HOW TO DO KEY WORD HOW TO DO KEY WORD

TRANSFORMATION EXERCISES TRANSFORMATION EXERCISES

STEP 1 : LOOK AT THE KEY WORD GIVEN.
WHAT IS IT? IS IT A NOUN , PREPOSITION , ADVERB , CONJUNTION, VERB
CONJUGATED, ETC? EXAMPLE :

STEP 2 : UNDERLINE WHATEVER IS REPEATED IN BOTH SENTENCES.

EXAMPLE : He enjoyed going to the cinema alone. For questions 25–30, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first
BY sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and
He enjoyed going to the cinema ........BY HIMSELF............ five words, including the word given. Here is an example (0).
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 Example:
PHRASE, A PASSIVE SENTENCE...?
YOU NEED TO IDENTIFY WHAT IS REQUIRED IN EACH QUESTION OF THE EXAM.
0 The CEO decided to cancel the meeting.
KEY WORD TYPE POSSIBLE ANSWER CALL
WIDELY – ADV KNOWN The meeting .............................................................. the CEO.
APART - ADV FROM
SWIMMER – NOUN A BETTER SWIMMER THAN The gap can be filled by the words “was called off by” so you write:
TURNED – VERB PAST TURNED DOWN
LESS – PRONOUN, ADVERB , PREP IS LESS THAN Example:
IS - VERB (PRESENT) IT IS MORE 0 WAS CALLED OFF BY
ALWAYS – ADV ALWAYS ASKING ME Write only the missing word IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.
GOOD – ADJ BE GOOD AT DOING STH
FOR – PREP HAVEN’T SEEN HIM FOR
LITTLE – ADJ A LITTLE SLOWER
DOWN – ADV TAKE STH DOWN
UP – ADV PICK STH /SB UP
How to do this exercise
DO – VERB (infinitive) DO STH UP
SETTLE – VERB (infinitive) SETTLE DOWN IN 1) To start with , you need to notice that you are dealing with a passive sentence. This is easy
TIDY – VERB (infinitive) TIDY STH UP
LET – VERB (PRESENT /PAST) LET SB DOWN to see if you notice that the object in the original sentence has been turned into the subject in
HOW - ADV KNOW HOW TO DO
HEARD- VERB (PAST) HEARD FROM SB the second sentence.
LOOKED- VERB (PAST) LOOKED UP TO
MOOD – NOUN BE IN THE MOOD TO 2) You need to know the phrasal verb CALL OFF.
DESERVE – VERB (infinitive) DESERVE TO BE
TOO – ADV TOO EXPENSIVE 3) You need to have knowledge of the structure of a passive sentence so as to link the subject
EXCEPTION – NOUN WITH THE EXCEPTION OF
HABIT – NOUN BE IN THE HABIT OF to the object with the word BY.
CHANCE – NOUN HAVE EVERY CHANCE TO
SAYING – NOUN / Verb (gerund) IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING MARKING
STRIKE - VERB (infinitive) STRIKE YOU AS
ALONE - ADJ LET ALONE Two marks will be awarded per each correct answer.
SUCH – DETERMINER /PRONOUN /NOUN SUCH WAS THE FORCE OF
You will be given 1 mark for using CALL OFF.
NOUN – COMPARISON / IDIOM - VERB - PHRASAL VERB / PREPOSITIONAL VERB
PREPOSITION – PHRASAL PREPOSITIONAL VERB / PREPOSITIONAL VERB You will get another mark for using the passive voice correctly.
ADV – PHRASAL VERB - DETERMINER – COMPARISON
PRONOUN - IDIOM / COMPARISON / SET PHRASE 4 5
 SPECULATING ABOUT THE PRESENT SPECULATING ABOUT THE PAST
KEY WORDS:
KEY WORDS: Maybe,
Maybe, Perhaps,
Perhaps, I’m sure,
I’m sure, Definitely,
Definitely, I’m certain,
I’m certain, They probably, FOLLOWED BY PAST TENSE / PRESENT PERFECT
They probably, FOLLOWED BY PRESENT TENSE It’s possible that…
It’s possible that… It’s impossible that…
It’s impossible that… It’s not possible that…
It’s not possible that… It’s out of the question that…
It’s out of the question that…

SPECULATING ABOUT THE PRESENT SPECULATING ABOUT THE PAST

Maybe, Perhaps = may/ might + present Maybe, Perhaps = may have + past participle
I’m sure, I’m certain = must + present I’m sure, I’m certain = must have + past participle
They probably = may + present They probably = may have + past participle
It’s possible that… = may , might + present It’s possible that… = may , might have + past participle
It’s impossible that , it’s not possible that , It’s out of the question that..= It’s impossible that , it’s not possible that , It’s out of the question that...=
can’t + present can’t have + past participle

Examples :
Perhaps she needs help with doing the washing up
MIGHT Perhaps he missed the train this morning.
She ..might need help ....with doing the washing up MAY
He …..may have missed ....the train this morning.
I'm certain she is his girlfriend. They are always together.
MUST It’s possible that she has injured her arm in the accident.
She ...must be his ...girlfriend. They are always together. HAVE
She ….may have injured …..her arm in the accident.
It's impossible that they are hungry. They just had a full Irish breakfast
CAN’T I’m sure she didn’t mean to offend you.
They...can’t be hungry.... They just had a full Irish breakfast. MEANT
She ......can’t/ cannot have meant .... to offend you.
I’m sure we can find a taxi around here.
MUST I’m certain he’s not gone home because his car is still parked outside.
We ...must be able to.... find a taxi around here. GONE
He ..can’t have gone home... because his car is still parked outside.
It's possible that he likes you. You are a beautiful girl.
MAY I think they probably didn’t wait for us because it was raining.
He ...may like you....You are a beautiful girl. NOT
I think they .... may not have waited ....for us because it was raining.
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 AGO to FOR / FOR to AGO / LAST AGO to SINCE/ SINCE to AGO
Ago is used to talk about something that is finished and happened in the past.
(Past up to now) Ago is use is used with the Past Simple.
 We arrived in Paris 20 minutes ago / I moved to Rome five years ago.
SINCE to FOR / FOR to SINCE
 I was born 45 years ago. Ago and Last are used with the simple past (I moved to Rome five years ago/last month).
For is used to talk about something that happens/happened over a period of time.
 How long are you staying in Madrid? I'm staying in Madrid for a month. For is used to talk about something that happens/happened over a period of time
For can be used with the Present perfect, present, past , future,etc.
 I’ve been painting this wall for three hours.
 Present Perfect Simple : I have worked in this company for 20 years.
 Present Perfect Continuous : We’ve ve been waiting for you for one hour.  We’ve known each other for at least 10 years.
 Present : Every year , I go on holidays for one month.  I've worked in this company for more than 20 years.
 Past : When I was a teenager, I stayed in La Habana for ten days. Since is used when we state when something started.
 Future : Today , I will train in the Gym for two hours.  I’ve been painting this wall since 8 a.m.
LAST adjective, adverb : The most recent  We’ve only known each other since /Monday / last week/ last month /2005.
Last is used to talk about the most recent time something happened.  I've worked in this company since 1995.
Last can be used with the Past Simple : The last time I saw Mike was one month ago. As a preposition , Since cannot be used with duration.
The last time + simple past + ago : The last time I saw Mike was one month ago. We cannot say: since 20 minutes , we will say for 20 minutes (duration is expressed with for.)
Last + verb +DO + ago / verb + DO + last + ago
I last went to the cinema one week ago / They visited me last, three months ago. It's been a long time since I last played football.
Last can be used with the present perfect : The last few days have been really hard. FOR
I ......haven't played football for ......a long time.
Examples :
It's been two years now since he started working for us.
They haven’t gone out for three years. BEEN
WENT He.......has been working for us.......for two years.
They .........last went out..... three years ago.
They moved to England nine years ago.
She hasn't gone on holidays for six years. SINCE
It’s ...(been) six years since they ..... moved to England.
LAST
The..... last time she went on holidays..... was six years ago.
It's four months since I last visited my uncle John.
He has been running marathons for over five years. LAST
STARTED The ...last time I visited my ....uncle John was four months ago.
He....... started running marathons over ......five years ago.
Adolf Hitler has been dead for over 70 years.
They relocated to Ireland three years ago. BEEN
HAVE Adolf Hitler ...has been dead since ......1945.
They .....have been living in Ireland..... for three years.

The last time I saw Jack was three months ago. They have been dating for a week.
SEEN LAST
I ......haven't seen Jack for......... three months. They...... have been dating since last....week.

I have not played tennis with Mike for months.

TIME
The ......last time I played tennis ......with Mike was months ago.
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 TOO to ENOUGH / ENOUGH to TOO REPORTED SPEECH ( indirect speech )
We use the reported speech to say what someone did or said.
TOO FORMULA : TOO + ADJ / ADV The usual structure of reported speech is:
Too comes before adjectives and adverbs: reporting clause + that clause + reported clause
Direct speeh : "I am tired."
 It's too hot to wear that coat. / He finished his exam too quickly. reporting clause + that clause + reported clause
Too + adj too + adv He said that he was tired
ENOUGH
FORMULA : ENOUGH + NOUN 'What do you think about my boyfriend ?' she asked me. Present Simple
 I didn’t have enough time to finish the report. (Enough + noun) ASKED
She ....asked me what I thought ... about her boyfriend? Past Simple
FORMULA : ADJECTIVE/ ADVERB/ VERB + ENOUGH
 I didn’t work hard enough so I failed the exam. (Adj+ enough) 'I'll tell you tonight,' Jim promised. Future Simple
 I couldn’t write quickly enough and didn’t have time to finish. (Adv + enough) WOULD
Jim promised that ....he would tell me that .... night. Would
 I didn’t revise enough so I wasn’t able to pass the exam. (Verb + enough)
'You need a holiday,' she told him. Present Simple
SAID
The player was too slow to stop the ball. She ....said he needed ...a holiday. Past Simple
ENOUGH
The ......player wasn't quick enough.... to stop the ball. 'I’m pregnant with twins, ' she announced.
THAT
The weight is too heavy for me to lift. She ....announced that she was pregnant ....with twins.
NOT
I’m....not strong enough to lift ......the weight. " When I arrived , they had finished the exam," She said.
HAD
The water wasn’t clean enough for us to swim. She said that when she...had arrived they had finished...the exam.
WAS
The ......water was too dirty ......for us to swim. "I had been watching a movie when the alarm went off, " He explained.
GONE
I didn’t want to drink the tea because it was too cold. He said that when the alarm ... had gone off , he had ....been watching a movie.
FOR
The tea .....was not hot enough for .....me to drink. "Stop making noise,” the teacher said to us.
TOLD
That smartphone was too expensive for me to buy it. The teacher.... told us to stop .....making nose.
HAVE
I didn’t ...have enough money to buy.......that smartphone. DIRECT SPEECH REPORTED SPEECH
present simple past simple
They thought he wasn’t tall enough to play basketball with his friends. present continuous past continuous
WAS past simple
They thought ....he was too short to .....play basketball with his friends. past perfect
present perfect
past continuous past perfect continuous
can could
may might
will would
shall should

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ACTIVE VERB FORM to PASSIVE VERB FORM CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
ACTIVE VERB FORM FORMULA
Zero Always true : Simple present + Simple present
SUBJECT VERB OBJECT
1st A possibility and the possible result : Simple present + Simple future
Doer of the action + verb + receiver of the action
2nd A hypothetical possibility and its possible result :
The technician is fixing the PC
Simple past/ Present conditional OR Present continuous conditional
3rd An hypothetical past condition its possible result in the past :
PASSIVE VERB FORM FORMULA
Past perfect + Perfect conditional
OBJECT PASSIVE VERB SUBJECT
Receiver of the action + be + past participle + by + doer of the action
You are not allowed to stay in the country unless you get a visa.
The PC is being fixed by the technician
ONLY
You can...only stay in the .....country if you get a visa. Zero
The employers have not found a person for the job yet.
BEEN
I won't wash the dishes unless you help me.
A person for the job ...has not been found ..... yet.
LONG
I'll wash the dishes ...as long as you ....help me. 1st
They are blaming him for the mistake.
IS
I’ll lend you money on condition that you pay me back next week.
He ...is being blamed for ....the mistake.
IF
Only...if you pay me back... next week will I lend you money. 1st
The union have cancelled the strike.
HAS
I'll do the ironing , if you tidy up the room.
The strike ....has been cancelled ..... by the union.
PROVIDED
I'll do the ironing ...provided that you ... tidy up the room. 1st
Did your teacher tell you off?
BY
I think you should ask the boss for a pay rise.
Were.... you told off by.... your teacher?
WERE
If ...I were you I would....ask the boss for a pay rise. 2nd
They say he killed his dog. They say he killed his dog.
HAVE BEEN
I would like to buy a bran-new car , but I need to win the lotery.
He is ....said to have killed ...his dog. It...has been said that ...he killed his dog.
WOULD
If I ....won the lottery I would...buy a brand-new car. 2nd
They say that there are more cows than people in Ireland.
THAT
You're angry because you seem to care what she thinks about you.
It is...said that there are more .....cows than people in Ireland.
YOU
If ..you didn’t care ...what she thinks about you, you wouldn't be angry. 2nd neg
People think that he has fled the country.
HAVE
I did it because I thought it would be interesting.
He... is thought to have fled.... the country.
DONE
I ...wouldn’t have done it .. if I had thought it wasn’t interesting. 3rd
People thought they had won the competition.
TO
With more money, I would have been able to buy a better laptop.
They ....were thought to have won ....the competition.
HAD
I would have been able to buy a better laptop....if I had had ...more money. 3rd
KEY WORDS: People say that / They say that / It is said that / It has been said that
He/She/They,etc is/are said to be/have / People think,etc. Conditional Conjunctions + Key words :
TIP : Object in the original sentence becomes the subject in the passive sentence. As long as / so long as / provided (that) / on (the) condition that / unless / only if /
12 If / in the event of / in case of, etc / WOULD, WERE, IF , BECAUSE, SHOULD. 13
 ADJECTIVES ED to ING / ING to ED
-ED adjectives
COMPARATIVE – SUPERLATIVE
Adjectives ending in -ed usually say the way people feel: The beer was so good that I had to order anther one.
 They were annoyed with him for making them wait for so long. SUCH
 Even he was surprised to find that he had passed his exam. It ...was such a good beer ...that I had to order another one.
 She was very interested in the project.
This is the nicest car I’ve ever seen.
-ING adjectives HAVE
Adjectives ending in -ing are usually describe things and conditions. I...have never seen such a nice car .
 Having to wait for so long is annoying.
 His passing the exam was surprising even to himself. This summer is being much hotter than last year.
 The project was very interesting to her. HOT
Last summer..... wasn’t as hot as .....this year.
She felt fascinated by the young man.
WAS The exam wasn’t as difficult as they’d made it out to be.
The young man.... was fascinating....for her. WAS
The exam .....was easier than ....they`d made it out to be.
The mosquitoes were so annoying that we decided to buy a repellent.
BY He is more intelligent than his sister.
We ..were so annoyed by the... mosquitoes that we decided to buy a repellent. NOT
His sister ...is not as intelligent as.... he is.
We were so annoyed by the mosquitoes that we decided to buy a repellent.
THAT I’ve never seen a more capable and dedicated person.
The mosquitoes... were so annoying that ...we decided to buy a repellent. A
I’ve never seen... such a capable ...and dedicated person.
He doesn’t seem to be worried about the problem.
TO They didn't pay me as much as I expected.
The problem doesn’t ...seem to be worrying to.. him. GOT
I ...got paid less than.... I expected.
I think she found your story very amusing.
WAS She had the most beautiful voice in the school choir.
I think .....she was very amused by/at... your story. MORE
Nobody in the school choir ...had a more ... beautiful voice.
He found it very boring doing the same thing every day.
WITH My son was too tired to play football.
He was ...(getting) bored with doing ...the same thing every day. THAT
My son was ... so tired that he could ... not play football.
Psychology was very interesting to me.
IN
I ...was very interested in ...Psychology.
Key words :
The manual was very confusing.I couldn’t understand anything.
BY As...as / so...as / so...that/ more ...than / less ..than / fewer..than / much more / many more /
I was... so confused by the manual ....that I couldn’t understand anything. Such a / such an / a more / a less / the most / the least / bigger than .../ too...
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 CAUSATIVE VERBS PHRASAL VERBS
We use causative verbs when we want to indicate that someone causes , makes or asks someone
else to do something , get something done or make something happen. A phrasal verb is a verb and a particle (adverb) used in colloquial and idiomatic expressions.

ACTIVE STRUCTURE PASSIVE STRUCTURE Key words : up , down , in , out , away , back, through , on , off , into, away, over, etc.
SUB+ CV + Agent + verb infinitive + Object SUB+CV + OBJECT+ verb past participle + (by Agent)
I will have my secretary call you I had my car fixed
I got my brother to help me paint the room. My sister had her hair done yesterday. He was really excited about being a father.
My mother made me do my homework. I got my house painted.. LOOKING
My friend helped me to fix the TV. He was... really looking forward to being ... a father.
My brothers lets me use his car.
Grammar : look forward to sth / to doing sth
Key words : HAVE, GET , LET, MAKE, HELP, PAST PARTIPLES.
They have cancelled tomorrow’s meeting.
Have sb do sth (bare infinitive) / Get sb to do sth (to infinitive) CALLED
Make sb do sth (bare infinitive) / Help sb (to) do sth ( bare or to infinitive) They have ..called off ...tomorrow’s meeting.
Let sb do sth (bare infinitive) Grammar : to call sth of / to call off sth : to cancel

A mechanic checked my car for me before I set off on my holiday. I think I need to drink less coffee and take tea instead.
HAD CUT
Before I set off on my holiday , I ...had a mechanic check ... my car. I think I need to....cut down on ...coffee and take tea instead.
Grammar : Phrasal-prepositional Verb : Inseparable / cut down on sth : reduce amount
Some stole my smartphone when I left it behind in the fitting room.
STOLEN I will let you stay with me for the weekend.
I ..had my smartphone stolen ...when I left it behind in the fitting room. UP
I will ...put you up for ....the weekend.
A technician fixed my laptop for me. A technician fixed my laptop for me Grammar : put sb up ( separable): provide someone with a place to sleep.
HAD HAD
I ...had my laptop fixed by a technician. I ...had a technician fix... my laptop. She didn't want to accept that her husband was dead.
FACT
I need you to lift that box with me. The surgeon will remove your tonsils.. She didn’t want to ....face up to the fact... that her husband was dead.
HELP WILL Grammar : face up to (Phrasal-prepositional verb) (inseparable) : accept that a difficult situation
I need..you to help me lift ....that box. You ...will have your tonsils...removed. exists.

I pay my little brother to walk my dog every day. The boss won’t tolerate you being late any longer.
HAVE PUT
I ...have my little brother walk ..... my dog every day. The boss won’t ....put up with your ....tardiness any longer.
Grammar : put up with (Phrasal-prepositional verb) (inseparable) : to accept or tolerate an
They hired someone to paint their house last month. I asked him to send me the report. unpleasant situation or experience , or someone who behaves unpleasantly.
GOT HAD
They ...got their house painted ....last month. I ....had him send me.... the report. I was on my way to get my son from school.
UP
The teacher forced the students to do their homework. I was on my way ...to pick up my son ...from school.
MADE Grammar : Pick up (phrasal verb) : to collect , or to go and get sb or sth.
The teacher.... made the students do.... their homework.
They have postponed the class until next Tuesday.
He wasn’t allowed to watch TV after supper. OFF
LET The class ....has been put off ...until next Tuesday.
His parents ...would not let him watch...TV after supper. 16 Grammar : put off (phrasal verb – separable) : to delay sth until a later time.
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 SET PHRASES INVERTED SENTENCES
A set hrase is a fixed expression that has a specific meaning. It doesn’t usually have any literal
meaning in itself. 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. It means that you are going to think about something and Whatever happens , I will never lend him any money again.
you might form a new opinion and perhaps make a new decision. EVER
Under .....no circumstances will I ever ..lend him any money again.
It was the responsibility of the boss to decide what to do.
UP Parking in a disabled parking space is not allowed at any time.
It was.....up to the boss to .......decide what to do. YOU
On ...no account should you park ....in a disable parking space.
I’ve noticed that John has a talent for dancing.
FLAIR As soon as I got home , I got a text from my girlfriend
I’ve noticed that John ...has a flair for.... dancing HAD
No...sooner had I got home than ..I got a text from my girlfriend.
I told them not to do it, but they didn’t take any notice.
PAY The engine must not be turned off at any time during the test.
I told them not to do it, but they... didn’t pay any attention. NO
At ...no time must the engine ...be turned off during the test.
She went to the cinema alone.
ON As soon as I left the house , it started to rain heavily.
She went to the cinema ..on her own. HAD
Hardly ..had I left the house when/before.... it started to rain heavily.
Thanks for telling me that they are closed on Saturdays.I’ll remember it.
KEEP I won’t rush you in any way to finish the report.
Thanks for telling me that they are closed on Saturdays.I’ll ...keep that/it in mind. NO
In ..no way will I rush ..you to finish the report.
If you want to buy that car, you will have to borrow money from the bank.
LOAN The bad weather prevented us from winning the match.
You will have to ...take out a loan ..if you want to buy that car, NOT
Had..it not been for the bad weather, we would have won the match.
He wanted to sell his car but changed his opinion at the last minute.
HEART She understood little about her father’s job.
He wanted to sell his car but ....had a change of heart ... at the last minute. DID
Little did she understand about her father’s job.
I met my sister at the party by chance.
CAME
I ...came across my sister.... at the party. KEYWORDS:
Hardly had I... when... / Never had she .../ Seldom do we ...
Rarely did /will you .../ Only then did I.../ Not only (do/have)... but (they) also...
No sooner had ....than.../ Scarcely had I ...when.../ Only later did she...
HOW TO SPOT A SET PHRASE : Nowhere have I .../ Little did .../ Only in this way could .../ In no way do I ...
Change in the order of the original sentence. On no account should you.../ Under no circumstances should you...
Substitute the set phrase for an adjective : alone / by myself
Substitute one set phrase for another : take notice / pay attention In the following expressions, the inversion comes in the second part of the sentence
Substitute one noun for another : have a talent for / have a flair for Not until I saw ...did I .../ Not since he...had he.../ Only after I... did I...
Substitute the set phrase for its meaning : borrow money from a bank / take out a loan Only when I...did I .../ Only by doing...could we ... 19
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 VERBS FOLLOWED BY GERUND (ING) NEGATIVE WORDS
No , not, neither, never, hardly, no one, nobody, none, nor, nothing, nowhere:
He said he didn’t steal the car.
 They’ve never tried apple pie before.
DENIED
He ..denied stealing /having stolen ...the car  Nobody helped me to do the dishes.
 None of my friends came to the party.
She said she was the one who had made the mistake.  There was no food left in the fridge.
ADMITTED
She ...admitted making /having made.. the mistake Susan is much more interesting than Jane.
NOTHING
If only I had not waited for so long. Jane is...... nothing like as interesting .....as Susan.
REGRET
I ...regret having waited / waiting for so long. There are many other girls that are just as beautiful as she is.
ANY
I try no to eat too late at night. She isn’t ....any more beautiful than ......most other girls.
AVOID
I try... to avoid eating ...too late at night. I only just managed to pass the exam.
HARDLY
When the wall is finished, I’ll let you know. I ...hardly managed to ...pass the exam.
FINISH
When ...I finish painting the wall... , I’ll let you know. You can’t expect to pass your exam if you don’t study.
HARDLY
He barely managed not to be run over by a bus. You ...can hardly expect ...to pass your exam ,if you don’t study.
ESCAPED
He... barely escaped (from) being run ...over by a bus. It so dark in the room that I almost couldn't see anything.
BARELY
Is it OK if I smoke here? It was so dark in the room that I ..could barely see anything.
MIND
Do ...you mind me/my smoking... here? Julie and he husband don't like playing chess.
NOR
I like to play football at the weekend. Neither ...Julie nor her husband ...like playing chess..
ENJOY
I ...enjoy playing ...football at the weekend. Learning Judo and BJJ is similar in terms of difficulty.
MORE
I find it difficult not to laugh every time I remember what happened. Learning Judo is... no more difficult than ...learning BJJ.
HELP
I... can’t help laughing ...every time I remember what happened. Your computer isn’t nearly as good as mine.
NEAR
I had to control myself not to buy a new computer. Your Computer... is nowhere near as ...good as mine.
STOP
I had...to stop myself from buying ...a new computer. I don’t want anybody to overhear what I’m saying..
NOBODY
I didn’t feel like drinking out of such a dirty glass. I ...want nobody to overhear... what I’m saying.
FANCY
I...didn’t fancy drinking... out of such a dirty glass. KEYWORDS : as ..as , much more, almost, nearly , anybody, ever, similar, can’t expect, only just
, isn’t nearly as, anyone , anything / Not anything : nothing/ Any : no
KEYWORDS : deny, admit, regret, stop, prevent, cannot help, enjoy, mind, escape, finish, avoid, Anybody , anyone : no one , nobody / Not ever : never / Not any : none
always... 20 21
 MODAL VERBS IDIOMS
Can , could , may , might , shall , should , will , would
MODAL AUXILIARY VERBS : have to , ought to , need , used to , dare
There was a girl at the party that attacted my interest.
EYE
You are not allowed to smoke indoors at any time.
One of the gilrs at the party ...caught my eye.
MUST
You ...mustn’t smoke ..indoors at any time.
He usually choose to ignore the criticism directed at him.
EAR
I did the dishes by hand , which wasn’t necessary since there was a dishwasher.
He usually...turned a deaf ear to ... the criticism directed at him.
HAVE
I ..needn’t have washed the dishes by hand since there was a dishwasher.
It was really embarrasing when I called her another name .
MOUTH
There is a good chance of him winning a gold medal very soon.
I really... put my foot in my mouth ...when called her another name .
WIN
He... could win a ...gold medal very soon.
I decided to become a doctor like my father.
FOLLOW
The teacher will expect you to arrive on time for class.
I decided to... follow in my father’s footsteps ...and become a doctor.
HAVE
You ..will have to arrive on time for class.
She was caught in the act of trying to break into the house.
RED
You should stop smoking .
She was caught ... red-handed trying ...to break into the house.
TO
You... ought to stop ...smoking.
I know there is something wrong here , but I don’t know what it is.
FINGER
She wasn’t able to speak German until she took an intensive course.
I know there is something wrong here, but I... can’t put my finger on ...what it is.
NOT
She... could not speak ...German until she took an intensive course
I haven’t found the time yet to do my homework.
AROUND
I passed my Italian exam without studying.
I haven’t....got around to doing ...my homework yet.
NEED
I…didn’t need to study …to pass my Italian exam.
I was confident that you were coming to the party.
I suggest that you finish your test within the time allowed. READ
SHOULD I ...took it as read that ...you were coming to the party.
You …should finish your test... within the time allowed.
The situation between them reached a critical point and they broke up.
When I was little, I would play football every weekend. HEAD
USED The situation between them ...came to a head ...and they broke up.
I..used to play footbal every ...weekend when I was little.
Android technology has made a lot of progress in the past few years.
KEYWORDS: It is (not) a good idea : You should/ shouldn’t /ought to / ought not to COME
It was careless of (you) : You shouldn’t / you ought not to Android technology has...come a long way ...in the past few years.
It was not necessary : You needn’t have + past participle
You can’t : You mustn’t / you are not allowed HOW TO SPOT AN IDIOM:
She couldn’t : She was not able to... UNDERLINE WHAT IS REPEATED AND LOOK AT WHAT’S LEFT.
They were expected to : They should have... TIP : Paraphrase the Direct Object (What) / Indirect Object (to whom)
If I were you I would/ wouldn’t : You should- shouldn’t / you ought (not) to
22 23
 PREPOSITIONAL VERBS UNREAL PAST TENSES
There are certain verbs that are usually followed by certain prepositions. We called them prepositional verbs. When we want to talk about an unreal situation , we can use the past tense to do so.
They are just a verb followed by a preposition. Prepositional verb = Verb + Preposition When using an unreal past tense , we use the verb in the past, but we are actually talking about something that
They make a new verb with a different meaning to the normal verb without the preposition. never happen. The same happens in conditional sentences when stating hypothetical situations.
All prepositional verbs are transitive (they have an object). The object comes after the preposition.
I’d like to know what time the party starts.
I have to take care of my little brother while my parents are away. WISH
AFTER I ...wish I knew ...what time the party starts.
I have to...look after ... my little brother while my parents are away.
If you want to go home , you should wait until the rain stops.
They were discussing possible solutions to the problem. HAD
TALK You...had better wait ...until the rain stops , if you want to go home.
They were...talking about ...posible solutions to the problem.
ONLY
She decided not to go to university. If...only I had helped him to ...move home.
AGAINST
She ... decided against going ...to university. I’d prefer you not to smoke in my house.
RATHER
What time did you get to the airport yesterday? I...would rather you didn’t ...smoke in my house.
AT
What time ...did you arrive at ...the airport yesterday? It was a shame you didn’t pass the exam. It’s a pity I can’t stay two days more.
WISH ONLY
I met a friend by chance in the supermarket this morning. I...wish you had passed ...the exam. If...only I could stay ...two days more.
CAME
I ...came across a friend ...in the supermarket this morning. It will be better if you get up at 7 a.m. tomorrow.
SOONER
Many teenagers like social networking sites such as Facebook or Twiteer. I... would sooner you got up ...at 7 a.m. tomorrow.
WITH
Facebook and Twiteer... are popular with ...teenagers We ought to go home now.It’s getting late.
TIME
I will consider your idea and come back to you with a decision next week. It is ... about time we went ...home. It’s getting late.
OVER
I will... think over your idea... and come back to you with a decision next week. If you heard him speak, you’d think he is an expert.
IF
You don’t need to agree with the rules , but you have to respect them. He spoke ...as if he were... an expert.
TO
You don’t need to ...subscribe to ...the rules, but you have to respect them. Kevin doesn't feel like going out tonight. He is just a clerk but acts like he is the boss.
RATHER THOUGH
The mountaineers encountered many problems on their way to the mountain top. Kevin... would rather not go... out tonight. He...acts as though ...he is the boss
WITH
The mountaineers ... met with ... many problems on their way to the mountain top. Edgar doesn't like watching television as much as he likes playing chess.
RATHER
I wouldn’t ask him to look after my dog , if I were you. Edgar prefers... playing chess rather than watching ...television.
WITH
If I were you , I ...wouldn’t trust him with ...my dog.
Key words : if only , I wish , supposing , rather , sooner , prefer, had better, It’s about time,
Key words : prepositions , verbs / The original sentence contains a set phrase or a verb that need It’s high time, it’s time for you... 25
to be paraphrased. 24
 VERB PATTERNS SENTENCES REQUIRING TWO
(GERUND – INFINITIVE / INFINITIVE – GERUND ) CHANGES
It's important that you attend school and be punctual every day..
(Passive + phrasal verb)
REMEMBER
Management have decide to postpone the meeting.
You must ...remember to be attend ...school and be punctual every day.
OFF
The meeting...has been put off ...by Management.
I think it would be a good idea if you studied German.
SUGGEST
(Passive + change from adjective to noun)
I ...suggest that you (should) study... study German.
Employees are thought to be worried about being made redundant.
CONCERN
It’s not surprising that you failed your exam. You didn’t study at all.
There ...is thought to be concern ... amongst employees about being made redundant.
EXPECT
I ...didn’t expect you to pass ...your exam. You didn’t study at all.
(Reported speech + verb change)
'I am not in the mood for playing football' he said.
She finished her degree and later started working for herself.
FEEL
ON
He said that...he didn’t feel like playing...football.
She finished her degree and... went on to start ...her own business.
(Passive to active + phrasal verb)
I can help you with your kids.
The essay must be given to your teacher by Friday.
MIND
HAND
I ...don’t mind helping ... you with your kids.
You ...must hand in your essay ...to your teacher by Friday.
At first I thought that running was hard, but now I think it's not.
(Preposition x 2)
USED
There have been fewer sales of DVD players this year than ever before.
I ...am used to running ...now.
NUMBER
We have had the most significant decrease ever ...in the number of sales of DVD players this
They didn’t even make the effort to call to say they'd be late.
year.
BOTHER
They... didn't even bother calling ...to say they'd be late.
(verb change + phrasal verb)
I'm sorry to say that it will not be possible for me to make the meeting tomorrow.
Did you manage to persuade your boss to give you a rise.
ABLE
SUCEED
I will ... not be able to turn...up at the meeting tomorrow , I’m afraid.
Did you... succeed in persuading ...your boss to give you a rise.
(Verb change + verb form)
We had an argument and I decided not to call her any more.
I don't believe in marrying the first girl you date.
STOPPED
THINK
We had an argument and...I stopped calling ...her.
I don't .....think it is a good idea ......to marry the first girl you date.
I think I locked the door but I’m not sure .
(Verb change + verb form)
REMEMBER
Were you able to convince him?
I ...don’t remember locking ...the door.
IN
Did you ....succeed in convincing him..... him?
I’m not in the mood for your jokes.
MIND
I’m not in the right... frame of mind to listen ...to your jokes.
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 ADJECTIVE TO NOUN LINKING WORDS
NOUN TO ADJECTIVE Despite the heavy traffic , we got there on time.
EVEN
They say that he was so strong that he could lift a car with his bare hands. We got there on time ...even though... the traffic was heavy.
SUCH
They say that ... such was his strength..., that he could lift a car with his bare hands. Despite the heavy traffic , we got there on time.
EVEN
She won the fight with great ease. The traffic was heavy. ...... Even so...., we went out.
WAS
Winning ...the fight was very easy ...for her. The flight was delayed because of the storm.
TO
People who are very intelligent are prone to anxiety. The delay of the flight...was due to... the storm.
HIGH
People... of high intelligence ...are prone to anxiety. He talked about music and played the piano too.
WELL
I've been very lucky with my career over the years. He talked about music...as well as playing ...the piano.
HAD
I’ve... had a lot of luck ...with my career over the years. If the train is on time , I will see you at 5 p.m.
UNLESS
It’s not true that he’s coming to the party tonight. I won’t see....you at 5 p.m. unless ...the train is on time.
IS
The... truth is that ...he is not coming to the party tonight. I will go to the meeting tomorrow if you come with me.
LONG
She was so beautiful that she could easily be a model. I will go to the meeting tomorrow...as long as ... you come with me.
WAS
Her...beauty was such ... that she could easily be a model. If you cook something nice for me , I’ll give you a kiss.
ON
What they said was deeply offensive to her. I’ll give you a kiss...on condition that ...you cook something nice for me.
TOOK
She really ...took offence at ...what they said. He is a dedicated father as well as a devoted husband.
ONLY
The FCE exam was not very difficult for her to pass. He is not...only a dedicated father , but also ....a devoted husand.
MUCH
She passed...the FCE exam without much ...difficulty. If we do not go now, we’ll be late for work.
OTHERWISE
This is a very powerful car. We’d better ... go now , otherwise ...we’ll be late for work.
HAS
This car...has a lot of power. You are welcome to join us , if you pay for your drinks.
PROVIDED
You are welcome to join us , ....provided that you pay... for your drinks.

KEY WORDS : Despite , even though, though, even when , even if, if, provided , otherwise,
unless, only, on condition that , on the grounds that, as long as, as well as , due to , owing to...

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28
 VERBS FOLLOWED BY A TO-INFINITIVE PHRASES / PARAPHRASING
There is no point in doing... / It is not worth doing.../ It’s no use doing...
Afford , demand, pretend, fail, promise ,arrange, forget, manage, refuse
mean (= intend), remember, help, need, choose, hope, offer, try, intend, plan There is no point in waiting any longer.He is not going to come.
decide, learn WORTH
It ...is not worth waiting ... any longer.He is not going to come.

His GP advised him against drinking alcohol. There is no point in waiting any longer.He is not going to come.
NOT USE
His GP advised him... not to drink ...alcohol. It ...is no use waiting ... any longer.He is not going to come.

He acted as if he had not seen me.

PRETENDED Be about to do../ be on the verge of doing.../ be on the point of doing...
He ...pretended not to have seen... me.
I was about to leave when you call me on the phone.
We are thinking about going to London next month. VERGE
TO I was ...on the verge of leaving ...when you call me on the phone.
We are... planning to go to ...London next month.
I was about to leave when you call me on the phone.
He said that he would help with the project. POINT
PROMISED I was ...on the point of leaving ...when you call me on the phone.
He ...promised to help ...with the project.
There is no way sb will do sth / Sb has no intention of doing sth.
He said he would lend me some money.
Sb has no thought of doing sth.
AGREED
He has... agreed to lend ...me some money.
There is no way I’m helping you after what you did to me.
INTENTION
People need to acquire new skills.
I ...have no intention of helping ...you after what you did to me.
IMPORTANT
It’s... important for people to acquire... new skills.
There is no way I’m helping you after what you did to me
THOUGHT
I’m looking forward to visiting you next month.
I ...have no thought of helping ...you after what you did to me.
WAIT
I ...can’t wait to visit ...you next month.
Sb has a good reputation.../ Sb is highly regarded...
telling him that the meeting has ben cancelled. Sb is highly thought of .../ Sb is highly spoken of ...
TELL
I ...forgot to tell him that ....the meeting has been cancelled. John has a good reputation among his fellow workers.
REGARDED
After six years of training, he became really good at playing tennis. John...is highly regarded ...among his fellow workers.
LEARNT
He...learnt to play tennis really well... , after six years of training. John has a good reputation among his fellow workers.
THOUGHT
John... is highly thought of ...among his fellow workers.

John has a good reputation among his fellow workers.

SPOKEN
30 John... is highly spoken of ...among his fellow workers.

31
Feel like doing sth / be in the mood to do sth /for doing sth Must never , on no account must , shouldn’t do
Susan didn’t feel like dancing that night. You must never drink alcohol before driving your car.
MOOD ACCOUNT
Susan was not …in the mood for dancing …that night On ...no account must you ... drink alcohol before driving your car.
Susan was not …in the mood to dance …that night
You must never drink alcohol before driving your car.
Because, with a view/an eye to doing sth ,with the intention of doing sth SHOULD
You ...should never ... drink alcohol before driving your car.
Carlos studied medicine because he wanted to become a doctor.
VIEW
Carlos studied medicine… with a view to becoming …a doctor.
Carlos studied medicine… with an eye to becoming …a doctor. It is not (very) likely , it is unlikely , has (very) little chance, has no chance, It
is (very) likely that sb will , Sb is very likely to,
Carlos studied medicine because he wanted to become a doctor.
INTENTION Conor is not very likely to win the race.
Carlos studied medicine… with the intention of becoming …a doctor. CHANCE
Conor has ... very little chance of winning ...the race.

Running , in succession , in a row Conor is very unlikely to win the race.

LITTLE
He won the competition for the third year running. Conor has ... very little chance of winning ...the race.
IN
For the …third year in succession…, he won the competition. There's every chance (that) Conor will win the race.
For the ...third year in a row…, he won the competition. LIKELY
Conor ...is very likely to ...win the race.

There's every chance (that) Conor will win the race.

If , unless, as long as , provided that , providing that, on the condition that...
THAT
It is ...very likely that Conor will ...win the race.
Connor will only go to the meeting if John goes.
UNLESS
Connor will… not go to the meeting unless …John goes.
As far as I can remember , to the best of my recollection, have no
Connor will only go to the meeting if John goes. recollection , not have any recollection, have a vague recollection of...
LONG
Connor will go… to the meeting as long as …John goes. You were not invited to the wedding , as far as I can remember.
OF
Connor will only go to the meeting if John goes. To the best... of my recollection , ...you were not invited to the wedding .
THAT
Connor will go to the meeting provided that / providing that John goes I don’t remember meeting Mr. Smith before.
RECOLLECTION
Connor will only go to the meeting if John goes. I have...no recollection of meeting... Mr. Smith before.
CONDITION
Connor will go to the meeting on (the) condition that John goes I got so drunk that I hardly remember last night..
VAGUE
I have a ...vague recollection of ...last night.

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So that , in order to, so as to, in order for... 45 MOST COMMON PHRASAL VERBS
Jane went to bed early so that she would be fresh in the morning.
ORDER 1. ASK SOMEONE OUT - To invite somebody on a date
Jane went to be early ...in order to be... fresh in the morning. Susan asked John out to dinner last weekend.

Jane went to bed early so that she would be fresh in the morning. 2. ASK AROUND – To ask different people the same question.
AS We are asking around to see if anybody knows someone who has a car for sale.
Jane went to be early ...so as to be... fresh in the morning.
3. BLOW SOMETHING UP - To cause something to explode
In order for you to pass the exam, you will need to achieve a score of 160. The building was blown up with dynamite.
SO
You will need to achieve a score of 160, ...so as to pass ...your exam. 4. BREAK DOWN - To stop working (machine)
My car broke down on the motorway.

5. BREAK UP WITH SOMEONE - To stop having a relationship with someone

Regarding , in/with regard to , as regards , in connection with , about, He broke up with his girlfriend of 10 years.
relating to, on the subject of...
6. BREAK IN /BREAK INTO - To enter a place illegally
The manager wants to talk to George in connection with the new policy. Someone broke into my house while I was on holidays.
WITH
The manager wants to talk to George ...with regard to ... the new policy. 7. BRING A CHILD UP – To take care of someone until they are adults.
Mike was brought up by his grandparents.
The new law will bring some changes regarding tax deductions.
TO 8. BRING SOMETHING UP – To start talking about a new subject.
Some changes ....relating to tax deductions, will be brought by the new law. During the course of the conversation , he brought up an interesting idea

9. CALL FOR SOMETHING demand, request that something should happen

The demostrators were calling for a reduction in taxes.
Take (any/no) notice , pay (any/no) attention, take (any/no) heed , heed,
think about something carefully, take into account , bear in mind , be 10. CARRY ON WITH SOMETHING - to continue doing something
mindful of... The alarm went off at 6 a.m. , but he carried on sleeping.

The teacher told the student to keep silent , but they didn’t listen. 11. CALL SOMETHING OFF – To cancel something that was planned
NOTICE The meeting was called of by management.
The teacher told the student to keep silent , but they...didn’t take any notice.
12. CATCH ON - To become popular
The teacher told the student to keep silent , but they didn’t listen. I wonder if this TV programme will ever catch on with men ?
PAY
The students....didn’t pay any attention...when the eacher told them to keep silent 13. CATCH UP ON SOMETHING- do something you had no time to do recently
. I want to catch up on my sleep.

You must take into account the hidden fees before booking your flight. 14. CATCH UP WITH - To manage to reach someone who is ahead of you.
MIND I had to run faster to catch up with them. /She managed to catch up with the rest of the class.
You must ...bear in mind ... the hidden fees before booking your flight.
15. COME UP WITH SOMETHING - To think of an idea , discover of produce .
They came up with a fantastic solution to the problem we had.

34 35
 31. OWN UP TO SOMETHING to accept that you’ve done sth and take responsibility for it.
16. CUT DOWN ON SOMETHING - To use less of something . I made a mistake and I own up to it.
My GP suggested that I should cut down on coffee.
32. PASS OUT - to lose consciousness
While falling down the stairs he hit his head against the wall and passed out.
17. DO AWAY WITH SOMETHING - to get rid of something , to eliminate.
We need to do away with unnecessary red tape. 33. PICK SOMEONE UP - to collect someone from a place
My brother picked me up from the airport and gave me a lift home.
18. FIND SOMETHING OUT To get information about sth , to discover sth
We need to find out when he is available for a meeting. 34. PUT SOMETHING OFF to postpone an event or activity
We decided to put off the meeting until next week.
19. GET BY - manage to deal with a situation , but only just.
I wonder how she can get by on so little money. 35. PUT SOMETHING OUT - to make sth stop burning , to extinguish
I put out the candle and went to bed.
20. GET ON WITH SOMEONE - to have a good relationship with
36. PUT SOMEONE UP – to accommodate sb temporarily
She doesn’t get on with her boss. John is putting me up for a few days.

21. GET ON WITH SOMETHING - to start or continue doing something (especially work) 37. RUN OUT OF SOMETHING - to finish all of something.
I need to get on with booking our flights. We have run out of milk and coffee.

22. GIVE SOMEONE AWAY show someone's real feelings or true nature 38. SET OFF - to start a journey
They didn’t know it was you who had done it; but your reaction gave you away. The train sets off tomorrow at 8 a.m.

23. GIVE IN (TO SOMEONE'S REQUESTS) to agree to what sb wants, after refusing at the beginning 39. TELL SOMEONE OFF - to scold sb for something they’ve done and you disapprove of.
She pestered him so much to go out with her that he eventually gave in. My teacher told me off for not doing my homework.

24. GIVE SOMETHING UP - stop doing something 40. THROW SOMETHING AWAY – to get rid of sth that you no longer want.
I threw away a bunch of old receipts and letters.
I gave up smoking 15 years ago.
41. TURN SOMEONE / SOMETHING DOWN – to refuse somebody or something
25. GROW UP - to slowly become an adult She was disappointed after being turned down for the job
I was born in Ireland but grew up in Spain.
42. TURN UP – to arrive or appear somewhere / to find something unexpectedly
26. HAND SOMETHING OUT - to give something to each one in a group He eventually didn’t turn up at the meeting.
The teacher handed out the exams at the beginning of the class. Have you seen my keys? No , but don't worry, they will turn up when you least expect it.

27. LOOK FORWARD TO SOMETHING feel excited about sth that is going to happen 43. WEAR OUT – To deteriorate over time and through use.
I’m looking forward to my holidays. It’s high time you got yourself some new trousers, those are really worn out.

28. LOOK INTO SOMETHING - to investigate or examine something 44. WORK SOMETHING OUT to understand something by thinking about it
I will look into the problem and come back to you with an estimate for the repair. The police are trying to work out who helped him commit the crime.

29. LOOK UP TO SOMEONE to admire and respect somebody 45. WORK SOMETHING OUT - to calculate sth
As a kid , I always looked up to my grandfather. I need to work out how much I will be taxed this month.

30. MAKE SOMETHING OUT - to understand sb or sth with difficulty to decipher

No matter how hard I try, I can’t make out your handwriting.

37
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 45 MOST COMMON IDIOMS 16. FOLLOW IN SB’S FOOTSTEPS- To do the same job as someone else.
He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and became a doctor.
1. AT THE DROP OF A HAT –
to do sth without any hesitation; without stopping to think. 17. GET AROUND TO DOING STH – do sth that you’ve been wanting to do for a while…
They were always ready to start an argumen , at the drop of a hat. I still haven’t got round to doing the report. I’ll do it this evening.

2. BE CAUGHT IN THE ACT - be caught doing something illegal or ethically wrong 18. GET COLD FEET – To become afraid of doing sth you had planned to do
He was caught in the act of stealing money from the safe. Mary wanted to ask Paul for a date but she eventually got cold feet.

3. BE CAUGHT RED-HANDED - be caught doing something illegal or ethically wrong 19. GET DOWN TO DOING STH – to take action towards doing something
She was caught red-handed in bed with another man. I need to get down to booking my FCE exam as soon as possible.

4. BE LARGER THAN LIFE - To be more exciting than normal 20. GET SOMETHING OFF ONE'S CHEST- to tell someone about your worries
The CEO of the company seemed to be larger than life to the managers. I really have to get this off my chest . I don’t like you.

5. BE ON THE SAME PAGE – have a similar understanding of something. 21. GET THE BETTER OF SOMEONE – feel overwhelmed by a feeling
Before we make a decision, I want to make sure everybody is on the same page. His anger got the better of him , and he punched his boss in the face.

6. BE OVER THE MOON – To be very happy 22. GIVE/PAY LIP SERVICE TO SOMETHING – Say or support something insincerely.
He was over the moon when he learned he had won the lottery He is just paying lip service. He has no intention of helping you with the project.

7. BE SECOND TO NONE – to be excellent or better than others. 23. KEEP AN EYE ON STH to take care of something , to watch sth
My knowledge of this town is second to none. I'll keep an eye on your luggage while you go to the toilet.

8. BE UP IN ARMS – To be angry about something / at someone 24. KEEP SOMEONE POSTED – to inform sb about new develoments in a situation
My father was up in arms when he found out that I had dented his car. Don’t worry , I’ll keep you posted. If anything happens I’ll let you know.

9. BRING SOMEONE UP TO SPEED - To tell sb the fact about a situation. 25. LEARN SOMETHING BY HEART- To memorize something.
Upon my return , I was brought up to speed about the lastest developments. I learned my speech by heart. I wanted to make sure I remembered everything.

10. BRING STH / COME TO A HEAD – To reach a critical or crucial stage. 26. LEARN SOMETHING BY ROTE – to memorize without understanding
Everything came to a head and the company had to shut down three factories. She learned the formula by rote.

11. BUILD A PICTURE OF SB OR STH – 27. MAKE ENDS MEET – to struggle to pay for your everyday needs
To gather information to understand what sth or sb is like John make very little money and finds it hard to make ends meet.
We are trying to build a picture of what needs to be done.
28. MAKE THE MOST OF SOMETHING –take advantage of something while it lasts.
12. BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS – By a lot , to a large degree We made the most of our last day in Barcelona , and went to the beach.
Ever since he got that teacher , her English has improved by leaps and bounds.
29. PLAY SOMETHING BY EAR- to improvise , to do something without a plan.
16. COME TO TERMS WITH STH –To start to accept a situation and deal with it. I didn’t have time to prepare the presentation so I had to play it by ear.
Sooner or later you will have to come to terms with the death of your wife.
30. PUT ONE’S FINGER ON STH – To remember sth or to discover the reason of sth.
14. COST AN ARM AND A LEG – to be very expensive I know I had seen her before but I couldn’t put my finger on where.
The Audi R8 is a beautiful car , but it costs an arm and a leg.
31. PUT SOMEONE IN THE PICTURE – To tell sb the fact about a situation.
15. DO STH ON THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT – She put me in the picture about what had happened since my last visit
Do something without stopping to think , without any planning
We got into a heated argument and, on the spur of the moment , I punched him. 38 39
32. SEE EYE TO EYE WITH SOMEONE ON SOMETHING – 45 MOST COMMON SET PHRASES
To agree with someone
We don’t see eye to eye on how to raise our kids. 1. AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED – in my opinion / to the degree that it affects me.
As far as I’m concerned , you can start tomorrow.
33. STOP SHORT OF DOING STH – to not do something , but only just
Her boss told her off for being late and stop short of firing her, but only just. 2. AS FAR AS I KNOW – according to the information that I have.
He is French , as far as I know.
34. TAKE A FANCY TO SOMEONE / SOMETHING – to begin to like sb or sth
I have taken a fancy to Chinese food of late. 3. BE ABOUT TO DO STH – be ready to start doing something very soon.
She’s taken a fancy to her new assistant. I was just about to leave when you phoned me.
35. TAKE SOMETHING AS READ – to accept sth as true without proof 4. BEAR/KEEP SOMETHING IN MIND – consider sth before doing sth else.
I took it as read that I was invited to your wedding. Keep in mind your budget when making arrangements for your holidays.
36. TAKE SOMETHING FOR GRANTED – 5. BE ON THE POINT OF DOING STH – be ready to start doing something very soon.
to believe sth to be truth without even thinking about it. I was on the point of starting my speech when someone’s phone rang.
I took for granted that you were a doctor.
6. BE ON THE VERGE OF DOING STH – be ready to start doing something very soon.
37. TAKE STH WITH A GRAIN/PINCH OF SALT – They were on the verge of getting a divorce after 15 years of marriage.
to doubt the accuracy of some information.
We need to take his words with a pinch of salt. He was not here when it happened 7. BE OUT OF THE QUESTION – Something cannot happen / it is not possible
It’s raining , so going for a walk with the kids is out of the question.
38. TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS – to deal with a difficult situation bravely.
I decided to take the bull by the horns and confronted my neighbours about the noise. 8. BE UNDER THE(MISTAKEN) IMPRESSION /BELIEF THAT –
to think that sth is true usually when that’s no the case
39. TO BE A WALK IN THE PARK – To be very easy I was under the impression that I was already hired.
The test was a walk in the park. I put in a lot of work preparing for it. She asked him out because she was under the mistaken belief that he was single.

40. TO BE A PIECE OF CAKE – To be very easy 9. BE UP /DOWN TO SB - Be someone’s responsibility to do sth

Winning the fight was a piece of cake.I was extremely well prepared. It’s up to the president to decide the next course of action.
It’s down to John to make all the arrangements for the meeting.
41. TO BE EASY AS PIE – To be very easy
The FCE exam was easy as pie. I expect to get high marks. 10. BE WORTH IT – be sth that will give you good results despite difficulties.
It took me eight years to get my black bet in Judo, but it’s been worth it.
42. TO BITE THE BULLET – to accept and try to live with sth difficult.
After the scandal the president of the company decide to bite the bullet and resigned. 11. BE WORTH ONE’S WHILE – be worth the time or effort sb spends doing sth.
It’s not worth my while talking to her. She may be beautiful but she is very boring.
43. TO FACE THE MUSIC – To accept the consequences for sth you’ve done
After the scandal , the president run away instead of facing the music for his actions. 12. BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT – There is no doubt that sth is true.
He is , without a shadow of a doubt , the best player I’ve ever seen
44. WASH ONE'S HANDS OF SOMETHING -
stop dealing with an issue or problem 13. CHANGE ONE’S MIND - change your opinion about something.
I’m washing my hands of this problem . You will have to deal with it on our own. I eventually changed my mind and agreed to go to the party with them.

45. WIN SOMETHING HANDS DOWN – To win something with ease. 14. DO /TRY ONE’S BEST - – Do sth as best you can.
He was much better than his opponent and won the fight hands down. If you do your best and fail, you can’t have any regrets.

40 15. FEE LIKE ( DOING) SOMETHING – to want to do sth .

He didn’t feel( like going) clubbing last weekend. 41
16. FEEL / BE DISINCLINED TO DO STH – to not be willing to do sth . 31. MAKE HEADWAY IN/WITH STH– to make progress.
I felt disinclined to invite them to our wedding. I’ve been practising a lot and I feel I’ve made a lot of headway with my Spanish.

17. FOR THE SAKE OF - With the intention of bringing an advantage to sb/sth. 32. MAKE ONESELF UNDERSTOOD– to succeed in communicating your message.
You’d better tell the truth , for your own sake. Can you make yourself understood in Chinese?

18. FROM HEAD TO TOE - over your whole body. 33. MAKE UP ONE’S MIND – to decide
After the workout , I was sweating from head to toe. I haven’t made up my mind which PC to buy yet.

19. GET THE MESSAGE ACROSS - Make someone understand something. 34. MAKE UP TO SOMEONE – to decide
The CEO wanted to get the message across to the staff ,that they had to work together. It’s disgusting the way she always makes up to the boss

20. GET / KEEP IN TOUCH - To continue to communicate with someone. 35. OUT FOR STH / OUT TO DO STH – with the intention of doing sth.
I still keep in touch with some of my high school friends. Be careful this girl is only out to get advantage of you.
You won’t succeed as a businessman if you are only out for the money.
21. HAVE A SOFT SPOT FOR SB /STH - to like sb or sth without knowing why.
Mike says that he has always had a soft spot for blondes. 36. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF STH - to be too friendly to sb in order to get sth..
Many people feel that the government is taking advantage of them..
22. HAVE A ONE-TRACK MIND - to think always about one specific thing.
He is very boring ; he has a one-track mind and all he ever talks about is football. 37. TAKE PART IN STH – to be involved in something.
He took part in the competition and , to everybody’s surprise, won.
23. 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. He is very lazy. 38. TAKE SOMETHING INTO ACCOUNT – consider sth before doing sth else.
We need to take the price into account before deciding on which car to buy.
24. IT’S NO USE – Sth is not useful , sth won’t give you any benefits.
It’s no use waiting for them any longer .They are not going to come. 39. THERE IS NO POINT IN DOING STH – Sth is not useful , sth won’t give you any benefits.
There is no point in my calling her at her office. She out on a business trip.
25. KEEP STH OUT OF SOMEONE’S REACH – Keep sth where sb cannot take it.
Make sure you keep the medicines out of your toddler’s reach. 40. THERE IS NO TELLING – You cannot possibly guess or know.
There is no telling when she will arrive.Her flight has been delayed.
26. MAKE ALLOWANCE FOR STH – to prepare in case sth happens.
Make sure you make allowance for traffic delays , when you set off for you interview. 41. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR – Nothing is as good as…
If you want to pass your exam, there is no substitute for studying hard.
27. MAKE ALLOWANCES FOR STH – to consider sth when judging sth.
He made a mistake but we have to make allowances for him. He is new in the job. 42. TO THE BEST OF ONE’S ABILITY– Do sth as best you can.
If you work to the best of your ability , you will succeed.
28. MAKE AMENDS TO SB FOR STH –
to do sth good to show that you feel bad about sth you’ve done.h. 43. TO (THE BEST OF) ONE’S KWNOWLEDGE/ BELIEF–
She broke his favourite glass and wanted to make amends by buying a new one. according to the information that you have.
His latest novel comes out next month , to the best of my knowledge.
29. MAKE AN EXCEPTION- to not apply a general rule to someone. I don’t know him very well , but to my belief he is a good person.
They don’t usually let people in at 4 a.m. but I knew the doorman , and he made an
exception for us.. 44. UP AND DOWN – moving in one direction and the in the opposite.
He started walking up and down the corridor , thinking about what to do.
30. MAKE COMMON CAUSE WITH SB – to cooperate with sb to achieve sth.
The company made common cause with its competitors against the new law. 45. WHEN IT COMES TO STH- in relation to something.
When it comes to picking up women, Peter is an expert. 43

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 PREPOSITIONAL VERBS ALONG 9. play along with sb/sth
1. bring sth/sb along 10. rub along
2. come along 11. run along
3. get along with sb
ABOUT 4. go along
12. scrape along
13. sing along
1. argue about 12. joke about 5. go along with sth/sb 14. string sb along
2. be about to do sth 13. know about 6. as you go along (unplanned) 15. sweep sb along
3. boast about 14. laugh about 7. jog along 16. tag along with sb
4. care about 15. quarrel about (make progress slowly but at a steady pace)
5. complain about 16. talk about/of 8. muddle along (do sth without clear purpose or
6. be concerned about 17. think about/of plan)
7. dream about/of 18. tell sb about sth
8. feel about 19. remind sb about sth
9. forget about 20. write to sb about sth
10. grumble about
11. hear about
21. warn sb about sth
22. worry about
AROUND 12. Hang around with sb
1. Ask around (for sth/sb) 13. Knock sb around (hit)
23. wonder about
2. Build sth around sth (base sth on sth) 14. Knock around sth/somewere
3. Cast around 15. Knock around (relax)

ABOVE ACROSS 4. Centre around

5. Crowd around sb /sth
16. Knock around with sb (spend time with sb)
17. Lie around
1. come across sth/sb 6. Doss around
1. punch above one’s weight 18. Lounge around
2. cut across sth 7. Fiddle around
2. rear above sth/sb 19. Mess sb around
3. drape sth across sth 8. Fool around
3. rise above sth 20. Mess around with sth
4. get sth across 9. Gad around somewhere (travel)
4. tower above sth/sb 21. Mess around with sb
5. put sth across 10. Hand something around ( cheat on your partner – sex)
6. put yourself across 11. Hand around somewhere
7. run across sth/sb (spend time somewhere)
8. stumble across

AFTER AT
1. arrive at
1. ask after sb 2. guess at
7. look after sb/sth
2. clean after sb 3. aim at
8. lust after sb /sth
3. go after sb /sth 4. laugh at
9. name sb after sb/sth
4. hanker after sth 5. shout at
10. pant after sth/sb
5. hunger after ath 6. smile at
11. run after sb/sth
6. inquire after sth 7. look at
12. take after sb
8. stare at
9. despair at

AGAINST BY
1. come up against sth 9. pit sth/sb against sth/sb
1. abide by sth 10. put sth by (save)
2. decide against 10. react against
2. call by 11. Roll by (time)
3. fight against 11. run against
3. come by sth /somewhere 12. run sth by sb (ask their opinion)
4. gang up against 12. run up against
4. drop by 13. Stand by sb
5. have sth against sb 13. square off against
5. Get by 14. Stand by for sth
6. hold out against 14. warn against
6. go by 15. Come by sth
7. hold sth against sb 15. compete against
7. go by sth 16. scrape by
8. insure against 8. pass sb by 17. Swear by
9. people sth/ somewhere by sth /sb 18. Sit by 45

44
FOR 18. look for
IN INTO
1. account for 19. long for 1. believe in 1. absorb into
2. apply for 20. mistake for 2. dress in 2. crash into
3. arrange for sb to do sth 21. pay for 3. invest in 3. dip into
4. apologise for 22. pant for sth/sb 4. interfere in 4. drill sth into sb
5. ask for 23. pray for 5. involve sb in sth 5. grow into
6. arrest for 24. prepare for 6. participate in 6. jockey sb into sth
7. beg for 25. praise sb for sth 7. persist in 7. make sth into sth
8. blame sb for sth 26. provide sth for sb 8. result in 8. tap into
9. care for 27. punish for 9. specialize in 9. translate sth into sth
10. cater for 28. search for 10. succeed in 10. trick sb into doing sth
11. excuse for 29. stand for 11. walk into
12. exchange for 30. substitute for
13. fight for 31. thank sb for sth
14. forgive sb for sth
15. hanker for sth
32. use for OF
33. vote for 1. (dis)approve of
16. hope for sth 34. wait for 2. Accuse sb of sth
17. hunger for sth 3. be on the verge of doing sth
4. be on the point of doing sth
5. Compose of
6. Consist of
7. Convict of
FORWARD 8. Convince sb of sth
9. Despair of
1. bring sth forward
2. carry sth forward 10. Cure sb of sth
3. come forward with sth 11. Dream of
4. look forward to 12. Get tired of
5. push forward with sth 13. Have hope of
6. push oneself forward 14. Remind sb of sth
15. Rob sb of sth
16. Suspect sb of sth
17. Think of sth

FROM
1. benefit from 12. exclude sth from sth
2. borrow from 13. expel sb from sth
3. deter from
4. differ from
14. hide from
15. prohibit from
ON 10. experiment on
5. demand sth from sb 16. prevent sb from sth 1. base sth on sth
2. blame sth on sb 11. get on with sb
6. derive sth from sth 17. recover from sth 12. impress on
7. discourage sb from sth 18. resign from sth 3. comment on sth
4. concentrate on 13. insist on
8. distinguish sb/sth from/between sb/sth 19. retire from sth 14. operate on
9. distract sth from sth 20. stem from sth 5. congratulate sb on sth
6. count on 15. rely on
10. emerge from 21. suffer from sth 16. stumble on/upon sth
11. escape from 22. save someone from sth 7. decide on
8. depend on 17. work on
9. elaborate on

47

46
OVER
1. argue over 9. put sth over sb
2. boil over 10. start over
3. carry sth over 11. rear over sth
4. change over from sth to sth 12. run over
5. lord it over 13. think sth over
6. quarrel over 14. throw sb over for sb
7. fight with sb over sth 15. tower over sb/sth
8. paper over sth 16. work sb over

TO
1. add to 17. lend sth to sb
2. adjust to 18. object to
3. admit to 19. occur to sb
4. appeal to 20. react to
5. belong to 21. refer to
6. cater to 22. reply to
7. compare to 23. respond to
8. confess to 24. resort to
9. contribute to 25. see to
10. dedicate to 26. speak to
11. devote to 27. subscribe to
12. drink to 28. sentence sb to sth
13. explain sth to sb 29. subject sb to sth
14. get married to 30. talk to
15. hope to 31. turn to
16. listen to 32. write to

WITH 14. cope with

1. (dis)agree with
2. Argue with sb 15. discuss sth with sb
3. agree with 16. be faced with sth
4. begin with 17. fight with
5. be popular with sb 18. help sb with sth
6. charge sb with sth 19. meet with
7. communicate with 20. people sth/ somewhere with sth /sb
8. compare with 21. provide sb with sth
9. collide with 22. present sb with sth
10. compete with 23. quarrel with
11. cope with 24. share sth with sb
12. correspond with 25. trust sb with sth
13. cover with

48