CAE Use of English - Key word transformation
BELIEVED TO BE WEAK AT SPEAKING
A common belief is that British people cannot speak foreign languages very well. WEAK British people are commonly _____________ foreign languages.
WAS DELAYED DUE TO
A driver's strike delayed our train. DUE Our train _____________ a driver's strike.
was delayed due to
A driver´s strike delayed our train. DUE Our train ____________________________ a driver´s strike.
to know if we were
"Are you pleased it's nearly half-term?" said the teacher to us. The teacher wanted _______ pleased it was nearly half-term. (know)
asked me if I was
"Are you waiting to be served?" Said the waitress to me. The waitress _______ waiting to be served. (asked)
told me not to forget/to remember
"Don't forget to phone tomorrow," said my mother. TOLD My mother _______ to phone the next day.
WARNING ABOUT THE DANGERS OF CYCLING
"I must warn you how dangerous it is to cycle at night without any lights", said the police officer to Max. DANGERS Max received a _____________ at night without any lights from the police officer.
HAD TO BE PUT OFF
"We'll have to postpone the meeting until next week, as a lot of people are on leave", the manager said. OFF The manager said the meeting _____________ until the following week, as a lot of people were on leave.
WAS NED WHO TOLD HIM
"Yes, I took the money, but Ned told me to do it!" said George. WHO George claimed that it _____________ to take the money.
INSISTED ON HIM STAYING
"You really must stay for dessert," Kate's brother said to him. STAYING Kate's brother _____________ for dessert.
AS LONG AS THEY
"You won't get lost along the country lanes if you always have the map open." LONG He told them they wouldn't get lost _____________ had the map open.
FORGET TO KEEP IN TOUCH
'Remember to write or phone', Marta said as she waved goodbye to her friend. TOUCH ´Don´t _____________, ' Marta said as she waved goodbye to her friend.
IT WAS A GIRL FROM MY TOWN
A girl from my town won the silver medal. IT _____________ who won the silver medal.
It was a girl from my town
A girl from my town won the silver medal. IT ________________________ who won the silver medal.
HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO
A lack of work in his home area forced Frank to move to the capital. CHOICE Frank _____________ move to the capital because of the lack of work in his home area.
THEM PULLING OUT
A phone call was the first we heard about them withdrawing from the concert. PULLING The first we heard about _____________ of the concert was a phone call.
WILL BE FOLLOWED BY
A short meeting of the cast will take place after today's rehearsal. BY Today's rehearsal _____________ a short meeting of the cast.
delays to all flights because
A strike by check-staff led to all flights being delayed. BECAUSE There were __________ of a strike by check-in staff.
DELAYS TO ALL FLIGHTS BECAUSE
A strike by check-staff led to all flights being delayed. BECAUSE There were _____________ of a strike by check-in staff.
took/went to (great) pains to keep/stay
After I emigrated, I made an effort not to lose contact with my old schoolfriends. After I emigrated, I _______ in touch with my old schoolfriends. (pains)
MADE UP HER MIND NOT TO
After a sleepless night, Marta finally decided that she wouldn't accept the job she had been offered. MIND After a sleepless night, Marta finally _____________ accept the job she had been offered.
wasn't until we (had) arrived
After arriving at the airport, we realized that our passports were still at home. It _______ at the airport that we realized our passports were still at home. (until)
until it stops/has stopped making
After the noise from the machine has stopped, you can open the lid. Do not open the lid of the machine _______ that noise. (until)
UNTIL IT HAS STOPPED MAKING
After the noise from the machine has stopped, you can open the lid. UNTIL Do not open the lid of the machine _____________ that noise.
IT WAS ABOUT TIME THAT HE TOOK
Albert's wife said he had to start being interested in their children's lives. TIME Albert's wife said _____________ an interest in their children's lives.
would prefer to have given/would have preferred to give
Although I wanted to quit smoking gradually, my doctor told me to stop immediately. I _______ up smoking gradually, but my doctor told me to stop immediately. (prefer)
COME UP WITH A SOLUTION
Can anyone solve this problem? COME Can anyone _____________ to this problem?
WOULDN'T KEEP CHANGING
Can we please stay on one channel when we're watching TV? KEEP I wish you _____________ the channel when we're watching TV.
SCHOOLS FROM THE AGE OF
Children in this country usually start attending school when they're six. AGE Children in this country usually attend _____________ six.
INSISTED ON HAVING
Chloe would only eat a pizza if she could have a mushroom topping. ON Chloe _____________ a mushroom topping when she ate a pizza.
IS GOING TO MAKE A
Cindy intends to complain about the service in that restaurant. GOING Cindy _____________ complaint about the service in that restaurant.
is going to make a
Cindy intends to complain about the service in that restaurant. GOING Cindy _______________________________ complaint about the service in that restaurant.
DENIED HAVING SEEN
Clara said that she had not seen the missing letter. HAVING Clara _____________ the missing letter.
WAS WONDERING IF YOU WERE
Could I ask you if you'd mind looking after my dog while I'm away on holiday? WONDERING I _____________ willing to look after my dog while I'm away on holiday?
WAS WONDERING IF YOU WOULD BE
Could I ask you if you'd mind looking after my dog while I'm away on holiday? WONDERING I _____________ willing to look after my dog while I'm away on holiday?
you lend me
Could I borrow some change for the telephone? LEND Could _______ some change for the telephone?
YOU LEND ME YOUR UMBRELLA
Could I borrow your umbrella this evening, please? LEND Would _____________ this evening, please?
you lend me your umbrella
Could I borrow your umbrella this evening, please? LEND Would ______________________________ this evening, please?
were you able to
Could you speak English when you were younger? ABLE When you were younger, _______ speak English?
keeping an eye on
Could you watch my suitcases while I go and buy my ticket? Would you mind _______ my suitcases while I go and buy my ticket? (eye)
ILLNESS RESULTED IN THE ABANDONMENT OF
Dan abandoned his studies at university because he was ill. RESULTED Dan's _____________ his studies at the university.
LET ALONE COOK
Davina can't even boil an egg and so she certainly couldn't cook a whole meal. ALONE Davina can't even boil an egg _____________ a whole meal.
A GREAT DEAL OF ENTHUSIASM
Deanna is clearly very enthusiastic about her new hobby. DEAL Deanna is showing _____________ for her new hobby.
HAS HAD SUCH AN IMPACT ON
The crisis has affected business so much that we may have to close down the company. IMPACT The crisis _____________ business that we may have to close down the company.
has had such an impact on
The crisis has affected business so much that we may have to close down the company. The crisis _______ business that we may have to close down the company. (impact)
WILL HARDLY NOTICE SUCH
The damage to the painting is so minor that it won't be very noticeable to most people. HARDLY I'm sure that most people _____________ minor damage to the painting.
takes place/will take place/is taking place on
The date for the Barcelona Conference is the 23rd of March. The Barcelona Conference _______ the 23rd of March. (place)
HAD NO INCLINATION OF GETTING
The day after I lost my job, I did not feel like getting out of bed. INCLINATION I _____________ out of bed the day after losing my job.
RESULTED IN THE DEATHS OF
The deaths of almost sixty people were caused by the tornado. RESULTED The tornado _____________ almost sixty people.
used to be spent
The family always spent their holidays climbing in the mountains. USED The family's holidays _______ climbing in the mountains.
was much more interesting than
The film is not as interesting as the novel was. MUCH The novel _______ the film.
HADN'T BEEN MISSING, I WOULD
The final pages were missing from the book, so I never found out who the murdered was. NOT If the final pages of the book _____________ have found out who the murdered was.
WAS NECESSARY FOR THE FIREMEN
The firemen had to break the door down. NECESSARY It _____________ to break the door down
BE TURNED ON BY WHICHEVER MEMBER
The first employee to arrive in the morning should turn on heating. WHICHEVER The heating should _____________ of staff arrives first in the morning.
ALL PROBABILITY THE FLIGHT
The flight will probably be cancelled. PROBABILITY In _____________ will be cancelled.
HAS NOW TAKEN CHARGE OF THE
The football club is now being run by an experienced accountant TAKEN An experienced accountant _____________ running of the football club.
INJURY PUT PAID TO
The footballer injured his knee, so that was the end of his hopes of a first team place. PAID The footballer's knee _____________ his hopes of a first team place.
HAVE PAID CAREFUL ATTENTION TO
The government should have carefully considered the issue of global warming a long time ago. ATTENTION The government should _____________ the issue of global warming a long time ago.
not much to look
The house was not very attractive in appearance when we first saw it. The house was _______ at when we first saw it. (much)
HELD US UP FOR
The huge traffic jam on the motorway delayed us for several hours. HELD The huge traffic jam on the motorway _____________ several hours.
GAVE A FAULTLESS PERFORMANCE
The ice-skater performed faultlessly and received full marks. GAVE The ice-skater _____________ and received full marks.
TO BE IN FAVOUR OF
The idea of flexi-time seemed to be popular with most of our senior managers. FAVOUR Most of our senior managers seemed _____________ flexi-time.
FOUND GUILTY OF SMUGGLING
The judge decided it was true that the four men had smuggled pirated Blu-ray Discs into the country. GUILTY The four men were _____________ pirated Blu-ray Discs into the country by the judge.
TO TAKE SMITH'S AGE INTO ACCOUNT
The judge told the jury that they should remember how young Smith was when considering their verdict. ACCOUNT The judge told the jury _____________ when considering their verdict.
TO HAVE BEEN ANYWHERE
The man claimed that he had been nowhere near the factory at the time of the break-in. TO The man claimed not _____________ near the factory at the time of the break-in.
ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD
The man is armed and you should not approach him under any circumstances. ACCOUNT The man is armed and _____________ you approach him.
on no account should
The man is armed and you should not approach him under any circumstances. The man is armed and _______ you approach him. (account)
NO CIRCUMSTANCES AM I
The manager gave her secretary strict instructions that no one should be allowed to disturb her. CIRCUMSTANCES "Under _____________ to be disturbed!" the manager told her secretary.
take experience into consideration
The manager should think about experience when hiring new staff. The manager should _______ when hirimg new staff. (consideration)
MY APPETITE AS SOON AS
The moment I saw the filthy state of the restaurant kitchen, I no longer felt hungry. SOON I lost _____________ I saw the filthy state of the restaurant kitchen.
would probably not have/probably would not have come/jumped
The most likely reason for the scientists getting the conclusion wrong is that they were not thorough enough with their research. If their research had been more thorough, the scientists _______ to the wrong conclusion. (probably)
WOULD PROBABLY NOT HAVE COME
The most likely reason for the scientists getting the conclusion wrong is that they were not thorough enough with their research. PROBABLY If their research had been more thorough, the scientists _____________ to the wrong conclusion.
WAS A FALL IN THE
The number of people applying for university grants feel last year. FALL There _____________ number of people applying for university grants last year.
THE HIGHEST IT HAS EVER
The number of students now at university has reached an all-time high, apparently. THE The number of students now at university is _____________ been, apparently.
the highest (that/which) it has ever
The number of students now at university has reached an all-time high, apparently. The number of students now at university is _______ been, apparently. (the)
was set up by
The owner established the company in 2001. The company _______ the owner in 2001. (up)
HAVING TURNED A BLIND EYE TO
The party leader admitted she had pretended not to notice the corruption amongst her own politicians. EYE The party leader admitted to _____________ the corruption amongst her own politicians.
turning/having turned a blind eye to
The party leader admitted she had pretended not to notice the corruption amongst her own politicians. The party leader admitted to _______ the corruption amongst her own politicians. (eye)
ACTION ON THE PART OF
The police acted quickly and prevented a fight between rival groups developing. PART Quick _____________ the police prevented a fight between rival groups developing.
THOUGHT TO HAVE MADE
The police now think he invented the story to protect his girlfriend. HAVE He is now _____________ up the story to protect his girlfriend.
came up against
The problem we were faced with was a serious one. CAME The problem we _______ was a serious one.
THE TIME BEING
The pupils are living temporarily in a hotel. BEING For _____________, the pupils are living in a hotel.
to be higher than it
The rainfall in the west of the country usually exceeds that in the east. The rainfall in the west of the country tends _______ is in the east. (higher)
TO OFFER IN
The region is rich in natural resources. OFFER The region has a lot _____________ terms of natural resources.
took part in
The runners had a difficult time competing in the race. PART The runners who _______ the race had a difficult time.
ARE BEING LOOKED INTO BY
The school's management are investigating allegations of teacher brutality. INTO Allegations of teacher brutality _____________ the school's management.
DIDN'T COME UP TO
The service at the hotel wasn't as good as I expected. COME The service at the hotel _____________ my expectations.
DAWN BEFORE THE STUDENTS CAME
The students did not return from the end-of-term party until dawn. BEFORE it was _____________ back from the end-of-term party.
will have finished by
The students will finish their English course at the end of June. HAVE The English course _______ the beginning of July.
US TOOK ANY NOTICE OF
The teacher tried to attract our attention, but we all ignored her. TOOK The teacher tried to attract our attention but none of _____________ her.
NO MATTER HOW TOUGH IT MAY
The teams are determined to finish the race however tough it is. MATTER The teams are determined to finish the race _____________ be.
haven't finished their/the match
The tennis players' match is still going on. FINISHED The tennis players _______ yet.
THAN THE TOWN'S POPULATION
The town's population surrendered as soon as the enemy arrived. THAN No sooner had the enemy arrived _____________ surrendered.
WAS WEEKS BEFORE
The trees blown down in the storm were not cleared away for weeks. BEFORE It _____________ the trees blown down in the storm were cleared away.
CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
The twins are so alike that most people find it hard to distinguish one from the other. DIFFERENCE The twins are so alike that not many people _____________ them.
accused the bank of causing
The union leader said the crisis was caused by the banks. The union leader _______ the crisis. (accused)
PUT UP WITH HIS INTOLERABLE BEHAVIOUR
The way he behaves is intolerable. PUT I can't _____________ any longer.
STRENGTH OF THE WIND
The wind was so strong that we couldn't walk along the seafront. STRENGTH The _____________ meant it was impossible to walk along the seafront.
may well be chosen by
There is a strong possibility that the manager will choose Antonio to play on Saturday but it depends on his state of fitness. Antonio _______ the manager to play on Saturday but it depends on his state of fitness. (well)
TO BE TAKEN INTO
There were a lot of things to think about before we made our decision. TAKEN Lots of things needed _____________ consideration before we could make our decision.
will (have) run out
There will be no more oil available in this area in 2030. RUN Oil supplies in this area _______ by the year 2031.
CASE YOU HAPPEN TO COME
There's a chance that you might find some interesting wildlife, so take a camera with you. HAPPEN You should take a camera with you in _____________ across some interesting wildlife.
takes it for granted
They all assume that James will be willing to work late. Everyone _______ that James will be willing to work late. (granted)
TAKES IT FOR GRANTED THAT
They all assume that Penny will provide hospitality. GRANTED Everyone _____________ Penny will provide hospitality.
HAVING OUR LIVING ROOM DONE UP
They are decorating our living room, so the house is a mess. DONE We are _____________, so the house is a mess!
BEING PULLED DOWN AND REPLACED
They are demolishing the old bus station and replacing it with a new one. PULLED The old bus station is _____________ with a new one.
being pulled down and (being) replaced/to be replaced / to be pulled down and replaced
They are demolishing the old bus station and replacing it with a new one. The old bus station is _______ with a new one. (pulled)
is being brought/moved forward
They are moving our oral examination to an earlier date. Our oral examination _______ to an earlier date. (forward)
into a heated argument
They began calmly discussing football but soon started arguing fiercly about politics. What began as a calm discussion about football soon developed _______ about politics. (heated)
RUN OUT OF PETROL
They had very little petrol left in the car by the time they reached the filling station. RUN They had almost _____________ by the time they reached the filling station.
THAT THE BOOK WILL BE PUBLISHED
They have decided they will publish the book this summer. PUBLISHED It has been decided _____________ this summer.
that the book will be published
They have decided they will publish the book this summer. PUBLISHED It has been decided __________________this summer.
HAS BEEN SCHEDULED TO TAKE
They plan to repair the bridge this weekend. SCHEDULED The repair of the bridge _____________ place this weekend.
WAS SAID TO BE RESIGNING
They said the principal was resigning in the summer. BE The principal _____________ in the summer.
was said to be resigning
They said the principal was resigning in the summer. BE The principal _________________________ in the summer.
IS ALLEGED TO HAVE DAMAGED
They say that a visitor to the national art gallery damaged an 18th-century painting. ALLEGED A visitor to the national art gallery _____________ an 18th-century painting.
ONLY WHEN THEY SPLIT UP
They split up and then realized that they loved each other. ONLY _____________ did they realize that they loved each other.
Only when they split up
They split up and then realized that they loved each other. ONLY __________________________________ did they realize that they loved each other.
TO BE FULLY ASSESSED
They still haven't carried out a full assessment of the effects of these changes. FULLY The effects of these changes have yet _____________
WOULD THEY MAKE UP THEIR MINDS
They would never make a decision so quickly again. MINDS Never again _____________ so quickly.
WILL MEAN ITS
They'll have to cancel the show if the audience doesn't increase. MEAN A continued low audience for the show _____________ cancellation.
HAS BEEN PUT OFF
They've postponed the meeting until January to give the management team longer to decide. OFF The meeting _____________ until January to give the management team longer to decide.
HIGHLY LIKELY THAT THIS BUILDING
This building stands a very good chance of being closed as unsafe by the council. HIGHLY It's _____________ will be closed by council due to being unsafe.
HIGHLY LIKELY THAT THIS FILM WILL
This film stands a very good chance of winning an award. HIGHLY It is _____________ win an award.
CAN AFFORD THIS HOLIDAY AS LONG
This holiday is within our price range, provided we don't go to the expensive restaurants in the tourist centre. AFFORD We _____________ as we avoid the expensive restaurants in the tourist centre.
can afford this/the holiday as/so long
This holiday is within our price range, provided we don't go to the expensive restaurants in the tourist centre. AFFORD We _____________________ as we avoid the expensive restaurants in the tourist centre.
have warned/told you not to
This is your third warning from me this week about being late for work. This is the third time this week I _______ be late for work. (not)
CLOSE SECOND TO THE
This isn't nearly as good as the chicken soup you make. SECOND This chicken soup doesn't even come a _____________ one you make.
FAR AS I'M CONCERNED
This manual is too difficult for me. CONCERNED As _____________, this manual is too difficult for me.
was not as big as
This new dining table is bigger than the one we had before. NOT The dining table we had before _______ this new one.
FAR THE MOST IMAGINATIVE
This recipe is really a lot more imaginative than the others in this book. MOST This recipe is by _____________ in this book.
took part in
Three hundred students entered the swimming competition last year. PART Three hundred students _______ the swimming competition last year.
SEE EYE TO EYE AS FAR
Tim and his twin agree about most things. EYE Tim and his twin _____________ as most things are concerned.
for putting her in the picture
Tina said she was pleased I had let her know what was going on. Tina thanked me _______ about what was going on.(picture)
FEWER/LESS THAN SIX PEOPLE ARE REQUIRED
To help us run the exhibition next month, we need at least six people. REQUIRED No _____________ to help us run the exhibition next month.
BE USED EVERY OTHER
To reduce the amount of traffic, the government is proposing that drivers should only use their cars on alternate days. OTHER To reduce the amount of traffic, the government is proposing that cars should only _____________ day.
what we need is
To tell the truth, we need a swimming pool for this school. To tell the truth, _______ a swimming pool for this school. (what)
BROKE THE WORLD RECORD FOR THE
Today Gina jumped higher than anyone in the world has ever done before. BROKE Today Gina _____________ high jump.
HAVE GIVEN HIM A SECOND CHANCE
Tom should have admitted his mistake, because the company usually gives employees another chance. SECOND The company might _____________ if he had admitted his mistake.
NO DOUBT THAT TOM WAS
Tom was definitely first in the queue. DOUBT There's _____________ first in the queue.
EVER HAVING SET
Tom wrote a novel about India, a country he had never visited. EVER Tom wrote a novel about India without _____________ foot in the country.
how about taking
Tom, wouldn't it be a good idea to take the students swimming tomorrow? HOW Tom, _______ the students swimming tomorrow?
CHANCES OF TOMORROW'S MATCH BEING
Tomorrow's match is very likely to be cancelled. CHANCES The _____________ cancelled are quite high.
is more expensive than
Travelling by bus is cheaper than travelling by train. Travelling by train _______ travelling by bus. (more)
HER MIND TO PULL OUT OF
Unfortunately, Katie has decided to withdraw from the competition. PULL Unfortunately, Katie has made up _____________ the competition.
BETTER THEY MAY BE FORCED TO
Unless the team's performance improves, they may find they have to resign from the league. FORCED If the team's performance doesn't get _____________ resign from the league.
AS LONG AS I'M
Until they fire me as manager here, I'll run the company my way. LONG _____________ the boss, I'll run the company my way.
who/that came up with
Was it Paul's idea to go to the cinema? Was it Paul _______ the idea of going to the cinema? (came)
expenditure is more/greater than
We are earning less than we are spending, I'm afraid. Our _______ our income, I'm afraid. (expenditure)
despite the fact that we
We are friends although we have disagreements about some things. DESPITE We are friends _______ disagree about some things.
appears to be rising
We are noticing a rise in the cost of living again. APPEARS The cost of living _______ again.
is bound to be successful
We are sure that the government's new policy will successfully reduce unemployment. We think that the government's new policy _______ in reducing unemployment. (bound)
DO WHATEVER IT TAKES
We can assure our customers that we will take every possible measure to maintain the quality of the products on our shelves. TAKES We can assure our customers that we will _____________ to maintain the quality of the products on our shelves.
THERE HADN'T BEEN SO MUCH
We didn't stay long at the party because it was very noisy. SO If _____________ noise, we might have stayed longer at the party.
NO TIME GETTING STARTED
We got started on the new project immediately. TIME We lost _____________ on the new project.
AS A SURPRISE
We had expected Pedro to get promoted. SURPRISE Pedro's promotion came _____________ to us.
WE DID WAS TO SIT
We just sat on the beach all day. DID All _____________ on the beach the whole day.
to have a significant effect on
We know that lack of sleep significantly effects your health. Lack of sleep is known _______ your health. (have)
SOONER HAD WE ESCAPED THAN
We managed to escape just before the whole building caught on fire. HAD No _____________ the whole building caught on fire.
HAD STARTED BY THE TIME
We missed the start of the concert because we arrived at the venue late. BY The concert _____________ we arrived at the venue.
had started by the time
We missed the start of the concert because we arrived at the venue late. BY The concert _____________ we arrived at the venue.
HAD LEFT BY THE TIME
We missed the train because we arrived at the station late. BY The train _____________ we arrived at the station.
to make the most of
We must take as much advantage as possible of any opportunity to speak English. MOST We have _______ any opportunity to speak English.
TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT HOW TO
We need to decide how we're going to go to the theatre. DECISION We need to _____________ get to the theatre.
ROLE GENES PLAY IN DETERMINING
We need to know how genes determine behaviour. ROLE We need to know what _____________ behaviour.
role genes play in determining
We need to know how genes determine behaviour. ROLE We need to know what ____________________ behaviour.
WILL HAVE LEFT BY THE TIME
We need to run or the train will leave before we get there. TIME Unless we run, the train _____________ we get there.
NOT LIKELY TO SET
We propably won't leave to go to the airport until midday. LIKELY We are _____________ off for the airport until midday.
TO TAKE NO
We protested when Jim offered to pay but he wouldn't accept our refusal. TAKE We protested when Jim offered to pay but he refused _____________ for an answer.
THE PLACE WHERE WE STOPPED FOR
We stopped in an absolutely beautiful place for lunch. WHERE _____________ lunch was absolutely beautiful.
would like to have carried/gone
We wanted to continue our mountain trek but the weather was too bad. We _______ on with our mountain trek but the weather was too bad. (like)
in spite of the rain
We went for a walk although it was raining yesterday. SPITE We went for a walk _______ yesterday.
TO OUR HORROR, WE COULD SEE
We were horrified to see smoke coming out of the bedroom windows. COULD Much _____________ smoke coming out of the bedroom windows.
STARTED BY THE TIME
We were late arriving at the cinema and so missed the start of the film. BY The film had _____________ we arrived at the cinema.
came up with the idea of
We were very grateful that Kate thought of suggesting we ask Max for help. We were very grateful that Kate _______ asking Max for help. (came)
WILL BE THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE
We will have no choice but to reinforce the fence if those dogs keep getting through. ALTERNATIVE Reinforcing the fence _____________ if those dogs keep getting through.
call off the meeting unless / call the meeting off unless
We'll have to cancel the meeting if we can't find a suitable venue. CALL We'll have to _______ we find a suitable venue.
FOR ANN'S BEAUTY
Were Ann not so beautiful a girl, John wouldn't be marrying her. BEAUTY But _____________, John wouldn't be marrying her.
ISN'T ANY OF MY BOSS'S BUSINESS
What I do in my free time has got nothing to do with my boss, has it? BUSINESS What I do in my free time _____________ is it?
wish he had been able to
What a pity he couldn´t come. WISH I ___________________________________ come.
LIKELY IS IT THAT THE FILM
What are the chances of the film winning an Oscar? LIKELY How _____________ will win an Oscar?
likely is it that the film
What are the chances of the film winning an Oscar? LIKELY How ______________________________will win an Oscar?
me when your plane lands
What time does your plane land tomorrow? WHEN Can you tell _______ tomorrow?
YOU'D BEEN IN MY SHOES
What would you have done differently in my position last year? SHOES What would you have done differently if _____________ last year?
CAUSING YOU SUCH A LOT OF
What's confusing you so much? LOT What is it that's _____________ confusion?
take eight away / away eight from
What's the answer to sixteen minus eight? AWAY If you _______ sixteen, what's the answer?
to pick up
Whatever you do, don't lift that heavy suitcase. UP I'd advise you not _______ that heavy suitcase.
formal complaint, they agreed to look
When I complained formally, they said they would investigate the matter further. When I made a _______ into the matter further. (agreed)
MADE A PROFOUND IMPACT ON
When I heard her speak, it affected me profoundly. IMPACT Her speech _____________ me.
IT WASN'T MY FAULT
When he spoke to me he agreed that I wasn't responsible. FAULT When he spoke to me he agreed that _____________.
it wasn´t my fault
When he spoke to me he agreed that I wasn´t responsible. FAULT When he spoke to me he agreed that _____ ________________ .
much more populated
When it comes to population, Beijings is much bigger than Aucklands. Beijing is _______ than Auckland. (populated)
FAR AS PUNCTUALITY IS CONCERNED
When it comes to punctuality, Fiona really takes after her mother. CONCERNED As _____________, Fiona really takes after her mother.
. used to find the idea
When she was at school, Sandra was fascinated by the idea of hypnotism. USED Sandra _________ of hypnotism fascinating when she was at school.
USED TO FIND THE IDEA
When she was at school, Sandra was fascinated by the idea of hypnotism. USED Sandra _____________ of hypnotism fascinating when she was at school.
TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH HER
When she's out of the office, Toni would rather contact her colleagues by email. TOUCH Toni prefers _____________ colleagues by email when she's out of the office.
it turned out to
When we got to the resort we discovered that it was better than we expected. When we got to the resort _______ be better than we expected. (turned)
IT'S WORTH BEARING
When writing for the student magazine you should remember that teachers will read it too. WORTH When you write for the school magazine _____________ mind that teachers will read it too.
on our way home
While we were going home yesterday we got caught in a thunderstorm. We got caught in a thunderstorm while we were _______ yesterday. (way)
were on our way
While we were going home, we had an accident. WAY We _______ home when we had an accident.
ACCOUNTS FOR THE DIFFERENCE
Why are the two figures different? ACCOUNTS What _____________ between the two figures?
WASN'T I INFORMED ABOUT
Why did nobody tell me that the match had been cancelled? INFORMED Why _____________ the cancellation of the match?
wasn´t I informed about
Why did nobody tell me that the match had been cancelled? INFORMED Why ___________________________ the cancellation of the match?
will take care of
Will your neighbours look after your dog when you go away? TAKE Do you know if your neighbours _______ your dog when you go away?
IS DECEPTIVELY SIMPLE IN
With only three buttons to push, this new food processor looks simple, but that's deceptive. IN With only three buttons to push, this new food processor _____________ appearance.
HADN'T BEEN FOR JOE'S
Without the help that Joe gave me, I don't think I'd have finished the course. BEEN If it _____________ help, I don't think I'd have finished the course.
BE GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD
Would you mind helping me carry this heavy box to the car? GRATEFUL This box is really heavy so I'd _____________ help me carry it to the car.
HANDED IN MY NOTICE
Yesterday I informed my boss in writing that I would be leaving the company. NOTICE I _____________ to my boss yesterday.
couldn't have been Sam who
You can't blame Sam for breaking the window because he wasn't even here this morning. It _______ broke the window because he wasn't even here this morning. (been)
NEGLECTED TELLING ME
You didn't tell me that the exhibition was finishing today! NEGLECTED You _____________ the exhibition was finishing today!
neglected telling me
You didn´t tell me that the exhibition was finishing today! NEGLECTED You ________________________________ the exhibition was finishing today!
GREAT DEAL MORE
You don't realize quite how much fat there is in that pizza. DEAL There's _____________ fat in that pizza than you realize.
FOR A GOOD DEAL OF PATIENCE
You have to be very patient to work as a primary school teacher these days. DEAL Working as a primary school teacher calls _____________ these days.
HAS TO BE PIERCED BEFORE
You have to pierce the plastic film first and then you can put the tray in the microwave oven. BEFORE The plastic film _____________ the tray is placed in the microwave oven.
has to be pierced before
You have to pierce the plastic film first and then you can put the tray in the microwave oven. BEFORE The plastic film _________________ the tray is placed in the microwave oven.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MUST YOU
You must never disturb someone when they are sleepwalking. CIRCUMSTANCES _____________ disturb someone when they are sleepwalking.
Under no circumstances must you
You must never disturb someone when they are sleepwalking. CIRCUMSTANCES __________________________________ disturb someone when they are sleepwalking.
come to a decision
You need to make up your mind about the topic for your dissertation soon. You must _______ about the topic for your dissertation soon. (come)
to blame yourself/yourselves
You should not think that the accident was your fault. BLAME It would be wrong _______ for the accident.
you had kept my news secret
You were not supposed to tell anyone about my news! I'd rather _______ instead of telling everyone! (secret)
YOU HAD KEPT MY NEWS SECRET
You were not supposed to tell anyone about my news! SECRET I'd rather _____________ instead of telling everyone!
NO CHOICE BUT TO
As visibility was getting worse and worse, Bob and Jane had to cut short their sailing trip. BUT As visibility was getting worse and worse, Bob and Jane had _____________ cut short their sailing trip.
HAD NEVER OCCURRED TO US
At no time did we think that Pedro might be planning to leave the country. OCCURRED It _____________ that Pedro might be planning to leave the country.
FEELS THE EFFECTS OF
At this time of year, the area is often affected by violent storms. FEELS At this time of year, the area often _____________ violent storms.
was set back
Bad weather delayed the building project for several weeks. The building project _______ for several weeks by the bad weather. (set)
really gets me down
Bad weather makes me feel really unhappy in the winter. Bad weather _______ in the winter. (down)
TO PUT UP WITH (ANY) RUDENESS
Delia said that she would no longer tolerate her colleagues being rude. PUT 'I'm not willing _____________ from my colleagues any longer,' said Delia.
to put up with (any) rudeness
Delia said that she would no longer tolerate her colleagues being rude. PUT 'I'm not willing ____________________ from my colleagues any longer,' said Delia
THOUGH HE WAS USED TO SPEAKING
Despite usually feeling comfortable when he spoke in public, John felt quite nervous this time. USED Even _____________ in public, John felt quite nervous this time.
IS AGES SINCE I HAVE HAD
Diana complained that she hadn't had a good cup of coffee for ages. SINCE "It _____________ a good cup of coffee", Diana complained.
if anyone brought up
Did anyone raise the subject of the school trip? Can you tell me _______ the subject of the school trip? (brought)
you rather I hadn't let
Didn't you want me to tell the staff about your resignation? Would _______ the staff know about your resignation? (rather)
if you could tell
Do you happen to know the time of the next train to London? I wonder _______ me the time of the next train to London. (could)
is the race taking place
Do you know when the race is being held next year? PLACE When _______ next year?
who this umbrella belonhs to
Do you know whose this umbrella is, by any chance? Do you know _______ , by any chance? (belongs)
ANY OBJECTION TO JOHN'S JOINING
Do you mind if John joins us for the meeting? TO Do you have _____________ us for the meeting?
YOU MIND GIVING ME
Do you think you could help me take these boxes outside? MIND Would _____________ a hand taking these boxes outside?
take gloves in case it is/gets
Don't forget to take gloves, as it may well be cold in the mountains. You should _______ cold in the mountains. (case)
LET IT GET YOU
Don't get depressed because of such a small problem. LET It's such a small problem that you shouldn't _____________ down.
NOT WORTH ASKING BRYAN
Don't waste your time asking Bryan to come with us. WORTH It's _____________ to come with us.
WOULD COMPETE WITH ONE
During our summers at the beach, we often used to compete with each other to see who could collect the most shells. WOULD During our summers at the beach, we _____________ another to see who could collect the most shells.
OF EVERY SINGLE ONE OF
Each and every one of our employees has contributed to the great success of our company. SINGLE The great success of our company is due to the contribution _____________ our employees.
THOUGH IT MAY BE
Even if it's very far, they want to go to Paris for a weekend break. MAY Far _____________, they want to go to Paris for a weekend break.
MATTER HOW FAST WE DRIVE
Even if we drive very fast, we'll never get to the airport on time. HOW No _____________, we'll never get to the airport on time.
despite the company('s) offering
Even though the company offered him a higher salary, David was still dubious about accepting the job. DESPITE David was still dubious about accepting the job, _______ him a higher salary.
THE EXCEPTION OF
Everybody came to the party apart from Steve. EXCEPTION With _____________ Steve, everybody came to the party.
SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN
Everybody says Tom's grandfather was an extremely skilful chess player. SUPPOSED Tom's grandfather is _____________ an extremely skilful chess player.
SHOULD BE TAUGHT TO
Everybody should learn how to speak a second language. TAUGHT A second language _____________ everybody.
should be taught to
Everybody should learn how to speak a second language. TAUGHT A second language ___________________________everybody.
took it for granted that
Everyone assumed that Dennis would sell the haunted house he inherited from his uncle. GRANTED People ___________ Dennis would sell the haunted house he inherited from his uncle.
TOOK IT FOR GRANTED THAT
Everyone assumed that Dennis would sell the haunted house he inherited from his uncle. GRANTED People _____________ Dennis would sell the haunted house he inherited from his uncle.
EXPECTED TO HAND IN HER RESIGNATION
Everyone expects Maura to resign at the end of the month. HAND Maura is widely _____________ at the end of the month.
expected to hand in her resignation
Everyone expects Maura to resign at the end of the month. HAND Maura is widely ______________ at the end of the month.
EXPECTED TO TURN OUT FOR
Everyone expects a lot of people to attend the rock band's farewell concert. TURN A huge crowd is _____________ the rock band's farewell concert.
THE MEETING WITH THE EXCEPTION
Except for John, who is still collecting data in Antarctica, we will all be able to attend the meeting. WITH We will all be able to make _____________ of John, who is still collecting data in Antarctica.
SHE WOULDN'T WEAR
Fernanda refused to wear her sister's old dress. NOT Fernanda said that _____________ her sister's old dress.
She would not wear
Fernanda refused to wear her sister's old dress. NOT Fernanda said that ___________________ her sister's old dress.
NOT AS COMMON
Fewer people live in extended family units in this country nowadays. COMMON It is _____________ to live in extended family units in this country nowadays.
not common
Fewer people live in extended family units in this country nowadays. COMMON It is ______________________________ to live in extended family units in this country nowadays.
was help up by fog
Fog delayed my flight to Moscow this morning. My flight to moscow _______ this morning. (up)
WAS WITHDRAW IN THE LIGHT OF
Following some complaints by local residents, the government withdrew its proposal to build a new runway at the airport. LIGHT The government's proposal to build a new runway at the airport _____________ come complaints by local residents.
FACT THAT SHE WAS BORN IN
France may be Flora's birthplace but she has never lived there. BORN Despite the _____________ France, Flora has never lived there.
WHICH CLARA TAKES AFTER
Friends often remark on how much Clara resembles her sister. TAKES Friends often remark on the extent to _____________ her sister.
SINCE THEY STOPPED SEEING EACH
From the time Elena and Alex finished their relationship, they've both been sad. SEEING Ever _____________ other, Alex and Elena have both been sad.
LOOKED AS IF
From the woman's face you got the impression that she'd been crying. IF From the woman's face, it _____________ she'd been crying.
PROVIDED HIM WITH
Gary received an income from some investment he had inherited. PROVIDED Some investments which Gary had inherited _____________ an income.
who talked her out of
Gaynor´s friends persuaded her not to get married in spring. TALKED It was Gaynor´s friends __________________getting married in spring.
had missed her flight she would
Given that Sarah hasn't contacted us, I think she probably caught her flight. If Sarah _______ have been in touch with us. (missed)
hugely beneficial to us if
Government measures of this type would be of huge benefit to ius. It would be _______ the government took measures of this type. (hugely)
ought to be preserved by
Governments should preserve all the world's languages. OUGHT All the world's languages _______ governments.
CAME UP WITH THE IDEA
Harry thought of throwing a surprise party for Katie's birthday. CAME Harry _____________ of throwing a surprise party for Katie's birthday.
CAME AS A DISAPPOINTMENT
Harry was disappointed to hear the news that the match had been cancelled. CAME News of the cancellation of the match _____________ to Harry.
John has come/gone down
Has John caught a cold? DOWN Can you tell me if _______ with a cold?
has changed her mind
Has Mary altered her decision about moving to the countryside? Do you know if Mary _______ about moving to the countryside? (mind)
we had never gone
Having a holiday together was a mistake because we argued all the time. I wish _______ on holiday together because we argued all the time. (never)
WE HAD NEVER GONE
Having a holiday together was a mistake because we argued all the time. NEVER I wish _____________ on holiday together because we argued all the time.
AS ACCURATE AN ANSWER
He answered the judge's question as accurately as he could. ACCURATE He gave _____________ as he could to the judge's question.
he had known whose it
He couldn't return the jacket to its owner because he had no idea who it belonged to. He would have returned the jacket to its owner if _______ was. (whose)
WAS ONLY WHEN
He didn't understand exactly what was wrong until he read Julie's letter. ONLY It _____________ he read Julie's letter that he understood exactly what was wrong.
OF HIS INABILITY TO DO
He lost his job because he couldn't do what was required. INABILITY He lost his job because _____________ what was required.
WITHOUT GIVING ENOUGH THOUGHT
He made a very quick decision and he didn't think about the matter enough. WITHOUT He made a very quick decision _____________ to the matter.
UP HOPE OF FINDING
He no longer thinks he can find a job before the end of the year. HOPE He has given _____________ a job before the end of the year.
FOR THE SAKE OF
He spends a lot of money for no particular reason. SAKE He spend a lot of money just _____________ it.
BEING TAKEN FOR GRANTED
He thinks his friends do not appreciate him. GRANTED He dislikes _____________ by his friends.
WHEN IT COMES TO
He's not a good guitarist, but there is no better singer than him. COMES He's not a good guitarist, but _____________ singing, he is the best.
when it comes to
He's not a good guitarist, but there is no better singer than him. He's not a good guitarist, but _______ singing, he is the best. (comes)
in urgent need of help
Help was urgently needed in the flooded area of the country. They were _______ in the flooded area of the country. (need)
turns/shows up at parties at every
Henry never misses a party if he can help it. UP Henry ______ opportunity.
tendency to get on
His constant moaning tends to irritate people. He has a _______ people's nerves with his constant moaning. (get)
it doesn't matter to
Honestly, I don't mind where we go for our summer holidays. MATTER Honestly, _______ me where we go for our summer holidays.
is the difference between
How does a rock climber differ from a mountaineer? BETWEEN What _______ a rock climber and a mountaineer?
RECOGNIZED TAKESHI DUE TO
I almost didn't recognize Takeshi because he had lost so much weight. DUE I hardly _____________ the amount of weight he'd lost.
didn't use to like/enjoy
I always hated pasta when I was a child but now I cook it regularly. I _______ pasta when I was a child but now I cook it regularly. (use)
LONGER ARE THE SALES UNDER
I am not responsible for the sales any longer. UNDER No _____________ my control.
were/was taller I could
I am not tall enough to reach the top of this cupboard. If I _______ reach the top of this cupboard. (taller)
am too exhausted to
I am so exhausted that I won't be able to go out tonight. TOO I _______ go out tonight.
fed up with watching
I am starting to find watching television boring. i am beginning to get _______ television. (fed)
must be interested in
I am sure Maria finds reading interesting because she has lots of books. MUST Maria _______ reading because she has lots of books.
NO DENYING MY
I can't deny that I was embarrassed to be given the award. NO There's _____________ embarrassment at being given the award.
looking forward to seeing
I can't wait to see the sights in London. FORWARD I am _______ the sights in London.
PUT UP WITH
I couldn't bear the noise any longer. PUT I couldn't _____________ the noise any longer.
MAKE SENSE OF
I couldn't understand what I was reading. SENSE I couldn't _____________ what I was reading.
WHEN HE TOOK OFF
I didn't know it was Carl until he took off his hat. WHEN Only _____________ his hat did I recognise Carl.
HAD NO IDEA CARS COST
I didn't know that cars were so expensive in this country. IDEA I _____________ so much in this country.
an instant/instantaneous dislike to
I didn't like my boss from the very first moment I met her. When I first met my boss, I took _______ her. (instant)
OF HER DECISION TO
I didn't realise that she had decided to come to the meeting. DECISION I was unaware _____________ attend the meeting.
DID I REALISE WHAT SHE
I didn't realise what she would suffer in the first place. DID Little _____________ would suffer in the first place.
only when we were in
I didn't stop worrying about the wild animals until we were safe inside camp. It was _______ safety of camp that I stopped worrying about the wild animals. (only)
didn't say anything about
I didn't think you should mention Caroline's new job to her parents. I thought it would be best if you _______ Caroline's new job to her parents. (say)
no intention of staying
I do not intend to stay in my present job very much longer. I have _______ in my present job very much longer. (no)
CAN'T POSSIBLY HAVE RUN
I don't believe that Jane ran that distance in only five minutes! POSSIBLY Jane _____________ that distance in only five minutes!
nowhere near as much
I don't earn anything like the amount I did before. I earn _______ as I did before. (nowhere)
Sue would stop looking down
I don't like the way Sue thinks she's more important than everyone else. I wish _______ on everyone else. (stop)
MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE TO ME
I don't mind where we decide to go for our family holiday this year. DIFFERENCE It doesn't _____________ where we decide to go for our family holiday this year.
make any difference to me
I don't mind whether we go to the seaside or not this year. DIFFERENCE It doesn't ________ whether we go to the seaside or not this year.
MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE TO
I don't mind whether we go to the seaside or not this year. DIFFERENCE It doesn't _____________ me whether we go to the seaside or not this year.
DON'T APPEAL TO ME
I don't much like the look of those sandwiches. APPEAL Those sandwiches _____________ very much.
see the/any necessity of/in
I don't think having luxuries in life is necessary. I don't _______ having luxuries in life. (necessity)
YOU WILL HAVE MUCH DIFFICULTY
I don't think you'll find it hard to find Cynthia's house. DIFFICULTY I don't think _____________ finding Cynthia's house.
MADE A CHANGE TO LEARN SOMETHING
I don't usually learn anything useful from the television, but last night I did. CHANGE It _____________ useful from the television last night.
NOT IN THE HABIT OF MAKING
I don't usually make such foolish mistakes. HABIT I'm _____________ such foolish mistakes
RATHER YOU DIDN'T TELL
I don't want to hear all the details of your operation. RATHER I'd _____________ me all the details of your operation.
make any difference to me
I don´t mind where we decide to go for our family holiday this year. DIFFERENCE It doesn't __________________________ where we decide to go for our family holiday this year.
you will have much difficulty
I don´t think you´ll find it hard to find Cynthia´s house. DIFFICULTY I don´t think _________________________ finding Cynthia´s house.
THERE'S LITTLE CHANCE OF
I doubt that Simon will lend us the money. CHANCE I think _____________ Simon lending the money to us.
HAVE NO HEAD FOR HEIGHTS
I enjoyed the view from the top of the tower despite the fact that I hate being in high places like that. HEAD Although I _____________ I enjoyed the view from the top of the tower.
BORED IF I SPEND
I find it boring to watch television every evening. SPEND I get _____________ every evening watching television.
HAVE DIFFICULTY REMEMBERING
I find it difficult to remember names. DIFFICULTY I _____________ names.
reason why I look
I find it hard to explain what it is I admire about him. I find it hard to explain the _______ up to him. (why)
THE FIRST TIME I MET SERENA
I first met Serena at a conference in Berlin. TIME _____________ was at a conference in Berlin.
The first time I met Serena
I first met Serena at a conference in Berlin. TIME __________________________was at a conference in Berlin.
while I was having a look
I first noticed the backpacker while I was looking at some brochures. It was _______ at some brochures that I first noticed the backpacker. (look)
COULDN'T HELP LAUGHING
I found it impossible not to laugh when he said that. HELP I _____________ when he said that.
wasn't challenging enough
I gave up the job at the hotel because there were too few challenges. I gave up the job at the hotel because it _______ for me. (enough)
NEAR AS BAD AS
I had expected the snake dish to be much worse than it actually was. BAD The snake dish was actually nowhere _____________ I had expected.
NO SOONER HAD I ARRIVED THAN
I had only just arrived when he insisted on going out again. SOONER _____________ he insisted on going out again.
No sooner had I arrived than
I had only just arrived when he insisted on going out again. SOONER __________________________________ he insisted on going out again.
BARELY HAD I GOT
I had only just got on the train when it left! BARELY _____________ on the train when it left!
Barely had I got
I had only just got on the train when it left! BARELY __________________________________ on the train when it left!
CAN'T STAND BEING LIED
I hate it when people lie to me which is why I split up with Simon. STAND I _____________ to, which is why I split up with Simon.
is the third time
I have been to this restaurant three times now. TIME This _______ I have been to this restaurant now.
SELDOM HAVE I COME ACROSS
I have hardly ever come across such a strange man. SELDOM _____________ such a strange man.
several years since I last drove
I haven't driven an automatic car for several years. It's _______ an automatic car. (last)
CAN'T BE BOTHERED TO HAVE
I haven't got the energy to argue with you. BOTHERED I _____________ an argument with you.
HASN'T BEEN IN TOUCH WITH
I haven't heard from my pen friend for ages. TOUCH My pen friend _____________ me for ages.
didn't put you off
I hope you were not discouraged by Sandra from going to the concert. PUT I hope Sandra _______ going to the concert.
HAVE CAUGHT THE USUAL TRAIN
I imagine Paul missed the train he usually gets as he isn't home yet. USUAL Paul can't _____________ or he'd be home by now.
HAVE BEEN TOUGH TO TURN DOWN
I imagine it was tough for you to refuse every beggar that asked you for money. TURN It must _____________ every beggar that asked you for money.
NOT HAVE LOST MY TEMPER
I know that it was wrong of me to get angry in front of the children. LOST I know that I should _____________ in front of the children.
IT HADN'T BEEN FOR KEVIN
I learnt a lot about gardening, thanks to Kevin. FOR If _____________, I wouldn't have learnt so much about gardening.
PERSON I LIKE BEST OF ALL
I like my Aunt Emily best of all my relatives. PERSON The _____________ my relatives is my Aunt Emily.
person I like best of all
I like my Aunt Emily best of all my relatives. PERSON The ________________my relatives is my Aunt Emily.
SUCCEEDED IN FINISHING
I managed to finish the preparations in time. SUCCEEDED I _____________ the preparations in time.
succeeded in finishing
I managed to finish the preparations in time. SUCCEEDED I _______________________________ the preparations in time.
SO WHAT I DID WAS BOOK
I need a weekend away, so I booked something on the Internet. DID I need a weekend away _____________ something on the Internet.
so what I did was book
I need a weekend away, so I booked something on the Internet. DID I need a weekend away _______________________________ something on the Internet
TIME I MADE AN APPOINTMENT
I need to arrange to have my hair done soon. TIME It's _____________ with the hairdresser.
could have done with
I needed a cup of coffee this morning but I didn't have time for one. DONE I _______ a cup of coffee this morning but I didn't have time for one.
HAD ANY INTENTION OF INVITING
I never intended to invite Miranda to the party. HAD I never _____________ Miranda to the party.
WHAT I OBJECT TO IS
I object to hanging around in airports. WHAT _____________ hanging around in airports.
DID I MANAGE
I only got my money back after weeks of calling. MANAGE Only after weeks of calling _____________ to get my money back.
did I manage
I only got my money back after weeks of calling. MANAGE Only after weeks of calling ______________________________ to get my money back.
TO BEING SPOKEN TO
I really hate it when people speak to me like that! BEING I really object _____________ like that!
ONLY I HADN'T MADE
I really regret making such a stupid mistake! ONLY If _____________ such a stupid mistake!
I had paid more/greater attention to
I regret not concentrating more on what the teacher said during my French lessons. I now wish _______ the teacher during my French lessons. (attention)
I HAD PAID MORE ATTENTION TO
I regret not concentrating more on what the teacher said during my French lessons. ATTENTION I now wish _____________ the teacher during my French lessons.
WISH I HADN'T SPOKEN
I regret speaking to him like that. WISH I _____________ to him like that.
wish I hadn´t spoken
I regret speaking to him like that. WISH I _________________________________to him like that.
WISH I HADN'T UPSET MY
I regret upsetting my parents last weekend. WISH I _____________ my parents last weekend.
WHAT I DID WAS TAKE
I resolved the problem by taking an extra suitcase. TAKE _____________ an extra suitcase.
What I did was take
I resolved the problem by taking an extra suitcase. TAKE ____________________________________ an extra suitcase.
REDUCED MY SPEED
I slowed down at the traffic lights. SPEED I _____________ at the traffic lights.
have been learning English for
I started learning English three years ago. I _______ three years. (been)
had better go
I think it's time the children went to bed now. HAD I think the children _______ to bed now.
have taken more care in/while/when
I think this report needed to be written more carefully. You should _______ writing this report. (care)
HAVE TAKEN MORE CARE WHEN
I think this report needed to be written more carefully. CARE You should _____________ writing this report.
WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT SUE
I thought Sue's original plan was to move to Australia. IMPRESSION I _____________ was originally planning to move to Australia.
UNDER THE IMPRESSION
I thought you wanted me to invite him. IMPRESSION I was _____________ you wanted me to invite him.
under the impression
I thought you wanted me to invite him. IMPRESSION I was _____________________________you wanted me to invite him.
TO COME TO ME
I told John to bring his problems to me. COME I told John _____________ his problems.
like to express my dissatisfaction
I want to inform you that I was not satisfied with the standard of service in your hotel. I would _______ with the standard of service in your hotel. (express)
MY COMPLETE DISSATISFACTION
I want to say that I'm not all satisfied with the service at this hotel. MY I want to express _____________ with the service at this hotel.
would sooner have stayed
I wanted to stay in last night but my flatmate insisted we go out. I _______ in last night but my flatmate insisted we go out. (sooner)
GIVE UP PLAYING BASKETBALL CAME
I was disappointed to hear that Leo had decided not to play basketball any more. UP Leo's decision to _____________ as a disappointment to me.
ON THE POINT OF CALLING HIM
I was just about to call him when he rang me instead. POINT I was _____________ when he rang me instead.
WAS ON THE POINT OF CALLING
I was just about to call you to see what time you were coming. POINT I _____________ you to see what time you were coming.
found the film really boring
I was really bored by the film last night. FOUND I _______ last night.
CAME AS A SURPRISE TO ME
I was surprised to find out that Martin hadn't married Jane. SURPRISE It _____________ that Martin hadn't married Jane.
so that I could learn
I went to Italy with the intention of learning Italian. I went to Italy _______ Italian. (that)
WOULD RATHER HAVE GONE
I wish Jack had bought tickets for Venice but we went to Paris instead. RATHER Jack bought us tickets to Paris but I _____________ to Venice.
not for his strange sense of
I would find Andy more attractive if he didn't laugh at strange things. If it were _______ humour, I would find Andy quite attractive. (sense)
NOT FOR HIS STRANGE SENSE OF
I would find Andy more attractive if he didn't laugh at strange things. SENSE If it were _____________ humour, I would find Andy quite attractive.
wish (that) Kevin would stop
I'd like Kevin to stop telling me what to do. I _______ telling me what to do! (wish)
put me through to
I'd like you to connect me to the managing director's extension number. Could you _______ the managing director's extention number? (through)
PLEASURE TO TAKE YOU ON A
I'll be happy to show you round the sights of my city when you come to visit me. TAKE It will be a _____________ sightseeing tour of my city when you come to visit me.
DISAPPOINTING IN COMPARISON TO
I'm disappointed with the Fishers' new album when I compare it to their previous one. COMPARISON I think the Fishers' new album is _____________ their previous one.
disappointing/a disappointment in comparison to/with
I'm disappointed with the Fishers' new album when I compare it to their previous one. I think the Fishers' new album is _______ their previous one. (comparison)
CUT DOWN ON THE AMOUNT
I'm going to eat less chocolate this year. DOWN I'm going to _____________ of chocolate I eat this year.
of putting up with
I'm not going to tolerate this untidiness any longer. UP I have no intention _______ this untidiness any longer.
DID AWAY WITH
I'm not sure which year saw the abolition of capital punishment in this country. DID I'm not sure when they _____________ capital punishment in this country.
PHONING ON BEHALF OF
I'm phoning because my son is too ill to talk to you. BEHALF I'm _____________ my son, who is ill.
is bound to be
I'm sure it will be raining tomorrow. BOUND It _______ raining tomorrow.
are bound to be offered
I'm sure the college will offer financial assistance to students who can't afford the fees. Students who can't afford the college fees ______ financial assistance. (bound)
BE WONDERING WHY IT HAS BEEN
I'm sure you're wondering why I haven't contacted you for so long. HAS You must _____________ so long since I contacted you.
like the look of
I'm worried about that bruise on your hand. LOOK I don't _______ that bruise on your hand.
THERE IS HARDLY ANY PETROL
I've just noticed that the car has almost run out of petrol. HARDLY I've just noticed that _____________ left in the car.
THE FIRST TIME I'VE EVER
I've never eaten walnuts before. TIME It's _____________ eaten walnuts.
NEVER HAVE I SEEN
I've not seen such a fantastic performance before. NEVER _____________ such a fantastic performance before.
NEVER LIVE IT DOWN
If I lose this job, nobody will let me forget it. LIVE I'll _____________ if I lose this job.
MADE A NAME FOR
If Marc hadn't taken up politics, he might have become a famous art historian. NAME If Marc hadn't taken up politics, he might have _____________ himself as an art historian.
made/gotten a name for
If Marc hadn't taken up politics, he might have become a famous art historian. NAME If Marc hadn't taken up politics, he might have __________________________ himself as an art historian.
THERE'S NO KNOWING
If he doesn´t get that job, who knows what he'll do! KNOWING If he doesn´t get that job, _____________ what he'll do!
HADN'T BEEN FOR HIS EXPENSIVE DIVORCE
If his expensive divorce hadn't happened, Bill would still be a rich man. FOR If it _____________, Bill would still be a rich man.
NOT BEEN FOR THAT PASSING WOMAN
If that passing woman hadn't arrived, we would have been completely lost. FOR Had it _____________, we would have got completely lost.
down our request for
If the bank refuses to lend us money, we might have to ask your parents instead. If the bank turns _______ a loan, we might have to ask your parents instead. (request)
DOWN OUR REQUEST FOR
If the bank refuses to lend us money, we might have to ask your parents instead. REQUEST If the bank turns _____________ a loan, we might have to ask your parents instead.
YOU NOTIFY US OF ANY
If you change any of these arrangements, please be sure to let us know. NOTIFY Please ensure that _____________ change in these arrangements.
risk being accused of
If you don't acknowledge your sources, there's a danger people will accuse you of plagiarism. If you don't acknowledge your sources, you _______ plagiarism. (risk)
RISK BEING ACCUSED OF
If you don´t acknowledge your sources, there's a danger people will accuse you of plagiarism. RISK If you don´t acknowledge your sources, you _____________ plagiarism.
DO NOT HESITATE TO GIVE
If you need any further information, please call me. HESITATE If you need any further information, _____________ me a call.
should/if you happen to come/if you should happen to come
If you should ever come to France, please feel free to visit us. Please feel free to visit us _______ to France. (happen)
IF YOU HAPPEN TO COME
If you should ever come to France, please feel free to visit us. HAPPEN Please feel free to visit us _____________ to France.
soon as she had handed
Immediately afer Emi quit her job, she booked a package tour around Europe. As _______ in her notice Emi booked a package tour around Europe. (had)
SOONER HAD BESS ARRIVED
Immediately after Bess arrived home, the phone rang. SOONER No _____________ home than the phone rang.
TURNED OUT TO
In the end, the holiday was better than I thought it would be. TURNED The holiday _____________ be better than I thought it would be.
WISH IAN WOULDN'T
It annoys me that Ian is always leaving the door open. WISH I _____________ keep leaving the door open.
IN THE MEANTIME I RECOMMEND YOU
It could be a long time before the dolphins swim past, so while we're waiting I suggest you relax. MEANTIME We could be waiting for a long time for the dolphins to swim past, so _____________ to relax.
HOWEVER BAD HIS BEHAVIOUR
It doesn't matter how badly he behaved, you shouldn't have been so rude to him. HOWEVER You shouldn't have been so rude to him, _____________ was.
BEEN SLIGHTLY LESS SNOW
It hasn't snowed quite as much this year as it did last year. SLIGHTLY This year, there has _____________ than there was last year.
has picked up
It hasn't taken Sam long to learn Spanish. PICKED Sam _______ Spanish very quickly.
making/to make up his mind
It is difficult for Paul to decide what to do. Paul finds it difficult _______ what to do. (mind)
ACCOUNT SHOULD THIS DOOR BE
It is essential that this door is kept unlocked. SHOULD On no _____________ locked.
blame me for breaking
It is not my fault that the glass broke. You cannot _______ the glass. (blame)
TO BE MAKING A RECOVERY
It is reported that he is now recovering in hospital. RECOVERY He is reported _____________ in hospital now.
THIS MATTER TO BE DEALT WITH
It is the line manager who should deal with this matter. BE It is advisable for _____________ by the line manager.
this matter to be dealt with
It is the line manager who should deal with this matter. It is advisable for _______ by the line manager. (be)
TO BE UNABLE TO KEEP
It is thought that one in every five people cannot control how much they spend. UNABLE One in every five people is thought _____________ their spending under control.
ISN'T TO BLAME FOR BREAKING
It isn't Suzie's fault that the window got broken. BLAME Suzie _____________ the window.
DON'T HAVE TO
It isn't necessary to call him as he already knows about it. HAVE You _____________ call him as he already knows about it.
don´t have to
It isn´t necessary to call him as he already knows about it. HAVE You ________________________________ call him as he already knows about it.
TO HAVE FORGOTTEN
It looks as if he's forgotten about the meeting again. TO He seems _____________ about the meeting again.
AS IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE
It looks like you didn't sleep well last night IF You look _____________ much sleep last night.
A DECISION IS MADE
It may take several months to decide on the location for the new stadium. MADE It may take several months before _____________ about the location for the new stadium.
IN CASE IT RAINS
It might well rain tomorrow so I think you should take your umbrella. IN Don't forget to take your umbrella _____________ tomorrow.
AS IF HE SET
It seems his aim was to disrupt the meeting. SET It looks _____________ out to disrupt the meeting.
CONDITION THAT IT IS HARD TO
It seems unbelievable that this jewellery is almost a thousand years old when it is so well preserved. HARD This jewellery is in such good _____________ believe that it is almost a thousand years old.
SPENT FIVE MINUTES LOOKING
It took Layla five minutes to find her car keys. SPENT Layla _____________ for her car keys.
WAS THE BRAINS BEHIND
It was Jane who came up with the idea for the sales promotion. BRAINS Jane _____________ the sales promotion.
wish I had applied
It was a mistake not to apply for the job. WISH I _______ for the job.
HAVE TAKEN PART IN
It was a waste of time attending the protest march this afternoon, as the council had already made its decision in the morning. PART We needn't _____________ the protest march this afternoon, as the council had already made its decision in the morning.
not have turned down
It was not a good idea for you to refuse the offer of that job. DOWN You should _______ the offer of that job.
WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR DID
It was only when I stopped the car that I realised something was wrong. DID Only _____________ I realise that something was wrong.
WASN'T UNTIL PAUL LOST
It was only when Paul got angry that I realized something serious had happened. UNTIL It _____________ his temper that I realized something serious had happened.
WHY IT WAS STOLEN SO
It was very easy for someone to steal the car because Dad forgot to lock it. STOLEN Dad forgot to lock the car which explains _____________ easily.
NOT HAVE KEPT THAT INFORMATION FROM
It was wrong of you not to tell me that information. KEPT You should _____________ me.
will have/need to be sent
It will be necessary to send this letter first class. This letter _______ firstclass. (have)
TO FILL HIS SHOES
It won't be easy for anyone to take over John's job when he retires. SHOES When John retires, it will be difficult for anyone _____________.
WHAT WORRIES ME IS THAT
It worries me that I don't speak another language well. WHAT _____________ I don't speak another language well.
What worries me is that
It worries me that I don´t speak another language well. WHAT ____________________________________ I don´t speak another language well.
losing (some/a little) weight would/will do
It would be a good idea if you could lose a couple of kilos. I don't think that _______ you any harm. (weight)
LOSING SOME WEIGHT WOULD/ WILL DO
It would be a good idea if you could lose a couple of kilos. WEIGHT I don't think that _____________ you any harm.
could put up my feet/could put my feet up
It would be wonderful to sit down and relax for a few minutes. I wish that I _______ for a few minutes. (feet)
WISH I HADN'T HAD TO
It's a pity I had to sell my car. WISH I _____________ sell my car
COULD COUNT ON
It's a pity Nico is so unreliable. COUNT I wish I _____________ Nico.
haven't fallen out for
It's ages since my sister and I had an argument. OUT My sister and I _______ ages.
HAVE BEEN OUT OF ORDER FOR
It's ages since the vending machine in the canteen worked. OUT The vending machine in the canteen _____________ ages.
WHAT MAKES SOME CARS
It's difficult to say why some cars are easier to drive than others. MAKES It's difficult to say _____________ easier to drive than others.
far as I can tell
It's hard to be sure, but I think unemployment rates are beginning to fall. As _______ , unemployment rates are beginning to fall. (tell)
BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT
It's important to consider everyone's opinion before a final decision is made. ACCOUNT Everyone's opinion must _____________ before a final decision is made.
STAND UP FOR YOUR BELIEFS
It's important to defend what you believe in when others express their doubts. STAND You must _____________ when others express doubts about them.
PROBABLY HAVE BEEN HELD
It's likely they were delayed in a traffic jam. PROBABLY They will _____________ up in a traffic jam.
TAKE MOST CREDIT FOR THE SUCCESS
It's mostly thanks to John that the project succeeded. CREDIT It's John who should _____________ of the project.
take most credit for the success
It's mostly thanks to John that the project succeeded. It's John who should _______ of the project. (credit)
CAN'T HAVE SEEN MARY
It's not possible that you saw Mary last night, she was with us! HAVE You _____________ last night, she was with us!
have gained access to the building
It's possible that the burglars got into the building by forcing open a fire exit. GAINED The burglars may ____________ by forcing open a fire exit.
HAVE GAINED ENTRY/ ACCESS TO THE BUILDING
It's possible that the burglars got into the building by forcing open a fire exit. GAINED The burglars may _____________ by forcing open a fire exit.
IT IS TO COME UP
It's so difficult to create new ideas for the festival every year! COME How difficult _____________ with new ideas for the festival every year!
ADMIT TO BEING
It's true that I like to work on tasks by myself. BEING I _____________ a person who prefers to work alone.
APPRECIATE YOUR HELPING
It's very kind of you to help me with the suitcase. APPRECIATE I really _____________ me with the suitcase.
NO CHANCE OF WINNING
It's very unlikely that Martin will win the 100 metres, as he's out of training. CHANCE Martin has almost _____________ the 100 metres, as he's out of training.
no chance of winning
It's very unlikely that Martin will win the 100 metres, as he's out of training. CHANCE Martin has almost _____________________ the 100 metres, as he's out of training.
on behalf of
I´m phoning because my son is too ill to talk to you. BEHALF I´m phoning _________________________my son, who is ill.
Never have I seen
I´ve not seen such a fantastic performance before. NEVER __________________________________ such a fantastic performance before.
WASN'T IN THE MOOD
Jack did not feel like going to the party. MOOD Jack _____________ to go to the party.
TO SHARE HIS FEELINGS WITH
Jack has several close friends that he talks to about how he feels whenever he has a problem. SHARE Jack has several close friends _____________ whenever he has a problem.
SAID THAT HE WAS SUFFERING FROM
Jack went to the doctor who said he had chicken pox. SUFFERING Jack went to the doctor who _____________ chicken pox.
MADE THE MOST OF
Jake used his month's free membership really well by going to the gym every single day. MOST Jake _____________ his month's free membership by going to the gym every single day.
INSISTED ON SPEAKING
James would only speak to the head of department alone. ON James _____________ to the head of department alone.
GET USED TO LIVING IN
Jane loves New York now but it seemed a strange place to her for several months after she moved there. USED It took Jane several months _____________ New York.
HER NOT TO PAY ATTENTION TO
Jane's lawyer suggested that she ignored all the reporters. ATTENTION Jane's lawyer advised _____________ all the reporters.
HAVE NOTHING IN COMMON WITH
Javier and I are completely different. COMMON I _____________ Javier.
have nothing in common with
Javier and I are completely different. COMMON I __________________________ Javier
it hard to get to
Jeremy struggled to fully understand the sheer scale of the challenge he faced. HARD Jeremy found _______ grips with the sheer scale of the challenge he faced.
NOT TRYING TO GET ON
Jill wished she had tried to have a better relationship with her father. GET Jill regretted _____________ better with her father.
ON TAKING OVER FROM PAUL
Joe would only agree to continue the trip if he could drive instead of Paul. TAKING Joe insisted _____________ as the driver before he would agree to continue the trip.
LEAVE JOHN BEHIND UNLESS HE
John needs to arrive soon or we'll have to go without him. BEHIND We'll have to _____________ turns up soon.
MORE TO DO WITH HIS
John resigned because he wants to travel, not because he wants a new job. DO John's resignation is _____________ desire to travel than wanting a new job.
TAKEN ABACK AFTER BEING
Johnson was quite surprised when he won the election and became President. ABACK Johnson was rather _____________ elected as President.
is due to (a/her) lack
Karen hasn't got any money, which is why her clothes are quite shabby. DUE The shabbiness of Karen's clothes _______ of money.
talking/speaking about herself in
Karen's shyness means that she tries not to speak about anything personal in front of other people. Karen prefers to avoid _______ public, as she is terribly shy. (herself)
SPEAKING ABOUT HERSELF IN
Karen's shyness means that she tries not to speak about anything personal in front of other people. HERSELF Karen prefers to avoid _____________ public, as she is terribly shy.
was taken aback at/by
Kathy's nomination for an award for bravery came as a surprise to her. ABACK Kathy _______ being nominated for an award for bravery.
GET THOSE BROKEN ROOF TILES REPAIRED
Kelvin should call in a builder to repair those broken roof tiles. GET Kelvin should _____________ by a builder.
TAKE HER WORK SERIOUSLY ENOUGH ACCORDING
Laura's teacher says that she doesn't have a serious enough attitude to her work. SERIOUSLY Laura doesn't _____________ to her teacher.
brought it home to
Leaving school made me realise that my childhood was over. Leaving school _______ me that my childhood was over. (brought)
TO NOTHING BUT
Leila's interference in her sister's wedding plans has only caused trouble. NOTHING Leila's interference in her sister's wedding plans has led _____________ trouble.
WE CLUB TOGETHER
Let's share the cost and get her a great leaving present. CLUB If _____________, we can get her a great leaving present.
I should have/(that) I have the operation on
Lina advised me to go to a private hospital for my eye operation. Lina suggested _______ my eye in a pricvate hospital. (have)
opposition to the proposal dates back
Local residents have been opposed to the proposal since 1996. Local residents' _______ to 1996. (dates)
don't regret studying
Looking back, I think I was right to study mathematics at university. Looking back, I _______ mathematics at university. (regret)
HER DELIGHT, LUCY WAS
Lucy was very pleased to be given an award. DELIGHT Much to _____________ given the award.
PENS WERE STOLEN FROM
Many delegates stole pens from the conference room. WERE A lot of _____________ the conference room by delegates.
IS CAPABLE OF WINNING
Many people believe that Edison has the ability to become world judo champion. CAPABLE Many people believe that Edison _____________ the world championship in judo.
HAS BEEN WIDELY BLAMED
Many people have blamed the hot weather for the rise in petty crime. WIDELY The hot weather _____________ for the rise in petty crime.
to popular belief/opinion (,) not
Many people wrongly believe that all Australians spend their free time on the beach. POPULAR Contrary _______ all Australians spend their free time on the beach.
TO WORK AS A VOLUNTEER
Mark once worked for an international charity organisation on a voluntary basis. AS Mark used _____________ with an international charity organisation.
HAS A LOT OF ACQUAINTANCES
Mary knows a lot of people in France. ACQUAINTANCES Mary _____________ in France.
HE WOULD RATHER NOT
Mauro says he prefers to do his homework on his own. RATHER Mauro says that _____________ do his homework with other people.
could have forgotten
Maybe John has not remembered about tonight's party. COULD I suppose John _______ about tonight's party.
laughter when she caught sight of
Milly burst out laughing when she saw herself in the mirror. Milly burst into _______ herself in the mirror. (sight)
has been teaching us/has been our teacher for
Miss Jones first came to teach us a month ago. FOR Miss Jones _______ a month now.
DON'T GRADUATE UNTIL THE AGE
Most medical students study for their degrees until they are 25. GRADUATE Most medical students _____________ of 25
LACK OF LEADERSHIP THAT CAUSED
Most of the problems arose because there was no leadership on the committee. CAUSED It was the _____________ most of the problems on the committee.
A NAME FOR
Mr Conrad's son is becoming quite well known as an artist. NAME Mr Conrad's son is making _____________ himself as an artist.
HIS REPUTATION FOR BEING
Mr Smith was well-known as a bad-tempered man, but he was also fair. REPUTATION Despite _____________ bad-tempered, Mr Smith was also fair.
APPROVE OF THE FACT THAT
Mrs Moore is not happy that her daughter goes to that club every evening. APPROVE Mrs Moore doesn't _____________ her daughter goes to that club every evening.
MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO MY BOSS
My boss doesn't mind what time I start or finish work. DIFFERENCE It _____________ what time I start or finish work.
me to brush up my French
My boss said I should do some work on my French so I could take part in meetings. My boss encouraged _______ so I could take part in meetings. (brush)
CAME AS A SURPRISE TO
My brother Sam was very surprised to be offered the job. CAME The job offer _____________ my brother Sam.
came as a surprise to
My brother Sam was very surprised to be offered the job. CAME The job offer ________________________ my brother Sam.
LIKES JUNK FOOD JUST AS
My brother and I have the same liking for junk food but he spends more time in the gym. JUST My brother _____________ much as I do but he spends more time in the gym.
COMES UP WITH GREAT
My brother has great ideas all the time. COMES My brother always _____________ ideas.
does not earn/make nearly as/so
My brother now earns far less money than he did when he was younger. My brother _______ much now as he did when he was younger. (nearly)
DOESN'T EARN NEARLY AS
My brother now earns far less than he did when he was younger. NEARLY My brother _____________ much now as he did when he was younger.
PROVIDED ME WITH THE
My cousin's unexpected visit enabled me to get out of doing my homework. PROVIDED My cousin's unexpected visit _____________ perfect excuse for not doing my homework.
HAVE ANY RECOLLECTION OF
My grandfather had completely forgotten that he phoned me last night. RECOLLECTION My grandfather didn't _____________ phoning me last night.
have any recollection (at all) of
My grandfather had completely forgotten that he phoned me last night. RECOLLECTION My grandfather didn't __________________ phoning me last night.
NEVER KNOWN A MORE HARDWORKING PERSON
My grandmother was the most hardworking person I've ever known. MORE I've _____________ than my grandmother.
never known a more hardworking person
My grandmother was the most hardworking person I've ever known. MORE I've ___________________ than my grandmother.
HOUSE DONE UP
My parents are planning to pay someone to repair and redecorate their house next month. UP My parents are planning to have their _____________ next month.
TO GET MY PASSPORT RENEWED
My passport needs renewing because I´m going abroad this summer. GET I need _____________ because I´m going abroad this summer.
isn't very keen on
My sister doesn't like computer games very much. KEEN My sister _______ computer games.
advised me to spend
My teacher suggested that I spent the summer in England. ADVISED My teacher _______ the summer in England.
ON THE POINT OF LEAVING
Nadia's friend arrived just as she was about to leave the restaurant. POINT Nadia was just _____________ the restaurant when her friend arrived.
on the point of leaving
Nadia's friend arrived just as she was about to leave the restaurant. POINT Nadia was just ________________________ the restaurant when her friend arrived.
is no longer any demand
No-one wants to buy this type of music any more. There _______ for this type of music. (longer)
NO SAYING WHAT THE
Nobody can predict the real consequences of global warming. SAYING There's _____________ real consequences of global warming will be.
ATTENTION IS PAID TO
Nobody notices children who fail at school. ATTENTION No _____________ children who fail at school.
attention is paid to
Nobody notices children who fail at school. ATTENTION No _________________________________ children who fail at school.
empty/unoccupied at the time of
Nobody was in the building when the fire occurred. TIME The building was _______ the fire.
NO SUPPORT FROM
None of the other team members supported Terry's idea. SUPPORT Terry's idea met with _____________ the other members of the team.
BY THE TIME WE GOT TO
None of the phones were left when we got to the shop. TIME _____________ the shop, all the phones had been sold.
A FEW PEOPLE MANAGED TO PREDICT
Not many people predicted the result of the race. MANAGED Only _____________ the result of the race.
OF THE LOVELIEST CITIES I HAVE
Of all the cities I know, there are few that are more beautiful than St Petersburg. LOVELIEST St Petersburg is one _____________ visited.
had concentrated she would have
Olivia did not concentrate so she made a lot of mistakes. If Olivia _______ made fewer mistakes. (would)
insisted on giving
One expectant mother I know demanded to have her baby at home rather than in hospital. One expectant mother I know _______ birth to her baby at home rather than in hospital. (on)
wasn't able to finish
One runner did not succeed in finishing the race. One runner _______ the race. (able)
until Sarah left that the extent
Only when Sarah left did it become clear how much she had contributed to the company's success. EXTENT It was not _______ of her contribution to the company's success became clear.
to cut back on
Our spending will have to be reduced next year. We will have _______ our spending next year. (back)
HE KEEPS TURNING
Patrick is going to lose his job if he insists on arriving late to work. KEEPS If _____________ up late to work, Patrick is going to lose his job.
objected to his photograph being/objected to having his photograph
Paul was strongly opposed to the use of his photograph for publicity purposes. Paul strongly _______ used for publicity purposes. (objected)
MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR
Paul wasn't able to leave the house all day because of the terrible weather. IMPOSSIBLE The terrible weather _____________ Paul to leave the house all day.
TO CAST MY EYE OVER
Pauline asked me to have a quick look at the report before it was made public. EYE Pauline asked me _____________ the report before it was made public.
TO PUT IN
Pay claims must be submitted before the end of the month. PUT You have _____________ your claims before the end of the month.
OF THE CELEBRITIES IS EXPECTED
People say that the celebrities will arrive in the next half-an-hour. EXPECTED The arrival _____________ in the next half-an-hour.
IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN EFFICIENT
People say that, if you run, you burn calories efficiently. SUPPOSED Running _____________ way of burning calories.
ARE THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN DISADVANTAGED
People think that bilingual children were disadvantaged in the past. THOUGHT Bilingual children _____________ in the past.
are thought to have been disadvantaged
People think that bilingual children were disadvantaged in the past. THOUGHT Bilingual children_________________________ in the past.
HAVE TOLD JOHN THE
Perhaps John heard the story from Pippa. HAVE Pippa might _____________ story.
CHANCES ARE THAT PHIL WILL GET
Phil is likely to get the job that he's being interviewed for. CHANCES The _____________ the job he's being interviewed for.
do you any harm
Physical exercise won't hurt you if you are careful. DO Physical exercise won't _______ if you are careful.
JUST AS MUCH FUN
Playing the drums is fun, but so is singing in a choir. JUST It's _____________ singing in a choir as it is playing the drums.
to make yourselves at
Please behave as if you are in your own house during your stay. I'd like you all _______ home during your stay. (make)
WOULD RATHER NOT BE
Please tick this box if you don't want us to inform you about future events. RATHER Please tick this box if you _____________ sent any information about future events.
THERE HAS BEEN A DECREASE IN
Recently, the number of people who are out of work has gone down. DECREASE Recently, _____________ the number of people who are out of work.
THE POSSIBILITY OF RAIN IN
Remember that there's a chance it will rain when you pack for the camping trip. POSSIBILITY Please bear _____________ mind when you pack for the camping trip.
forget to take/bring back
Remember to return the videos you have rented. Don't _______ the videos you have rented. (back)
CONSIDERABLY BETTER IN TODAY'S TEST THAN
Rene's performance in last week's test was nowhere near as good as it was in today's. CONSIDERABLY Rene performed _____________ he did in last week's.
SEE NO POINT IN
Repairing that old computer is pointless in my view. POINT I can _____________ that old computer being repaired.
SINCE ROBIN LAST WENT BACK
Robin has not been back to his birthplace for over twenty years. LAST It is over twenty years _____________ to his birthplace.
since Robin last went back
Robin has not been back to his birthplace for over twenty years. LAST It is over twenty years ______________ to his birthplace.
GREAT DIFFICULTY IN PERSUADING
Rosa found it very difficult to persuade her boss to give her a pay rise. GREAT Rosa had _____________ her boss to give her a pay rise.
IN SPITE OF HAVING NEVER
Rousseau painted fabulous pictures of the rainforest although he had never travelled outside Europe. SPITE Rousseau painted fabulous pictures of the rainforest _____________ travelled outside Europe.
ON GOOD TERMS WITH
Sally gets on well with her father-in-law. TERMS Sally is _____________ her father-in-law.
WAS ON THE POINT OF LEAVING
Sally was all ready to leave the office when her boss asked her to type up a report. POINT Sally _____________ the office when her boss asked her to type up a report.
WISHES SHE WAS ABLE TO
Sandra regrets not being able to visit her grandmother more often. WISHES Sandra _____________ visit her grandmother more often.
from top to bottom
Sara cleaned every bit of her room before her cousin came to stay. Sara cleaned her room _______ before her cousin came to stay. (top)
IS IN CHARGE OF ENCOURAGING READING
Sarah has responsibility for encouraging pupils to read at the school where she works. CHARGE Sarah _____________ at the school where she works.
DOESN'T APPROVE OF HER
Sarah's father thinks she should come home earlier in the evening. APPROVE Sarah's father _____________ staying out so late in the evening.
MADE KNOWN HIS INTENTION
Senator Jackson announced his intention to resign a short time ago. KNOWN Senator Jackson has just _____________ to resign.
TO TAKE PART IN
She didn't want to join in with the singing. TAKE She didn't want _____________ the singing.
COMMITTED HERSELF TO TAKING
She has taken it upon herself to take care of her mother. COMMITTED She has _____________ care of her mother.
MUST HAVE GONE
She isn't in so I assume she went to the party. MUST She _____________ to the party.
must have gone
She isn´t in so I assume she went to the party. MUST She _______________________________ to the party.
THE REASON WHY SHE LEFT
She left her husband because he cheated on her. REASON _____________ her husband was because he cheated on her.
The reason why she left
She left her husband because he cheated on her. REASON __________________ her husband was because he cheated on her.
AT NO TIME DID SHE DOUBT
She never doubted that she would be able to meet the challenge. TIME _____________ that she would be able to meet the challenge.
At no time did she doubt
She never doubted that she would be able to meet the challenge. TIME __________________________________ that she would be able to meet the challenge.
THAN WASTE HER TIME
She preferred to take a course in general linguistics instead of wasting her time at mathematics. THAN Rather _____________ at mathematics she preferred to take a course in general linguistics.
THREATENED NOT TO FUND
She said she wouldn't fund my art course if I didn't work harder. THREATENED She _____________ my art course if I didn't work harder.
threatened not to fund
She said she wouldn´t fund my art course if I didn´t work harder. THREATENED She ________________________________ my art course if I didn´t work harder.
SHE MUST BE
She said she'd come round so I'm sure she's on her way now. MUST She said she'd come round so _____________ on her way now.
she must be
She said she´d come round so I´m sure she´s on her way now. MUST She said she´d come round so ____________________on her way now.
IT'S HIGH TIME SHE GOT
She should get him to do more housework. HIGH _____________ him to do more housework.
She should get him to do more housework. HIGH __________________________________ him to do more housework. It´s high time she got
She should get him to do more housework. HIGH __________________________________ him to do more housework.
WAS OUT OF HER SIGHT
She waved until the train could not be seen any more. SIGHT She waved until the train _____________.
was out of her sight
She waved until the train could not be seen any more. SIGHT She waved until the train ___________________
CHANCES ARE SHE WILL
She'll probably end up marrying him! CHANCES The _____________ end up marrying him!
HARDLY HAS SHE EVER BEEN
She's never been in greater need of a friend than now. HARDLY _____________ in greater need of a friend.
give her a lift, she would
Sheila missed her train because her husband couldn't drive her to the station. If Sheila's husband had been able to _______ have caught her train. (lift)
chances are she´ll
She´ll probably end up marrying him! CHANCES The ______________________________end up marrying him!
Hardly has she ever been
She´s never been in greater need of a friend than now. HARDLY __________________________________ in greater need of a friend.
NO CIRCUMSTANCES MUST YOU
Signing the contract without the director's approval is not allowed. CIRCUMSTANCES Under _____________ sign the contract without the director's approval.
AND I HAVE A DIFFERENCE OF
Simon doesn't agree with me about which slogan is best for the campaign. DIFFERENCE Simon _____________ opinion over which slogan is best for the campaign.
HAD A GREAT DEAL OF DIFFICULTY
Simon found the recipe book very hard to follow. DIFFICULTY Simon _____________ in following the recipe book.
MAKES UP HIS MIND
Simon really ought to make a decision about his future. MIND It's high time Simon _____________ about his future.
FROM STRESS MORE THAN EVER
Since he was promoted to head chef, he has never been so stressed. EVER He has been suffering _____________ since he was promoted to head chef.
A SPEECH ON BEHALF OF
Since the director could not speak at the awards ceremony himself, one of the actors took his place. BEHALF One of the actors made _____________ the director at the awards ceremony.
a speech on behalf of
Since the director could not speak at the awards ceremony himself, one of the actors took his place. One of the actors made _______ the director at the awards ceremony. (behalf)
LIKELY TO RESULT IN
Some loss of support for the government is a likely consequence of these drastic measures. RESULT These drastic measures are _____________ the government losing some support.
under constant pressure at
Some people tend to do better in a pressurised working environment. Some people work better when they are _______ work. (constant)
TAKING EACH OTHER FOR GRANTED, WHICH
Sometimes friends stop appreciating each other and that's a pity. GRANTED Sometimes friends start _____________ is a pity.
is all (that) Steve ever talks
Steve's one topic of conversation is the time he spent as a pilot. The time he spent as a pilot _______ about. (ever)
BETTER THAT WE RAN INTO
Strangely enough, we only experienced problems when the weather improved. RAN Strangely enough, it was only when the weather got _____________ problems.
MUST HAVE MISSED THE TRAIN OR
Surely if Sandra had caught the train, she'd be here by now. MISSED Sandra _____________ she'd be here by now.
BRING THE PROBLEM TO HIS ATTENTION
Surely you should have informed him about the problem sooner? ATTENTION Why didn't you _____________ sooner?
PREVENTED SUSAN FROM
Susan couldn't get to the date because of the heavy rain. PREVENTED The heavy rain _____________ getting to the date.
have fallen through
Susan has had no success with her plans to work abroad, unfortunately. THROUGH Susan's plans to work abroad _______ , unfortunately.
IS NO SUCH THING
Team spirit no longer exists after one member of a team makes a mistake. SUCH Once one member of a team makes a mistake there _____________ as team spirit.
LED TO THE SINGER BEING
Thank to the success of the concert, the singer was offered a recording contract. LED The success of the concert _____________ offered a recording contract.
ARE SECOND TO NONE
The Japanese are the best at making pocket-sized technology. SECOND The Japanese _____________ when it comes to making pocket-sized technology.
TO ADD MY NAME
The animal rights activist was so persuasive that I felt obliged to sign the petition. ADD I felt I had _____________ to the petition because the animal rights activist was so persuasive.
IS LIKELY THAT THE PARKING
The ban on parking in the city centre is probably going to be very unpopular. LIKELY It _____________ ban in the city centre will be a very unpopular move.
DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT WAS
The beach was fun even though it was too cold. FACT _____________ too cold, the beach was fun.
made their way
The boats began to move slowly out of the harbour. The boats slowly _______ out of the harbour. (way)
TOO EXPENSIVE FOR ME
The books were so dear that I couldn't afford them. EXPENSIVE The books were _____________ to buy.
always find nature programmes fascinating
The children are always fascinated by nature programmes on TV. The children _______ when they watch them on TV. (find)
take any/much/a lot of notice of
The children paid little attention to the dogs. The children didn't _______ the dogs. (notice)
was no doubt in the
The children were absolutely certain that the film would be fantastic. There _______ minds of the children that the film would be fantastic. (doubt)
HAS NO INTENTION OF MAKING
The company does not intend to create any redundancies amongst employees even though profits are down. NO Even though profits are down, the company _____________ any of their employees redundant.
COUNT ON BEING
The company is unable to guarantee an allocated car-parking space to all employees. COUNT The company's employees shouldn't _____________ allocated a car parking space.
count on being
The company is unable to guarantee an allocated car-parking space to all employees. COUNT The company's employees shouldn't ______________________ allocated a car parking space.
OTHERWISE IT WILL BE KILLED
The coral is going to die if we don't take immediate steps to protect it from pollution. OTHERWISE We must take immediate steps to protect the coral, _____________ off by pollution.
WOULD HAVE THE RUBBISH TAKEN
The council officer promised to get someone to remove the rubbish. HAVE The council officer promised he _____________ away.
DOES THIS BAG BELONG TO YOU
"Excuse me madam, but is this your bag?" the policeman asked. BELONG "Excuse me madam, but _____________?" the policeman asked.
know if anyone had noticed
"Did anyone notice anything unusual?" asked the police officer. IF The police officer wanted to _______ anything unusual. (
asked Peter if he had
"Did you eat the chocolates?" Maria said to Peter. ASKED Maria _______ eaten the chocolates.
if I felt like going
"Do you want to go for a walk?" asked Bob. Bob asked me _______ for a walk. (felt)
AS LONG AS HE DID
"Do your homework first, and then you can go to the cinema", said Jim's mother. LONG Jim's mother agreed to let him go to the cinema _____________ his homework first.
WOULD REALLY BENEFIT FROM
"A massage would do you a lot of good," Jake told Amy. FROM "You _____________ a massage," Jake told Amy.
warning about/regarding/concerning the dangers of/when cycling
"I must warn you how dangerous it is to cycle at night without any lights," said the police officer to Max. Max received a _______ at night without any lights from the police officer. (dangers)
NOT HAVING HAD
"I wish I'd had the chance to visit Dublin", Peter said. NOT Peter regretted _____________ the chance to visit Dublin.
LONGER WE STAYED, THE MORE WE
"If you stay a bit longer, you'll enjoy yourself even more", said our host at the party. MORE Our host at the party said that the _____________ would enjoy ourselves.
IN THE INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY
"The company benefits from looking after its customers", said the chairman. INTERESTS According to the chairman, it is _____________ to look after its customers.
THE RACE WAS ABOUT TO
"The race is going to start in a minute", said Rod. ABOUT Rod said that _____________ start.
suggested (that) we should go
"What about going for a swim?" said John to me. John _______ for a swim. (should)
WOULD PREFER TO HAVE GIVEN
Although I wanted to quit smoking gradually, my doctor told me to stop immediately. PREFER I _____________ up smoking gradually, but my doctor told me to stop immediately.
NO NEED TO HAVE
Although we booked a table, it wasn't necessary because the restaurant was empty. NEED There was _____________ made a reservation because the restaurant was empty.
in spite of a/her lack
Anna got the job even though she didn't have much experience in public relations. Anna got the job _______ of experience in public relations. (spite)
IN SPITE OF HER LACK
Anna got the job even though she didn't have much experience in public relations. SPITE Anna got the job _____________ of experience in public relations.
HAS NO INTENTION OF GIVING
Anne told me that she doesn't intend to stop working. INTENTION Anne told me that she _____________ up her job.
HAD HER WATCH STOLEN
Another student stole Carol's watch from the classroom. HAD Carol _____________ by another student from the classroom.
MADE A JOURNEY
Anthony travelled to Spain. JOURNEY Anthony _____________ to Spain.
SHE MUST HAVE BEEN
Anya didn't come to the dinner yesterday evening so perhaps she was ill. MUST Anya didn't come to the dinner yesterday evening so _____________ ill.
she must have been
Anya didn´t come to the dinner yesterday evening so perhaps she was ill. MUST Anya didn´t come to the dinner yesterday evening so _______________________ ill.
ME OF NOT TELLING THE TRUTH
Are you saying that I'm lying about what happened? TRUTH Are you accusing _____________ about what happened?
is no college I'd rather
As far as I'm concerned, this is the best college to study at. There _______ study at than this one. (rather)
THE SLEEPIER HE
As he continued to listen to the speech, Richard became increasingly sleepy. SLEEPIER The more Richard listened to the speech, _____________ became.
YOU GIVE A CLEAR EXPLANATION OF
As long as you explain the process clearly at the conference, your boss will be pleased. GIVE If _____________ the process at the conference, your boss will be pleased.
SOONER HAD ALEX FINISHED HIS HOMEWORK
As soon as Alex finished his homework, he went out on his bike. HAD No _____________ than he went out on his bike.
SOONER HAD THE TENNIS PLAYERS GONE
As soon as the tennis players went onto the court, it started raining. HAD No _____________ onto the court than it started raining.
PREVENT IT FROM BECOMING
Because of its price, the book may never become a bestseller. PREVENT The price of the book may _____________ a bestseller.
A SINGLE STUDENT TURNED UP
Because of the problems with the buses that morning, all of the students came late to the lesson. TURNED Because of the problems with the buses that morning, not _____________ to the lesson on time.
HADN'T PUT OFF BUYING
Because she postponed buying the plane ticket, Vanessa lost the opportunity to go to China. PUT If Vanessa _____________ the plane ticket, she wouldn't have lost the opportunity to go to China.
ON ACCOUNT OF THE FACT THAT
Because that store sells clothes made by child labour in foreign factories, he doesn't shop there anymore. ACCOUNT He doesn't buy clothes from that store any more, _____________ they sell clothes made by child labour in foreign factories.
has nothing to do with
Being rich has no connection with being happy. NOTHING Being rich _______ being happy.
had gone by
Bob hadn't seen his uncle for several years. GONE After several years _______ , Bob saw his uncle again.
WAS AT A LOSS TO EXPLAIN
Brian couldn't explain how the stolen computer got into the boot of his car. LOSS Brian _____________ how the stolen computer got into the boot of his car.
had an interest in
Brian was really interested in North American history in his school days. Brian _______ North American history in his school days. (interest)
only I hadn't bought
Buying those jeans was not a sensible thing for me to do yesterday. If _______ those jeans yesterday. (only)
WASN'T A SINGLE
By the time we got to the sale, every book had been sold. SINGLE By the time we got to the sale, there _____________ book left.
WHO TALKED HER OUT OF
Gaynor's friends persuaded her not to get married in spring. TALKED It was Gaynor's friends _____________ getting married in spring.
ON BEHALF OF
Helen would like to thank you from all the team. BEHALF Helen would like to thank you _____________ all the team.
get round to tidying
I never find time to tidy my desk. I never _______ my desk. (round)
MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO ME
I really don't mind whether Jill chooses to come on holiday with us or not. DIFFERENCE It really _____________ whether Jill chooses to come on holiday with us or not.
not much/little likelihood of
It is not likely that the effects of global warming can be reversed. There is _______ reversing the effects of global warming. (likelihood)
made it impossible for
Paul wasn't able to leave the house all day because of the terrible weather. IMPOSSIBLE The terrible weather ___________________ Paul to leave the house all day.
BEEN PUT FORWARD TO CHANGE
Someone has suggested changing the company logo. FORWARD A suggestion has _____________ the company logo.
NEARLY RUN OUT OF
There was little paper left in the printer. RUN The printer had _____________ paper.
needn't have booked
We booked seats but it was not necessary because there was plenty of room. We _______ seats because there was plenty of room. (booked)
The place where we stopped for
We stopped in an absolutely beautiful place for lunch. WHERE _______________________________ lunch was absolutely beautiful.
WISH HE HAD BEEN ABLE TO
What a pity he couldn't come. WISH I _____________ come.
MAY HAVE ESCAPED YOUR NOTICE
You may not have noticed, but Sally is wearing an engagement ring. ESCAPED It _____________ but Sally is wearing an engagement ring.
NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU EVER
You must never let anyone else use your Identity Card SHOULD Under _____________ let anyone else use your identity card.