FCE KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION MADE EASY 1.0.pdf

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. FCE KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION MADE EASY First edition. August 18, 2015. Copyright © 2015 D.Méndez. Written by D.Méndez. ISBN: 9781516395965 www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com INTRODUCTION The Key word transformation tests a wide range of different grammatical structures and vocabulary. You must show your ability to paraphrase using the key word and, most importantly, keeping the meaning the same. The difficulty lies on the great variety of grammatical structures that you need to learn in order to do this part of the Use of English exam successfully. You will be required to use structures such as passive tenses, conditional clauses, reported speech, causative verbs, inverted sentences, comparatives and superlatives, phrasal verbs, idioms, set phrases, etc. The book that you have in front of you will help you with that. This book will help you get a better understanding of the different and most common grammatical structures , that you will have to face when completing the Key word transformation part of the Use of English exam. As they say, practice makes perfect. The more Key word transformation exercises you do, the better you will become at doing them. What’s more, over time you will get a feel for what kind of grammatical structure or lexical item is needed for the exercise that you are doing. To your success. D.Méndez CONTENTS. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 35. 38. 41. 44. 49. 51. HOW TO DO KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION EXERCISES SPECULATING ABOUT THE PRESENT SPECULATING ABOUT THE PAST AGO to FOR / FOR to AGO / LAST AGO to SINCE/ SINCE to AGO SINCE to FOR / FOR to SINCE TOO to ENOUGH / ENOUGH to TOO REPORTED SPEECH ACTIVE VERB FORM to PASSIVE VERB FORM CONDITIONAL SENTENCES ADJECTIVES ED to ING / ING to ED COMPARATIVE – SUPERLATIVE CAUSATIVE VERBS PHRASAL VERBS SET PHRASES INVERSIONS VERBS FOLLOWED BY GERUND (ING) NEGATIVE WORDS MODAL VERBS IDIOMS PREPOSITIONAL VERBS UNREAL PAST TENSES VERB PATTERNS SENTENCES REQUIRING TWO CHANGES ADJECTIVE TO NOUN / NOUN TO ADJECTIVE LINKING WORDS VERBS FOLLOWED BY A TO-INFINITIVE PHRASES / PARAPHRASING 45 MOST COMMON PHRASAL VERBS 45 MOST COMMON IDIOMS 45 MOST COMMON SET PHRASES PREPOSITIONAL VERBS ( LIST) KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION EXERCISES + CLUES KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION EXERCISES + ANSWERS HOW TO DO KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION EXERCISES STEP 1 : LOOK AT THE KEY WORD GIVEN. WHAT IS IT? IS IT A NOUN , PREPOSITION , ADVERB , CONJUNTION, VERB CONJUGATED, ETC? STEP 2 : UNDERLINE WHATEVER IS REPEATED IN BOTH SENTENCES. EXAMPLE : He enjoyed going to the cinema alone. BY He enjoyed going to the cinema ........BY HIMSELF............ STEP 3 : FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU HAVE IN FRONT OF YOU AND WHAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DO , i.e. IS THE KEY WORD PART OF A PHRASAL VERB , A SET PHRASE, A PASSIVE SENTENCE...? YOU NEED TO IDENTIFY WHAT IS REQUIRED IN EACH QUESTION OF THE EXAM. KEY WORD TYPE WIDELY – ADV APART ADV SWIMMER – NOUN TURNED – VERB PAST LESS – PRONOUN, ADVERB , PREP IS VERB (PRESENT) ALWAYS – ADV GOOD – ADJ FOR – PREP LITTLE – ADJ DOWN – ADV UP – ADV DO – VERB (infinitive) SETTLE – VERB (infinitive) TIDY – VERB (infinitive) LET – VERB (PRESENT /PAST) HOW ADV HEARDVERB (PAST) LOOKEDVERB (PAST) MOOD – NOUN DESERVE – VERB (infinitive) TOO – ADV EXCEPTION – NOUN HABIT – NOUN CHANCE – NOUN SAYING – NOUN / Verb (gerund) STRIKE VERB (infinitive) ALONE ADJ SUCH – DETERMINER /PRONOUN /NOUN POSSIBLE ANSWER KNOWN FROM A BETTER SWIMMER THAN TURNED DOWN IS LESS THAN IT IS MORE ALWAYS ASKING ME BE GOOD AT DOING STH HAVEN’T SEEN HIM FOR A LITTLE SLOWER TAKE STH DOWN PICK STH /SB UP DO STH UP SETTLE DOWN IN TIDY STH UP LET SB DOWN KNOW HOW TO DO HEARD FROM SB LOOKED UP TO BE IN THE MOOD TO DESERVE TO BE TOO EXPENSIVE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF BE IN THE HABIT OF HAVE EVERY CHANCE TO IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING STRIKE YOU AS LET ALONE SUCH WAS THE FORCE OF NOUN – COMPARISON / IDIOM - VERB - PHRASAL VERB / PREPOSITIONAL VERB PREPOSITION – PHRASAL PREPOSITIONAL VERB / PREPOSITIONAL VERB ADV – PHRASAL VERB - DETERMINER – COMPARISON PRONOUN - IDIOM / COMPARISON / SET PHRASE 4 . You must use between two and five words. CALL The meeting ..... How to do this exercise 1) To start with .... MARKING Two marks will be awarded per each correct answer........ Here is an example (0). You will be given 1 mark for using CALL OFF. Example: 0 The CEO decided to cancel the meeting..... This is easy to see if you notice that the object in the original sentence has been turned into the subject in the second sentence.HOW TO DO KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION EXERCISES EXAMPLE : For questions 25–30.. You will get another mark for using the passive voice correctly. the CEO. The gap can be filled by the words “was called off by” so you write: Example: 0 WAS CALLED OFF BY Write only the missing word IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet. including the word given.. using the word given........... you need to notice that you are dealing with a passive sentence.... Do not change the word given...... complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence. 2) You need to know the phrasal verb CALL OFF... 5 ..................... 3) You need to have knowledge of the structure of a passive sentence so as to link the subject to the object with the word BY. I’m certain = must + present They probably = may + present It’s possible that… = may . FOLLOWED BY It’s possible that… It’s impossible that… It’s not possible that… It’s out of the question that… PRESENT TENSE SPECULATING ABOUT THE PRESENT Maybe.with doing the washing up I'm certain she is his girlfriend.. They are always together.. It's possible that he likes you... It’s out of the question that.must be his ... You are a beautiful girl. find a taxi around here...must be able to. Definitely.girlfriend. MUST We . I’m certain..might need help .. I’m sure.. They just had a full Irish breakfast CAN’T They. MUST She .SPECULATING ABOUT THE PRESENT KEY WORDS: Maybe.may like you.... I’m sure we can find a taxi around here. It's impossible that they are hungry. They are always together.... it’s not possible that .. might + present It’s impossible that . Perhaps = may/ might + present I’m sure. They just had a full Irish breakfast. 6 .= can’t + present Perhaps she needs help with doing the washing up MIGHT She .You are a beautiful girl.can’t be hungry... They probably.. MAY He ... Perhaps.. It’s out of the question that. because his car is still parked outside. I’m certain = must have + past participle They probably = may have + past participle It’s possible that… = may . Perhaps...her arm in the accident. NOT I think they .can’t have gone home. I’m certain.for us because it was raining. 7 ...can’t/ cannot have meant . to offend you.. I think they probably didn’t wait for us because it was raining...may have missed ....SPECULATING ABOUT THE PAST KEY WORDS: Maybe. MEANT She . I’m sure she didn’t mean to offend you. Definitely. It’s possible that she has injured her arm in the accident. GONE He .. it’s not possible that .... HAVE She ….....may have injured …. I’m sure. FOLLOWED BY It’s possible that… It’s impossible that… It’s not possible that… It’s out of the question that… PAST TENSE / PRESENT PERFECT SPECULATING ABOUT THE PAST Maybe.. I’m certain he’s not gone home because his car is still parked outside.. MAY He …. Perhaps = may have + past participle I’m sure. They probably.the train this morning...= can’t have + past participle Examples : Perhaps he missed the train this morning... may not have waited . might have + past participle It’s impossible that . How long are you staying in Madrid? I'm staying in Madrid for a month.   Future : Today ... I have not played tennis with Mike for months. Examples : They haven’t gone out for three years... three months ago. was six years ago. present......... I go on holidays for one month.  Present Perfect Simple : I have worked in this company for 20 years..... adverb : The most recent Last is used to talk about the most recent time something happened..   Present : Every year . WENT They .  For can be used with the Present perfect. last time she went on holidays. future.. for three years. TIME The .five years ago... He has been running marathons for over five years...   I was born 45 years ago.AGO to FOR / FOR to AGO / LAST Ago is used to talk about something that is finished and happened in the past. three years ago........ three months... The last time + simple past + ago : The last time I saw Mike was one month ago. LAST The.. The last time I saw Jack was three months ago. LAST adjective. (Past up to now) Ago is use is used with the Past Simple. HAVE They ..have been living in Ireland.... Last can be used with the Past Simple : The last time I saw Mike was one month ago.with Mike was months ago.. past .... Last can be used with the present perfect : The last few days have been really hard. started running marathons over ......last went out.... For is used to talk about something that happens/happened over a period of time.... Present Perfect Continuous : We’ve ve been waiting for you for one hour. STARTED He.haven't seen Jack for.etc.. Past : When I was a teenager.. 8 . I will train in the Gym for two hours. Last + verb +DO + ago / verb + DO + last + ago I last went to the cinema one week ago / They visited me last..... We arrived in Paris 20 minutes ago / I moved to Rome five years ago.last time I played tennis . She hasn't gone on holidays for six years.. They relocated to Ireland three years ago.... SEEN I .. I stayed in La Habana for ten days. .for two years.. We cannot say: since 20 minutes ... LAST The . BEEN Adolf Hitler ...a long time..has been working for us.  We’ve known each other for at least 10 years. For is used to talk about something that happens/happened over a period of time  I’ve been painting this wall for three hours.  I've worked in this company since 1995... have been dating since last.uncle John was four months ago..m. BEEN He.. They have been dating for a week..(been) six years since they . FOR I ...... Since is used when we state when something started...... They moved to England nine years ago. LAST They.last time I visited my . SINCE It’s ..  I’ve been painting this wall since 8 a..week. Since cannot be used with duration. It's four months since I last visited my uncle John.AGO to SINCE/ SINCE to AGO SINCE to FOR / FOR to SINCE Ago and Last are used with the simple past (I moved to Rome five years ago/last month)....... It's been two years now since he started working for us.  I've worked in this company for more than 20 years.....1945.) It's been a long time since I last played football.  We’ve only known each other since /Monday / last week/ last month /2005. moved to England....has been dead since ... Adolf Hitler has been dead for over 70 years...... 9 ...haven't played football for ... As a preposition . we will say for 20 minutes (duration is expressed with for. me to drink... (Enough + noun) FORMULA : ADJECTIVE/ ADVERB/ VERB + ENOUGH  I didn’t work hard enough so I failed the exam.... Too + adj too + adv ENOUGH FORMULA : ENOUGH + NOUN  I didn’t have enough time to finish the report. to stop the ball.have enough money to buy.. HAVE I didn’t .... ENOUGH The .for us to swim..play basketball with his friends. WAS The . 10 .the weight.TOO to ENOUGH / ENOUGH to TOO TOO FORMULA : TOO + ADJ / ADV Too comes before adjectives and adverbs:  It's too hot to wear that coat. NOT I’m....was not hot enough for ...water was too dirty ...player wasn't quick enough... The weight is too heavy for me to lift. FOR The tea .that smartphone.... (Adj+ enough)  I couldn’t write quickly enough and didn’t have time to finish... I didn’t want to drink the tea because it was too cold..... (Adv + enough)  I didn’t revise enough so I wasn’t able to pass the exam. The water wasn’t clean enough for us to swim....he was too short to . They thought he wasn’t tall enough to play basketball with his friends..... WAS They thought ..... / He finished his exam too quickly.. (Verb + enough) The player was too slow to stop the ball..not strong enough to lift . That smartphone was too expensive for me to buy it......... Would 'You need a holiday.....had arrived they had finished.. night.said he needed .......a holiday.. "I had been watching a movie when the alarm went off...he would tell me that .REPORTED SPEECH ( indirect speech ) We use the reported speech to say what someone did or said. he had . TOLD The teacher. Present Simple Past Simple 'I’m pregnant with twins..... Future Simple WOULD Jim promised that .... ' she announced..been watching a movie. SAID She .announced that she was pregnant ... THAT She .” the teacher said to us. DIRECT SPEECH REPORTED SPEECH present simple past simple present continuous past continuous past simple past perfect present perfect past continuous past perfect continuous can could may might will would shall should 11 ..' Jim promised. Present Simple ASKED She ..asked me what I thought ." She said... told us to stop .. " He explained. The usual structure of reported speech is: reporting clause + that clause + reported clause Direct speeh : "I am tired. HAD She said that when she..with twins. about her boyfriend? Past Simple 'I'll tell you tonight." reporting clause + that clause + reported clause He said that he was tired 'What do you think about my boyfriend ?' she asked me.. "Stop making noise... " When I arrived ..making nose. they had finished the exam.. had gone off . GONE He said that when the alarm ...' she told him..the exam. . HAVE He is ..cows than people in Ireland.....is being blamed for . BEEN It.etc....the mistake.ACTIVE VERB FORM to PASSIVE VERB FORM ACTIVE VERB FORM FORMULA SUBJECT VERB OBJECT Doer of the action + verb + receiver of the action The technician is fixing the PC PASSIVE VERB FORM FORMULA OBJECT PASSIVE VERB SUBJECT Receiver of the action + be + past participle + by + doer of the action The PC is being fixed by the technician The employers have not found a person for the job yet.. TIP : Object in the original sentence becomes the subject in the passive sentence... the country. TO They . Did your teacher tell you off? BY Were.were thought to have won .has been cancelled .has not been found ... People thought they had won the competition... your teacher? They say he killed his dog.etc is/are said to be/have / People think.the competition..... They are blaming him for the mistake. People think that he has fled the country.. HAS The strike .... HAVE He. The union have cancelled the strike...has been said that .. They say that there are more cows than people in Ireland..... 12 ..... IS He . you told off by.........he killed his dog.his dog.. They say he killed his dog. is thought to have fled. BEEN A person for the job .... yet..said that there are more .. THAT It is..said to have killed . KEY WORDS: People say that / They say that / It is said that / It has been said that He/She/They. by the union. I were you I would. IF Only. you wouldn't be angry.more money.provided that you . ONLY You can... WERE If .help me........ IF .CONDITIONAL SENTENCES Zero Always true : Simple present + Simple present 1st A possibility and the possible result : Simple present + Simple future 2nd A hypothetical possibility and its possible result : Simple past/ Present conditional OR Present continuous conditional 3rd An hypothetical past condition its possible result in the past : Past perfect + Perfect conditional You are not allowed to stay in the country unless you get a visa...what she thinks about you. if I had thought it wasn’t interesting.. next week will I lend you money. YOU If .. LONG I'll wash the dishes . HAD I would have been able to buy a better laptop.. 13 .. 2nd You're angry because you seem to care what she thinks about you.if you pay me back... I would have been able to buy a better laptop. WERE. DONE I . SHOULD.as long as you .won the lottery I would...only stay in the . tidy up the room... 1st I’ll lend you money on condition that you pay me back next week. BECAUSE.if I had had .. 2nd neg I did it because I thought it would be interesting... WOULD If I . PROVIDED I'll do the ironing ..... but I need to win the lotery.. if you tidy up the room. Zero I won't wash the dishes unless you help me.. 1st I'll do the ironing . 3rd With more money..buy a brand-new car.. I think you should ask the boss for a pay rise.country if you get a visa.. 1st 2nd I would like to buy a bran-new car .ask the boss for a pay rise. etc / WOULD. 3rd Conditional Conjunctions + Key words : As long as / so long as / provided (that) / on (the) condition that / unless / only if / If / in the event of / in case of.....you didn’t care ..wouldn’t have done it ... ..(getting) bored with doing .was very interested in ..for her..Psychology..  The project was very interesting to her.we decided to buy a repellent.the same thing every day. BY I was. were so annoying that . I think she found your story very amusing.seem to be worrying to.. your story. The mosquitoes were so annoying that we decided to buy a repellent. He doesn’t seem to be worried about the problem. The manual was very confusing. Psychology was very interesting to me.. WAS I think ... He found it very boring doing the same thing every day.... We were so annoyed by the mosquitoes that we decided to buy a repellent. was fascinating. THAT The mosquitoes... TO The problem doesn’t .  She was very interested in the project. WITH He was .she was very amused by/at.. so confused by the manual . She felt fascinated by the young man.......  Even he was surprised to find that he had passed his exam... WAS The young man.I couldn’t understand anything.were so annoyed by the..that I couldn’t understand anything. IN I . 14 ...  Having to wait for so long is annoying..ADJECTIVES ED to ING / ING to ED -ED adjectives Adjectives ending in -ed usually say the way people feel:  They were annoyed with him for making them wait for so long...  His passing the exam was surprising even to himself.. BY We ... him. mosquitoes that we decided to buy a repellent.... -ING adjectives Adjectives ending in -ing are usually describe things and conditions. . My son was too tired to play football... MORE Nobody in the school choir .is not as intelligent as..... 15 ... so tired that he could ....was such a good beer ...than / less . Key words : As./ too..than / much more / many more / Such a / such an / a more / a less / the most / the least / bigger than . He is more intelligent than his sister.was easier than .... GOT I . She had the most beautiful voice in the school choir....have never seen such a nice car ..that/ more . not play football.. THAT My son was .as / so. NOT His sister .. I expected...... The exam wasn’t as difficult as they’d made it out to be... wasn’t as hot as .... This is the nicest car I’ve ever seen... HAVE I... he is. WAS The exam .they`d made it out to be........ beautiful voice.got paid less than.this year.. such a capable .. HOT Last summer.and dedicated person. This summer is being much hotter than last year...than / fewer.....that I had to order another one.had a more ..as / so. They didn't pay me as much as I expected.. A I’ve never seen..COMPARATIVE – SUPERLATIVE The beer was so good that I had to order anther one. I’ve never seen a more capable and dedicated person.. SUCH It . WILL You .. HELP I need. I . the report. My friend helped me to fix the TV..that box.... HAD Before I set off on my holiday .last month..... get something done or make something happen. A technician fixed my laptop for me.. GOT They . I . ACTIVE STRUCTURE PASSIVE STRUCTURE SUB+ CV + Agent + verb infinitive + Object I will have my secretary call you I got my brother to help me paint the room. 16 ...... my dog every day. They hired someone to paint their house last month. makes or asks someone else to do something . I need you to lift that box with me... PAST PARTIPLES. MAKE.... My brothers lets me use his car..removed. HELP. Have sb do sth (bare infinitive) / Get sb to do sth (to infinitive) Make sb do sth (bare infinitive) / Help sb (to) do sth ( bare or to infinitive) Let sb do sth (bare infinitive) A mechanic checked my car for me before I set off on my holiday.. their homework..TV after supper..have my little brother walk ... SUB+CV + OBJECT+ verb past participle + (by Agent) I had my car fixed My sister had her hair done yesterday..had my smartphone stolen . HAVE I .will have your tonsils.. Key words : HAVE.. MADE The teacher. I pay my little brother to walk my dog every day... The surgeon will remove your tonsils.. LET His parents . I got my house painted. made the students do.you to help me lift .had a technician fix...had a mechanic check . I asked him to send me the report....got their house painted ...CAUSATIVE VERBS We use causative verbs when we want to indicate that someone causes .. STOLEN I ..when I left it behind in the fitting room... GET ..had my laptop fixed by a technician. A technician fixed my laptop for me HAD HAD I .. HAD I .had him send me. my laptop.. Some stole my smartphone when I left it behind in the fitting room. my car. LET. My mother made me do my homework... The teacher forced the students to do their homework.. He wasn’t allowed to watch TV after supper..would not let him watch. tardiness any longer.. Grammar : to call sth of / to call off sth : to cancel I think I need to drink less coffee and take tea instead. She didn't want to accept that her husband was dead. Grammar : Pick up (phrasal verb) : to collect .called off ... off . They have postponed the class until next Tuesday. Grammar : Phrasal-prepositional Verb : Inseparable / cut down on sth : reduce amount I will let you stay with me for the weekend. etc. away . away.from school. on . into. a father.. Grammar : put sb up ( separable): provide someone with a place to sleep... UP I was on my way . The boss won’t tolerate you being late any longer.PHRASAL VERBS A phrasal verb is a verb and a particle (adverb) used in colloquial and idiomatic expressions. or someone who behaves unpleasantly..... I was on my way to get my son from school. Grammar : put up with (Phrasal-prepositional verb) (inseparable) : to accept or tolerate an unpleasant situation or experience . OFF The class .. 17 ...put up with your .. Key words : up .. in .until next Tuesday. or to go and get sb or sth. Grammar : put off (phrasal verb – separable) : to delay sth until a later time.. out .face up to the fact.has been put off .the weekend......... Grammar : look forward to sth / to doing sth They have cancelled tomorrow’s meeting. LOOKING He was.. down . over.... really looking forward to being .. UP I will .tomorrow’s meeting. back. He was really excited about being a father... CALLED They have ..to pick up my son .put you up for ... CUT I think I need to. Grammar : face up to (Phrasal-prepositional verb) (inseparable) : accept that a difficult situation exists.cut down on .coffee and take tea instead.. through . FACT She didn’t want to ... that her husband was dead. PUT The boss won’t . . I’ve noticed that John has a talent for dancing.decide what to do. HOW TO SPOT A SET PHRASE : Change in the order of the original sentence.came across my sister.... dancing I told them not to do it. It was the responsibility of the boss to decide what to do. He wanted to sell his car but changed his opinion at the last minute. Thanks for telling me that they are closed on Saturdays... UP It was. For example “to change one’s mind” doesn’t mean that you are going to get a new mind and get rid of the old want. PAY I told them not to do it.. CAME I . at the party. but they didn’t take any notice.if you want to buy that car. you will have to borrow money from the bank. but they. at the last minute.. It means that you are going to think about something and you might form a new opinion and perhaps make a new decision.. didn’t pay any attention...had a change of heart . ON She went to the cinema ...... FLAIR I’ve noticed that John .... Substitute the set phrase for an adjective : alone / by myself Substitute one set phrase for another : take notice / pay attention Substitute one noun for another : have a talent for / have a flair for Substitute the set phrase for its meaning : borrow money from a bank / take out a loan 18 . She went to the cinema alone.I’ll remember it.. KEEP Thanks for telling me that they are closed on Saturdays.SET PHRASES A set hrase is a fixed expression that has a specific meaning.... It doesn’t usually have any literal meaning in itself....keep that/it in mind.has a flair for..on her own... If you want to buy that car.up to the boss to .. HEART He wanted to sell his car but . I met my sister at the party by chance. LOAN You will have to .take out a loan ....I’ll . it started to rain heavily../ Little did ./ Only then did I.. I won’t rush you in any way to finish the report..lend him any money again.........than..no time must the engine .... As soon as I got home .. EVER Under . YOU On . Rarely did /will you ... DID Little did she understand about her father’s job... when.no account should you park ..../ Only later did she.sooner had I got home than ... As soon as I left the house ... I got a text from my girlfriend HAD No../ Under no circumstances should you...in a disable parking space.. the inversion comes in the second part of the sentence Not until I saw . NOT Had.... 19 .no circumstances will I ever . She understood little about her father’s job.. Parking in a disabled parking space is not allowed at any time......./ Not since he...... NO At . The bad weather prevented us from winning the match. but (they) also. In the following expressions. it started to rain heavily../ Only in this way could ./ Not only (do/have).you to finish the report.INVERTED SENTENCES Whatever happens .be turned off during the test./ Seldom do we .. we would have won the match...I got a text from my girlfriend..had I left the house when/before. KEYWORDS: Hardly had I.... / Never had she .had he./ Only after I.. No sooner had .. Nowhere have I .. did I........ The engine must not be turned off at any time during the test./ Scarcely had I ... Only when I..did I .. On no account should you....no way will I rush ....it not been for the bad weather./ In no way do I ..when.. HAD Hardly .could we .. NO In ..... I will never lend him any money again../ Only by doing..did I . mind. AVOID I try. I find it difficult not to laugh every time I remember what happened.. STOP I had.regret having waited / waiting for so long. 20 .. to avoid eating .didn’t fancy drinking....admitted making /having made. I try no to eat too late at night.. FINISH When . DENIED He .I finish painting the wall. Is it OK if I smoke here? MIND Do .too late at night.. out of such a dirty glass. the mistake If only I had not waited for so long.every time I remember what happened.a new computer...... regret. When the wall is finished... I’ll let you know. ... prevent... ADMITTED She ..over by a bus. avoid. I didn’t feel like drinking out of such a dirty glass. cannot help. enjoy.football at the weekend. I had to control myself not to buy a new computer. stop... always.. barely escaped (from) being run ..the car She said she was the one who had made the mistake..to stop myself from buying . finish. admit. REGRET I .VERBS FOLLOWED BY GERUND (ING) He said he didn’t steal the car. HELP I..denied stealing /having stolen . KEYWORDS : deny.. I’ll let you know.you mind me/my smoking. here? I like to play football at the weekend.. can’t help laughing ..enjoy playing .. FANCY I.. He barely managed not to be run over by a bus...... ENJOY I ... ESCAPED He. escape...... Your computer isn’t nearly as good as mine.as . much more. You can’t expect to pass your exam if you don’t study... nobody.good as mine... never. anybody..NEGATIVE WORDS No .... anything / Not anything : nothing/ Any : no Anybody .like playing chess.hardly managed to . HARDLY I . nothing. not.. HARDLY You .. nothing like as interesting ..... similar..... BARELY It was so dark in the room that I . Julie and he husband don't like playing chess. isn’t nearly as. KEYWORDS : as . nearly . anyone .any more beautiful than .. It so dark in the room that I almost couldn't see anything.as Susan. MORE Learning Judo is..want nobody to overhear. NOR Neither .. ever.. There are many other girls that are just as beautiful as she is. is nowhere near as . Learning Judo and BJJ is similar in terms of difficulty.....  There was no food left in the fridge. neither.. NOTHING Jane is.learning BJJ..to pass your exam ..could barely see anything. almost... hardly.. NEAR Your Computer.. I don’t want anybody to overhear what I’m saying. no one. Susan is much more interesting than Jane. nobody / Not ever : never / Not any : none 21 . ANY She isn’t ...can hardly expect .pass the exam.... NOBODY I . nowhere:  They’ve never tried apple pie before. only just ...  None of my friends came to the party. anyone : no one ..most other girls.. what I’m saying. none... nor.if you don’t study..  Nobody helped me to do the dishes.Julie nor her husband . no more difficult than . can’t expect. I only just managed to pass the exam. shouldn’t / you ought (not) to 22 .. might . need . used to .. USED I. I suggest that you finish your test within the time allowed..used to play footbal every ..German until she took an intensive course I passed my Italian exam without studying. could .will have to arrive on time for class.. The teacher will expect you to arrive on time for class.. SHOULD You …should finish your test.smoking. within the time allowed.. KEYWORDS: It is (not) a good idea : You should/ shouldn’t /ought to / ought not to It was careless of (you) : You shouldn’t / you ought not to It was not necessary : You needn’t have + past participle You can’t : You mustn’t / you are not allowed She couldn’t : She was not able to.. HAVE You ..mustn’t smoke . There is a good chance of him winning a gold medal very soon. should ... dare You are not allowed to smoke indoors at any time..needn’t have washed the dishes by hand since there was a dishwasher. I would play football every weekend. ought to ...indoors at any time. When I was little. may . They were expected to : They should have. You should stop smoking ... HAVE I . I did the dishes by hand .gold medal very soon.. NOT She... which wasn’t necessary since there was a dishwasher. would MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS : have to . She wasn’t able to speak German until she took an intensive course. If I were you I would/ wouldn’t : You should. will .weekend when I was little. could not speak . ought to stop ... shall ... could win a . WIN He. MUST You .MODAL VERBS Can . TO You.... NEED I…didn’t need to study …to pass my Italian exam. ..turned a deaf ear to .to break into the house.my homework yet. can’t put my finger on ... I haven’t found the time yet to do my homework. follow in my father’s footsteps . HOW TO SPOT AN IDIOM: UNDERLINE WHAT IS REPEATED AND LOOK AT WHAT’S LEFT. I was confident that you were coming to the party. He usually choose to ignore the criticism directed at him. I decided to become a doctor like my father.. put my foot in my mouth .. READ I ....caught my eye. RED She was caught . EAR He usually.. red-handed trying . the criticism directed at him.what it is.. EYE One of the gilrs at the party . HEAD The situation between them .. Android technology has made a lot of progress in the past few years.came to a head .IDIOMS There was a girl at the party that attacted my interest.. AROUND I haven’t.....you were coming to the party...... TIP : Paraphrase the Direct Object (What) / Indirect Object (to whom) 23 . FINGER I know there is something wrong here.come a long way .... COME Android technology has... but I don’t know what it is... She was caught in the act of trying to break into the house.took it as read that .. FOLLOW I decided to.and become a doctor..and they broke up. It was really embarrasing when I called her another name .when called her another name . MOUTH I really. I know there is something wrong here .... but I.. The situation between them reached a critical point and they broke up..got around to doing ..in the past few years... think over your idea. but you have to respect them. my little brother while my parents are away.. She decided not to go to university. WITH If I were you . The object comes after the preposition. OVER I will... Key words : prepositions . They are just a verb followed by a preposition....PREPOSITIONAL VERBS There are certain verbs that are usually followed by certain prepositions. They were discussing possible solutions to the problem.the airport yesterday? I met a friend by chance in the supermarket this morning.. Prepositional verb = Verb + Preposition They make a new verb with a different meaning to the normal verb without the preposition.wouldn’t trust him with ..posible solutions to the problem..... if I were you. AFTER I have to. I ....the rules. verbs / The original sentence contains a set phrase or a verb that need to be paraphrased.. I have to take care of my little brother while my parents are away.came across a friend .. CAME I . I wouldn’t ask him to look after my dog . WITH The mountaineers .did you arrive at ... AGAINST She . TO You don’t need to ..... many problems on their way to the mountain top. You don’t need to agree with the rules ..... and come back to you with a decision next week. met with . WITH Facebook and Twiteer. TALK They were.teenagers I will consider your idea and come back to you with a decision next week. The mountaineers encountered many problems on their way to the mountain top.subscribe to .. We called them prepositional verbs.my dog... Many teenagers like social networking sites such as Facebook or Twiteer.. All prepositional verbs are transitive (they have an object).to university.... but you have to respect them. 24 ... are popular with .. What time did you get to the airport yesterday? AT What time .talking about ..look after .in the supermarket this morning. decided against going ... I wish .UNREAL PAST TENSES When we want to talk about an unreal situation . If you want to go home . would rather not go..as if he were.. If you heard him speak. WISH I.m. He is just a clerk but acts like he is the boss. you’d think he is an expert. rather .. IF He spoke .home. playing chess rather than watching .. it’s time for you..would rather you didn’t ..... we can use the past tense to do so. I’d like to know what time the party starts. When using an unreal past tense ....what time the party starts. WISH I ..only I had helped him to . The same happens in conditional sentences when stating hypothetical situations..two days more..until the rain stops .acts as though . Kevin doesn't feel like going out tonight. It’s a pity I can’t stay two days more.. ONLY If. We ought to go home now.had better wait . ONLY If.......wish you had passed ...the exam... It’s getting late.m.move home.. Key words : if only .. tomorrow.. It’s about time.. tomorrow. He. RATHER I..smoke in my house. prefer.... RATHER THOUGH Kevin.only I could stay . It’s high time.... about time we went . an expert. HAD You... TIME It is . you should wait until the rain stops. supposing .he is the boss Edgar doesn't like watching television as much as he likes playing chess.... sooner . but we are actually talking about something that never happen.... would sooner you got up . RATHER Edgar prefers..wish I knew .. It will be better if you get up at 7 a. It was a shame you didn’t pass the exam.. if you want to go home. I’d prefer you not to smoke in my house. out tonight. had better. we use the verb in the past.at 7 a.television... SOONER I.It’s getting late. 25 . 26 ... but now I think it's not. REMEMBER I .. MIND I’m not in the right........ succeed in persuading . She finished her degree and later started working for herself.... It’s not surprising that you failed your exam. SUCEED Did you..her own business.don’t remember locking .her.. At first I thought that running was hard..I stopped calling .remember to be attend .now.your exam.. I think it would be a good idea if you studied German... STOPPED We had an argument and. We had an argument and I decided not to call her any more.VERB PATTERNS (GERUND – INFINITIVE / INFINITIVE – GERUND ) It's important that you attend school and be punctual every day. study German.. ON She finished her degree and.am used to running . They didn’t even make the effort to call to say they'd be late.. you with your kids. frame of mind to listen ..to your jokes.the door...your boss to give you a rise... EXPECT I ..school and be punctual every day.didn’t expect you to pass .. SUGGEST I ....to say they'd be late..suggest that you (should) study.... You didn’t study at all.... BOTHER They. Did you manage to persuade your boss to give you a rise. REMEMBER You must . I can help you with your kids. MIND I ...... went on to start .. didn't even bother calling . You didn’t study at all.don’t mind helping . I think I locked the door but I’m not sure .. USED I . I’m not in the mood for your jokes. OFF The meeting. (Verb change + verb form) I don't believe in marrying the first girl you date.to your teacher by Friday.......by Management... (verb change + phrasal verb) I'm sorry to say that it will not be possible for me to make the meeting tomorrow...SENTENCES REQUIRING TWO CHANGES (Passive + phrasal verb) Management have decide to postpone the meeting.. (Passive to active + phrasal verb) The essay must be given to your teacher by Friday.in the number of sales of DVD players this year...must hand in your essay . him? 27 .up at the meeting tomorrow .is thought to be concern ... THINK I don't .... I’m afraid.has been put off . HAND You . FEEL He said that.football... (Reported speech + verb change) 'I am not in the mood for playing football' he said....think it is a good idea ..he didn’t feel like playing. amongst employees about being made redundant... (Passive + change from adjective to noun) Employees are thought to be worried about being made redundant......... (Preposition x 2) There have been fewer sales of DVD players this year than ever before.. NUMBER We have had the most significant decrease ever .. not be able to turn.to marry the first girl you date.. ABLE I will .succeed in convincing him. (Verb change + verb form) Were you able to convince him? IN Did you . CONCERN There .. . WAS Her.......ADJECTIVE TO NOUN NOUN TO ADJECTIVE They say that he was so strong that he could lift a car with his bare hands.for her... SUCH They say that . What they said was deeply offensive to her...with my career over the years...the FCE exam without much .. HAD I’ve.. This is a very powerful car..... People who are very intelligent are prone to anxiety. HAS This car. I've been very lucky with my career over the years.has a lot of power. She won the fight with great ease.difficulty.... truth is that . She was so beautiful that she could easily be a model.. IS The. The FCE exam was not very difficult for her to pass. had a lot of luck . such was his strength......beauty was such . MUCH She passed. WAS Winning .what they said.took offence at ...he is not coming to the party tonight..are prone to anxiety..the fight was very easy . TOOK She really . It’s not true that he’s coming to the party tonight.. of high intelligence .. that she could easily be a model. 28 . that he could lift a car with his bare hands.. HIGH People. I will see you at 5 p...... PROVIDED You are welcome to join us . we got there on time. TO The delay of the flight.... otherwise . we got there on time.. owing to.was due to.. though. provided . unless. EVEN We got there on time . go now .a devoted husand...... you come with me. I’ll give you a kiss..as long as . unless .. only. Even so.. if.. even if. He talked about music and played the piano too.. The flight was delayed because of the storm. He is a dedicated father as well as a devoted husband. WELL He talked about music.on condition that ...you cook something nice for me.... OTHERWISE We’d better ..even though. we went out.. as well as .the train is on time. otherwise. 29 . . ON I’ll give you a kiss. on condition that ...LINKING WORDS Despite the heavy traffic . If you cook something nice for me .. even when ....the piano.. If the train is on time .. we’ll be late for work. if you pay for your drinks...as well as playing .only a dedicated father .m. Despite the heavy traffic .. for your drinks..we’ll be late for work.. due to . You are welcome to join us . but also .. ONLY He is not. .... UNLESS I won’t see.m. EVEN The traffic was heavy. LONG I will go to the meeting tomorrow. as long as..provided that you pay... on the grounds that. the traffic was heavy.. I will go to the meeting tomorrow if you come with me... KEY WORDS : Despite . the storm. If we do not go now.you at 5 p. even though. agreed to lend ..learnt to play tennis really well.. After six years of training. choose.. new skills. WAIT I .. I’m looking forward to visiting you next month. PROMISED He ... AGREED He has. He acted as if he had not seen me. People need to acquire new skills.. manage... learn His GP advised him against drinking alcohol. He said he would lend me some money. LEARNT He. me. telling him that the meeting has ben cancelled. after six years of training. forget. intend.you next month.me some money.. not to drink .can’t wait to visit ... TO We are.the meeting has been cancelled. he became really good at playing tennis. demand.. remember... We are thinking about going to London next month.... 30 .pretended not to have seen. help.alcohol.. He said that he would help with the project. pretend. need.London next month. IMPORTANT It’s. PRETENDED He . promise . try....with the project. refuse mean (= intend).VERBS FOLLOWED BY A TO-INFINITIVE Afford .forgot to tell him that ..... plan decide. fail...promised to help ... NOT His GP advised him.... offer.. .. TELL I .. hope.. important for people to acquire.arrange. planning to go to . . 31 . WORTH It .when you call me on the phone.. INTENTION I ..have no intention of helping .... John has a good reputation among his fellow workers...... Sb has a good reputation... There is no way sb will do sth / Sb has no intention of doing sth.have no thought of helping . SPOKEN John... There is no point in waiting any longer. John has a good reputation among his fellow workers..you after what you did to me.. Sb is highly thought of .He is not going to come.among his fellow workers.is highly regarded ..../ Sb is highly spoken of . John has a good reputation among his fellow workers.He is not going to come./ be on the verge of doing... VERGE I was .He is not going to come./ Sb is highly regarded...on the verge of leaving .is not worth waiting . Sb has no thought of doing sth.. / It is not worth doing.. I was about to leave when you call me on the phone. There is no way I’m helping you after what you did to me THOUGHT I . any longer..../ be on the point of doing..when you call me on the phone...He is not going to come....is no use waiting . Be about to do.... There is no point in waiting any longer.among his fellow workers...on the point of leaving ..PHRASES / PARAPHRASING There is no point in doing. USE It .... THOUGHT John... REGARDED John./ It’s no use doing. is highly spoken of . POINT I was .... any longer..you after what you did to me. is highly thought of .. I was about to leave when you call me on the phone.....among his fellow workers. There is no way I’m helping you after what you did to me. . he won the competition. unless. MOOD Susan was not …in the mood for dancing …that night Susan was not …in the mood to dance …that night Because.with the intention of doing sth Carlos studied medicine because he wanted to become a doctor. Carlos studied medicine… with an eye to becoming …a doctor. LONG Connor will go… to the meeting as long as …John goes. IN For the …third year in succession….Feel like doing sth / be in the mood to do sth /for doing sth Susan didn’t feel like dancing that night. in a row He won the competition for the third year running. on the condition that. Connor will only go to the meeting if John goes.. Carlos studied medicine because he wanted to become a doctor.third year in a row…. VIEW Carlos studied medicine… with a view to becoming …a doctor. Running . with a view/an eye to doing sth . provided that . in succession . UNLESS Connor will… not go to the meeting unless …John goes. providing that. If . INTENTION Carlos studied medicine… with the intention of becoming …a doctor. as long as .. CONDITION Connor will go to the meeting on (the) condition that John goes 32 . he won the competition. THAT Connor will go to the meeting provided that / providing that John goes Connor will only go to the meeting if John goes. Connor will only go to the meeting if John goes.. Connor will only go to the meeting if John goes. For the . is very likely to . shouldn’t do You must never drink alcohol before driving your car. very little chance of winning ... Conor is very unlikely to win the race... As far as I can remember .no recollection of meeting.should never ... has (very) little chance.. There's every chance (that) Conor will win the race. Smith before.. Smith before. ACCOUNT On . has no chance. not have any recollection.the race.the race.... It is (very) likely that sb will . very little chance of winning . RECOLLECTION I have. There's every chance (that) Conor will win the race.. 33 . THAT It is . CHANCE Conor has .. SHOULD You ... Conor is not very likely to win the race. VAGUE I have a .. OF To the best. drink alcohol before driving your car...no account must you . LITTLE Conor has ....Must never . . it is unlikely . as far as I can remember.win the race.. It is not (very) likely ... on no account must .. have a vague recollection of.win the race.last night.. Sb is very likely to. have no recollection .. You were not invited to the wedding ..vague recollection of .very likely that Conor will .. drink alcohol before driving your car. You must never drink alcohol before driving your car. I got so drunk that I hardly remember last night..you were not invited to the wedding . Mr.... LIKELY Conor .... I don’t remember meeting Mr. to the best of my recollection. of my recollection .... The manager wants to talk to George in connection with the new policy..your exam. you will need to achieve a score of 160. the hidden fees before booking your flight. will be brought by the new law.bear in mind . 34 . TO Some changes ..relating to tax deductions... the new policy.when the eacher told them to keep silent ..in order to be.. fresh in the morning.. be mindful of... The teacher told the student to keep silent ... The teacher told the student to keep silent .so as to pass ... Regarding . but they....So that .so as to be..didn’t pay any attention.. Jane went to bed early so that she would be fresh in the morning.. The new law will bring some changes regarding tax deductions. but they didn’t listen. relating to. . PAY The students. so as to.. in order to.. Jane went to bed early so that she would be fresh in the morning... In order for you to pass the exam.. NOTICE The teacher told the student to keep silent . SO You will need to achieve a score of 160.didn’t take any notice.with regard to . Take (any/no) notice . about.. as regards . heed.. think about something carefully... MIND You must . fresh in the morning. pay (any/no) attention.. in connection with . take (any/no) heed . AS Jane went to be early .. on the subject of. ORDER Jane went to be early . bear in mind . in order for. take into account . You must take into account the hidden fees before booking your flight.. in/with regard to ... but they didn’t listen.... WITH The manager wants to talk to George . /She managed to catch up with the rest of the class. 6.45 MOST COMMON PHRASAL VERBS 1.m.do something you had no time to do recently I want to catch up on my sleep.To stop working (machine) My car broke down on the motorway. CALL SOMETHING OFF – To cancel something that was planned The meeting was called of by management. request that something should happen The demostrators were calling for a reduction in taxes. but he carried on sleeping. 7.To think of an idea .to continue doing something The alarm went off at 6 a. BREAK UP WITH SOMEONE . 14. 35 . CATCH UP ON SOMETHING. 3. 12. COME UP WITH SOMETHING .To cause something to explode The building was blown up with dynamite. CARRY ON WITH SOMETHING . 15. 8. I had to run faster to catch up with them. BREAK DOWN . ASK AROUND – To ask different people the same question. 10. 2. BRING SOMETHING UP – To start talking about a new subject.To manage to reach someone who is ahead of you. Mike was brought up by his grandparents.To invite somebody on a date Susan asked John out to dinner last weekend. he brought up an interesting idea 9. CATCH ON . discover of produce . CATCH UP WITH . BLOW SOMETHING UP . They came up with a fantastic solution to the problem we had. 5. We are asking around to see if anybody knows someone who has a car for sale. BRING A CHILD UP – To take care of someone until they are adults. 11. During the course of the conversation . ASK SOMEONE OUT .To enter a place illegally Someone broke into my house while I was on holidays.To stop having a relationship with someone He broke up with his girlfriend of 10 years. .To become popular I wonder if this TV programme will ever catch on with men ? 13. CALL FOR SOMETHING demand. 4. BREAK IN /BREAK INTO . My GP suggested that I should cut down on coffee. GET ON WITH SOMEONE . 29. 27. We need to do away with unnecessary red tape. 19.manage to deal with a situation . HAND SOMETHING OUT . but your reaction gave you away. 18. DO AWAY WITH SOMETHING . GIVE IN (TO SOMEONE'S REQUESTS) to agree to what sb wants. 26. LOOK UP TO SOMEONE to admire and respect somebody As a kid . 25. CUT DOWN ON SOMETHING .16. but only just.stop doing something I gave up smoking 15 years ago. LOOK INTO SOMETHING .to understand sb or sth with difficulty to decipher No matter how hard I try. I always looked up to my grandfather. after refusing at the beginning She pestered him so much to go out with her that he eventually gave in. MAKE SOMETHING OUT . to eliminate. GIVE SOMEONE AWAY show someone's real feelings or true nature They didn’t know it was you who had done it. 24. GIVE SOMETHING UP . 17. to discover sth We need to find out when he is available for a meeting. I can’t make out your handwriting. GET BY . 36 .to get rid of something .to give something to each one in a group The teacher handed out the exams at the beginning of the class.to start or continue doing something (especially work) I need to get on with booking our flights. I wonder how she can get by on so little money. 21.to slowly become an adult I was born in Ireland but grew up in Spain. 22. 28. GET ON WITH SOMETHING . GROW UP . LOOK FORWARD TO SOMETHING feel excited about sth that is going to happen I’m looking forward to my holidays. 23. 20.to have a good relationship with She doesn’t get on with her boss. FIND SOMETHING OUT To get information about sth .To use less of something .to investigate or examine something I will look into the problem and come back to you with an estimate for the repair. 30. to start a journey The train sets off tomorrow at 8 a. 37. 32. We have run out of milk and coffee. PASS OUT . OWN UP TO SOMETHING to accept that you’ve done sth and take responsibility for it. WEAR OUT – To deteriorate over time and through use. 33. they will turn up when you least expect it. RUN OUT OF SOMETHING . My teacher told me off for not doing my homework. I made a mistake and I own up to it.m. 43. PICK SOMEONE UP . SET OFF . TURN SOMEONE / SOMETHING DOWN – to refuse somebody or something She was disappointed after being turned down for the job 42.to lose consciousness While falling down the stairs he hit his head against the wall and passed out. 40. PUT SOMETHING OFF to postpone an event or activity We decided to put off the meeting until next week. those are really worn out. 39.to scold sb for something they’ve done and you disapprove of. THROW SOMETHING AWAY – to get rid of sth that you no longer want. 36.to calculate sth I need to work out how much I will be taxed this month. 34. 35. It’s high time you got yourself some new trousers.to make sth stop burning . 45. TURN UP – to arrive or appear somewhere / to find something unexpectedly He eventually didn’t turn up at the meeting. PUT SOMETHING OUT . 41. WORK SOMETHING OUT to understand something by thinking about it The police are trying to work out who helped him commit the crime. to extinguish I put out the candle and went to bed.31. 37 . PUT SOMEONE UP – to accommodate sb temporarily John is putting me up for a few days. 44. I threw away a bunch of old receipts and letters. Have you seen my keys? No . 38. TELL SOMEONE OFF .to finish all of something.to collect someone from a place My brother picked me up from the airport and gave me a lift home. but don't worry. WORK SOMETHING OUT . 9. I was brought up to speed about the lastest developments.be caught doing something illegal or ethically wrong She was caught red-handed in bed with another man. 15. BE CAUGHT IN THE ACT . 12. Everything came to a head and the company had to shut down three factories. 38 . 3. BE SECOND TO NONE – to be excellent or better than others. to a large degree Ever since he got that teacher . BRING SOMEONE UP TO SPEED . COME TO TERMS WITH STH –To start to accept a situation and deal with it. Upon my return . 6. COST AN ARM AND A LEG – to be very expensive The Audi R8 is a beautiful car . My knowledge of this town is second to none.45 MOST COMMON IDIOMS 1. without stopping to think. DO STH ON THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT – Do something without stopping to think . 14. 5. on the spur of the moment . 11. BE ON THE SAME PAGE – have a similar understanding of something.be caught doing something illegal or ethically wrong He was caught in the act of stealing money from the safe. without any planning We got into a heated argument and. 4. BRING STH / COME TO A HEAD – To reach a critical or crucial stage. They were always ready to start an argumen . her English has improved by leaps and bounds. I want to make sure everybody is on the same page. Sooner or later you will have to come to terms with the death of your wife. but it costs an arm and a leg. BE CAUGHT RED-HANDED . 2. BE LARGER THAN LIFE . BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS – By a lot . at the drop of a hat. BUILD A PICTURE OF SB OR STH – To gather information to understand what sth or sb is like We are trying to build a picture of what needs to be done. BE OVER THE MOON – To be very happy He was over the moon when he learned he had won the lottery 7. AT THE DROP OF A HAT – to do sth without any hesitation. Before we make a decision. 8. I punched him. 10. BE UP IN ARMS – To be angry about something / at someone My father was up in arms when he found out that I had dented his car. 16.To tell sb the fact about a situation.To be more exciting than normal The CEO of the company seemed to be larger than life to the managers. 27. 23. He is just paying lip service. I learned my speech by heart. 18. PUT ONE’S FINGER ON STH – To remember sth or to discover the reason of sth.16. 29. and he punched his boss in the face. I’ll keep you posted. 17. He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and became a doctor. I wanted to make sure I remembered everything. She put me in the picture about what had happened since my last visit 39 . GET SOMETHING OFF ONE'S CHEST. PUT SOMEONE IN THE PICTURE – To tell sb the fact about a situation. 22. I’ll do it this evening. I know I had seen her before but I couldn’t put my finger on where. 20. KEEP AN EYE ON STH to take care of something . I didn’t have time to prepare the presentation so I had to play it by ear. 26. 25. to watch sth I'll keep an eye on your luggage while you go to the toilet. 30. PLAY SOMETHING BY EAR. I don’t like you. 19.to tell someone about your worries I really have to get this off my chest . 31. GET THE BETTER OF SOMEONE – feel overwhelmed by a feeling His anger got the better of him . GIVE/PAY LIP SERVICE TO SOMETHING – Say or support something insincerely. If anything happens I’ll let you know. 21. MAKE THE MOST OF SOMETHING –take advantage of something while it lasts. FOLLOW IN SB’S FOOTSTEPS. He has no intention of helping you with the project. 24. GET COLD FEET – To become afraid of doing sth you had planned to do Mary wanted to ask Paul for a date but she eventually got cold feet. LEARN SOMETHING BY ROTE – to memorize without understanding She learned the formula by rote. MAKE ENDS MEET – to struggle to pay for your everyday needs John make very little money and finds it hard to make ends meet.To memorize something. 28. LEARN SOMETHING BY HEART. and went to the beach.to improvise . We made the most of our last day in Barcelona . GET DOWN TO DOING STH – to take action towards doing something I need to get down to booking my FCE exam as soon as possible. KEEP SOMEONE POSTED – to inform sb about new develoments in a situation Don’t worry . to do something without a plan.To do the same job as someone else. GET AROUND TO DOING STH – do sth that you’ve been wanting to do for a while… I still haven’t got round to doing the report. TO BE A PIECE OF CAKE – To be very easy Winning the fight was a piece of cake. She’s taken a fancy to her new assistant. WASH ONE'S HANDS OF SOMETHING stop dealing with an issue or problem I’m washing my hands of this problem . TO BE EASY AS PIE – To be very easy The FCE exam was easy as pie. I took for granted that you were a doctor. WIN SOMETHING HANDS DOWN – To win something with ease. SEE EYE TO EYE WITH SOMEONE ON SOMETHING – To agree with someone We don’t see eye to eye on how to raise our kids. the president run away instead of facing the music for his actions. I expect to get high marks. TAKE A FANCY TO SOMEONE / SOMETHING – to begin to like sb or sth I have taken a fancy to Chinese food of late. but only just. STOP SHORT OF DOING STH – to not do something . I put in a lot of work preparing for it. We need to take his words with a pinch of salt. TO BITE THE BULLET – to accept and try to live with sth difficult. He was much better than his opponent and won the fight hands down. 40 . 34. I decided to take the bull by the horns and confronted my neighbours about the noise. TAKE STH WITH A GRAIN/PINCH OF SALT – to doubt the accuracy of some information. TO BE A WALK IN THE PARK – To be very easy The test was a walk in the park. 35. 33. 36. TAKE SOMETHING AS READ – to accept sth as true without proof I took it as read that I was invited to your wedding. but only just Her boss told her off for being late and stop short of firing her. He was not here when it happened 38. 41. 40.I was extremely well prepared. TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS – to deal with a difficult situation bravely. TO FACE THE MUSIC – To accept the consequences for sth you’ve done After the scandal . TAKE SOMETHING FOR GRANTED – to believe sth to be truth without even thinking about it. 45. 39. After the scandal the president of the company decide to bite the bullet and resigned. 42.32. 37. 43. 44. You will have to deal with it on our own. 2. BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT – There is no doubt that sth is true. 15. She may be beautiful but she is very boring. 3. 6.change your opinion about something. BEAR/KEEP SOMETHING IN MIND – consider sth before doing sth else. FEE LIKE ( DOING) SOMETHING – to want to do sth . 7. CHANGE ONE’S MIND . DO /TRY ONE’S BEST . He is French .45 MOST COMMON SET PHRASES 1. AS FAR AS I KNOW – according to the information that I have. BE WORTH IT – be sth that will give you good results despite difficulties. you can’t have any regrets. I eventually changed my mind and agreed to go to the party with them. As far as I’m concerned . but it’s been worth it. 12. I was on the point of starting my speech when someone’s phone rang. 9. BE UP /DOWN TO SB . as far as I know. 41 . 5. so going for a walk with the kids is out of the question. AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED – in my opinion / to the degree that it affects me. It took me eight years to get my black bet in Judo. If you do your best and fail. He is . She asked him out because she was under the mistaken belief that he was single. the best player I’ve ever seen 13. 10. BE OUT OF THE QUESTION – Something cannot happen / it is not possible It’s raining . BE WORTH ONE’S WHILE – be worth the time or effort sb spends doing sth. without a shadow of a doubt . 4.– Do sth as best you can. BE ABOUT TO DO STH – be ready to start doing something very soon. BE UNDER THE(MISTAKEN) IMPRESSION /BELIEF THAT – to think that sth is true usually when that’s no the case I was under the impression that I was already hired. I was just about to leave when you phoned me. 11.Be someone’s responsibility to do sth It’s up to the president to decide the next course of action. you can start tomorrow. 14. BE ON THE POINT OF DOING STH – be ready to start doing something very soon. 8. It’s down to John to make all the arrangements for the meeting. They were on the verge of getting a divorce after 15 years of marriage. It’s not worth my while talking to her. Keep in mind your budget when making arrangements for your holidays. BE ON THE VERGE OF DOING STH – be ready to start doing something very soon. He didn’t feel( like going) clubbing last weekend. After the workout . It’s no use waiting for them any longer . 17.to like sb or sth without knowing why. I was sweating from head to toe. 23. MAKE ALLOWANCE FOR STH – to prepare in case sth happens.. 30. 42 .They are not going to come. MAKE AN EXCEPTION. IT’S NO USE – Sth is not useful . He is very lazy. He is very boring . IT’S NO GOOD – Sth which is pointless because it won’t give you any benefits It’s no good telling him to help you with the arrangement.With the intention of bringing an advantage to sb/sth. You’d better tell the truth . Make sure you keep the medicines out of your toddler’s reach. MAKE AMENDS TO SB FOR STH – to do sth good to show that you feel bad about sth you’ve done. MAKE COMMON CAUSE WITH SB – to cooperate with sb to achieve sth. I felt disinclined to invite them to our wedding. 19. 22. GET / KEEP IN TOUCH . Make sure you make allowance for traffic delays . HAVE A ONE-TRACK MIND . for your own sake. 28. The CEO wanted to get the message across to the staff .that they had to work together. 24. Mike says that he has always had a soft spot for blondes.To continue to communicate with someone. and he made an exception for us. They don’t usually let people in at 4 a. he has a one-track mind and all he ever talks about is football. He is new in the job. FROM HEAD TO TOE . MAKE ALLOWANCES FOR STH – to consider sth when judging sth. 21. 26. 25. HAVE A SOFT SPOT FOR SB /STH . sth won’t give you any benefits. KEEP STH OUT OF SOMEONE’S REACH – Keep sth where sb cannot take it. FOR THE SAKE OF . 29. 27.16.h. 20.to not apply a general rule to someone. but I knew the doorman . when you set off for you interview.to think always about one specific thing. 18. He made a mistake but we have to make allowances for him. She broke his favourite glass and wanted to make amends by buying a new one.Make someone understand something. FEEL / BE DISINCLINED TO DO STH – to not be willing to do sth . The company made common cause with its competitors against the new law. I still keep in touch with some of my high school friends. GET THE MESSAGE ACROSS .m.over your whole body. 32. 38. There is no point in my calling her at her office. MAKE UP TO SOMEONE – to decide It’s disgusting the way she always makes up to the boss 35. WHEN IT COMES TO STH. If you work to the best of your ability . TAKE SOMETHING INTO ACCOUNT – consider sth before doing sth else. 43 . I’ve been practising a lot and I feel I’ve made a lot of headway with my Spanish.31. THERE IS NO POINT IN DOING STH – Sth is not useful . 37. I don’t know him very well . He took part in the competition and . 42. 41. MAKE UP ONE’S MIND – to decide I haven’t made up my mind which PC to buy yet. 45. you will succeed. thinking about what to do. won. There is no telling when she will arrive. 36. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF STH . Be careful this girl is only out to get advantage of you. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR – Nothing is as good as… If you want to pass your exam. He started walking up and down the corridor . THERE IS NO TELLING – You cannot possibly guess or know. When it comes to picking up women.. Peter is an expert. OUT FOR STH / OUT TO DO STH – with the intention of doing sth..in relation to something. His latest novel comes out next month . MAKE HEADWAY IN/WITH STH– to make progress. to everybody’s surprise. but to my belief he is a good person. TAKE PART IN STH – to be involved in something. Many people feel that the government is taking advantage of them. We need to take the price into account before deciding on which car to buy.Her flight has been delayed. She out on a business trip.to be too friendly to sb in order to get sth. 40. Can you make yourself understood in Chinese? 33. 43. You won’t succeed as a businessman if you are only out for the money. 39. 34. MAKE ONESELF UNDERSTOOD– to succeed in communicating your message. there is no substitute for studying hard. TO THE BEST OF ONE’S ABILITY– Do sth as best you can. 44. TO (THE BEST OF) ONE’S KWNOWLEDGE/ BELIEF– according to the information that you have. sth won’t give you any benefits. UP AND DOWN – moving in one direction and the in the opposite. to the best of my knowledge. compete against 44 . laugh about 15. lust after sb /sth 9. complain about 6. run up against 13. punch above one’s weight rear above sth/sb rise above sth tower above sth/sb 12. ask after sb clean after sb go after sb /sth hanker after sth hunger after ath inquire after sth AGAINST 1. 4. come up against sth decide against fight against gang up against have sth against sb hold out against hold sth against sb insure against 7. pant after sth/sb 11. 4. 3. wonder about ACROSS 1. 3. 2. argue about 2. 4. write to sb about sth 21. warn against 15. 7. run after sb/sth 12. 4. worry about 23. react against 11. remind sb about sth 20. hear about ABOVE 1. tell sb about sth 19. think about/of 18. 2. 8. 5. pit sth/sb against sth/sb 10. 3. 6. boast about 4. 6. feel about 9. come across sth/sb cut across sth drape sth across sth get sth across put sth across put yourself across run across sth/sb stumble across AFTER 1. look after sb/sth 8. 2. 5. grumble about 11. 3. name sb after sb/sth 10. 6. talk about/of 17.PREPOSITIONAL VERBS ABOUT 1. warn sb about sth 22. run against 12. forget about 10. 7. 5. 8. square off against 14. dream about/of 8. 2. be concerned about 7. take after sb 9. joke about 13. be about to do sth 3. know about 14. care about 5. quarrel about 16. Sit by 45 . bring sth/sb along come along get along with sb go along go along with sth/sb as you go along (unplanned) jog along (make progress slowly but at a steady pace) 8. Knock sb around (hit) 14. Fool around 9. Build sth around sth (base sth on sth) 3. Fiddle around 8. 7. Stand by sb 14. 4. sing along 14. Gad around somewhere (travel) 10. 7. rub along 11. sweep sb along 16. string sb along 15. 3. Lounge around 19. Mess around with sth 21. 2. 2. 8. scrape by 17. 5. Mess sb around 20. 8. Hand something around 11. 6. 5. put sth by (save) 11. Mess around with sb ( cheat on your partner – sex) AT 1. tag along with sb 1. scrape along 13. 4. 9. run sth by sb (ask their opinion) 13. abide by sth call by come by sth /somewhere drop by Get by go by go by sth pass sb by people sth/ somewhere by sth /sb 10. arrive at guess at aim at laugh at shout at smile at look at stare at despair at BY 1. 7. 4. Crowd around sb /sth 6. Centre around 5. 9. Hand around somewhere (spend time somewhere) 12. Hang around with sb 13. Come by sth 16. Roll by (time) 12. 2. Knock around (relax) 16. 5. 3. Ask around (for sth/sb) 2. 6. Lie around 18. muddle along (do sth without clear purpose or plan) AROUND 1. Doss around 7. play along with sb/sth 10.ALONG 9. Cast around 4. Knock around with sb (spend time with sb) 17. 6. Knock around sth/somewere 15. Swear by 18. Stand by for sth 15. 3. run along 12. stem from sth 21. 5. emerge from 11. prepare for 25. escape from 12. apologise for 5. pay for 22. prohibit from 16. mistake for 21. praise sb for sth 26. 6. hide from 15. recover from sth 18. expel sb from sth 14. retire from sth 20. distinguish sb/sth from/between sb/sth 9. prevent sb from sth 17. vote for 34. cater for 11. forgive sb for sth 15. exclude sth from sth 13. substitute for 31. provide sth for sb 27. pray for 24. benefit from 2. arrange for sb to do sth 4. blame sb for sth 9. differ from 5. care for 10. 3. deter from 4. search for 29. hunger for sth 18. demand sth from sb 6. exchange for 13. arrest for 7. apply for 3. account for 2. borrow from 3. stand for 30. wait for FORWARD 1. 4. resign from sth 19. long for 20. discourage sb from sth 8. beg for 8. pant for sth/sb 23. hope for sth 17. excuse for 12. distract sth from sth 10. 2. fight for 14.FOR 1. bring sth forward carry sth forward come forward with sth look forward to push forward with sth push oneself forward FROM 1. thank sb for sth 32. look for 19. suffer from sth 22. save someone from sth 46 . use for 33. hanker for sth 16. derive sth from sth 7. punish for 28. ask for 6. 5. dress in 3. Accuse sb of sth 3. Suspect sb of sth 17. 6. invest in 4. get on with sb 12. experiment on 11. grow into 6. insist on 14. Think of sth ON 1. drill sth into sb 5. absorb into 2. Get tired of 13. 3. rely on 16. stumble on/upon sth 17. 7. believe in 2. interfere in 5. specialize in 10. Cure sb of sth 11. 8. base sth on sth blame sth on sb comment on sth concentrate on congratulate sb on sth count on decide on depend on elaborate on 10.IN 1. impress on 13. (dis)approve of 2. 2. be on the point of doing sth 5. Despair of 10. work on 47 . Rob sb of sth 16. succeed in INTO 1. Remind sb of sth 15. walk into OF 1. Dream of 12. tap into 9. result in 9. 4. persist in 8. trick sb into doing sth 11. dip into 4. operate on 15. participate in 7. make sth into sth 8. Convict of 8. crash into 3. involve sb in sth 6. jockey sb into sth 7. Convince sb of sth 9. Consist of 7. Have hope of 14. 9. be on the verge of doing sth 4. Compose of 6. translate sth into sth 10. cope with 15. be faced with sth 17. collide with 10. correspond with 13. hope to 16. think sth over 14. argue over boil over carry sth over change over from sth to sth lord it over quarrel over fight with sb over sth paper over sth 9. discuss sth with sb 16. 8. sentence sb to sth 29. (dis)agree with 2. 5. people sth/ somewhere with sth /sb 21. begin with 5. talk to 31. communicate with 8. 2. start over 11. explain sth to sb 14. cope with 12. listen to WITH 1. fight with 18. lend sth to sb 18. work sb over TO 1. devote to 12. Argue with sb 3. 3. charge sb with sth 7. 7. contribute to 10. turn to 32. agree with 4. appeal to 5. occur to sb 20. speak to 27. quarrel with 24. compare with 9. see to 26. help sb with sth 19. cover with 17. tower over sb/sth 16. add to 2. get married to 15. share sth with sb 25. react to 21. compete with 11. subject sb to sth 30. drink to 13. throw sb over for sb 15.OVER 1. reply to 23. admit to 4. put sth over sb 10. subscribe to 28. rear over sth 12. compare to 8. cater to 7. 4. trust sb with sth 48 . object to 19. meet with 20. write to 14. belong to 6. respond to 24. run over 13. be popular with sb 6. resort to 25. present sb with sth 23. confess to 9. 6. adjust to 3. provide sb with sth 22. refer to 22. dedicate to 11. ......... CHANGED Mike appears ….......... he wished he had learnt some Spanish beforehand...... Billy …... CLUE : NEGATIVE + PERFECT PARTICIPLE I haven’t seen John for eight years...…been able to lift it into the car................. CLUE : COMPARATIVE + CONDITIONAL CLAUSE Mike said he was coming to the party with us tonight but it seems he has decide not to........... MAY He …......... CLUE : SINCE + CHANGE OF VERB TENSE Perhaps he missed the train this morning........................John......... AVOID The engineer wore gloves .the fragile parts he was working with................... REGRETTED When he went to Tenerife ....................................... ANY If the suitcase had been ...........................the train this morning... CLUE : INFINITIVE + GERUND When Billy went to Tenerife ................................some Spanish beforehand. CLUE : PERFECT INFINITIVE + SYNONYMOUS PHRASE The engineer wore gloves so that the fragile parts he was working with would not be damaged..........KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION The suitcase was so heavy that I can only just lift it into the taxi................................coming to the party with us tonight.. LAST It’s five years…............. CLUE : MODAL VERB + PERFECT INFINITIVE 49 ....................... .. MADE Jim’s father’s …............... APPROVE His father doesn’t…............. but he did... CLUE : VERB + PREPOSITION + PRONOUN + GERUND Jim father’s didn’t let him play with his smartphone until he had done his homework...................................while I go to the toilet? CLUE :CHANGE OF VERBAL (gerund into infinitive) + SYNONYMOUS PHRASE It wasn’t necessary for him to bring a present ..clubbing so much.......... CLUE : Paraphrasing with a SYNONYMOUS PHRASE (SET PHRASE) His father doesn’t like him to go clubbing so much.................. NEEDN’T He ................................................................her arm in the accident.........KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION It’s possible that she has injured her arm in the accident..... PLACE John….... HAVE She ….............. CLUE : MODAL VERB + PERFECT INFINITIVE John replaced his father as head of the company............... CLUE : NEEDN’T + PERFECT INFINITIVE 50 ................. CLUE : FROM UNTIL TO BEFORE = CAUSATIVE VERB + PRONOUN + VERB Would you mind taking care of my suitcases while I go to the toilet? AFTER Could you ...............before he played with his smartphone........his father as head of the company..a present................................................ COMPARATIVE + CONDITIONAL CLAUSE Mike said he was coming to the party with us tonight but it seems he has decide not to.regretted not having learnt …. CHANGED Mike appears …. MODAL VERB + PERFECT INFINITIVE 51 ... he widshed he had learnt some Spanish beforehand.. REGRETTED When he went to Tenerife . Billy ….some Spanish beforehand.KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION The suitcase was so heavy that I can only just lift it into the taxi.John. PERFECT INFINITIVE + SYNONYMOUS PHRASE The engineer wore gloves so that the fragile parts he was working with would not be damaged.. MAY He …...to avoid damaging…the fragile parts he was working with. LAST It’s five years…since I last saw . NEGATIVE + PERFECT PARTICIPLE I haven’t seen John for eight years.to have changed his mind about ….coming to the party with us tonight.may have missed .the train this morning... SINCE + CHANGE OF VERB TENSE Perhaps he missed the train this morning. ANY If the suitcase had been …any heavier I wouldn’t have …been able to lift it into the car. INFINITIVE + GERUND When Billy went to Tenerife . AVOID The engineer wore gloves …. . APPROVE His father doesn’t…..took the place of …. FROM UNTIL TO BEFORE = CAUSATIVE VERB + PRONOUN + VERB Would you mind taking care of my suitcases while I go to the toilet? AFTER Could you …look after my suitcases.needn’t have brought . but he did.may have injured ….while I go to the toilet? CHANGE OF VERBAL (gerund into infinitive) + SYNONYMOUS PHRASE It wasn’t necessary for him to bring a present . MADE Jim’s father’s ….. MODAL VERB + PERFECT INFINITIVE John replaced his father as head of the company.. VERB + PREPOSITION + PRONOUN + GERUND Jim father’s didn’t let him play with his smartphone until he had done his homework.her arm in the accident.before he played with his smartphone. approve of him/his going….. PLACE John…... NEEDN’T He . Paraphrasing with a SYNONYMOUS PHRASE (SET PHRASE) His father doesn’t like him to go clubbing so much.his father as head of the company.. NEEDN’T + PERFECT INFINITIVE 52 ....clubbing so much.KEY WORD TRANSFORMATION It’s possible that she has injured her arm in the accident..a present.made him do his homework …. HAVE She ….