, yes. • X: Have they left the office? ~ Y: No, I don’t think so. • X: Won’t he be busy now? ~ Y: Yes, I think so. • X: What does it cost? ~ Y: Let’s find out. • X: Will she come here today? ~ Y: Yes, she will. • X: When does she go to bed everyday? ~ Y: Quite early. • X: How does it concern you? ~ Y: It doesn’t. • X: Aren’t you the daughter of our Principal? ~ Y: Yes, I am. • X: Did he bring the books? ~ Y: Yes, he did. • X: Has she managed to get a camera? ~ Y: Yes, she has. • X: What were they telling you? ~ Y: Nothing. Nothing important anyway. • X: Should we be punctual? ~ Y: You had better. • X: Can you come a little early? ~ Y: I’m sorry, I can’t. • X: Why did they leave so early? ~ Y: I have no idea. • X: How far will this train go? ~ Y: As far as Hyderabad. • X: Hasn’t he been away on a tour? ~ Y: Yes, he has. • X: Why can’t he come here more often? ~ Y: I’m afraid I don’t know. • X: What did you do that for? ~ Y: Just to scare the children. • X: Who did I talk to yesterday? ~ Y: To me. • X: Can they be a little more strict with the children? ~ Y: I’ll ask them. • X: Why did David borrow money? ~ Y: I don’t know. Please tell me. • X: What is the name of the baby? ~ Y: We’ll have to ask someone. • X: Wasn’t she a little rude to him? ~ Y: Yes, she was. • X: Would you like to have a cup of tea? ~ Y: No, thank you. • X: Can they come here right over? ~ Y: No, they can’t. • X: What can it be used for? ~ Y: For washing clothes. • X: What did you have for breakfast? ~ Y: Nothing much. • X: Will they be asking for the payment? ~ Y: No, they won’t. • X: What was he doing there? ~ Y: Eating food. • X: When do they have breakfast everyday? ~ Y: You’ll have to ask them. • X: Should he be experienced in your line? ~ Y: Yes, he should. • X: What vegetable do we get most protein from? ~ Y: I don’t quite know. • X: Have you a match to light a cigarette? ~ Y: No, I haven’t. • X: Were they waiting for long? ~ Y: Yes, they were. • X: What are you doing for your headache? ~ Y: I’m taking tablets. • X: Has Simon been sleeping long? ~ Y: Yes, he has. • X: How much should I pay for these fruits? ~ Y: Ten rupees altogether. • X: Which one do you prefer — the red one

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or the yellow one? ~ Y: Neither. • X: Who’s that man standing there? ~ Y: I’m not sure who he is. • X: Do you know what the punishment for late-coming is? ~ Y: I really wonder what. • X: How often does he go for films? ~ Y: Not very often. • X: What is the best way to the zoo? ~ Y: I’m out of this place myself. • X: Are your friends going home this weekend? ~ Y: No, They aren’t. • X: Is there a restaurant anywhere near here? ~ Y: There’s one a kilometre to the south. • X: What road is the hotel on? ~ Y: I don’t know what road. • X: Did it take him long to get back? ~ Y: No, not very long. • X: Weren’t you supposed to send a report? ~ Y: Sorry, I didn’t know that. • X: Why did you have to leave so early? ~ Y: Because I had some private work to do. • X: What size shoes does he wear? ~ Y: I’m afraid I don’t know. • X: Haven’t you heard what happened? ~ Y: No, what did happen? • X: What should they have done to escape punishment? ~ Y: Ask someone else. • X: What has he been complaining to you about? ~ Y: About the way those boxes were unloaded from the trucks. • X: Does he have to put in a written complaint? ~ Y: No, he doesn’t. • X: What sort of a trick did he play? ~ Y: A nasty trick. • X: How long is the journey from here to Chicago? ~ Y: Just about ten hours. • X: Does John usually carry your bags? ~ Y: No, he doesn’t. • X: How much are these oranges? ~ Y: Ten rupees a dozen. X: Did you have trouble finding this address? ~ Y: Just a little. • X: Why didn’t she marry him? ~ Y: No one can explain. • X: Which one are you going to select? ~ Y: I can’t decide. • X: What do I have to do to help him? ~ Y: I really can’t say. • X: Who did he meet there? ~ Y: I’m sorry I didn’t hear you. • X: Are there any samples left? ~ Y: No, no more samples. • X: Will there be any deduction? ~ Y: Sorry, there won’t be. • X: Which one did they like best? ~ Y: I can’t tell. • X: Isn’t he showing off too much lately? ~ Y: I think so, too. • X: Have you ever seen a better film? ~ Y: It’s difficult to say. • X: Why weren’t you getting her the things she wanted? ~ Y: You’d like to know, wouldn’t you? • X: Does he get up early? ~ Y: Yes, he does. • X: Couldn’t

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he be doing this just to fool you? ~ Y: Yes, he could. • X: Weren’t you well yesterday? ~ Y: No, I wasn’t. • X: Which will you give me — the one in the right hand or the one in the left hand? ~ Y: The one in the left hand. • X: Should I be more strict with the children? ~ Y: Yes, you should. • X: Has John come back from the office? ~ Y: I hope so. • X: Why should she get upset over such a minor thing? ~ Y: I wonder why. • X: How much did you pay for the bag? ~ Y: I don’t remember. • X: Were father and mother here yesterday? ~ Y: Yes, they were. • X: Are all the staff in the office against you? ~ Y: No, only a few of them. • X: What time do you get up in the morning? ~ Y: Sometimes quite early, and sometimes quite late. • X: Do you want to come with me? ~ Y: No, thank you. • X: Could they be planning to strike work tomorrow? ~ Y: I’m afraid they could be. • X: What did she pick up from there? ~ Y: We know what. • X: What do you plan to do during the summer holidays? ~ Y: I haven’t decided yet. • X: Do we have time for coffee before the film begins? ~ Y: I’m afraid not. • X: What will it look like if nobody goes for the party? ~ Y: He’ll think everyone has ganged up against him. • X: Have your father and mother been away long? ~ Y: Not very long. • X: Where will they stay if they come? ~ Y: With you; where else? • X: How did he do in the last examination? ~ Y: Quite well. • X: Where have they been all these days? ~ Y: They alone know where. • X: Do Mary and Minu have raincoats? ~ Y: Who knows! • X: Did you like the film? ~ Y: No, I didn’t. • X: How soon will the rains come? ~ Y: In a month or two. • X: Who did they laugh at? ~ Y: I don’t know who. • X: Why wasn’t anyone friendly with him? ~ Y: Because he was rude. • X: Can I show you a trick? ~ Y: What trick? • X: Should the man be asked to go away? ~ Y: You decide. • X: What should it cost according to you? ~ Y: Far less. • X: Haven’t you been going there frequently? ~ Y: Yes, I have. • X: Which one of these is the best? ~ Y: The one lying on the top. • X: Can you tell me how I can get to this address? ~ Y: Ask someone else, please. • X: Who is the officer-in-charge here? ~ Y: The one who is sitting there. • X:

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Didn’t I warn you not to fight with him? ~ Y: You did. • X: How can I start this engine? ~ Y: Press this button. • X: Do you often come here? ~ Y: No, only seldom. • X: Are short people taken in the army? ~ Y: I don’t quite know. • X: Will Mary and you be at the party today? ~ Y: Can’t say. • X: Where do you get vegetables from? ~ Y: From the market. • X: How large is your bedroom? ~ Y: Not very large. • X: Should she be where others would see her or behind the curtain? ~ Y: Behind the curtain. • X: How much will it cost to have this shoe mended? ~ Y: Fifty rupees. • X: What did he do when the plane landed? ~ Y: I wasn’t there. • X: Don’t you care for mutton chops? ~ Y: No, I don’t. • X: How long ago did his grandfather die? ~ Y: I don’t know exactly. • X: How old are you? ~ Y: Twenty years. • X: Who is this little boy with you? ~ Y: My nephew. • X: Where has Priya been studying all these years? ~ Y: Somewhere outside. • X: Have you and your friends taken exercise today? ~ Y: Yes, we have. • X: Do you have to take a lot of exercise to keep fit? ~ Y: Yes, they say so. • X: How far is Calcutta from here? ~ Y: Very far. • X: How often are there trains to Calcutta? ~ Y: Everyday, there’s a train. • X: Can I show you some magic? ~ Y: That’d be fine. • X: Isn’t it wonderful to have such good friends? ~ Y: Really it is. • X: How will you get to the station from here? ~ Y: I’ll get a taxi, I guess. • X: Where are you staying tonight? ~ Y: In a hotel. • X: Have you ever been to this place before now? ~ Y: No, this is the first time. • X: Are you a salesman? ~ Y: No. • X: Could you spare some money for a week? ~ Y: I’m indeed sorry. • X: Do you want anything else? ~ Y: No. These are about all, I guess. • X: What did he want? ~ Y: You know it, don’t you? • X: Have you got a few minutes to spare? ~ Y: Certainly, please come in. • X: Are you going to the cinema? ~ Y: No. Not really. • X: Who will be the Home Secretary next? ~ Y: Who knows!. • X: Has Dad ever scolded him? ~ Y: No. That’s the trouble. • X: Do you like being scolded? ~ Y: No, of course not. • X: Did she have to give him a beating? ~ Y: No. He told the truth when he got a good scolding.

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X: Did he have to pay for the seat? ~ Y: It doesn’t seem so. • X: Did Gita have to take a plane to reach there early? ~ Y: It looks like it. • X: How many students are there in your school? ~ Y: I’m not sure just how many. • X: Hasn’t he repaid the loan? ~ Y: He probably has. • X: What places have you visited so far? ~ Y: Just a few. • X: Did your brother bring you any present? ~ Y: Yes, he did. • X: How much did you draw from the bank? ~ Y: You’d like to know, wouldn’t you? • X: Do you prefer tea with sugar or without? ~ Y: With sugar, and plenty of it. • X: Are you sure today is Thursday? ~ Y: Well, the calendar says so. • X: How old is your father? ~ Y: Not very old. • X: Did you have a nice time at the party? ~ Y: Yes, I had a wonderful time. • X: Do you often go to restaurants? ~ Y: Not often, but on occasion. • X: When should she serve coffee? ~ Y: A little later. • X: Did it take him long to come back from the shop? ~ Y: Yes it did. I was wondering what kept him so long. • X: Why weren’t you angry with him? ~ Y: Because it’d do no good. • X: Can you tell me all these things in French? ~ Y: I’ll try to. • X: What time does he leave for the office? ~ Y: By about eight. • X: Have you ever been to the department store? ~ Y: Yes, why? • X: Did the workers strike work today? ~ Y: No. The dispute was settled yesterday. • X: What is wrong with this report? ~ Y: Everything. Take a look at it. • X: Doesn’t Mary come here any more? ~ Y: No, she doesn’t. • X: Would you like to go for a film? ~ Y: That’d be fine. • X: How was the film? ~ Y: Not very good. • X: Do you think we’ll be late for the film? ~ Y: No, there’s plenty of time. • X: Does he always find fault with everything you do? ~ Y: Yes, he does. • X: Hadn’t we better stay away from that area? ~ Y: Yes, we had. It’s quite unsafe. • X: Who did she go to the park with? ~ Y: With a friend of hers. • X: What are they supposed to do when a customer comes in? ~ Y: Give him service. • X: How long ago did he borrow the money from you? ~ Y: Five or six months ago. • X: Are you having a headache? ~ Y: Yes, I am. • X: What hotel is the best hotel here? ~ Y: That’s difficult to say. • X: What school is nearer to her house? ~ Y: I don’t remember its name.

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• X: What experience do you have in keeping accounts? ~ Y: I do not have much experience. • X: What different people have you talked with? ~ Y: People from different walks of life. • X: What manner should the reception be arranged in? ~ Y: In the best possible manner. • X: Do you find that your work is easy? ~ Y: Not quite. • X: What different materials are these things made out of? ~ Y: We can’t tell you that. • X: Do you feel that life is difficult in a city? ~ Y: No. • X: Is it more expensive to send this parcel registered mail? ~ Y: Yes, it’s. • X: What date is the marriage on? ~ Y: I am not quite sure. • X: What place has he taken the car to? ~ Y: To a distant place. • X: What other work besides cooking does she do? ~ Y: Washing. • X: What famous places are there in this city? ~ Y: I’m afraid you’d have to ask someone else. • X: What material is this cloth made of? ~ Y: Nylon, I think. • X: Who did you get the news from? ~ Y: What news? • X: Isn’t she a talkative girl? ~ Y: Yes, she is. • X: What happened when it started raining? ~ Y: The game was put off. • X: What things did your father bring this time? ~ Y: A lot of things. • X: How far is your house from here? ~ Y: About a kilometre and a half. • X: Do you know anybody here? ~ Y: No, I’m new to this place. • X: Does he ever shout at you? ~ Y: No. Never. • X: Does it ever snow here? ~ Y: No. • X: Do they ever charge you too much for minor repairs? ~ Y: I can’t say. • X: Who are the partners in your business? ~ Y: Ours is not a partnership business. • X: What are you going to do to cut down your expenses? ~ Y: I haven’t decided yet. • X: What questions did they ask you at the interview? ~ Y: Very many questions. • X: What place have you been getting your supplies from? ~ Y: That is difficult to say. • X: What interest do the banks charge for personal loans? ~ Y: It varies. • X: What different colours does this cloth come in? ~ Y: Blue and green. • X: Is it very painful to shave with an old blade? ~ Y: Yes, it is. • X: What salary do you get? ~ Y: Not much to speak of. • X: Is it less expensive to stitch clothes in this shop? ~ Y: Yes, it is. • X: Do most of them smoke? ~ Y: Yes, most of them do. • X: What different places

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have you visited so far? ~ Y: Only the beach and the museum. • X: What other places do you have relations here? ~ Y: In a few more places. • X: What purpose does the piston serve in a scooter? ~ Y: Who knows all these things! • X: What different occasions do you put new clothes on? ~ Y: On several occasions. • X: What type of work was he doing there? ~ Y: Whatever he would be asked to do. • X: What brand of tea do you use? ~ Y: Who cares for the brand and all! • X: What else besides medicines is needed to get well? ~ Y: Long rest. • X: Do a number of people come here everyday? ~ Y: Yes, a lot of people do. • X: What fruits are there in that shop? ~ Y: Several kinds. • X: What other kinds of vegetables do you have? ~ Y: These are the only kinds. • X: What year will he be going to college? ~ Y: There’s plenty of time for that. • X: What number did you dial? ~ Y: Why do you want to know all these things? • X: What questions did the prosecutor ask you? ~ Y: Only the ones I had expected. • X: What is meant by “soporific”? ~ Y: My God! That is beyond me. • X: What colour shirt did he choose? ~ Y: Light blue. • X: Does it cost very much to travel first class? ~ Y: Yes, it certainly does. • X: What different types of machines are there here? ~ Y: Many different types. • X: Has he finished his studies for the day? ~ Y: Yes, he has. • X: Will she be late today? ~ Y: Yes, she will. • X: Can she unlock the door? ~ Y: No, she can’t. • X: I’m going for a film ~ Y: I am, too. • X: Should he repair the radio himself? ~ Y: No, he shouldn’t. • X: Was he right in paying back the money? ~ Y: Not quite. • X: Can he lift that heavy box? ~ Y: Yes, he can. • X: Will Dad be bringing some sweets? ~ Y: I hope so. • X: Is he a musician? ~ Y: No, he isn’t. • X: Will he be speaking on for a long time? ~ Y: I hope not. • X: Where should he look for the key? ~ Y: He knows where. • X: Must he take all these medicines? ~ Y: Yes, he must. • X: They’ve got a Dobermann. ~ Y: We have, too. • X: How are you? ~ Y: Fine, thanks. • X: Are you a student in this college? ~ Y: Yes, I am. • X: Will he take long to come? ~ Y: Yes, he will. • X: We’re going for a film

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tomorrow. ~ Y: So are they. • X: How long has he been gone? ~ Y: Not very long. • X: Is he a stuck-up person? ~ Y: No, he isn’t. • X: I have no time to play with him. ~ Y: Neither have I. • X: Did he get up early today? ~ Y: No, he didn’t. • X: Are they very rich? ~ Y: No, they aren’t. • X: Do we have to make the payment right now? ~ Y: No, we don’t. • X: I am from Boston. ~ Y: So am I. • X: Do you care very much for me? ~ Y: Of course, I do. • X: Will he be bringing presents? ~ Y: I am afraid, not. • X: Did she let you take her umbrella? ~ Y: Yes, she did. • X: Do you mind if I use your pen for a few minutes? ~ Y: Not at all. • X: We went to the beach yesterday. ~ Y: We did, too. • X: How many children does your boss have? ~ Y: I have no idea. • X: We have a dog at home. ~ Y: So have we. • X: I can climb to the top of any tree. ~ Y: We can, too. • X: Did you want to pull down the fence? ~ Y: Not really. • X: Are these fruits ripe enough to eat? ~ Y: No, they aren’t. • X: We didn’t listen to the radio yesterday. ~ Y: We didn’t either. • X: Can you loosen this nut please? ~ Y: I’ll try to. • X: Has he done the repairs properly? ~ Y: Yes, very well. • X: I won’t be here tomorrow. ~ Y: Neither will John. • X: Does he have to ask your permission to go out? ~ Y: No, he doesn’t. • X: I don’t believe the things he said. ~ Y: I don’t, either. • X: Has he answered the questions correctly? ~ Y: Yes, he has. • X: Were there many people at the cinema? ~ Y: Not very many. • X: Does she care very much for him? ~ Y: Yes, she does. • X: You shouldn’t fight with him any more. ~ Y: Neither should he. • X: Do you know Spanish very well? ~ Y: Not very well. • X: Would she mind if I pick these flowers? ~ Y: Yes, she would. • X: I didn’t enjoy the game at all. ~ Y: Neither did I. • X: How will she make tea? ~ Y: She knows how. • X: Do you know how to speak French? ~ Y: Only a little. • X: Does this car run on diesel? ~ Y: Yes, it does. • X: I haven’t put in an application for the ration card so far. ~ Y: Neither has she. • X: Does he earn much money? ~ Y: Not much. • X: Will she cause problems? ~ Y: No, she won’t. • X: I like dark colour clothes very much ~ Y: So does

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Mary. • X: Has he a bank account? ~ Y: Of course, he has. • X: Have they got a property in Bangalore? ~ Y: Yes, they have. • X: We’re going home. ~ Y: So are they. • X: Do you often listen to the radio? ~ Y: No, only seldom. • X: Has he gone to bed? ~ Y: No, he hasn’t. • X: I have a lot of work to do. ~ Y: So has he. • X: Are you from Barbados? ~ Y: Yes, we are. • X: Should she answer all the questions? ~ Y: Of course, she should. • X: Do you know what they have been telling about you? ~ Y: We know what. • X: Have they returned the umbrella? ~ Y: No, they haven’t. • X: Can we get home before it’s dark? ~ Y: I am afraid not. • X: Does he have to draw money from the bank? ~ Y: Yes he does. • X: Will he be long in coming? ~ Y: I think so, yes. • X: Hadn’t you better keep from going to that place so often? ~ Y: Why? • X: Where has he kept the keys? ~ Y: I don’t know where. • X: Will he be able to find the place without much difficulty? ~ Y: Possibly, but I doubt it. • X: There’s a pen lying on the floor. Is it yours? ~ Y: Yes, it looks like mine. • X: Would he be finishing the work this week? ~ Y: No, I’m afraid he wouldn’t. • X: Do I have to brush my teeth? ~ Y: Yes, everybody has to. • X: Has your father made much money? ~ Y: I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you. • X: Hadn’t you better unlock the door and get inside? ~ Y: Yes, I had better. • X: Why has he put up a shed in the compound? ~ Y: I wonder why. • X: How is your mother? ~ Y: She’s well, thanks. • X: Why doesn’t he get married? ~ Y: Because he doesn’t plan to. • X: How many trees have been cut down? ~ Y: I don’t quite know how many. • X: How much does he pay that cleaning woman? ~ Y: Not much. • X: Have you ever played a computer game? ~ Y: No, I never have. • X: Why doesn’t he like a place like this? ~ Y: No one can explain. • X: Which colour shirt do you prefer — yellow or orange? ~ Y: I’m not particular. • X: Has he done the lessons very well? ~ Y: No, I don’t think so. • X: Does he recognize me? ~ Y: No, he doesn’t seem to. • X: Will you be going home this month-end? ~ Y: I haven’t decided yet. • X: Does he have to get permission to go out of the office? ~ Y: No, he doesn’t have to. • X: Which one of these pens do you want to

Rep ly Expressions

21

choose? ~ Y: I can’t decide. • X: How many days will he be on leave? ~ Y: I’m not sure just how many. X: You should have answered the phone as soon as it started ringing. ~ Y: Maybe you’re right. • X: Will he be coming to the party? ~ Y: He will, but his wife won’t. • X: Have they loaded up the lorry? ~ Y: Let’s find out. • X: What time is it, please? ~ Y: Ask someone else, please. • X: You must find a way of persuading him. ~ Y: I wonder how I can. • X: Does he know that she hasn’t paid the bill? ~ Y: He probably does. • X: Why did you plan to put up a car porch in the middle of the house, and not on one side? ~ Y: I’d like to have it that way. • X: Have the police found out the truth about how the money has disappeared? ~ Y: I really can’t say. • X: Have they been able to find a solution? ~ Y: It doesn’t seem so. • X: Do you always go to work by car? ~ Y: Not always, but on occasion. • X: Why have you stopped your work so early today? ~ Y: So I could go early. • X: Do you want to get anything else today? ~ Y: No, nothing else. Thank you. • X: Has he combed his hair? ~ Y: He has, but I haven’t. • X: Splash a little water on the walls before scrubbing them. ~ Y: I beg your pardon? • X: This is a one-way street — you mustn’t take your car this way. ~ Y: Sorry, I didn’t know that. • X: Do you know why he didn’t want to go out today? ~ Y: No, I don’t. • X: Do you know why he didn’t come today? ~ Y: I don’t know. Please tell me. • X: Should we put up a board in front of our shop? ~ Y: Yes, I think we should. • X: What were they talking in whispers when we came in? ~ Y: I really wonder what. • X: Have they booked tickets for the journey? ~ Y: They probably have. • X: Haven’t you heard? John has got married to Mary. ~ Y: Yes, but it’s hard to believe. • X: How long do we have to wait? ~ Y: I wonder how long. • X: Does he have a brother in England? ~ Y: No. Not that I know of. • X: Why didn’t you look at her when she waved her hand? ~ Y: Because I didn’t want to. • X: Can you spell “English”? ~ Y: I can, but my brother can’t. • X: Why don’t we go for a film today? ~ Y: That’s a good idea. • X: Why don’t you take out a few shares in this company? ~ Y: I have to think it

22

Rep ly Expressions

over. • X: Will he be able to make the speech without faltering? ~ Y: That’s something I am very sure of. • X: Couldn’t you push him out of the room and bolt up the door? ~ Y: Yes, we certainly could, but we didn’t want to. • X: How are you today? ~ Y: Just the same as always. • X: Why does he always talk rudely to everyone? ~ Y: I don’t know why. • X: Why did those people go underground? ~ Y: To escape punishment, of course.

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S ubsidiary word groups

23

Chapter 2

Subsidiary word groups In Book 6, we saw two kinds of subsidiary word groups. Let’s now go through a collection of another kind of subsidiary word groups. We’ll call them manner word groups.

Manner word groups One of the most important functions of a language is to describe “how” things are done and “how” things happen. In English, this work is done most often by certain adverbs. We can call these adverbs ‘manner words’. It’s very important to train your organs of speech in using the frequent ones among them. So I’m going to give you a collection of word groups containing the frequentlyoccurring manner words. In these word groups, you’ll find the manner words printed in italics. Pay particular attention to each of them — and to the way each of them is used. Pick up each word group and utter it ALOUD several times. Remember this: There isn’t much use in learning the meanings alone of individual words — in isolation. So pay attention to the way the manner words work in the company of other words. And keep uttering the groups of words ALOUD — several times. Here we go for the word groups: • We met accidentally. • It happened accidentally. • She killed him accidentally. • Their engineer has drawn the plan accurately. • They actively discouraged us from going ahead with the project. • He was actively involved in social work. • He spoke angrily. • They looked at each other anxiously. • They grow mushrooms artificially. • She was thinking of something else, and she answered automatically. • When the oil level is low, this

24

S ubsidiary word groups

light comes on automatically. • He made some kind of a gesture awkwardly. • You behaved badly yesterday. • He was badly in need of her help. • She wanted him so badly. • The street was badly lit. • You came out of the whole business rather badly. • Things have not gone too badly. • They had done badly on the deal. • I need the money badly. • The party was badly organized. • Because of all that, we thought badly of them. • He did badly in the interview. • She writes badly. • This news will reflect badly on them. • She dresses beautifully. • The news came as a terrible blow to her, and she cried bitterly. • They carried him bodily out of the hall. • He boldly went inside. • She introduced herself boldly. • He bravely faced the interrogation. • She bravely faced the attackers. • Our soldiers fought bravely. • The necklace shone brightly. • The sun was shining brightly. • The room was brightly lit. • He did everything brightly. • She plays the violin brilliantly. • He handled the problem brilliantly. • Everyday, he walks briskly for an hour. • He stood there calmly. • He calmly picked up the snake and threw it away. • She took the news calmly. • He drives carefully. • He noted down the details carefully. • Write carefully. • He threw them out carelessly. • Never give your replies carelessly. • He mentioned it casually and without much interest. • She was in the kitchen, and she was dressed casually. • He drove very cautiously. • They’ll do the painting cheaply for you. • I bought this cheaply at a sale. • She talked to us cheerfully. • He attends to all his work cheerfully. • I heard you quite clearly. • She was clearly worried about it. • You must label the bottles clearly. • I haven’t thought about it clearly. • He tricked me into it cleverly. • She solved the problem very cleverly. • These two ideas are closely related. • He did the work very clumsily. • He spoke to me coldly. • We’re collectively responsible for what happened today. • Because of all those noises, I couldn’t sleep comfortably. • Do you think new products like these are going to succeed commercially? • He has changed his opinion completely. • She was a bit nervous,

S ubsidiary word groups

25

but she tried to act confidently. • Her work is consistently good. • He wrote to us continually about it. • That hotel is conveniently situated — just a short drive from the air port. • He faced all that coolly and collectedly. • He had correctly predicted my future. • You should note down the figures correctly. • He replied to their questions very courteously. • You said all those things very cruelly. • He was watching them curiously. • She asked me about it curiously. • He’s not a safe driver — he drives dangerously. • He looked deeply into her eyes. • I love her deeply. • He did that deliberately to annoy him. • He walked in slowly and deliberately. • We’ll have to deal with this situation delicately — or there will be trouble. • Somebody was calling desperately for help. • All this made me feel differently. • From there, they went directly to the temple. • The door opened directly onto the street. • I still remember all that very distinctly. • When he got his new job, his life changed dramatically. • They waited eagerly for the doctor. • You can carry it easily in a bag. • They did the work easily. • You can get it easily in the market. • We can use our raw materials still more economically. • He knows how to deal with difficult people effectively. • He does his job very efficiently. • They should organize themselves more efficiently. • The committee was evenly divided on the issue. • They divided the property equally between them. • The iron bars were equally spaced. • He looked very tired, and he spoke very faintly. • He divided the money fairly among them. • He treated his employees fairly. • He faithfully followed the doctor’s instructions. • Both the servants served our family faithfully. • It was a strong wind, and it was blowing fiercely. • The situation is finely balanced, and things can go one way or the other. • He refused the offer firmly but politely. • He speaks fluently. • He was laughing somewhat foolishly. • You acted a little foolishly. • Don’t spend your money foolishly. • She hasn’t made a complaint formally. • He’ll give you his opinion frankly. • He spends money freely. • He mixes freely with everyone. • Inside the car, I couldn’t move my arms and legs

26

S ubsidiary word groups

freely. • He’ll talk to you freely and easily. • I didn’t understand it fully. • Describe everything fully. • She hasn’t fully recovered. • He isn’t fully trained yet. • You must answer the questions fully. • He was behaving a bit funnily. • They’re working furiously to achieve the sales target. • I tapped on the door very gently. • He gently lifted the baby. • The road curves gently to the right. • She gladly took up the work. • They gladly helped us. • He gladly paid the money. • The dancers moved across the stage gracefully. • Our party has been defeated in this election. Let’s accept this fact gracefully. • They accepted the money gratefully. • He happily offered her his chair. • They sat there chatting happily together. • They were laughing and chatting happily together. • Don’t make decisions like these hastily. • That prison is heavily guarded. • Their team was heavily defeated. • I couldn’t do anything to help them — I could only look on helplessly. • I honestly think he’s innocent. • He completed the task honourably. • She thought I’d agree, and looked at me hopefully. • He denied the allegation hotly. • She had to complete the report rather hurriedly. • They were arrested illegally. • They were all waiting impatiently. • He can live quite independently of the others. • You were indirectly encouraging them. • It’s impossible to deal with each of these questions individually. • He asked these questions quite innocently. • He was lying, and she instinctively felt it. • She didn’t hurt him intentionally. • He listened intently to the speech. • He was watching her intently. • They made this proposal jointly. • They received us kindly. • They were arguing loudly. • I haven’t seen him lately. • These are foreign goods, and he can’t have got them legally. • He argued quite logically. • Ask them not to talk so loudly. • The dog was barking loudly. • I saw her looking at the kid very lovingly.

S ubsidiary word groups

27

• She has been looking after him marvellously. • You shouldn’t apply these rules mechanically. • He does these things meticulously and by paying great attention to detail. • I heard her coughing miserably. • Calmness comes naturally to him. • He behaved naturally and in a relaxed way. • This situation arose naturally from lack of planning. • Write neatly, will you? • I didn’t want to trouble you needlessly. • He looked worried and frightened, and he laughed nervously. • I could manage nicely without her help. • This will do nicely for my purpose. • He’s doing very nicely for himself in business. • He nobly gave up his share. • He behaved rather oddly when he saw me. • The company will be officially announcing the news tomorrow. • He spoke about his experiences openly and sincerely. • He admitted his guilt painfully. • The hill was steep, and they climbed it painfully. • I had compiled the list painfully. • She waited patiently for her turn. • For the first time in a week, I slept peacefully last night. • I knew the route perfectly well. • This dress suits you perfectly. • I know her personally. • You should look into this complaint personally. • I’ll bring it to you personally. • He didn’t refer to you personally. • He explained it to me quite plainly. • I could hear it quite plainly. • The experience had plainly shaken him. • I was pleasantly surprised. • She thanked him politely. • He politely explained his difficulties to me. • He practically pushed them out of there. • I knew practically nobody there. • The seminar was practically based. • I wanted to speak to him privately. • Do you want him to advice you professionally, or personally? • He sent it back promptly on Monday. • He carries out all our instructions promptly. • I haven’t slept properly for the past few days. • They haven’t done the job properly. • He proudly described all his accomplishments. • She smiled proudly. • They insulted him publicly. • He purposely came late. • He died quickly after that. • He finished it quickly. • Things don’t move quickly here. • Those boys have grown quickly. •

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S ubsidiary word groups

She ran quickly to the bus stop. • He listened to the complaints quietly. • He always speaks quietly. • He was quietly controlling his anger. • He described everything very quietly. • Everyone was worried, but he sat there, quietly reading a book. • He resigned quietly, and left the place. • The price of petrol is rising rapidly. • His condition rapidly worsened. • He answered all the questions readily. • The fenceposts were regularly spaced. • We get this magazine regularly. • He refused the offer, but he did it a bit reluctantly. • Don’t interpret these rules too rigidly. • He shook me roughly, as though he wanted to hurt me. • They rudely ignored all his advice. • That experience rudely shattered my faith in them. • He speaks rudely to everyone. • She spoke of her loss sadly. • You cannot act safely on what he says. • He has kept it safely somewhere. • They reached there safely. • They delivered the fridge safely. • He locked the room safely. • The work wasn’t progressing satisfactorily. • They have settled the dispute satisfactorily. • Many of these findings have been confirmed scientifically. • The police have been secretly watching their activities. • Make sure the rope is securely fastened. • He was acting selfishly. • He’s not using his time sensibly. • He acted sensibly. • Remove each of them separately. • Each of them prepared their report separately. • You must try for it seriously. • You have to deal with the problem seriously. • He’s seriously ill. • He was behaving very seriously and solemnly. • He looked at me severely. • The car was severely damaged. • They punished him severely. • Those people were shamefully treated. • Prices have gone down sharply. • It was a sharply pointed knife. • He turned his head sharply towards me. • He worded the complaint sharply. • My views on this are sharply different from theirs. • She smiled shyly at him. • Their new air-conditioner works silently. • She explained it very simply. • He told me everything quite sincerely. • I’m sincerely thrilled. • I sincerely believed it. • I love him very sincerely. • Some of these birds sing very sweetly. • I know him slightly. • You must warm up the soup slightly. •

S ubsidiary word groups

29

She cooled down the soup slightly. • He slowly began to realize his mistake. • I was walking very slowly. • His words flowed on smoothly. • He talks very softly. • I touched her softly. • That building is very solidly built. • He slept soundly last night. • They defeated our team soundly. • They beat him soundly. • They came specially for this purpose. • She cooked it specially for me. • He specifically asked for ‘War and Peace’. • What specifically did she say? • They do have their differences from time to time, but in general, they get on splendidly. • He looked at me steadily for some time. • His troubles increased steadily. • She spoke steadily and in a controlled way. • The prices have been rising steeply. • After the exercise, he has been walking stiffly. • He smiled stiffly. • He behaved stiffly, and not in a friendly way. • She behaved strangely yesterday. • She was strangely calm. • You must advise him strongly against it. • They strongly influence him in all that he does. • They have constructed the building very strongly. • He argued strongly for it. • I felt very strongly about the way he behaved. • He kept nodding stupidly. • He refused the offer stupidly. • He spoke stupidly. • He achieved his aim successfully. • His voice and manner changed suddenly. • She cooks superbly. • You’ve acted superbly in that film. • He makes decisions swiftly. • They reached the spot swiftly. • They attacked him, and he struck back swiftly. • You should approach this problem systematically and with great care. • He has furnished his house tastefully. • He patted her hand tenderly. • Trees grow thickly in that forest. • That’s a thinly populated area. • The doctor examined her thoroughly. • He studied the report thoroughly. • I saw her sitting there thoughtfully. • He hugged me tightly. • We’re tightly bound to one another. • They stretched the rope tightly. • He had on a tightly fitting shirt. • He ties his shoelaces very tightly. • He controls his office very tightly. • He seems truly worried. • Does she love him truly? • We don’t know what he truly feels. • They alone truly encourage us. • The judge told him to answer all the questions truthfully.

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S ubsidiary word groups

• Don’t look at me so unhappily. • We need these urgently. • I remember what happened very vaguely. • He defended his position very hotly and vigorously. • He pushed us violently to one side. • I don’t think they paid the money voluntarily. • They greeted us warmly. • He saw me and smiled warmly. • She spoke to me warmly. • You protested very weakly. • She moved from there very weakly. • You defended yourself weakly. • She spoke very weakly, and so I couldn’t hear clearly. • He has travelled widely in Europe. • He was lying wilfully to them. • He disobeyed you willfully. • He agreed to do it willingly. • She wisely refused the offer. • He wisely decided to keep out of it. • They were wonderfully decent to her. • He’s doing wonderfully well. • She danced wonderfully. • That film is wonderfully funny. • He believed wrongly that there was a written order. • Everything had been wrongly arranged. • They prosecuted him wrongly.

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Compl ementation of verbs

31

Chapter 3

Complementation of verbs Complementation by prepositional phrases As you know, prepositions are words like ‘on’, ‘as’, ‘at’, ‘from’, etc. and are always followed by a prepositional complement. Yes, always. The prepositional complement is usually a noun phrase or a pronoun, and sometimes, a noun-like word group (typically, a wh-clause or an –ing clause). They express a relation between the prepositional complement and another entity. Book 7 gave you a list of all the common prepositions. In a way, prepositions are the most troublesome words in the English language. We’ve already had some practice in using word groups in which these troublesome words occur. (For example, see the Placing and Timing Word groups in Book 6). Let’s now have some more training in using them.

Prepositional phrases There are certain verbs (= action words) that are always or typically followed by certain specific prepositions. These verbs are always or typically used with prepositions, because these verbs need the prepositional phrases introduced by these prepositions to complete their meanings. These verbs and the prepositions that follow them regularly occur together (when you use the verbs to express certain possible meanings). And these verbs and prepositions are often so closely related semantically or syntactically (or semantically as well as syntactically) that the combinations normally behave like single lexical units. Such a lexical unit [verb + preposition (introducing a meaning completer)] is called a prepositional verb.

32

Compl ementation of verbs Eg: account for, believe in, call for, decide on, listen to, play at, etc.

There are two types of prepositional verbs: • Intransitive prepositional verbs • Transitive prepositional verbs You don’t need to learn these theoretical aspects in detail. What is important is to pick up the skill of using prepositional phrases fluently. And that’s what we’re going to do. But a general understanding of these aspects would be useful. So let me first give you an idea about the two types of prepositional phrases and some related points. You see, there are some intransitive verbs that are always or typically followed by a prepositional phrase. When a combination of an intransitive verb and a preposition that follows it behaves as a single unit, that combination is an intransitive prepositional verb. Eg: • go through an experience. • looked at the picture. • came across a problem.

In intransitive prepositional verbs, the preposition occurs between the verb and the prepositional complement. Now, there are some transitive verbs that are always or typically used with a prepositional phrase (that follows it). When a combination of a transitive verb and a preposition that follows it behaves as a single unit, that combination is a transitive prepositional verb. Eg: • blamed him for the mix-up. • prevented him from speaking. • referred him to a specialist.

In transitive prepositional verbs, the verb is followed by two prepositional complements (= noun, pronoun, etc.), and the preposition normally occurs between the two complements.

The lexical bond You see, the lexical bond between a verb and the preposition that follows it varies in strength from verb to verb.

Compl ementation of verbs

33

As far as certain verbs are concerned, they must normally be followed by a prepositional phrase introduced by a particular preposition, because their meaning won’t be complete (in a given sense) without the presence of a prepositional phrase introduced by that particular preposition. Here, the lexical bond between the verb and the preposition is the strongest. Eg: • This belongs to her. • They longed for the holidays. • Don’t bet on the outcome.

There are certain other verbs that must also normally be used with a prepositional phrase, but the prepositional phrase can be introduced by either of two prepositions (to express the same meaning): Eg: • contributed money to/towards charity. • profited by/from the new government policy. • competed with/against each other.

Then there are certain other verbs that are typically or usually used with a prepositional phrase, but the prepositional phrase can be introduced by a number of prepositions. In general, these verbs are verbs of movement and position: Eg: • He came from London. • She’s gone to Mexico. • They live in Nigeria. • He was standing at the gate.

But as far as certain other verbs are concerned, they can be followed by a prepositional phrase, but this is not essential, because their meaning would be complete even without the presence of the preposition. Eg: • fought (against) the enemy. • climbed (up) the mountain. • entered (for) the competition.

Then there are certain prepositions that must be followed by one preposition in one sense, and by another preposition in another sense. Eg: • agreed with the idea. • agreed on the terms of the contract. • ended in failure. • ended with the heroine’s death.

Free combinations of verbs & prepositions So far, we’ve been speaking about ‘verb + preposition’

34

Compl ementation of verbs

combinations that behave, to some extent, as a single verb — semantically and/or syntactically. This doesn’t mean that whenever a preposition occurs after a verb, the ‘verb + preposition’ combination behaves as a single unit. No. In fact, verbs often combine freely with prepositions, and in these free combinations, the verbs and the preposition do not behave as a single verb. These free combinations happen when the prepositional phrase you use along with a verb is purely optional (grammatically), and not essential for completing the meaning of the verb. Here are some examples of free combinations of verbs and prepositions: Free intransitive combinations: • came from Delhi. • went to London. • happened for the first time. • wait for me. • driving at top speed. Free transitive combinations: • brought the box into the hall. • received a letter from him. • cut the cake with a knife. • met her in the hallway. • took something from there.

Prepositional verbs are not phrasal verbs As you must have noticed, prepositional verbs and phrasal verbs look alike. And most people often confuse prepositional verbs with phrasal verbs. But you know, the difference is not very important. And so, some dictionaries even list prepositional verbs and phrasal verbs together under the common head ‘phrasal verbs’. So from the point of view of fluency development, there’s no harm even if you happen to confuse the two. All you need to know is this: Combinations of verbs with particles like down, by, in, on, over, up, etc. often behave like single verbs. And you must have a good command of the frequently-used ones among them (whether they’re prepositional verbs or phrasal verbs). You

Compl ementation of verbs

35

needn’t learn to identify phrasal verbs and prepositional verbs separately. It’s not essential. But the fact remains that the two are different, and if you’re aware of the nature of the difference, it’d be easier for you to avoid a certain amount of syntactic confusion. You know, the difference is quite clear-cut. Essentially, a phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and an adverb, while a prepositional verb is a combination of a verb and a preposition. For example, take this word group: She went up the stairs. Here, went up is a prepositional verb, because ‘the stairs’ can only occur after ‘up’, and not before. Thus, we can never say ‘went the stairs up’. You’ll always have to say ‘went up the stairs’. But let’s now take another word group: She gave up that idea Here, gave up is a phrasal verb, because ‘that idea’ can occur after ‘up’ as well as before ‘up’. Thus, we can say ‘gave that idea up’ or ‘gave up that idea’. The difference is this: In ‘She went up the stairs’, up works as a preposition, and ‘the stairs’ is the complement of that preposition (and not the object of went up). But in ‘She gave up that idea’, up works as an adverb, and ‘that idea’ is the object of gave up (and not a prepositional complement). You see, ‘up the stairs’ is a prepositional phrase, but ‘up that idea’ is not. Here are some more examples:

Prepositional phrases: complain of chest pains (not: complain chest pains of) hinted at major changes (not: hinted major changes at) invest in company shares (not: invest company shares in) opt for the blue one (not: opt the blue one for) rely on their support (not: rely their support on)

36

Compl ementation of verbs

suffering from the flu (not: suffering the flu from) sympathized with her (not: sympathized her with)

Phrasal verbs: brought about some changes (or brought some changes about) carried out the project (or carried the project out) drag out the talks (or drag the talks out) explained away the error (or explained the error away) filled out the form (or filled the form out) pointed out the mistakes (or pointed the mistakes out) turned off the light (or turned the light off )

Frequently-used prepositional phrases I’m now going to give you a collection of the most frequentlyoccurring (and the most useful) prepositional phrases. This collection would help you associate in your mind some of the most useful verbs and the prepositions that usually follow them. You’ll find these prepositional phrases used in self-contained clausal idea units. And you’ll find the verb and the preposition in each prepositional phrase in italics. Utter each word group ALOUD several times. Let your organs of speech get thoroughly acquainted with the combinations of the verbs and prepositions. Here we go: • He accepts problems like these as part of the day-to-day life. • The suspect could not account for his fingerprints on the glass. • They accused him of theft. • Everybody acknowledges her as an expert in this subject. • The transport strike added to our difficulties. • She found it difficult to adjust to the new environment. • He admitted to the forgery. • They advanced some money to him. • Let’s agree on a date. • They agreed to my suggestion. • I can’t agree with that argument. • They agreed with each other. • They advanced some money to him. • He aimed at the target and shot. • They aimed the remarks at us. • He always

Compl ementation of verbs

37

aims for excellence. • When you work out the cost, you should allow for wastage. • The profits amount to a million or so. • The government has appealed for donations to the famine relief fund. • They appealed to everybody for help. • Have you applied for that job? • They appointed him (as) general manager. • They are arguing about the expenses. • Don’t argue with your boss. • They argued with each other. • Have you arranged a place for him to stay? • When did they arrive at the airport? • They’ve asked for some more time. • Could I ask a favour of you? • She doesn’t like him associating with those people. • There was only a nurse to attend to the injured. • The judge awarded damages to them. • Many women find it difficult to balance family life and career with each other. • These needs won’t balance with one another. • Do you believe in God? • This chair belongs in that room. • These books belong on that shelf. • These things don’t belong to me. • Don’t bet on the result. • They blamed me for the delay. • Can you book a ticket for me? • He wanted to borrow some money from them. • Don’t bother about them – you carry on with your work. • She branded him as a hypocrite. • They branded him as work-shy. • He forgot to bring a present for her. • This business brings a lot of income to him. • The cat brushed against her leg. • He offered to build a house for them for Rs. 10 lakhs. • He was burning with anger. • She burst into tears. • He’s gone to buy a new dress for her. • He called for her and took her in his car. • I called on them on my way from work. • The news came as a shock to us. • There’s a nurse to care for their grandmother. • The bank refused to cash a cheque for them. • Doctors certified the cause of death as heart attack or something. • She then changed into her evening dress and got ready to go for the party. • The colour changed to green for a few seconds. • She characterized him as crazy. • They charged him with murder. • They chased (after) the purse snatcher. • The nurse came to check (on) the patients. • He chose her as his secretary. • These colours clash with one another. • These two groups are always clashing with each other.

38

Compl ementation of verbs

• He classed them as advanced learners. • He climbed on(to) the roof. • She climbed (up) the stairs. • These two events coincide with each other. • Their interests coincide with one another. • Business and pleasure don’t combine with each other too well. • These factors combined with one another, and the result was terrible. • I don’t want to comment on that issue. • They don’t communicate with each other. • Most of them communicate with one another by e-mail. • They compared her words with those of Tolstoy’s. • They compete with one another to perform better. • She had to compete (against) the national champion in the race. • They had to compete (with) five other companies for the contract. • They competed with/against each other to get the contract. • They complained of/about police brutality. • He found it difficult to concentrate on his work. • How can you condemn them as spies? • He condemned the product as substandard. • His beliefs conflict with hers. • Most of these ideas conflict with one another. • They congratulated him on his achievement. • We consider him as an authority. • His farm consists of 14 acres. • They never consult with one another about anything. • They consulted with each other before taking the decision. • What he says and what he does contrast with each other. • His behavior contrasts sharply with hers. • This is the first time I’ve contributed to charity. • The judge convicted them of robbery. • They could not convince the judge of their innocence. • Can you cook lunch for them? • They refused to co-operate with the police. • Don’t count on them to support you. • He was a learner driver, and he crashed into a lamp post. • He crossed (over) the river. • She cut a few slices for me. • You should deal one more card to him. • He has no experience of dealing with angry customers. • She decided on a blue dress for the wedding. • She defines friendship as love. • We shouldn’t deny good education to anyone. • You can depend on him. • Everything depends on the circumstances. • She described him as a nice person. • She described their action as unfair. • They asked him to design a building for them. • Don’t let these

Compl ementation of verbs

39

differences of opinion develop into a long and bitter quarrel. • The doctor has diagnosed the illness as pneumonia. • It was a serious accident, and he died from his injuries. • He died of pneumonia. • The committee members disagree with one another. • She disagreed with the suggestion. • You have to learn to distinguish (between) facts and opinions. • He dived into the river. • The book is divided into 4 sections. • She often dreams of being a great novelist. • I dreamt about/of a beautiful bird. • They elected him as president. • The argument ended in tears. • The notice ends with a sort of warning. • She has entered (for) the competition. • They’ve entered into a new agreement with their suppliers. • They envied her for her success. • It’s not easy to establish the allegations as false. • He has himself established as a leading lawyer. • They excused him for arriving late. • Can you explain the rules to us? • Many insects feed on flowers. • She sat there feeding breadcrumbs to birds. • Go and fetch a doctor for her. • He fights with his wife over small matters. • They’ve been trying to find a house for their new boss. • She has fixed an appointment for her boss. • They forgave him for insulting them. • He forwarded the report to the Head Office. • Our soldiers sprang into action and fought against the enemy forces. • They gave him some money as a reward. • Can you get a copy for me? • Get into the car. • I saw her getting out of the taxi. • And then she got on(to) the bus/train/plane. • Get on(to) the bike/horse/motorbike. • You should give another chance to him. • Their bank granted a loan to them. • He was just a small-time actor, but he’s now grown into a superstar and a celebrity. • It’s impossible to guarantee jobs for everyone. • The postman handed a letter to her. • I haven’t heard from him for about three months now. • I’ve heard of a person who is an expert at this sort of jobs. • She hesitated to accept the present. • He was hinting at a possibility like that. • They were hoping for lenience.

40

Compl ementation of verbs

• The police have identified the hijacker as a notorious terrorist. • They keep on improving on their achievements. • They haven’t informed us about/of their plans yet. • They insist on a very high standard. • He insisted on going with them. • You should insure against accidental injury. • She intended the remark as a joke. • Can I interest you in our washing powder? • These phone calls interfere with my work. • They interpret what happened as a defeat. • Let me introduce you to my business partner. • I don’t plan to invest in property. • He jumped (over) the wall. • Don’t eat them all. Keep a few for him. • They labelled him as a crook and liar. • They labelled him as corrupt. • You’ll laugh about all this one day. • Don’t laugh at them. • Spending money like this can lead to financial difficulties. • He leapt (over) the fence. • How did you learn of/about what happened there? • He refused to lease the building (out) to them. • You should leave her to make up her own mind. • He’s decided to leave all his money to charity. • Why don’t you leave a note for him? • She didn’t want to lend the book to him. • I enjoy listening to music. • Listen to him/what he’s saying. • It’s very difficult to live on such a small income. • He never loans money to anybody. • She longed for a letter from him. • We need somebody to look after the kids. • Look at this picture. • They look on him as a model teacher. • The children longed for the Christmas holidays. • They looked for her purse everywhere, but couldn’t find it. • I just mailed a letter to her. • Can you make coffee for them? • Butter is made from milk. • His new film has made him into a celebrity. • These bags are made of leather. • He made a toy car out of wood. • They mistook him for our boss. • Oil and water don’t mix with each other. • That’s a unique colour. Did anybody mix it for you? • People here don’t like mixing with one another. • They named the baby as Rupa. • He objected to the new proposal. • They’ve offered a job to

Compl ementation of verbs

41

him. • Dr. John has to operate on two patients today. • He opted for a teaching career. • He ordered lunch for everybody. • We owe some more money to them. • Have you paid for the takeaway/takeout (= a meal that you buy at a restaurant, but eaten somewhere else)? • They haven’t paid the repair charges to them. • He painted a picture for me. • Please pass this paper to him. • They’ll make you pay for your rudeness. • Pay attention to the teacher. • I wanted to pick a few flowers for her. • You should try and persuade her of your serious intentions. • We’re planning for about 100 guests. • I hadn’t planned on buying a car so soon. • We may have to play (against) that team. • The children were playing at being robbers. • Can you play that CD for me? • He played a catchy tune to me on his violin. • They plotted against the President. • He posed as a police officer and cheated us. • Don’t forget to post the letter to her. • Pour the coffee for everybody, will you? • Let’s pray for rain. • He’s prepared a report for the boss. • They pretended to like him. • Nothing prevents you from resigning. • They must have profited by/from these sales. • They’ve promised to help us. • They protected us from every danger. • He works hard and provides for his family. • If you steal money, they’ll punish you for it. • Our team has qualified for the finals. • She quarrelled with him about the money. • He and his wife are always quarrelling with each other. • He quoted a few instances to me. • I ran into (= met) an old friend at the supermarket today. • They rate him as their most valuable employee. • The workers reacted against the management’s decision. • I read about it in today’s paper. • She read a story to the children. • We regard him as a fine teacher. • They don’t recognize the situation as serious. • Refer to a dictionary, and find out its meaning. • He referred to them as his friends. • We regard him as an expert. • Many people regard their activities as anti-social. • Don’t rely on their advice. • He reminds me of my uncle. • They’ve agreed to rent the house

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Compl ementation of verbs

to them. • We must repay the loan to them without any more delay. • Ask him to reserve two seats for them. • All this is going to result in trouble. • They robbed her of all her money. • His ambition was to rule (over) the earth. • She sang a song to us. • Don’t forget to save some food for them. • He’s been trying to secure a job for himself. • Don’t worry – I’ll see about that. • They see us as their competitors. • They see all this as unjust. • I have to send this package to her. • He separated from them and went into another building. • The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment. • She served coffee to them. • The sofa serves as a bed too. • He’s set a difficult task for them. • When he gets angry, he shouts at everybody. • She shouted to me to do something from across the road. • Please show the report to him. • They sat on the grass. • She was happy to see me, and she smiled at me. • He sold the old furniture to them. • Could I speak to/with you for a moment? • He spoke to me about his financial difficulties. • A scientist spoke to us on agriculture. • Can you spare some time for me? • Most of his problem spring from drink. • They struggled with each other for the gun. • She struggled against/with this disease for a year before she died. • Don’t subject yourself to ridicule. • He’s suffering from pneumonia. • He suggested a mechanic to me. • The teacher has supplied the students with a list of books. • The police suspected him of murder. • He took what you said as an insult. • I took her for your sister. • Can you take this letter to their place? • She teaches mathematics to them. • We’ll have to talk (with them and find a solution). • I saw him talking (to a girl in blue). • You should tell the truth to her. • They thanked her for the help. • Could you think of another way of handling the situation? • Have you thought about trying your luck in another job? • I was thinking about my childhood days. • I’m thinking of leaving this job. • I think of him as my friend. • Throw it to me. • I took his mother for his sister. • He took what she said as an insult. • She tried to

Compl ementation of verbs

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translate the poem into French. • They treated him as a VIP. • He decided to treat his friends to ice-cream. • He tripped over a stool and fell. • The car in front turned into the next street. • The road turns to the right there. • You can use that box as a stool. • Industrialists view the latest development as important. • He viewed the criticism as a personal attack. • She was waiting for the bus. • Didn’t they warn you of/ about the dangers? • He’s been trying to win support for the new proposal. • I only wish for some peace and quiet. • They asked him to write a computer program for them. • You should write to us now and then. • She wrote a letter to him.

***

44

Generative Struct ures: Last instal ment

Chapter 4

Generative Structures: Last instalment There are some more Generative Structures that you have to have practice with — before we go over to other topics. (For the first instalment of GSs, see Book 2. For the second instalment, see Book 6.) These are all important structures. Pick up each wordgroup and utter it several times ALOUD. Make it a point to give full attention to the patterns of the structures. I’m sure you are familiar with all these patterns, but how about your organs of speech? You have to get them to be familiar with these structures, too. That’s why you must take up this practice with all seriousness. Let me stress one thing: Our aim is to gain the skill of generating English speech spontaneously, without prior planning and preparation. And GSs make up the bedrock of that skill. Make sure that the bedrock is as firm and solid as possible. Don’t leave it shaky, because that’s what you have to stand upon and speak. So let’s take up the remaining GSs at once:

GS No. 106 • [I] [could have been] [the one they had in mind]. • [We] [could have been] [the people they were talking about]. • [You] [could have been] [the person they were after]. • [He] [could have been] [an impostor]. • [She] [could have been] [his wife]. • [It] [could have been] [a mistake]. • [They] [could have been] [his employees]. Note: GS Nos. 106 to 109 indicate ‘possibility’ while talking about the past.

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GS No. 107 • [I] [could have been] [mistaken about it]. • [We] [could have been] [frank with them]. • [You] [could have been] [honest with us]. • [He] [could have been] [patient with them]. • [She] [could have been] [a little more polite to them]. • [It] [could have been] [wrong]. • [They] [could have been] [right].

GS No. 108 • [I] [could have been] [there]. • [We] [could have been] [here]. • [You] [could have been] [outside]. • [He] [could have been] [inside]. • [She] [could have been] [away]. • [It] [could have been] [downstairs]. • [They] [could have been] [upstairs].

GS No. 109 • [I] [could have been] [in one of the rooms upstairs then]. • [We] [could have been] [in politics, too]. • [You] [could have been] [in a hurry]. • [He] [could have been] [in uniform]. • [She] [could have been] [out of town]. • [It] [could have been] [in the box itself]. • [They] [could have been] [at the party].

GS No. 110 • [I] [used to be] [a close friend of his]. • [We] [used to be] [their neighbours]. • [You] [used to be] [a nuisance]. • [He] [used to be] [a regular visitor here]. • [She] [used to be] [their favourite]. • [It] [used to be] [the general practice there]. • [They] [used to be] [a proud lot].

GS No. 111 • [I] [used to be] [very cautious about these things]. • [We] [used to be] [punctual]. • [You] [used to be] [mean

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Generative Str uct ures: Last insta l ment

to them]. • [He] [used to be] [nasty to us]. • [She] [used to be] [very arrogant]. • [It] [used to be] [thin]. • [They] [used to be] [good-humoured and friendly].

GS No. 112 • [I] [used to be] [there quite often]. • [We] [used to be] [away on all holidays]. • [You] [used to be] [here at weekends]. • [He] [used to be] [out most of the time]. • [She] [used to be] [downstairs most of the time]. • [It] [used to be] [outside all the time]. • [They] [used to be] [abroad at month-ends].

GS No. 113 • [I] [used to be] [at the street-corner on most evenings]. • [We] [used to be] [in the floor below during those days]. • [You] [used to be] [in business then]. • [He] [used to be] [in his room most of the time]. • [She] [used to be] [in a temper most of the days]. • [It] [used to be] [in her purse]. • [They] [used to be] [in politics].

GS No. 114 • [I] [had better] [ring him up at once]. • [I] [had better not] [keep them waiting]. • [We] [had better] [ask for his permission]. • [We] [had better not] [mix this powder with water]. • [You] [had better] [consult a lawyer]. • [You] [had better not] [change places with him]. • [He] [had better] [hurry]. • [He] [had better not] [take the first turning]. • [She] [had better] [keep quiet about it]. • [She] [had better not] [put everything together]. • [It] [had better] [be good]. • [It] [had better not] [leak]. • [They] [had better] [be quiet]. • [They] [had better not] [order replacements now]. Note: This structure is used to give advice or to tell somebody (including oneself) what to do or to warn or threaten somebody.

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GS No. 115 • [I] [am to] [meet him at twelve]. • [We] [are to] [make the reservation]. • [You] [are to] [ask him the same question]. • [He] [is to] [put all this in a box]. • [She] [is to] [put the money in the Bank]. • [They] [are to] [leave a message]. • [I] [was to] [force them to come]. • [We] [were to] [go there after lunch]. • [You] [were to] [return in a few minutes]. • [He] [was to] [take the machine to pieces]. • [She] [was to] [get rid of this rubbish]. • [They] [were to] [catch the 12.20 train]. Note: This structure implies some kind of an arrangement.

GS No. 116 • [I] [was to have] [got a confirmation]. • [We] [were to have] [put up a barrier]. • [You] [were to have] [stood in the middle]. • [He] [was to have] [taken a few pictures]. • [She] [was to have] [taken that bus]. • [They] [were to have] [booked a return ticket for me].

GS No. 117 • [Let me] [do it this way]. • [Let us] [take it easy]. • [Let us not] [allow it here]. • [Let him] [ask for their views]. • [Let him not] [think that way]. • [Let her] [push that button]. • [Let her not] [fool you]. • [Let it] [cool your mouth]. • [Let it not] [burn your finger]. • [Let them] [decide about the holiday]. • [Let them not] [go away]. Note: “Let us” is shortened to “Let’s” in non-formal speech — when you’re making a suggestion that involves both you and the hearer. The shortened form “Let’s” is also used while responding to a suggestion or giving an instruction. But if what you’re saying involves only you, and not the hearer, don’t shorten “Let us” to “Let’s”.

GS No. 118 • [Now I] [am able to] [run faster]. • [I] [am not able to]

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Generative Str uct ures: Last insta l ment

[remember it]. • [We] [are able to] [knock it down within an hour]. • [We] [are not able to] [pay for it]. • [He] [is able to] [lift it easily]. • [She] [is not able to] [open it]. • [You] [are able to] [stand on your head, aren’t you?]. • [You] [are not able to] [understand all this, are you?]. • [They] [are able to] [speak English]. • [They] [are not able to] [find time to do it]. • [I] [was able to] [give some information]. • [I] [was not able to] [satisfy the boss]. • [We] [were able to] [make it fit a little more tightly]. • [We] [were not able to] [swallow it whole]. • [You] [were able to] [tell the difference, weren’t you?]. • [You] [were not able to] [explain your reasons]. • [He] [was able to] [make a short speech in French]. • [He] [was not able to] [point out the mistake]. • [She] [was able to] [clear the pathway]. • [She] [was not able to] [solve the puzzle in no time]. • [They] [were able to] [sort out the problem quickly]. • [They] [were not able to] [cope with the situation]. Note: Here the stress is on the speaker’s capacity or ability to do things. In place of ‘am able to’, ‘is able to’ and ‘are able to’, you can also use ‘can’. But in place of ‘was able to’ and ‘were able to’, you must not use ‘could’ (except when you are quoting others). The word ‘could’ can be used to mean ‘had the power to’, but not to express past achievements (through ability or capacity). You can use ‘could’ also to express ‘conditional past’, ‘possibility in the past’ and ‘permission in the past’. But you can only use ‘could’ to express capacity or ability in indirect speech (that is, when you quote others). What you actually do then is to use ‘could’ as a past tense of ‘can’. As far as ‘can’ is concerned, you can use it not only to express capacity or ability, but also to express permission.

GS No. 119 • [I] [have been able to] [close the deal at last]. • [I] [haven’t been able to] [catch up with the class-work]. • [We] [have been able to] [persuade them]. • [We] [haven’t been able to] [see the back of it]. • [You] [have been able to] [convince them, haven’t you?] • [You] [haven’t been

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able to] [describe your house]. • [He] [has been able to] [get it done]. • [He] [hasn’t been able to] [get near it]. • [She] [has been able to] [get hold of all the information she needs]. • [She] [hasn’t been able to] [do the job properly]. • [They] [have been able to] [contact him at last]. • [They] [haven’t been able to] [come over for the party]. • [I] [had been able to] [have a look at it]. • [I] [hadn’t been able to] [say anything]. • [We] [had been able to] [keep the whole thing a secret]. • [We] [hadn’t been able to] [put the things away]. • [You] [had been able to] [cancel the order in time, hadn’t you?]. • [You] [hadn’t been able to] [get that bandage off]. • [They] [had been able to] [hand him over to the police]. • [They] [hadn’t been able to] [trace the missing child by then].

GS No. 120 • [I’ll] [be able to] [come]. • [I] [won’t be able to] [attend the meeting]. • [We’ll] [be able to] [win the match]. • [We] [won’t be able to] [find out these details from there]. • [You] [will be able to] [cope with it, I’m sure]. • [You] [won’t be able to] [organize it]. • [He] [will be able to] [find his way]. • [He] [won’t be able to] [have a try]. • [She] [will be able to] [handle the situation without any difficulty]. • [She] [won’t be able to] [invite most of them this time]. • [They] [will be able to] [work out a solution themselves]. • [They] [won’t be able to] [leave early today].

GS No. 121 • [He might] [have been able to] [keep the promise]. • [He might] [not have been able to] [watch the speed-limit]. • [They might] [have been able to] [stop by the hospital]. • [They might] [not have been able to] [complete the job in time]. • [They might] [have been able to] [help her]. • [He might] [not have-been able to] [repair it]. • [They might]

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[have been able to] [put him up for the night]. • [He] [might not have been able to] [book a flight]. • [She] [might not have been able to] [stop the car quickly]. • [They] [might have been able to] [borrow enough money]. • [He might] [not have been able to] [operate the TV]. Note: This structure indicates ‘possibility’ while talking about the past. You can also use ‘may’ in place of ‘might’.

GS No. 122 • [He] [must have been able to] [reach an agreement with them]. • [She] [mustn’t have been able to] [prove them wrong]. • [He] [must have been able to] [get their support]. • [She] [mustn’t have been able to] [justify her action]. • [He] [must have been able to] [get their permission]. • [He] [mustn’t have been able to] [notice anyone]. • [He] [must have been able to] [pass that note to her]. • [ He] [mustn’t have been able to] [warn her]. • [She] [must have been able to] [escape from there]. • [She] [mustn’t have been able to] [think of an alternative plan]. • [They] [must have been able to] [settle the dispute]. • [They] [mustn’t have been able to] [guess her age]. Note: This structure indicates that the speaker believes that something is the case — or that something is likely or logical.

GS No. 123 • [I] [ought to be able to] [make it a success]. • [We] [ought to be able to] [make our views known]. • [He] [ought to be able to] [improve his work by then]. • [You] [ought to be able to] [persuade her]. • [She] [ought to be able to] [do us a favour]. • [They] [ought to be able to] [cooperate with one another]. Note: This structure indicates that, according to the speaker, the current situation is not desirable — or that something desirable is expected to happen. It also indicates what, according to the speaker, is the desired or expected state.

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GS No. 124 • I would like to know what you think about it. • We’d love to hear her sing. • I wouldn’t like to get myself dirty. • I would hate to see her sad. • I wouldn’t like to make dancing my career. • I would prefer to let the matter rest here. • I wouldn’t like to get my tooth filled. • I would like to meet him. • I would like a coffee. • I would like some cake/some information. • I wouldn’t expect you to pay, of course. • I would hate you to think that I am against the proposal. • I would be happy to vote him our representative. • I would be delighted to welcome them. • I would be glad to help. Note: These are polite ways of expressing one’s inclinations, disinclinations, etc. Thus “I would like to sit there” means “I want to sit there”. But “I want to sit there” is a little abrupt, and a little too assertive.

GS No. 125 • I would think that he’s not going to support this plan. • I would suppose that they hate this idea. • I would imagine that he’ll accept our offer. • I would feel that this is your last chance. Note: These are polite ways of expressing one’s opinions or feelings without sounding too definite or certain.

GS No. 126 • [I] [am going to] [throw it away]. • [I] [am not going to] [mention my qualifications]. • [We] [are going to] [let this happen]. • [We] [are not going to] [ask anyone else]. • [You] [are going to] [accept this offer,] (aren’t you)? • [You] [are not going to] [wait for his reply,] (are you?). • [He] [is going to] [report against you]. • [He] [is not going to] [answer your questions]. • [She] [is going to] [give him another chance]. • [She] [is not going to] [agree to it]. •

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[They] [are going to] [check it later]. • [They] [are not going to] [go to the meeting]. Note: This structure helps you say that you or somebody else intends to do something in the future.

GS No. 127 • He is going to pass his exams this time. • She is not going to get that job. • You are going to face this challenge one day. • You are going to have a wonderful time. • He’s going to forget. • We’re going to have an answer by tomorrow. Note: GSs Nos. 127 to 131 help you say that something is certain or expected to happen in the future.

GS No. 128 • He’s going to be our next CEO. • She’s not going to be a tremendous success or anything. • You’re going to be a great musician. • They are going to be real nuisances.

GS No. 129 • He’s going to be very helpful to us. • She’s not going to be co-operative. • They’re going to be nasty to us.

GS No. 130 • He’s going to be there tomorrow. • She’s going to be away for some time. • They are not going to be here on that day.

GS No. 131 • He’s going to be inside that room for a while. • She’s going to be out of town for a week.

GS No. 132 • There is a book on the table. • There is no better idea. • There are some people to see you. • There are no

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restaurants by the station. • There was an awful lot of money with him. • There was no fun in that game. • There were two windows in that room. • There were no pictures of their family. • There is a little left, but not much. • There isn’t much free time for them. • There are three large tables. • There are several weeks to go. • There was nobody who spoke French. • There was no time for all that. • There were crowds of people at the gate. • There were several things to do. • There will be enough time for that. • There won’t be much free time. • There would be many people at the meeting. • There wouldn’t be many such cases. • There can be no arguing about it. • There can’t be any doubt about it. • There could be something wrong with this. • There couldn’t be much fun in that. • There may be good reasons for it. • There may not be any more attempts now. • There might be a tendency to exaggerate it. • There might not be any question about that. • There must be somewhere for us to sleep. • There mustn’t be any trouble of this kind next time. • There ought to be no occasion for complaints. • There oughtn’t to be any difficulty making a phone call. • There has been plenty of opportunity to do it. • There have been proposals to build the bridge even earlier. • There hadn’t been any time for it. • There can’t have been any hurry to start it. • There could have been a fault on the line. • There couldn’t have been any urgency to finish it. • There may have been every reason to suspect him. • There may not have been anywhere for him to go. • There might have been a great deal of anxiety. • There might not have been any necessity to do it. • There must have been enough temptation. • There mustn’t

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have been any need for it. • There ought to have been some cause. • There oughtn’t to have been any such unpleasantness. • There seems nowhere for us to sit down. • There seems to be some misunderstanding. • There appears to be no excuse for the delay. • There remains one more chance. • There is going to be a good programme today. • There are going to be examinations and tests. • There’s going to be trouble if she complains about it.

G.S. No. 133 • It is a pity to spend money so carelessly. • It is a shame to live in such a house as this. • It is a delight to get to know them. • It is a relief to get away from here. • It will be a strain for you to speak for such a long time. • It will be a luxury for them to wear suits. • It will be a nuisance to get phone calls like this. • It will be a treat to go to their party. • It will be a scandal to let others know of it. • It can be a pleasure for her to be in their company. • It can be an abuse to send the office car for a private purpose like this. • It can be a bore to watch it for a long time. • It can be a disgrace to lose that match. • It can be a comfort to be with your friends. • It may be a consolation for her to know it. • It may be an inspiration for all to hear of it. • It may be a shock to learn the truth. • It may be an offence to park the car there. • It must be an insult to take it back. • It must be an honour for them to receive you. • It must be a blessing to get out of this stuffy room. • It must be a joy for him to help you with this.

GS No. 134 • It shocks me to listen to him saying things like these. • It

Generative S tru ctures: Last insta l ment

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doesn’t frighten them to think about her future. • It excited us to go fishing. • It didn’t inspire them to read that book. • It will hurt me to watch them beating him. • It won’t surprise him to hear her talk like that. • It may terrify them to go against your wish. • It might not disappoint them to find him gone. • It has bored him to watch the film. • It hasn’t annoyed them to find us doing it. • It will have disgusted him to hear the news. • It couldn’t have delighted them to question his honesty. • It may have tired her to walk so far. • It may not have bothered her to leave the work half-finished. • It must have pleased everybody to welcome them. • It has been worrying to wait for the result. • Don’t tell me it hasn’t been distressing to sit up all night like that. • It hadn’t been flattering to face that audience. • It would have been horrifying to walk twenty miles. • It wouldn’t have been satisfying to listen to his explanation. • It could have been amusing to sing at school. • It couldn’t have been tempting to try that again. • It may have been astonishing to watch her climb. • It may have been interesting to practise everyday. • It must have been sickening to watch the operation.

GS No. 135 • It is nice to be with you like this. • It isn’t difficult to swim far into the sea. • It’s good to see you again so soon, Prasad. • It will be useless to make another attempt. • It won’t be normal for a dog to eat grass. • It can be ridiculous to ask for more now. • It can’t be too wide for her to swim across. • It may be necessary for us to do it. • It may not be easy to teach them English. • It must be foolish to refuse it. • It

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must be sensible to accept it. • It ought to be helpful to dress decently. • It ought to be impossible for them to break it open. • It has been childish to cry before them. • It hasn’t been reasonable to keep them out. • It can’t have been easy to complete that job in such a short time. • It could have been too early to say anything about the patient’s condition. • It may have been a little embarrassing for him to ask her for a loan. • It must have been too late to do anything by then.

Fluency and General Structures By now, you’ve seen all the fundamental clause structures in spoken English. Pay particular attention to them and carry out intensive oral practice with them. Utter the GS word groups repeatedly — ALOUD. As many times as you can. This kind of repetition will go a long way in fixing their patterns in your mind — and in getting your organs of speech to stop fighting shy of them. That is why you should give great importance to the oral practice with word groups.

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Phrasal verbs

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Chapter 5

Phrasal verbs In an earlier Book in this series, I told you how important phrasal verbs are for fluency development. And I made one thing clear: If you want to achieve a high level of fluency in spoken English, you must have a good command of the frequently-occurring ones among phrasal verbs. And you’ve already had practice with a good percentage of them. Here’s the second instalment of practice material for practice with phrasal verbs. Just as you’ve done with all other word groups given for practice, utter each of the word groups in this collection also several times — ALOUD. Here we go:

Gg • He can’t get about much. His leg has been in plaster for about a month, you know (= move, walk or go from place to place). • News got about that the Chairman was thinking of resigning (= spread, circulated). • Women find it difficult to get ahead in politics. (= advance; progress). • She got the wet clothes off. (= took them off). • It’s/Time’s getting on. Let’s start. (= It’s getting late). • I’m getting on (in years). I’m turning 65 this September, you know. (= growing old). • The bus/train stopped, and she got on. (= got into/onto it). • He got on his bike and rode off down the road. • Get your shirt/dress/coat/gloves on. (= put it on). • I got on to him in the evening and gave him the information he wanted. • If you keep coming to work late like this, the boss is sure to get on to you. (= find it out). • Let’s now get on to another topic. (= begin discussing it). • We got talking, and somehow got on to children. (= began talking about the topic of... ). • Get on with

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Phrasal verbs

it — we haven’t got all day. (= hurry up). • He’s getting along well at school, I believe. (= making progress). • How did she get on at the interview? (= perform). • Stop talking, and get on with the work. (= continue doing). • He’s thinking of leaving the job, because he can’t get on with the new boss. (= is not able to have a good relationship with). • I can’t get on/along without a washing machine. There’s so much washing to do every day. (= cope/manage). • I wonder how he gets through so much work in a day. (= manages to do). • I got through the novel last night. (= managed to read). • She couldn’t get through the exam/test. (= pass it). • I think our message hasn’t got through yet. (= reached the destination). • Can you get this packet through to him by tomorrow morning? (= see that it reaches him). • (infml) By the look on his face, I knew I hadn’t got through to him. (= made him understand/believe what I meant). • I can’t seem to get (it) through to him that this plan is impracticable and is not going to work. (= make him understand/believe...). • I can’t get through. His line is engaged. (= make contact by telephone). • Mom, I want to get up early tomorrow. Will you wake me? (= leave my bed). • When the boss came in, all the staff got up. (= stood up). • She’s got herself up beautifully. (= made herself beautiful, especially by dressing well). • He got himself up as a beggar/a king for the fancy dress competition. (= dressed himself as... ). • I have to get up two more lessons. (= study... ). • (infml) They’re getting up a protest against the bus-fare hike. (= organizing). • I don’t know what she’s going to get up to now. (= do... ; be busy with). • You see that counter? That’s where you must give your building plan in. (= hand it over to somebody having the authority to receive it). • I gave in to him. After all, he is my elder brother. (= yielded). • What’s that black thing? It’s giving off a foul smell (= producing). • These rotten oranges are giving off a bad smell. • My patience gave out and I asked him to stop

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lecturing me. (= became used up). • They’re giving out a notice or something. (= distributing). • They didn’t give out the news until this afternoon. (= announce). • I can’t solve this puzzle/problem — I give up. (= stop trying to solve it). • Don’t expect them to give up without a fight. (= stop trying to win/achieve their aim). • So far, I’ve been trying to please him, but now I’ve given it up (= stopped doing it). • They gave up their car, and it has changed their life-style. • He’s decided to give up his job. (= stop having it; resign). • (infml) I don’t think his work will ever improve — I given up on him. (= stopped believing that he’ll be successful). • I’ve given up smoking/ drinking altogether, you know. (= stopped). • The hijacker gave himself up (to the police). (= stopped resisting and surrendered himself to). • She’s given up that boyfriend of hers. (= stopped being friendly with). • The terrorist gave up his accomplices when the police used force. (= stopped protecting their secrets and told the police where they were hiding). • I waited for you for about an hour and then gave you up/gave up on you. (= took it that you wouldn’t come). • The doctors had given up on me/ given me up, but I survived. (= took it that I wouldn’t get well). • When did you give up politics/communism? (= stop believing in). • I don’t think he’s completely given up hope yet. (= stopped having it). • (infml) He’s given up the Communist Party. (= left). • Don’t give up that right/claim. (= abandoned...). • They’ve decided to go ahead with the plan. • We’ve decided to go ahead with the project. (= continue carrying out...). • The exhibition went ahead as planned. (= took place). • The gun accidentally went off when he cleaned it, and killed his dog. • The meeting went off without a hitch. (= proceeded ). • The alarm-clock went off, and he woke up with a start. (= made a ringing noise). • Slowly, the pain started going off. (= becoming less strong). • When did the electricity go off? (= become unavailable). • This milk has gone off — it smells funny.

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(= gone bad, become unfit to drink). • When did you buy this meat? It has gone off. (= gone bad, become unfit to eat). • The milk has gone off — don’t use it. • He has gone off his girl friend. (= lost his liking for). • We’re going right off the subject. • As time goes on, things are bound to improve. • The fire went on for about an hour before it was brought under control. (= continued to happen/take place). • Do you want this system/ practice/these customs/rules to go on? (= continue to exist). • Go on, ask him about it. • The police would have arrested him by now if they had anything to go on. (= any grounds, information, etc. to base their action on). • As the day went on, it became clear that they had no intention of calling off the strike immediately. (= passed). • “When he saw that, he started shouting at us. And then, do you know what happened?” ~ “What happened? Go on”. (= continue talking). • You go on to Maria’s place. I’ll go back to my hotel and check out of there and come and join you. • (infml) Don’t go on at me like this. This is too much. [= criticize me repeatedly or complain about me (to others) repeatedly]. • All his salary goes on that girl. (= is spent on). • Half of his pension goes on drinks. • Let’s now go on to the next topic. (= go from here to). • He showed us the pictures and went on to explain the techniques used in painting them. • Don’t mind me. Go on with what you’re doing. (= continue). • He grew up in Lucknow. (= became an adult). • Our city/town grew up originally as a business centre. (= started to exist and develop). • (infml) Oh, grow up and stop quarrelling/ fighting, you two! (= stop behaving in a silly/childish way).

Hh • The judge handed down a stiff sentence on the main accused (= passed a sentence on a person found guilty of a crime). • These jewels are valuable family heirlooms, and my grandfather handed them down to my father. [= gave it to my father before he (grandfather) died]. • These are traditions handed down to

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us over several generations. (= passed or transmitted from one generation to a later generation). • Has he handed in his report yet? (= submitted). • Ask him to hand in the tools before he leaves. (= surrender, after use). • He was the chairman of the company, and he handed over to his daughter when he was past 70. (= gave control of the company or responsibility for running it). • They handed over the thief to the police. (= deliver him). • I handed over the office keys to my assistant. (= gave). • Hand these sandwiches/biscuits/ cups round, will you? • I saw him hanging about at the gate. (= waiting there doing nothing in particular). • He helped me into/out of my coat. (= helped me put it on/ take it off). • (infml) Oh, what a party it was! Now let’s help (mom) out with the washing up. (= help her do it, because it would be difficult for her to do it herself). • I wanted some money urgently, and he was the only person who was willing to help (me) out. (= help me by giving me money). • They gave us some money and helped us out of a difficult situation. • She held back and didn’t tell him about it then. (= she hesitated to tell this to him because of fear, unwillingness or caution). • Why did you hold back this information from the police? (= not give; refuse to give; delay giving). • She could no longer hold back her tears. • The meeting has been held over until the next weekend. (= postponed). • The tent is held up by/with poles and ropes. • She held up her hand to attract the speaker’s attention. (= raised it). • I was held up by the traffic. (= delayed). • The traffic was held up by the accident. • Their workers have been on strike for a week now, and this has held up our production (= halted, delayed). • I’m sorry I held you up. You see, my car broke down on the way. (= made you wait). • His car was held up on his way to the

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Phrasal verbs

airport, and he was attacked. • Some masked men held them up on their way and took all their money. (= stopped and robbed them). • I think this was the gang that held up a bank last month. (= robbed it by the threat of violence). • When I saw the bus, I held up my hand, but it didn’t stop. • I know they’ve suffered a heavy loss this time. But they’re trying to hush it up (= prevent it from becoming public knowledge).

Ii • These are not serious difficulties. We can sit together and iron them out. (= remove them by discussion and compromise).

Kk • Don’t keep the news back from them. (= decide not to tell). • Keep on until you reach the traffic lights; then turn left. (= continue going). • (infml) Don’t keep on at them about the job — they’ll finish it on time. (= Don’t tell them/ask them about it again and again and annoy them). • (infml) He kept (on) at me to help him get the job. (= continued pestering me). • He kept (on) asking me questions. • The rain kept up for the whole day. (= continued without changing). • Their courage kept up throughout the crisis. (= remained at a high level; did not become smaller, lower or weaker). • We couldn’t afford to keep up such a big house, and so we decided to sell it and move to a smaller one. [= keep it (neat, clean and in good repair) by spending money and energy; maintain it]. • (infml) The pain kept me up past midnight. (= prevented me from going to bed). • I wanted to keep his spirits up. (= maintain; prevent the spirits from becoming weaker). • You’re doing well. Keep up your efforts. (= maintain). • If you don’t keep up the rent, they’ll throw you out. (= continue paying it in time). • Dad was walking so fast that I really had to run to

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keep up with him. I was only a kid then, you know. (= to move at the same speed as). • It’s five years since I retired. But I still keep up with some of my friends in the office. (= keep in touch with them through visits, phone calls, letters, etc.). • If you want to be successful in this field, you must keep up with the latest developments. (= keep yourself informed about). • The cost of living is going up day by day, but our salaries aren’t keeping up with it. (= rising at the same rate). • The chicken curry they served him at the restaurant was too spicy, and he kicked up a fuss/row about it. (= he complained strongly to show that he was annoyed or dissatisfied).

Ll • We can’t last out without food/water for very long. (= go on living; remain active). • He laid his book/pen down and got up to answer the door. • The Government has laid down new guidelines on health and safety in the workplace. (= officially announced them as a principle, rule, etc.). • They laid on a bodyguard for him (= supplied). • Tomorrow’s our wedding anniversary, and we’re planning to lay on a dinner party. (= organize). • (infml) He laid out all his savings on the holiday (= spent) • (infml) He laid out the street-plan/the map on the table. (= spread). • I feel rather let down by their indifference. • (infml) She hoped that he would support her, but he let her down. (= disappointed her, failed her). • This dress looks too short for you. Why don’t you let it down a bit. (= lengthen it…). • We let off a lot of fireworks for Diwali. (= explode). • Was that policeman crazy or something? Otherwise, why did he let off the gun at the crowd? (= fire…). • He has a bad cold, and so she let him off cleaning the windows. (= allow him not to do it). • (infml) The magistrate took a lenient view, and let him off. (= released him and did not punish him). • (infml) Don’t let on about our plans. (= reveal/disclose).

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• Come on, let me out. Why have you locked me in? (= allow me to go from this place). • (infml) My sister said she would go to the railway station and pick up my mother-in-law; that let me out. (= released me from an unpleasant obligation). • This dress has become too tight — it’ll have to be let out round the waist. (= make it wider/looser). • We’ve let out the first floor of our house as a flat. (= made it available for people to rent). • We’ve let out the top floor of our house to them. • (infml) He kept on working, and didn’t let up for an instant.(= relax making an effort). • The rain hasn’t let up yet.(= slackened). • Don’t be so strict/severe with your children — you should let up on them. (= be less strict/severe with them). • Don’t forget to lock up after you. (= lock very securely when you leave). • Look ahead 10 or 15 years. How do you think will this place look like then? • (infml) The doctor looked him over. (= examined him carefully). • They sent a surveyor to look over the house (= survey, inspect) • Before hiring an advertising agency, you should look them up extensively. • (infml) When I come to Dallas, I’ll look you up. (= find your house and visit you). • Did you look him up thoroughly before you hired him? • Go to the library and look up the June issue of the magazine. • Can you look her phone number up in the telephone book? • (infml) The weather is looking up (= getting better, improving). • I didn’t know the word — so I looked it up in a dictionary (= searched for it, tried to find its meaning, pronunciation, etc.). • He’s a man of absolute integrity, and we all look up to him.(= admire or respect him).

Mm • I could see a figure in the distance, but I couldn’t make out who it was. • (infml) How’s he making out in his new profession?

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65

(= progressing/prospering). • I could just make out his face in the street light. • He makes out that they were with him on that day. (= claim, maintain). • There was somebody sitting on the floor, a little away from me. But I couldn’t make them out. It was quite dark in there, you know. (= manage to see). • I couldn’t make out what you were saying. (= manage to hear). • I can just make out those big letters on the top. (= manage to read). • He makes himself out to be an expert. (= claims, maintains). • She made out a cheque for Rs.50/- (= wrote and completed it). • We can make a frock out of this cloth. • They shook hands and made up. (= ended their quarrel). • She’s not a good typist. But there’s something that makes up for that. She’s quite good-looking. (= compensates for; outweighs; she uses it as a suitable alternative for...). • Is there any way I can make up for the damage I’ve caused? (= compensate for/ repay for). • (infml) He’s trying to make up to the boss. (= make himself, pleasant to the boss in order to get something done or win favours). • They’re bringing him here from the hospital. You’ll have to make up a bed for him at once. (= prepare a bed). • She had made up a few sandwiches for us before we started. (= prepared them for our journey/outing). • They make up medicines from the buds, leaves and other parts of herbs and plants. (= prepare medicines by mixing these ingredients together). • How are you going to make up such a huge loss? (= replace, make good). • They’re asking Rs.5000/- for it. I need Rs.1500/- to make up the money. (= to make the money complete). • I’m sorry you’ll have to be on night duty today, but I’ll make it up to you. (= do something or give something to you to compensate you for what you suffer or miss). • (infml) I missed out on the seminar. I was away on tour, you know. (= I couldn’t attend it, and so lost a chance to benefit from it). • You missed out on all the fun. You should have come a bit early. • Did you go through the list? I think we’ve missed out a few of the items from it (= failed or forgotten to include).

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• Don’t mix up my papers/books. I’ve just put them in order. • Don’t mix up the candidates (= put them in the wrong order or mix them together, so that it’s difficult to know who’s who). • She’s always mixing me up with my sister (= confuses; is unable to tell me from my brother).

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“Adjective + N oun” word groups

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Chapter 6

“Adjective + Noun” word groups This is the second instalment of the collection of “adjective + noun” combinations. You saw the first instalment in Book 6. From the time you did your practice with the first instalment of these combinations, you must have noticed one thing: These combinations not only help you to get a real mastery of the highend spoken English vocabulary, but also to do that quickly. And you must have noticed that they help you a lot in putting spoken English to extensive use — especially, in serious conversations. Utter each of the word groups several times — ALOUD. Here we go:

F • a fabulous meal. • a factual account (of what happened). • faded jeans. • a faint click. • a faint pencil line. • a faint sound. • a fainthearted attack. • a fair deal. • a fair excuse. • fair hair. • a fair hearing. • fair weather. • a fair-haired boy. • a fairy tale. • a faithful friend. • fake fur. • a fake Swiss watch. • a false beard. • a false name. • a false statement. • a familiar face. • a family photo. • a family reunion. • a family tradition. • a famous magician. • the most famous museum. • a famous novelist. • a famous song. • a famous brand of jeans. • a famous doctor. • a famous person. • a famous show-jumper. • a famous singer. • a famous battle. • a fancy restaurant. • a fantastic dancer. • a fantastic hit. • a fantastic match. • a fantastic player. • a fantastic present. • fantastic trainers. • a farfetched excuse. • a fascinating show. • a fashionable club. • a fashionable new disco. • a fashionable dress. • a fashionable haircut. • fashionable

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“Adjective + N oun” word groups

ideas. • a fashionable jacket. • a fashionable boutique. • a fast pace. • a fast train. • a fast car. • fast colours. • a fast-growing economy. • a fat guy. • a fat book. • a fat cat. • a fat man. • a fat body. • a fatal disease. • fatty meat. • a faultless performance. • faulty brakes. • faulty wiring. • your favourite crisps. • your favourite ice cream. • her favourite brand (of soap). • a feathery cloud. • feathery hair. • a feeble argument. • a feeble cry. • feeble excuses. • a feeble kick. • a feeble miaow. • a feeble protest. • a ferocious dog. • a ferocious tiger. • a ferocious wolf. • a fierce female. • fierce hatred. • a fierce lion. • a fierce opponent. • a fierce gale. • a fiery temperament. • fighting tactics. • a filthy face. • filthy socks. • a filthy sports shirt. • the final chapter. • the final day (of term). • financial help. • a fine day. • a fine morning. • a fine view. • a fire alarm. • a fire bell. • a firm friend. • a firm handshake. • firm ice cream. • a firm promise. • a firm surface. • (in) the first year. • a first-class artist. • a first-class scientist. • a first-rate goalkeeper. • first-rate results. • a fishing line. • a fishing port. • a fishing rod. • a fit athlete. • a fit person. • a fitted carpet. • a fixed appointment. • a fixed time. • a flag pole. • a flashing light. • a flat country. • a flat field. • a flat garden. • a flat landscape. • a flat road. • a flat tyre. • a flawless diamond. • flaxen hair. • a flea bite. • a flimsy dress. • a floor rag. • a flourishing trade. • a flower stem. • a flowery perfume. • a flu virus. • a fluffy rug. • fluffy toys. • a foolish woman. • a football ground. • a football pitch. • a football referee. • the football results. • a football stadium. • (his) cricket stuff. • a football team. • a forced smile. • a forceful character. • a foreign car. • a foreign land. • foreign matter/ articles. • foreign travellers. • a foreign country. • the foremost company. • a forest fire. • forged money. • a fortunate day. • a foul deed. • a foul smell. • a fractured arm. • a fragile vase. • a frank answer. • frank opinions. • a frantic rush. • freezing cold. • a freezing night. • frequent visitor. • fresh drinks. • fresh lettuce leaves. • a fresh page. • fresh plans (for the conference). • fresh grapes. • fresh water. • the fresh air. • (give somebody)

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a friendly pinch. • a friendly expression. • a friendly class. • a friendly dog. • a friendly girl. • a friendly shopkeeper. • a friendly smile. • a friendly teacher. • a friendly welcome. • a friendly chat. • a frightened child. • a frightening sight. • a frightening experience. • a frightening scream. • a frightening sound. • a frightening thought. • a frightful accident. • a fruitless search. • a fruity flavour. • a full stomach. • a full hour’s work. • the full price. • a funny guy. • a funny incident. • a funny sight. • a funny situation. • a funny smell. • a funny comment. • a funny feeling. • a funny film. • a funny noise.

G • a gallant warrior. • the gang leader. • a garden plant. • a garden pond. • a garden shed. • garden tools. • garden twine. • general knowledge. • a generous person. • a generous uncle. • a gentle boy. • a gentle child. • a gentle girl. • gentle rain. • genuine designer jeans. • genuine fur. • a genuine offer of help. • genuine sadness. • a ghastly dream. • a ghostly sight. • a ghostly voice. • a gifted singer. • a gigantic ship. • a gigantic spaceship. • glaring mistakes. • gleaming car. • a gloomy building. • a gloomy look. • a gloomy place. • glossy curls. • glossy hair. • a gold mine. • golden sands. • golden curls. • a golden-haired retriever. • a goldfish pond. • good behaviour. • (in) good condition. • a good cookery book. • a good friend. • a good job. • a good place. • a good light (for reading). • a good thing to know. • (having) a good time. • good weather. • a good humour. • a good idea. • a good job. • (making) good progress. • good marks (for maths). • a good opportunity. • a good physique. • a good position. • a good quality cloth. • a good reputation. • (in) very good shape. • good soil. • (have) good standing (in the neighbourhood). • a good suggestion. • a good supply (of food/drinks). • a good system (of working). • (in) a good temper. • a good try. • (a car) in good condition. • (pets in) good condition. • a good deed. • a good education. • good eyesight. • good advice. • good behaviour. • (with) a good character. • a good-looking boy. • a

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“Adjective + N oun” word groups

good-looking man. • a good-looking woman. • a good-natured child. • good-quality shoes. • a goods truck. • a good-tempered pony. • a gorgeous costume. • a gorgeous dress. • a government position. • a gradual improvement (in somebody’s health). • a grand building. • a grape pip. • a grassy hillside. • a grassy space. • a grassy field. • a greasy hamburger. • a greasy handle. • great artists. • a great band. • a great building. • a great day out. • great destruction. • a great idea. • a great monster. • a great picnic spot. • a great shop. • a great show. • a great supporter. • a great time. • a great view. • a great idea. • a great liking (for ice cream). • a great relief. • a great victory. • the greatest actor. • a greedy pig. • green grass. • grey hair. • a grimy face. • grimy hands. • grimy walls. • a grown boy. • grubby face. • a grubby little boy. • a gruesome picture. • a grumpy mood. • a guided tour. • a guilty conscience. • gummy sweets. • a gutsy kid.

H • hairy arms. • a handsome actor. • handsome boys. • a handsome man. • a lean, handsome man. • handwritten notes. • a handy shop. • a handy supermarket. • a happy class. • a happy event. • a happy face. • a happy place. • a happy smile. • a happy ending. • a hard ball. • a hard biscuit. • a hard book cover. • hard chairs. • a hard question. • a hard sum. • hard sums. • a hard woman. • hard work. • a hard worker. • (sentenced to) hard labour. • a hard stare. • a hard-hearted stepmother. • hardy plants. • a harmless animal. • a harsh judgment. • a harsh punishment. • a hasty good-bye. • a healthy baby. • a healthy dog. • a healthy meal. • a healthy person. • a heartbreaking story. • a heartbroken girl. • heartfelt gratitude. • heart-stopping danger. • a hearty stew. • a heated argument. • a heated pool. • a heavy cold. • heavy mud. • a heavy sack. • a heavy smoker. • heavy traffic. • a heavy build. • heavy rain. • a heavy sigh. • a heavy sofa. • a heavy tread (outside the door). • a heavy weight (to carry). • a helpful book. • a helpful girl. • helpful instructions. • a helpful nurse. • a helpful hint. • a helpful

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suggestion. • helpful tips. • a heroic escape. • heroic exploits. • a hidden entrance. • a hideous building. • a high building. • a high fever. • a high mountain. • a high note. • a high tower. • high wages. • a high jump. • a high rank. • a high ridge. • a high standard of fitness. • a high temperature. • a high tower. • a high-class resort. • (at) the highest level. • the highest pinnacle. • a high-rise block of flats. • a high-rise building. • a high-risk sport. • a high-speed train. • a hilarious programme. • a hilly landscape. • a hilly place. • a hilly area. • a historic castle. • historical costume. • a hockey pitch. • holiday snaps. • a hollow ball. • a homicidal maniac. • an honest statement. • an honest wish. • an honourable fight. • a hopeless mess. • a horizontal position. • a horrible dream. • a horrible girl. • a horrible noise. • horrible people. • a horrible thing (to do). • horrid people. • horrifying news. • a horrifying story. • a horror film. • a horsedrawn carriage. • a hospitable man. • a hot new band. • a hot curry. • a hot meal. • hot water. • hotel guests. • household tools . • a housetrained cat. • a huge grin. • a huge man. • a huge school. • a huge factory. • a hulking great monster. • the human race. • the human soul. • basic human qualities. • a humid day. • a humorous show. • a humorous speech. • a hurried wave. • a hushed silence.

I • iced lemonade. • an icy day. • an icy path. • icy water. • an icy blast. • an ideal picnic spot. • an ideal shape. • an ideal solution. • ideal weather (for a picnic). • an identical pen. • identical scores. • identical twins. • an idiotic reason. • an idiotic thing (to say). • an idle person. • an ignorant person. • illegal activities. • an illegal immigrant. • ill-fitting plug. • some ill-fitting shoes. • an imaginative drama. • an immature bird. • an immediate answer. • an immediate reply. • an immoral way (to behave). • an impartial judge. • an impertinent question. • impolite language. • an important book. • an important building. • an important letter. • an important moment. • the most

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important thing. • an important person. • the most important question. • the most important scientists. • the most important thing (to remember). • an important woman. • imported fruit. • an impossible task. • an impressive player. • an improbable reason. • an improved formula. • inconsiderate behaviour. • an inconsiderate remark. • incorrect facts. • increased prices. • an incredible story. • an incredible piece of news. • an incredible feat. • indelible ink. • an independent country. • an independent state. • indigestion pills. • indistinct writing. • an individual prize. • an indoor pastime. • an infant school. • their infant son. • inflexible leather boots. • inflexible school rules. • an influential politician. • an inland sea. • innovative ideas. • innovative software. • an inquisitive boy. • an insane woman. • insignificant people. • an insolent child. • insolent remarks. • an inspiring teacher. • (take) an instant dislike (to somebody). • an instantaneous reaction. • instinctive behaviour. • an intelligent girl. • an intelligent person. • an intelligent remark. • an intelligent reply. • an intelligent woman. • an intelligent lad. • intense love. • an interesting mind. • an interesting person. • an interesting speech. • an interesting job. • an interesting period (of history). • interesting pictures. • an interesting display. • an international gathering. • an invaluable piece of advice. • an inventive comedy. • an iron spike. • irresistible prices. • irresponsible behaviour. • an isolated cottage. • an itchy sweater.

J • a jazz group. • a jolly time. • a jumbled heap of clothes. • junior school. • a just decision. • a juvenile court.

K • a keen footballer. • keen hearing. • a keen mind. • key facts. • key points. • a kind boy. • a kind lad. • a kind man. • a kind person. • kind teachers. • a kind nature. • a kind person. • a kindly uncle. • a kitchen stool. • kitchen utensils.

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L • a lamp post. • a language scholar. • a laptop computer. • a large box. • a large dog. • a large sandwich. • a large size. • a large orchestra. • a large organization. • a large portion of pie. • a large quantity (of white paper). • a large expanse of sand. • a large canopy. • the last day. • the last minutes (of the film). • (make) a lasting impression. • (her) late husband. • the latest fashions. • the latest hit. • the latest trend. • the latest craze. • the latest fashion. • a law-abiding family. • a lazy afternoon. • a lazy person. • a lazy smile. • (spend) a lazy summer. • a leading athlete. • a leading band. • a leading player. • a leading scientist. • a leading sportsman. • a lean body. • a lean dog. • a lean, handsome man. • (haven’t) the least idea. • the legitimate owner. • lemon rind. • lemon squash. • a lemony tang. • lemony fragrance. • a level field. • a level garden. • a level playing field. • his life savings. • life-and-death decisions. • a life-threatening accident. • a light hallway. • a light breeze. • a light classroom. • light green. • light weapons. • a light doze. • a light-hearted mood. • a lightweight suitcase. • a lined face. • a litter bin. • a little boy. • a little dog. • a little girl. • a little noise. • a little snooze. • a little toddler. • a (dear) little puppy. • a little drink (of milk). • a little child. • a live hedgehog. • a live broadcast. • a lively discussion. • a lively expression. • a lively imagination. • lively songs. • a lively personality. • a living creature. • a loaded basket. • the local library. • the local pub. • a lofty mountain. • a lonely farm. • a lonely man. • a long illness. • a long ladder. • a long lane. • a long pointer. • a long queue. • a long stick. • a long struggle. • a long trek. • a long conversation. • a long corridor. • a long burrow. • a loose belt. • a loose tooth. • a loose-fitting dress. • a lottery ticket. • a loud groan. • a loud snore. • a loud voice. • a loud noise. • a loud roar (of the lion). • a loud scream. • loud screaming. • a loud shout. • a loud shriek. • a loud tap (on the desk). • a loud tap (at/on the door). • a loud cry. • lousy food. • lousy marks (in her exam). • a lovely house. • a lovely city. • a lovely dad. • a lovely day. • a lovely idea. • a

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lovely little girl. • a lovely party. • a lovely time. • a loving kiss. • loving feelings. • a low level. • a low ceiling. • low cost. • a low roof. • low humour. • a low rumble. • a low voice. • a low moan. • a low score (in the game). • a low couch. • the lower lip. • the lowest marks (in the class). • the lowest number (of people). • a loyal follower. • lucky charms. • lukewarm water. • a luxurious house. • a luxury car.

M • a mad woman. • a magic show. • (some) magic tricks. • magic words. • a magic spell. • a magnificent house. • a magnificent performance. • the main office. • the main point. • the main reason (for resigning). • a main road. • a majestic ceremony. • major roadworks. • a malicious girl. • a malicious lie. • a malicious thing (to say). • a malignant growth. • a mangy dog. • man-made cloth. • a man-made material. • a market stall. • a market town. • a married couple. • a married man. • married life. • a marvellous day. • a marvellous story. • a marvellous time. • a marvellous view. • a mass murderer. • a massive amount (of work). • matching colours. • a matching bracelet. • a maths problem. • a mean boy. • a mean girl. • a mean look. • mean rainfall. • a mean trick. • a mean witch. • a mean woman. • a meaningless answer. • medium size. • melancholy music. • a memorable occasion. • a merciless act. • a mere child. • messy hands. • a messy house. • a messy table. • messy writing. • a metal shaving. • a metal cylinder. • middle-sized socks. • a mighty emperor. • a mighty warrior. • a mild day. • a miniature house. • a miniature pony. • a miniature poodle. • the minimum age (for voting). • the minimum temperature. • a minute amount. • a minute kitten. • miscellaneous books. • a mischievous kitten. • a mischievous trick. • a miserable term (at school). • a miserly old man. • mixed sweets. • a model kit. • modern cars. • a modern house. • a modern town. • modern contemporary music. • moist air. • moist skin. • a momentary smile. • moneyed people. • a monthly visit. • a moonless night. • a moth-eaten coat. • a moth-

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eaten jacket. • the motor trade. • mouldy biscuits. • mouldy cheese. • muddy boots. • a muddy puddle. • muddy footprints. • a murder mystery. • a murky pond. • a muscular chest. • mushy peas. • a music shop. • a music teacher. • a music exam. • a musical instrument. • musical talent. • a mysterious noise. • a mysterious stranger. • a mystery story.

N • a naked baby. • a naked child. • a narrow lane. • narrow shoes. • a narrow passage. • a narrow path. • a narrow alleyway. • a narrow bandage. • a nasty knock (on the head). • a nasty mood. • a nasty girl. • a nasty person. • nasty remarks. • nasty smells. • nasty weather. • national dress. • the natural environment. • natural fears. • natural honey. • natural materials. • natural woodland. • a nature film. • naughty behaviour. • a naughty trick. • a nearby school. • a neat bedroom. • a neat cupboard. • a neat haircut. • necessary information. • neighbouring villages. • a nervous mother. • a nettle rash. • her new hairstyle. • new buds. • a new fashion. • new games. • new ideas. • a new jacket. • new pens. • a new idea. • a new post. • a new raincoat. • a new recipe. • a new settee. • a new type of (soft drink). • a new type (of car). • a new version of a computer game. • a new video. • a new word. • a new dance. • a new drug. • an excellent new video. • a new brand (of peanut butter). • a newborn baby. • a news story. • a newspaper report. • the next country. • a nice home. • a nice lad. • nice neighbours. • a nice holiday. • a nice neighbour. • a nice person. • (have) a nice time. • a nice old house. • nice weather. • a nice spot. • a nice view of the sea. • a nice colour. • a nice face. • a nice chap. • a nice-looking boy. • a nice-looking girl. • a nice-looking meal. • her nicest dress. • a night watchman. • a nippy evening. • noble ancestors. • a noble deed. • a noble family. • a noiseless machine. • a noisy family. • noisy neighbours. • a noisy party. • a nonsensical rhyme. • a nonsensical book. • nonstop banging from the building site. • a nonstop bus. • a normal meal. • normal reactions. • a

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normal Sunday. • my normal voice. • normal weather. • a nosy neighbour. • a noted scientist. • a noticeable stain. • a notorious murderer. • the nuclear plant.

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Chapter 7

Fixed and Semi-fixed Expressions – Part 1 There are certain fixed and semi-fixed expressions in English, and they come up quite frequently in everyday speech. You must pick up the knack of using these expressions easily and effortlessly in speech. You must. This knack will add to your fluency quickly and with telling effect. The practice you’re going to do in this Book will help you achieve this knack. Here is an exhaustive collection of frequently-occurring fixed and semi-fixed expressions. Practise saying these word groups aloud. Once you get familiar with these word groups, and once your organs of speech get used to handling them, your hesitationmanagement skill and on-the spot-speech composition skill will improve dramatically. Here we go:

Group 1 about a half; about sb’s person; above a threshold; above all else; above average; above ground; above street level; above target; above the law; above zero; across the border; across the street; across the way; after a moment’s thought; after a while; after careful consideration (of sth); after school; after serious consideration (of sth); after you (with the salad etc.); against (my) better judgement; against (my) principles; against all (the) odds; against sb’s principles; against sb’s will; against the law; against the regulations; against the rules; against

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the run of play; ahead of plan; ahead of sb’s/sth’s time; ahead of schedule; ahead of time; along a path; along sth’s length; along the lines of sth; along the road; along the street; around a bend; around here/there; around the middle (of sth); as (the) occasion demands; as a general rule; as a mark of respect; as a precaution; as a result (of sth); as a reward; as a token of your gratitude; as a whole; at (the) last count; at 15-minute intervals; at a discount; at a few hours’ notice; at a future date; at a gallop; at a hotel; at a later date; at a leisurely/brisk pace; at a level; at a loss; at a meeting; at a moment’s notice; at a party; at a concert; at a price; at a profit; at the rate of …; at a signal; at a snail’s pace; at a stretch; at a temperature; at a time; at a trickle; at a/one gulp; at a/some future date; at all cost(s); at all hours; at an alarming rate; at an earlier date; at an early age; at anchor; at any cost; at arm’s length; at auction; at birth; at board level; at close of play; at close quarters/range; at college; at cross purposes; at dawn; at death’s door; at diploma level; at every (available) opportunity; at every turn; at first sight; at fixed intervals; at fortnightly intervals; at four; at frequent intervals; at full capacity; at full gallop; at full stretch; at full throttle; at great personal sacrifice; at half throttle; at home; at hourly intervals; at its height; at its most extreme; at least a half; at leisure; at liberty; at lightning speed; at lunch; at lunchtime; at moments of crisis; at monthly intervals; at night; at no extra charge; at no extra cost; at one extreme; at one go; at one/the other end of the spectrum; at peace; at peace with the world; at peace with oneself; at periodic intervals; at pistol point; at play; at present; at regular intervals; at rest; at sb’s discretion; at sb’s own pace; at sb’s side; at sb’s suggestion; at sb’s time of life; at sb’s whim; at school; at sea; at short notice; at speed; at sunrise; at sunset; at sth’s fullest extent; at sth’s greatest extent;

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at the appointed time; at street level; at that/this time; at the age of 20 etc.; at the allotted time; at the back; at the back of your mind; at the beginning/start of sth; at the bottom (of sth); at the bottom/foot of the page; at the close of business; at the close of trading; at the core of sth; at the corner; at the crack of dawn; at the cutting edge of sth; at the design stage; at the doctor’s; at the dentist’s; at the earliest; at the earliest (possible) opportunity; at the end of sth; at the end of the day; at the merest whiff of sth; at the faintest whiff of sth; at the first (possible) opportunity; at the first hint of sth; at the first whiff of sth; at the flick of a switch; at the forefront (of sth); at the forefront of your mind; at the front (of sth); at the frontier; at the hairdresser’s; at the head/top of the page; at the height of sb/sth’s fame; at the height of the storm; at the height of sb’s popularity; at the height of your powers; at the latest count; at the least provocation; at the slightest provocation; at the peak of sb’s popularity; at the peak of your powers; at the opposite extreme; at the moment; at the optician’s; at the other end; at the other extreme; at the outset; at the present time; at the push of a button; at the press of a button; at the rear; at the scene; at the side of the road; at the side of sth; at the slightest opportunity; at the slightest pretext; at the start of the play; at the tender age of five etc.; at the time; at the time of doing sth; at the time of writing; at the time you do sth; at the top of (your) voice; at the top of sth; at the top of the/your agenda; at the top of your profession; at the top of your game; at the touch of a button; at the very least; at the very most; at the wheel; at the zenith of your powers; at this stage; at this time of day; at this time of night; at this/my end; at this/that point; at this/that point in time; at times of crisis; at weekly intervals; at what price?; at work; at your age; at your earliest convenience; at your own pace; at your own risk; at your/its peak.

Group 2 before now; before school; before then; before your very eyes;

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behind enemy lines; behind the scenes; behind the wheel; belong to a club; belong to a group; below a threshold; below average; below deck/s; below ground; below par; below standard; below street level; below strength; below target; below the poverty line; below zero; beneath the surface; beneath your feet; beside yourself with anger/excitement/rage etc.; between a third and a half; between two extremes; beyond (a) reasonable doubt; beyond (all) expectations; beyond (sb’s) comprehension; beyond a shadow of (a) doubt; beyond all belief; beyond all reasons; beyond endurance; beyond reach; beyond repair; beyond sb’s control; beyond sb’s wildest dreams; beyond the bounds of possibility; beyond the bounds of good sense; beyond the call of duty; beyond the grave; beyond the limit; beyond the reach of sb/sth; beyond the scope of sb/ sth; beyond the wit of man; beyond your means; beyond your power; by (kind) permission of sb; by (slow) degrees; by a curious paradox; by a process of elimination; by accident or design; by all accounts; by all appearances; by any standard; by appointment; by arrangement; by birth; by boat; by car/bus; by chance; by cheque; by coincidence; by common consent; by consensus; by day; by descent; by fair means or foul; by fax; by force; by force of circumstance; by God’s grace; by implication; by its (very) nature; by law; by machine; by mail; by marriage; by modern standards; by moonlight; by mutual agreement; by nature/birth; by night; by no means; by no stretch of the imagination; by now; by order of sb; by phone/fax; by plane; by popular request; by post; by prior arrangement; by profession/name; by radio; by return (of post); by satellite; by sb’s leave; by sb’s own account; by sb’s own admission; by sb’s side; by sb’s/sth’s standards; by sea; by some freak of fate etc.; by statute; by telephone; by the end of sth; by the largest of margins; by the narrowest etc. of margins; by the light of a bulb; by the light of sth; by the look(s)

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of him etc.; by the side of the road; by the time (that)…; by then; by train/air; by tube; by water; by way of explanation; by way of illustration.

Group 3 down a path; down below; down here; down river; down the front; down the middle; down the road; down the stairs; down the street; down to the last detail.

Group 4 for (absolutely) ages; for (all) practical purposes; for a bit; for a dare; for a lark; for a minute; for a month; for a reason; for a while; for a whole host of reasons; for all its faults; for all occasions; for all sb’s faults; for all sb’s talk; for all the talk of sth; for an hour; for any length of time; for business or pleasure; for ever and ever; for every occasion; for export; for free; for his/ her own ends; for hours (on end); for lack of sth; for life; for lunch; for material gain; for financial gain; for miles; for miles around; for months; for no apparent reason; for now; for obvious reasons; for personal gain; for personal reasons; for pity’s sake; for political ends; for commercial etc. ends; for profit; for reasons best known to yourself; for reference purposes; for safety reasons; for sb’s (own) good; for sb’s benefit; for sb’s consideration; for sb’s convenience; for sb’s own sake; for sb’s sake; for security reasons; for services rendered; for short; for show; for some strange reason; for some unknown reason; for sth’s sake; for sure; for tax/taxation purposes; for the benefit of mankind; for the duration of sth; for the express purpose of sth; for the good of sb/sth; for the nth time; for the sake of clarity; for the sake of convenience; for the sake of simplicity; for the sake of sth; for the simple reason that…; for the time being; for the use of sb; for use as sth; for whatever reason; for years; for your own safety; from (deep) within; from a different/the same mould; from a financial perspective; from a historical perspective; from a legal/political standpoint; from a political point of view; from

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a purely economical viewpoint; from a religious point of view; from a scientific point of view; from afar; from all angles; from all quarters; from all/both directions; from among them; from an early age; from an economic standpoint; from an international perspective; from beginning to end; from beginning to/until the bitter end; from behind; from beneath; from birth; from ceiling to floor; from dawn till dusk; from dawn to dusk; from elsewhere; from far and wide; from floor to ceiling; from generation to generation; from head to foot/toe; from here; from humble/ modest beginnings; from inside; from left to right; from morning till night; from now on; from one extreme to the other; from one generation to the next; from out of town; from outside; from past/previous experience; from peak to trough; from personal/ bitter experience; from right to left; from somewhere among the trees; from sb’s standpoint; from small beginnings; from start to finish; from the age of 20 etc.; from the outset; from the perspective of sb/sth; from the point of view of sth; from the standpoint of sth; from the very beginning; from the waist down/ up; from then/that day on; from there; from this/that quarter; from time immemorial; from top to bottom; from top to toe; from under the bed etc.;

Group 5 in (a) good/bad humour; in (a) timely manner/fashion; in (all) the confusion; in (all) your life; in (all/good) conscience; in (an) equal degree; in (close) liaison with sb; in (good etc.) form; in (mock) surrender; in (the) aggregate; in (the) spring; in (your) shirtsleeves; in a bad/foul mood; in a bad/foul temper; in a big way; in a bit; in a blur; in a calm/harsh etc. voice; in a choir; in a circle; in a crash; in a critical condition; in a dead faint; in a different vein; in a different mould; in a the same mould; in a dilemma (over sth); in a dreadful state; in a dream; in a favourable light; in a fix; in a flap; in a fog; in a frenzy of excitement; in a frenzy of rage; in a frenzy of violence; in a good mood; in a holiday mood; in a good temper; in a haphazard

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fashion; in a haphazard manner/way; in a party mood; in a hotel; in a more serious vein; in a lighter vein; in a line; in a loud voice; in a modified form; in a moment of anger; in a moment of despair; in a month’s time; in a muddle; in a predicament; in a profession; in a queue; in a relaxed mood; in a critical condition; in a confident mood; in a ring; in a rut; in the same vein; in a sense; in a serious condition; in a serious vein; in a shambles; in a similar vein; in a single gulp; in a northerly/southerly etc. direction; in a spirit of goodwill; in a state of flux; in a state of panic; in a state of shock; in a state of war; in a tangle; in a terrible mood; in a terrible temper; in a timely manner; in a very real sense; in a way; in a whirl; in a whisper/in whispers; in a world of your own; in a/some small way; in abundance; in accordance with (the) regulations; in accordance with guidelines; in actual fact; in ages; in agony; in all directions; in all her/his glory; in all its manifestations; in all its/their glory; in all likelihood; in all probability; in all respects; in all senses of the word; in all seriousness; in all things; in all weathers; in alliance with sb; in alphabetical order; in amazement; in an awful/terrible state; in an effort to do sth; in an emergency; in an emotional state; in an hour/an hour’s time; in an ideal/a perfect world; in an instant; in an orderly fashion/way; in anger; in answer to a summons; in any shape or form; in appalling conditions; in appreciation (of sth); in ascending order; in astonishment; in awe; in bad condition; in bad faith; in bad form; in bad taste; in battle; in bewilderment; in black; in blossom; in bold; in bold type; in both directions; in brackets; in breach of a duty; in bud; in capitals; in captivity; in care; in case of emergency/emergencies; in cash; in celebration of sth; in chains; in chalk; in oils/oil paints; in change; in chaos; in character; in childbirth; in chorus; in chronological order; in numerical order; in church; in cipher; in circulation; in class; in close touch (with sb); in close proximity; in close pursuit; in hot pursuit; in close contact (with sb); in closed session; in close-up; in code; in cold blood; in colour; in combat; in combination (with

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sb/sth); in comfort; in command; in command of your emotions ; in command of yourself; in common usage; in communication; in conference; in consultation with sb; in context; in contrast to sb; in court; in danger; in danger of (doing) sth; in darkness; in deadly earnest; in decline; in delight; in denial; in depth; in despair; in desperation; in diameter; in difficulty; in dire need; in dire straits; in direct conflict with sb; in direct contradiction to sth; in direct ratio to sth; in disapproval; in disbelief; in disgrace; in disguise; in disgust; in disorder; in dispute over sth; in dispute with sb; in distress; in double figures; in draft form; in drag; in droves; in due course; in duration; in each other’s arms; in English/Hindi etc.; in equal measure; in equilibrium; in every direction; in every sense of the word; in every way; in every/ this respect; in exceptional cases; in exceptional circumstances; in exchange for sth; in exile; in existence; in expectation of sth; in extent; in fascination; in fear; in fear for/of your life; in five days’ time; in flames; in flight; in floods of tears; in flux; in focus; in formation; in frustration; in full bloom; in full blossom; in full leaf; in full operation; in full possession of sth; in full sail; in full sight of sb; in full view (of sth); in gear; in general terms; in glowing terms; in good condition; in good faith; in good form; in good hands; in good health; in good order; in good repair; in good standing with sb; in good taste; in good time; in good spirits; in high spirits; in grave danger (of sth happening); in graph form; in grave danger (of sth); in greater detail; in harmony; in heaps; in height; in high relief; in high spirits; in horror; in hospital; in hot pursuit; in ink/pencil; in instalments; in intensive care; in its own way; in jail; in kit form; in large/some measure; in later life; in layman’s terms; in length; in limbo; in line with expectations; in line with inflation; in liquid form; in living memory; in love (with sb); in many respects; in low relief; in some respects; in marked contrast (to sth); in mid-air; in midfield; in midweek; in minute detail; in misery; in moments of crisis; in months; in more detail; in more ways than one; in motion; in my humble opinion; in nature; in need of help; in need

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of repair; in next to no time; in no circumstances; in no fit state; in no small measure; in no time at all; in no uncertain manner; in no uncertain terms; in normal circumstances; in obscurity; in one go; in one gulp; in one sense; in opposition to sth; in orbit; in order; in order of importance; in order of precedence; in order of preference; in order of frequency; in order of priority; in order of seniority; in order to do sth; in order to prevent sth; in other words. in panic; in paperback; in parentheses; in Parliament; in part exchange; in partnership with sb/sth; in parts; in peace; in peak condition; in percentage terms; in peril; in perspective; in plain sight; in plentiful supply; in plenty of time; in point of fact; in poor health; in poor repair; in poor taste; in port; in poverty; in powder form; in prayer; in preparation for sth; in prison; in pristine condition; in procession. in proportion; in proportion to/with sth; in prose; in prospect; in protest; in purdah; in pursuit (of sb/sth); in pursuit of (our) objectives; in quantity/quantities; in quarantine; in quick succession; in rags; in range (of sth); in rapid succession; in real life; in rebellion; in recent decades; in recent memory; in recent years/months; in recognition of/for sth; in record time; in recorded history; in reply (to sth); in reprisal (for sth); in response to sth; in retaliation (for sth); in revenge (for sth); in reverse order; in revolt; in rhyme; in ribbons; in rotation; in round figures; in round numbers; in ruins; in safe hands; in sb’s (infinite) wisdom; in sb’s absence; in sb’s arms; in sb’s custody; in sb’s estimation; in sb’s excitement; in sb’s experience; in sb’s grasp; in sb’s haste to do sth; in sb’s hour of need; in sb’s judgment; in sb’s lap; in sb’s line; in sb’s mind; in sb’s nature; in sb’s own way; in sb’s spare time; in sb’s view; in sb’s voice; in sb’s will; in sb’s/sth’s direction; in school; in scope; in search of sth; in seclusion; in self-defence; in sequence; in settlement (of sth); in shadow; in shape; in sharp contrast to sth; in shock; in silence; in single file; in size; in slow motion; in so many words; in some quarters; in space; in spite of assurances; in spite of the fact that …; in sport; in stark contrast (to sth); in stock; in straight sets;

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in strength; in strict confidence; in striking contrast (to sth); in submission; in summary form; in summer; in tablet form; in tears; in temptation’s way; in ten minutes’ etc. time; in terminal decline; in terrible condition(s); in terror; in that case; in that connection; in that regard; in the absence of sth; in the afternoon; in the air; in the back; in the back of your mind; in the beauty stakes; in the beginning; in the best traditions of sth; in the best possible taste; in the worst possible taste; in the broadest sense; in the centre; in the comfort of your own home; in the context of sth; in the corner; in the dark; in the dead of night; in the depths of a recession; in the direction of sb/sth; in the distant past; in the distant future; in the doldrums; in the early days; in the evening(s); in the face of evidence; in the face of the enemy; in the fifties/seventies; in the final analysis; in the first instance; in the fitness stakes; in the fold; in the forefront (of sth); in the forefront of your mind; in the front (of sth); in the front line; in the fullness of time; in the future; in the genes; in the global scheme of things; in the grand scheme of things; in the greater scheme of things; in the grip of an obsession; in the hands of the receiver; in the heat of the moment; in the hills; in the immediate future; in the knowledge that …; in the last analysis; in the lead; in the light of evidence; in the limelight; in the long term; in the low 20s/30s etc.; in the mail; in the majority of cases; in the margin; in the medium term; in the middle (of sth); in the mirror; in the moonlight; in the national interest; in the nature of sth; in the near future; in the next decade; in the normal course of events; in the normal way; in the not-too-distant future; in the open air; in the opposite direction; in the ordinary course of events; in the overall scheme of things; in the past/last decade; in your pockets; in the popularity stakes; in the presence of royalty; in the press; in the privacy of your (own) home; in the public interest; in the rain; in the range; in the recesses of your mind; in the right spirit; in the right/wrong order; in the same breath; in the same vein; in the shade; in the shadow of sth; in the short term; in the shower;

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in the sky; in the space of 3 hours etc.; in the spotlight; in the streets; in strict confidence; in the strictest confidence; in the sun; in the teeth of evidence; in the town centre; in the true sense of the word; in the twenties; in the twilight of your life; in the twilight of your career; in the unlikely event; in the usual way; in the wake of a crisis; in the wash; in the whole world; in the wild; in the winter; in the wrong spirit; in therapy; in this day and age; in three weeks’ time; in time to (the) music; in time(s) of war; in times of crisis; in times of drought; in times of recession; in times of scarcity; in times of trouble; in tone; in transit; in translation; in tribute to sb/sth; in triumph; in two years’ time; in two/three dimensions; in urgent need of sth; in varying degrees; in vast amounts; in vast numbers; in view; in violation of sth; in vogue; in waves; in weight; in wet conditions; in width; in windy conditions; in winter; in wonder; in words of one syllable; in years of scarcity; in your (right) senses; in your capacity as sth; in your early teens; in your late teens; in your head; in your mid teens; in your mind’s eye; in your own (good) time; in your own self-interest; in your own way; in your own words; in your teens; in your twenties etc.; in your underwear; into full operation; into place; into sb’s arms; into submission; into the middle (of sth); into the sea; into the street; like children; like everyone else; like a kid; like brothers; like it when…; like new; like old times; like a real soldier; like sisters; like so; like the wind.

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Chapter 8

Fixed and Semi-fixed expressions – Part 2 I gave you the first instalment of Fixed and Semi-fixed Expressions in chapter 7. Here is the next instalment. Do oral practice with these word groups exactly in the same way as you did with the word groups in chapter 7. Here we go:

Group 1 of (great) distinction; of (great/real) value; of (some) repute; of a high/low standard; of a high/the highest order; of a nervous disposition; of all ages; of all persuasions; of all the cheek!; of all time; of any kind; of central importance; of childbearing age; of considerable standing; of critical importance; of crucial importance; of different ages; of different persuasions; of doubtful authenticity; of equal length; of equal quality; of equal size; of equal value; of great concern; of great importance; of great repute; of great standing; of great subtlety; of high caste; of high standing; of international repute; of its type; of little importance; of little value; of long standing; of low birth; of low caste; of major concern; of no importance; of no value; of noble birth; of noble descent/blood; of paramount importance; of recent date; of relevance to sth; of sb’s acquaintance; of sb’s very own; of school age; of some kind; of some sort; of some subtlety; of that sort; of the first magnitude; of this sort; of this type; of unequal length; of your own; of your own free will; on (an) impulse; on (good) form; on (your etc.) honeymoon; on (the) grounds of misconduct; on (the) grounds of nationality; on (the) grounds of race; on (the) return of sth; on (the) telly; on (your) guard over; on (your) hands and knees; on a balance

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of probabilities; on a bed of lettuce/strawberries/rhubarb; on a bed of rice; on a brighter/happier note; on a case-by-case basis; on a collision course; on a commission basis; on a daily basis; on a farm; on a firm footing; on a flight; on a freelance basis; on a full stomach; on a grand scale; on a (real) high; on a hill; on a humorous note; on a large scale; on a lead; on a list; on a massive scale; on a month’s notice; on a monthly basis; on a negative note; on a percentage basis; on a plane; on a positive note; on a regular basis; on a scale of 1 to 10; on a secure footing; on a small scale; on a sound footing; on a strong footing; on a technicality; on a temporary basis; on a trial basis; on a visit; on a voluntary basis; on a war footing; on a week’s notice; on a whim; on a world scale; on aggregate; on amicable terms; on an ad hoc basis; on an annual basis; on an earlier occasion; on an equal footing (with sb); on an expedition; on an interim basis; on assignment; on attachment to an organization; on assignment to an organization; on bended knee; on benefit; on board; on board a plane; on board a ship; on board a train; on budget; on business; on close acquaintance; on closer acquaintance; on closer examination; on completion of sth; on computer; on course; on court; on credit; on deck; on Earth; on easy terms; on either side of sth; on equal terms; on exhibition; on familiar terms; on file; on film; on financial grounds; on first acquaintance; on Fridays; on friendly terms; on good terms; on grounds of sex; on guard duty; on high incomes; on impact; on leave; on legal grounds; on location; on low incomes; on medical grounds; on medication; on Friday evening/s; on numerous occasions; on occasion; on one occasion; on open sale; on order; on pain of punishment; on parole; on past performance; on past records; on patrol; on payment of sth; on principle; on production of sth; on receipt (of sth); on reflection; on remand; on safety grounds; on sb’s advice; on sb’s arrival; on sb’s books; on sb’s lap; on sb’s mother’s side; on sb’s father’s side; on sb’s return (from/to sth); on sb’s right; on sb’s side; on sentry duty; on site; on speaking terms; on special offer; on stage; on Sundays etc.; on tape; on target; on the advice

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of sb; on the assumption that …; on the back; on the basis of sth; on the basis that …; on the beat; on the black market; on the border; on the brink of (doing) sth; on the brink of chaos; on the brink of hysteria; on the brink of ruin; on the coast; on the corner; on the credit/debit side; on the critical list; on the curriculum; on the decline; on the edge of extinction; on the end of a string; on the end of sth; on the field; on the first/second floor; on the fringe(s); on the front; on the front line; on the frontier; on the ground/top floor; on the high seas; on the home front; on the hour; on the Internet; on the journey home; on the left (of sb/ sth); on the news; on the nod; on the occasion of sth; on the off chance; on the outskirts of town; on the periphery of sth; on the phone; on the plus/minus side; on the point of extinction; on the point of hysteria; on the poverty line; on the premises; on the pretext of doing sth; on the radio; on the right (of a road etc.); on the right/wrong track; on the rise; on the road to recovery; on the road to success; on the same footing (as sth); on the scene; on the short list; on the side of the road; on the slightest pretext; on the statute book; on the streets; on the stroke of midnight; on the surface; on the syllabus; on the trail of sb; on the tube; on the verge of disaster; on the verge of extinction; on the verge of hysteria; on the verge of ruin; on the verge of tears; on the way home (from sth); on the world stage; on the wrong track; on the/ its way to (doing) sth; on this occasion; on top (of sth); on top of things; on tour; on track to do sth; on trial (for sth); on TV; on vacation; on watch; on weak ground; on wheels; on your left; on your own initiative; on your toes; on your travels; out here; out loud; out of a job; out of all proportion; out of bed; out of bounds (to sb); out of character; out of consideration for sb; out of curiosity; out of focus; out of gear; out of habit; out of harm’s way; out of mischief; out of necessity; out of order; out of perspective; out of proportion (to/with sth); out of range (of sth); out of reach; out of sb’s grasp; out of sb’s hands; out of sb’s league; out of sb’s/sth’s sight; out of sequence; out of spite; out of stock; out of temptation’s way; out of the goodness of your

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heart; out of the limelight; out of shape; out of the spotlight; out of touch with the reality/realities of sth; out of trouble; out of danger; out of your own pocket; out there; outside sb’s control; outside sb’s jurisdiction; outside the bounds of sth; outside the scope of sb/sth; over budget; over here/there; over the border; over the intercom; over the Internet; over the next decade; over the page; over the past/last decade; over the phone; over the telephone.

Group 2 to a certain extent; to some extent; to a great extent; to a fault; to a limited extent; to a considerable extent; to a large degree; to a lesser extent; to a significant extent; to a small/large extent; to a/some degree; to absurd lengths; to all appearances; to avoid confusion; to be absolutely honest; to be decided; to be fair; to be honest (with you); to be perfectly honest; to be quite honest; to coin a phrase; to collapse in the face of sth; to confuse things/ matters; to cut a long story short; to declare a state of emergency; to follow; to good advantage; to his/her astonishment; to judge by/from sth; to little effect; to make matters worse; to match; not to mention the fact that...; to my mind; to my way of thinking; to no effect; to put it another way; to put it bluntly; to sb’s advantage; to sb’s annoyance; to sb’s consternation; to sb’s delight; to sb’s disappointment; to sb’s dismay; to sb’s horror; to sb’s joy; to sb’s knowledge; to sb’s relief; to sb’s right; to sb’s shame; to sb’s side; to sb’s surprise; to sb’s way of thinking; to sb’s/sth’s best advantage; to show a certain reluctance to do sth; to show some reluctance to do sth; to suit every pocket; to the best of your ability; to the best of your knowledge; to the best of your recollection; to the brink of chaos; to the dismay of sb; to the left; to the naked/unaided eye; to the nth degree; to the optician’s; to the point; to the point of being …; to the same extent; to the tune of Rs.5000 etc.; to varying degrees; to your astonishment; to your full potential.

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Group 3 under (a) statute; under (sb’s) supervision; under a cloud of suspicion; under a contract; under a government; under a microscope; under a programme; under age; under an obligation to do sth; under an obligation to sb; under arrest; under budget; under compulsion; under consideration; under construction; under cover of darkness; under cultivation; under different/ happier etc. circumstances; under difficult/appalling conditions; under duress; under examination; under guarantee; under guidelines; under heavy guard; under interrogation; under law; under new ownership; under no circumstances; under normal circumstances; under observation; under one/the same roof; under par; under pressure (from sb); under repair; under review; under sb’s arm; under sb’s leadership; under sb’s spell; under scrutiny; under anaesthetic; under sedation; under siege; under strain; under strength; under stress; under surveillance; under the circumstances; under the direction of sb; under the doctor; under the illusion that…; under the influence (of alcohol/drink); under the pretext of doing sth; under the spotlight; under the terms of a contract etc.; under there; under warranty; under your feet; up a path; up ahead; up for auction; up here; up the river; up the road; up the stairs; up the valley; up there; up to now; up to the required standard; up to the expected standard; up until/ till now.

Group 4 with (all) due respect (to sb); with (good/a good) grace; with a little imagination; with a minimum of inconvenience; with a straight face; with a stroke of the pen; with age; with alarming regularity; with all haste; with an effort; with an ill grace; with authority; with bad/a bad grace; with bated breath; with care; with caution; with certainty; with chips; with confidence; with contempt; with delight; with monotonous regularity; with great

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ceremony; with depressing regularity; with disapproval; with due ceremony; with each/every step; with ease; with equal vigour; with every day that passes; with every passing day; with every passing hour; with fascination; with frustration; with full military honours; with fury; with gay abandon; with increasing regularity; with deep regret; with reckless abandon; with good cause; with great regret; with great regularity; with ice-cream; with immediate effect; with increasing frequency; with intent (to do sth); with interest; with lightning speed; with no thought for sth; with pride; with reason/not without reason; with relish; with satisfaction; with sb’s blessing; with sb’s consent; with spots; with style; with the aid of sth; with the aim of doing sth; with the best of intentions; with the compliment of the house/management; with the express purpose of sth; with the help of sb; with the hood down/up; with the idea of doing sth; with the intention of doing sth; with the knowledge that…; with the minimum of delay; with the minimum of disruption; with the minimum of effort/risk; with the minimum of fuss; with the object of doing sth; with the result that…; with the wisdom of hindsight; with varying degrees of concern; with varying degrees of enthusiasm; with varying degrees of success; with your bare hands; with your dignity intact; with your own eyes; with your pride intact; within (easy) reach; within (your) rights; within a framework; within arm’s reach; within bounds; within budget; within commuting distance; within driving distance (of…); within easy reach (of sth); within shouting distance; within hailing distance; within minutes; within range (of sth); within reach of sth; within reason; within sb’s grasp; within sb’s jurisdiction; within sight of sth; within sight/earshot; within sniffing distance; within striking distance; within touching distance; within strolling distance; within the bounds of possibility; within the bounds of sth; within the law; within the next decade; within the past/last decade; within the reach of sb/sth; within the scope of sb/sth; within the space of 10 hours etc.; within travelling/distance; within walking distance; within your means; without (any) obligation;

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without anger; without a backward glance/look; without bitterness; without enthusiasm; without a hitch; without a shadow of (a) doubt; without a shred of evidence; without an argument; without any difficulty etc. at all; without ceasing; without delay; without good cause; without incident; without just cause; without knocking; without him/her/them knowing anything about sth; without let or hindrance; without mishap; without a moment’s hesitation; without much enthusiasm; without parallel; without pausing; without precedent; without protest; without reservation; without reserve; without respite; without sb’s consent; without sleep; without warning.

Spoken word groups for oral practice In the word groups given below, you’ll find fixed expressions given in italics. The word-groups will show you how to use the fixed expressions. At first, ignore the word-groups and pay attention only to the fixed expressions. Ask yourself whether you can use them in speech. And then, whether you can use them or not, go through the word-groups completely. Utter each word group ALOUD several times — each wordgroup, including the fixed expression in it. Get your organs of speech to become comfortable with the word-groups — including the fixed expressions. Here we go:

Group 1 • He’s absolutely honest and above suspicion. • Occasionally, I do get up by five — but not as a rule. • At a glance, he could see it was not the real thing. • At a guess, there were 200 people at the meeting. • He didn’t know what to do — he was at a loose end. • It was all so sudden that I couldn’t say anything — I was at a loss. • You can sell the car at a profit. • I can’t do more than one

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thing at a time. • There’s no alternative — you have to finish it by tomorrow at all costs. • I met her at breakfast, not at lunch. • I’m never at ease in his presence — he makes me uncomfortable. • He seemed to be very soft at first sight — but soon we found that he was very tough. • There was a big stone lying at hand, and she hit him with it. • Here she is at last — what a long time she has been! • Why didn’t you go? At least, you could have sent a telegram. • He didn’t look carefully — he just picked up one at random. • Is he doing well at school? • You’ll have to get this done somehow — our reputation is at stake. • It must reach here by the 30th at the latest. • Greece and Turkey were at war then. • Those things must have happened before my time. • Read the newspaper everyday — or you’ll be behind the times. • I met him quite by accident. • Why do you doubt? I’ll be there by all means. • He discovered what was happening by chance. • When you say the same thing over and over again, you learn to say it by heart. • She is related to them by marriage. • I picked it up by mistake — I thought it was mine. • There are fifty of them, and he knows everyone of them by name. • I don’t know them by name, but I know them by sight. • All these developments took me by surprise, and I was at a loss. • Today, we’ll have something else for a change. • I have not decided when to go back — I’ll be here for a while. • I hadn’t seen him for ages — today, I met him by chance. • He’ll not be coming back — he has left the place for good. • I’m not doing this for anything — I’m doing this for love. • Don’t be so obstinate — you must do it for my sake. • You’ll have to pay for it — you can’t have it for nothing. • I wish he treated us all to lunch for once. • We call it ‘fridge’ for short — actually, it’s full name is ‘refrigerator’. • I don’t know for sure — but at a guess, he must have paid not less than 2000 rupees. • They’ve lost everything they had — now they’ll have to start from scratch. • He comes here asking for this and that from time to time. • He and his wife were walking hand in hand. • You don’t have to worry — your children can play here in (complete) safety. • I don’t agree with you completely,

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but in a way you are right. • You don’t have to pay anything in advance. • There’s no difference of opinion now — they’re all in agreement. • All your jokes are in bad taste — stop making them. • You speak to him — he is in charge. • Who’s in command here —you or your wife? • No wonder you like her — you two have got much in common. • Don’t quote me — she told it to me in confidence. • You can go ahead with it — we’re all in favour. • Fire broke out half an hour back — everything is in flames now. • Her place has become so colourful — all the plants and trees are in flower. • I was a bit late, and when I reached there, the celebrations were in full swing. • That’s a very good school — he’s in good hands. • We got there in good time, and there was plenty of time left. • That’s 100 feet in height. • There’s a reception in his honour — he has been elected. • Why are they all wearing black? Are they in mourning? • Don’t stand in my light — I can’t see to read. • What would you have done if you had been in my shoes? • Get everything ready — they’ll get here in no time at all. • Don’t leave the books lying scattered like this — keep them all in order. • He has sprained his elbow — he is in pain. • It’s no use writing — explain it to them in person. • It’s all very well for us to say — but will it work in practice? • I agree in principle, but I’m not sure whether it’ll work in practice. • I’ll do it for you — but what do I get in return? • They sacked him, and he is now doing all these in revenge. • There aren’t any oranges now — they are not in season. • I had nothing against him, but I had to hit him in self-defence. • It’s not entirely bad — it’s good in some respects. • How much of this do you have in stock? • This week is not going to be pleasant — there’s plenty of trouble in store. • It was all right in the beginning, but it became boring in the end. • You should’ve told me everything — instead, you kept me in the dark. • I had to search for a long time — but I found it in the end. • There may not be any immediate benefit — but it will bring you profits in the long run.

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Group 2 • I can’t get started — I’m not in the mood. • He has been in the news for sometime now. • He likes swimming in the nude — with absolutely nothing on. • About this, you are not in the right — you are certainly wrong. • I have the same problem — we’re in the same boat. • Go and play outside — you are always getting in the way. • He warned me in time. • I was afraid the bus would be late — but we got there in time. • I don’t know his address — we’re not in touch. • I know that song, but I can’t sing in tune. • She hasn’t decided yet — she’s in two minds. • The students were in uniform. • Iron box? Sorry we can’t spare it now — it’s in use. • All our efforts are in vain — they’ve cancelled the programme. • He must be at least 50 kgs in weight. • The road in front is at least 30 feet in width. • We’ve got permission in writing. • You must put an end to all this — it’s in your own interest. • All these books are of great value — no wonder they are very costly. • I don’t want it — it’s of no use. • He is a bit off colour — maybe, he has a headache or something. • I don’t know what happened — I was off duty then. • I’ll have to look it up — I can’t tell you off hand. • I told her everything — I wanted to get it off my chest. • That’s impossible — you must be off your head. • She’s on a diet since last month — she has lost five kilos already. • She has gone on a journey to Dubai. • I met him in Bombay — I was there on a visit. • We are here on business — not on holiday. • He is a bit on edge — maybe, he is worried about the interview. • Those sheds were on fire — that’s why we saw the fire engines going. • I didn’t get the bus — I came on foot. • Let us go on foot — the scooter is out of order. • He missed several balls — he wasn’t on form, I think. • Who said we had quarrelled? We’re on good terms. • He got a VCR on hire for a few days. • He’s very thoughtful — there’s something on his mind, I believe. • They kept on announcing the results (every hour) on the hour. • Was he on duty on that day or was he on leave? • It’s not mine — I’ve got it on loan. • This (book) is not mine — it’s on loan from a

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friend. • I can’t come — my assistant will be there on my behalf. • Your intentions may be good, but I am against the scheme, and I object to it on principle. • She didn’t do it on purpose — it happened by accident. • I was about to send in my resignation — but on second thoughts, I decided not to. • There has been some delay — the employees were on strike. • Don’t worry — we’ve got whatever he said on tape. • Incidents like this are on the increase nowadays. • We heard it on the radio. • He asked for an advance of 5000 rupees, and I gave it to him on the spot. • Most of the trains arrive on time. • I saw it on TV. • Try the keys one by one — one of them will fit. • He came running — he was out of breath. • His feelings got out of control. • He is still unconscious, but he is out of danger. • They have lost once again — they are out of luck. • Our washing machine has been out of order for two days now. • Most of them were strangers, and I didn’t know their language — I felt out of place, and wanted to get away. • He has not been selected — he has been out of practice for sometime now. • He is now out of reach of the police — he is in Brazil. • He was out of sight, and I couldn’t see him. • I was a bit taken aback — the news came out of the blue. • You won’t get it back — that’s out of the question. • He has been out of work since July last — he has had an accident. • To my knowledge, nothing of that sort has happened. • We can’t admit him — he’s under age. • They haven’t rejected your application — it’s still under consideration. • Don’t give them a free hand in everything — keep them under control. • My car is under repair, can I have yours for a day? • I couldn’t hear them — they were talking under their breath. • The labour problem has been solved — work is now under way. • It’s a loan — I’ll have to repay it with interest. • They’ll only be happy — they’ll welcome you with open arms. • He talked for three hours without a break. • They are very particular about all this, and I must supply it by day after tomorrow without fail. • They tried it, but without success. • We must go there without

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warning — then we’ll get a true picture. • He repeated the passage word for word.

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‘ I t ’ -clusters

Chapter 9

‘It’-clusters Here’s a collection of word groups initiated by the word (pronoun) It. Generally speaking, the word It refers to things, animals, facts, ideas and situations (that are being talked about now or that the speaker and the hearer already know about). This word (It) is used even to refer to human beings – to identify a person or to say who somebody is. You can use It to speak about a baby, especially when its sex is not known or is not relevant. You can also use It to refer to time, distance, the weather, the day/date, the light, the temperature etc. All the word groups you’ll find below are those that begin with It. It is important that you have a good command of these word groups. A good command of It-initiated word groups like these – that is very important for achieving the skill of on-thespot speech composition. Get a lot of practice saying these word groups aloud. Get your organs of speech to become familiar with using them. Here we go:

Group1 It depends. • It happens. • It’s doubtful. • It’s easy. • It’s expensive. • It’s freezing!. • It’s fun. • It’s mine. • It’s nothing. • It’s pouring. • It’s raining. • It’s self-service. • It’s sleeting. • It’s sore. • It’s stuck. • It’s sunny. • It bends easily. • It can happen. • It’s a boy. • It’s a girl. • It cannot explode. • It concerns them. • It costs extra. • It doesn’t exist. • It doesn’t matter. • It fell apart. • It happens gradually. • It is complete. • It is dangerous. • It is difficult. • It is dry. • It is full. • It is injured. • It is itching. • It is raining. • It is sinking. • It is smooth. • It is true. • It is unexpected. • It isn’t

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here. • It looks genuine. • It makes sense. • It moves about. • It rains buckets. • It seems real. • It seems that… • It showed. • It was bliss. • It was sweltering. • It was terrible. • It went well. • It’s 12 o’clock. • It’s a deal!. • It’s a nuisance. • It’s a pain. • It’s a rip-off!. • It’s five o’clock. • It’s Friday today. • It’s Friday tomorrow. • It’s getting dark. • It’s getting on. • It’s my turn!. • It’s no good. • It’s no use. • It’s raining still. • It’s six o’clock. • It’s sleeting outside. • It’s the postman. • It’s your neighbour. • It’s too bad. • It’s worth it. • It’s your deal. • It’s your fault. • It’s (only) me/him/her/us/them. • It’s John. It’s your move. • It’s your serve. • It’s your turn. • It affects me deeply. • It all seems fine. • It can be seen. • It will end soon. • It can be understood. • It can’t be helped. • It cannot move away. • It completely covers them. • It cost them dear. • It costs about 10. • It doesn’t add up. • It doesn’t make sense. • It feels like spring. • It was his idea. • It was a Sunday. • It forms a curve. • It has been heated. • It is definitely true. • It is extremely useful. • It is gradually destroyed. • It is greatly reduced. • It is not essential. • It is not successful. • It is not true. • It is partly supported. • It is reflecting light. • It is spread out. • It is then supported. • It is very difficult. • It’s their anniversary. • It is your responsibility. • It just might work. • It lifted their spirits. • It looks like rain. • It makes no difference. • It rained all day. • It rains less here. • It ruined our holiday. • It served my turn. • It serves you right. • It snowed all day. • It stays in place. • It is cold!. • It was a strain. • It was a tie. • It was all right. • It was his fault. • It was pure torture. • It was raining hard. • It was raining heavily. • It was revealed that… • It weighs one pound. • It will be noticed. • It’ll be a push. • It’s all right. • It’s a basic model. • It’s a big building. • It’s a criminal offence. • It’s a damn nuisance!. • It’s a difficult job. • It’s a long way. • It’s a lovely day. • It’s a nice day. • It’s a positive scandal!. • It’s a real drag. • It’s a real dump!. • It’s a responsible job. • It’s a shame that… • It’s still raining. • It’s all the rage. • It’s an English expression. • It’s baking in here. • It’s boiling in here. • It’s hot and close in

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here (There isn’t enough fresh air). • It’s no use complaining/ shouting. • It’s considerably colder today. • It’s easy to criticize. • It’s a wonderful place. • It’s going to rain. It’s half past ten. • It’s hard to say. • It’s just 2 o’clock. • It’s just your imagination. • It’s made of wood. • It’s no good complaining. • It’s not my concern. • It’s not the same. • It’s a private matter. • It’s possible though unlikely. • It’s time for lunch. • It’s two metres square. • It’s up to you. • It’s useless asking her!. • It’s within walking distance. • It’s quite warm inside. • It’s worth a try. • It’s your shot now. • It’ll be foolish to do it. • It’s a shade tree. • It adds up to 100. • It becomes a fine powder. • It becomes brown and crisp. • It becomes easier to swallow. • It becomes that other thing. • It belongs in that category. • It calls up painful memories. • It’s very wet outside. • It can be identified later. • It can be used later. • It can look after itself. • It can then be seen. • It cannot move very far. • It could be argued that... • It covers a larger area. • It does not seem real. • It has little practical effect. • It has no useful results. • It has the right qualities. • It is attractive and elegant. • It is bound to be. • It is difficult to see. • It is in short supply. • It is in your interest(s). • It is interesting and complex. • It is light and fresh. • It is likely to rain. • It is lively and exciting. • It is new and exciting. • It is no longer straight. • It is not as good. • It is of no consequence. • It is ready for use. • It is smooth and rich. • It is suitable for publishing. • It is unpleasantly warm indoors. • It is widely known that… • It is wrong to steal. • It just doesn’t add up. • It lands behind your opponent. • It may be partly true. • It may be useful to... • It may well be that... • It might be an idea. • It moves through the air.

Group 2 It fits her like a glove. • It pays to be honest. • It produces the right notes. • It rained for days together. • It remains to be seen. • It resulted in a draw. • It sailed over our heads. • It’s just a

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question of time. • It shows a later time. • It shows an earlier time. • It takes a long time. • It travels at an angle. • It was a good laugh. • It was a great thrill. • It was a peculiar business. • It was very windy/sunny yesterday. • It was a real nightmare. • It was a sad occasion. • It was about this high. • It was quite a shock. • It was quite an occasion. • It was the ultimate adventure. • It was wet all week. • It will be needed later. • It will come out right. • It would be nice if... • It’s a completely new design. • It’s his birthday tomorrow. • It’s a pleasure helping you. • It’s a very bad line. • It’s around six o’ clock... • It’s at your own risk. • It’s been a busy day. • It’s five minutes to six. • It’s for your own good. • It’s going to be difficult. It’s just round the corner. • It’s nice and quiet here. • It’s nice to see you. • It’s none of my business. • It’s on the left-hand side. • It’s on the right-hand side. • It’s only natural you’re upset. • It’s out of the question. • It’s pretty much the same. • It’s the thought that counts. • It’s time to turn in. • It’s very high in fat. • It’s good to see you. • It bodes well for the future. • It came out of the blue. • It can be referred to later. • It can develop a special flavour. • It can use a different fuel. • It chanced that they arrived last. • It costs more than 100 pounds. • It doesn’t matter what you do. • It feels cool in the shade. • It turned out that... • It forms part of the course. • It is difficult to see clearly. • It is easily available to you. • It is false rather than genuine. • It is in a higher position. • It is in good enough condition. • It is our resolution to proceed. • It is ready to be used. • It is ready to sleep in. • It is the same as theirs. • It is the will of God. • It is very active and energetic. • It is your turn to play. • It lasts for a long time. • It looks odd to my eye. • It made a world of difference. • It matters a lot to me. • It may well be that… • It might be worth your while (to do sth). • It must be somewhere near here. • It should no longer influence you. • It so happened that she died. • It stays curly for several months. • It suddenly occurred to me that… • It supports what you are saying. • It was another girl – not Jane. • It was certain to happen sometime. • It was even worse than that. • It was

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getting along towards sunset. • It was raining when we arrived. • It was work that exhausted him. • It wouldn’t hurt (you) to say sorry. • It’s a long way to London. • It’s about a metre in length. • It’s best to forget unhappy times. • It’s her nature to be kind. • It’s impossible for me to continue. • It’s like when we were kids. • It’s no good talking to them. It’s no use worrying about it. • It’s normal practice in our school. • It’s said they are very rich. • It’s cheaper to go by car. • It’s ten minutes’ walk from here. • It’s the same price as before. • It’s time for us to go. • It’s your move (in the game). • It all adds up to a disaster. • It is in the nature of man. • It is in their interest to go. • It is likely that he will go. • It is likely to lead to success. • It is morally right to do it. • It is the right thing to do. • It is then passed on to you. • It is too unpleasant to talk about. • It is unlikely that he will win. • It is well that this has happened. • It looks dirty and badly cared for. • It might be useful in the future. • It moves around in a circular direction. • It promises to be a good game. • It promises to be a hot day. • It says here that she was killed. • It should be possible to achieve it. • It should not be allowed to continue. • It solves a problem that you had. • It turned out that he was right. • It turned out to be a mistake. • It was a nice thought – thank you. • It was a surprise when she left. • It was clear that he was guilty. • It was like him to be generous. • It will have an effect on people. • It will keep working efficiently. • It will work in a particular way. • It works out at ten pounds each. • It would be well to leave early. • It’s a matter of life and death. • It’s a tough job managing the firm. • It’s high time you cleaned the car. • It’s just like him to be rude. • It’s natural for a bird to fly. • It’s not my job to do this. • It’s on the tip of my tongue. • It’s only a matter of time. • It’s the third turning on the left. • It’s time to wind up the meeting. • It can be paid into his bank account. • It can be taken on to your plane. • It goes in the direction that you want. • It is at the centre of sth else. • It is convenient for them to do so. • It is his job to open the mail. • It is his responsibility to get us there. • It is in the

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shape of a ball. • It is time to do it. • It is time for a change. • It is the shortest route to his place. • It pained her to tell him to go. • It pleases me to see them so happy. • It takes an hour to get to Delhi. • It was a struggle – but we got through. • It was a treat to see her again. • It was tough that he had to lose. • It will all be out in the open. • It will cost in the order 1000 pounds. • It would be a mistake to do it. • It would make good material for a novel. • It’s a crime to waste money like that. • It’s criminal not to use your talents fully. • It’s less than a mile to the station. • It’s my belief that... • It becomes as good as it can possibly be. • It costs a hundred dollars. That’s it. Bye for now.

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