Uncountable nouns

UNIT 65   Uncountable nouns (gold, music, advice, etc.)

A.   Uncountable nouns are, for example:   gold   music   blood   excitement

Uncountable nouns are things we cannot count. They have no plural. You cannot say
"musics," bloods'' or "excitements


B.   Before uncountable nouns you can say the/some/any/much/this/his, etc:

the music           some gold           much excitement           his blood

But you cannot use a/an before an uncountable noun. So you cannot say "a music," "an excitement
or "a blood."

You can also use uncountable nouns alone, with no article.

• This ring is made of gold

• Blood is red

C.   Many nouns can be used as countable or as uncountable nouns, Usually there is a difference in meaning For example:
paper    I bought a paper. (= a newspaper-countable)
               I bought some paper. material for writing on-uncountable)

hair       There's a hair in my soup! (= one single hair countable)
               She has beautiful hair. (= hair on her head uncountable)

experience   We had many interesting experiences on our vacation. (= things that happened to us countable)
                         You need experience for this job. (= knowledge of something because you have done it before uncountable)                       


D.   Some nouns are usually uncountable in English but often countable in other languages. Here are the most important of these:

advice             bread           information         permission       traffic           weather
baggage          chaos                work                     travel            luggage         progress
behavior      furniture            news                    trouble          scenery

These nouns are uncountable, so (i) you cannot use a/an before them; and (ii) they cannot be plural:

Tom gave me some good advice. (not some good advices)

Where are you going to put all your furniture? (not furnitures)

We don't have much luggage to carry. (not many luggages)

I'm afraid I have some bad news (not a bad news)

Remember that news is not plural:

The news is very depressing today. (not The news are)

Do not use travel to mean trip/journey:
We had a good trip. (not a good travel)

Note these pairs of countable (C) and uncountable (UNC) nouns:

• I'm looking for work. (UNC)                    but         I'm looking for a job. (C)

• but What beautiful scenery! (UNC)        but        What a beautiful view! (C)

-ing clauses Exercises

UNIT 64   -ing clauses Exercises

 
64.1   From each pair of sentences make one sentence using an -ing clause

Example: She was sitting in an armchair. She was reading a book
She was sitting in an armchair reading a book.

1.   Jill was lying on the bed. She was crying.
Jill was____________________________________________________________________________

2.   I got home. I was feeling very tired.
I got _______________________________________________________________________________
 
3.   The old man was walking along the street. He was talking to himself.
 The old man_______________________________________________________________________

In these sentences one thing happens during another.
Example: Jim was playing tennis. He hurt his arm________________________________________________

4.   Ann was watching television. She fell asleep. Ann ______________________________________________

5.   The man slipped. He was getting off the bus. The man__________________________________________

6.   The girl was crossing the street. She was run over
The girl__________________________________________________________________

7.   The fire fighter was overcome by smoke He was trying to put out the fire.
The fire fighter______________________________________________________________


64.2   This time make sentences beginning Having . . .

Example: we finished our work. We went home. Having finished our work, we went home.

1.   We bought our tickets. Then we went into the theater.
____________________________________________________________________

2.   They had dinner, Then they continued on their trip.
____________________________________________________________________

3.   Sue did all her shopping. Then she went for a cup of coffee.    
_____________________________________________________________________                  


64.3   Now make sentences beginning -ing or Not -ing.

Example: I felt tired. So I went to bed early. Feeling tired, i went to bed early.

1.   I thought they might be hungry. So I offered them something to eat.
Thinking__________________________________________________________________________

2.   She is a foreigner. So she needs a visa to stay in this country.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

3.   I didn't know his address. So I couldn't contact him.
Not_________________________________________________________________________________

4.   The man wasn't able to understand English. So he didn't know what I said.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

5.   She has traveled a lot. So she knows a lot about other countries.
Having_____________________________________________________________________________

6.   We had spent nearly all our money. So we couldn't afford to stay in a hotel.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

-ing clauses

UNIT 64   -ing clauses

A.   A clause is a part of a sentence. Some sentences have two clauses:

• Feeling tired, I went to bed early

In this sentence, "I went to bed early" is the main clause.

Feeling tired is the -ing clause.


B.   When two things happen at the same time, you can use -ing for one of the verbs. The main clause usually comes first:

• She was sitting in an armchair reading a book. (= she was sitting, and she was reading)

• I ran out of the house shouting. (= I was shouting when I ran out of the house)

We also use -ing when one action happens during another. Use -ing for the longer action. The longer action is the second part of the sentence.

• Jim hurt his arm playing tennis. (= while he was playing)

• I cut myself shaving. (= while I was shaving)

You can also use -ing after while or when:

• Jim hurt his arm while playing tennis. (= while he was playing)

• Be careful when crossing the street. (= when you are crossing)                       

C.   When one happens before another action, you can use having (done) for the first
action:

Having found a hotel, they looked for somewhere to have dinner.

Having finished our work, we went home.

You could also say After -ing:

• After finishing our work, we went home.

If the second happens immediately after the first, you can use the simple -ing form (doing instead of having done):

Taking a key out of his pocket, he opened the door.
These structures are used mainly in written English.


D.   You can also use an -ing clause to explain something or to say why someone did something. The -ing clause usually comes first:

• Feeling tired, I went to bed early. (= because I felt tired)

• Being unemployed, she doesn't have much money. (= because she is unemployed)

• Not having a car, she finds it difficult to get around. (= because she doesn't have a car)

• Having already seen the film twice, didn't want to go to the movies. (= because I had already seen it twice)

See someone do and see someone doing Exercises

UNIT 63   See someone do and see someone doing Exercises 
 

63.1   Answer these questions, beginning in the way shown.
Examples: Does Tom ever dance?"   ''I've never seen him dance (or dancing)''How do you know I came in late?''   "I heard you come in late''

1.   ''Does Liz ever smoke?''   ''I've never seen______________________________''

2.   ''How do you know the man took the money?''   ''I saw_____________________________________''

3.   ''Did Jack lock the door?''   ''Yes, I heard_________________________________________''

4.   ''Did the bell ring?''   ''I'm not sure. I didn't hear__________________________________________''

5.   "How do you know Ann can play the piano?''   ''I've heard_________________________________________''

6.   ''Did Bill trip over the dog?"   ''Yes, I saw____________________________________________________''

7.   "Did the girl fall into the river?"   "I didn't see__________________________________________________''


63.1   In each of these situations you and a friend saw, heard, or smelled something. This is what you said at the time:

1.   Look! There's Ann! She's waiting for a bus.

2.   Look! There's Sue! She's playing tennis.

3.   Look! There's Tom! He's eating in that restaurant

4.   Listen! That's Bill, He's playing the guitar

5.   I can smell something! Dinner's burning

6.   Look! There's Dave! He's talking to Chuck

Later you tell someone what you saw, heard, or smelled.

1.   We saw Ann waiting for a bus_________________________________________________________________

2.   We saw________________________________________________________in a restaurant.

3.   ____________________________________________________________________________________

4.   ____________________________________________________________________________________  

5.   ____________________________________________________________________________________

6.   ____________________________________________________________________________________
                    

63.3   Complete these sentences. Use one of the following verbs in the correct form.
run   explode   burn    slam    cry    sit    happen   collide   open   tell   crawl    climb

1.   Can you smell something burning?

2.   I saw the accident happen.

3.   We listened to the old woman _______________________ her story from beginning to end.

4.   Listen! you hear a child______________?

5.   Did anybody see the two cars_________________?

6.   We watched the two men____________________across the garden___________________window, and_______________ through it into the house.

7.   Everybody heard the bomb__________________It was a tremendous noise.

8.   Oh! I can feel something__________________up my leg! It must be an insect.

9.   I heard someone_______________________the door in the middle of the night. It woke me up.

10.   We couldn't find Tom at first. Finally we found him______________________the garden.

See someone do and see someone doing

UNIT 63   See someone do and see someone doing

A.   Study this example situation:
Tom got into his car and drove away. You saw this. You can say:

• I saw Tom get into his car and drive away.

In this structure we use the base form (get, drive, etc.):

Someone did something.}
                                            } I saw someone do something.
I saw this.                          }    

Remember that we use the base form (not to):

• I saw her go out. (not to go out)

B.   Now study this example situation:

Yesterday you saw Ann. She was waiting for a bus. You can say:

• I saw Ann waiting for a bus.

In this structure we use -ing (waiting)
Someone was doing something.}
                                                          } I saw someone doing something.
I saw this.                                        }


C.   Now study the difference in meaning between the two structures:"I saw him do something''= he did something (simple past) and I saw this. I saw the complete action from beginning to end:

• He fell to the ground. I saw this. = I saw him fall to the ground.

• The accident happened. We saw this. = We saw the accident happen.

''I saw her doing something'' = she was doing something (past continuous) and I saw this. I saw her when she was in the middle of doing something. This does not mean that I saw the complete action:

• She was walking along the street. I saw this when I drove past in my car. = I saw her walking along the street

The difference is not always important. Sometimes you can use either form:

• I've never seen Tom dance.    or     I've never seen Tom dancing.

D.   we use these structures especially with see and hear, and also with watch, listen to, feel, and notice:

• I didn't hear you come in.

• I could hear it raining.

• He suddenly felt someone touch him on the shoulder.

• The missing girls were last seen playing near the river.

• Did you notice anyone go out?

• Listen to the birds singing!

After smell and find you can use the -ing structure only:

• Can you smell something burning?

• She found him reading her letters.

Had better do, It's time someone did Exercises

UNIT 62 Had better do, It's time someone did Exercises

62.1   Read each situation and write a sentence with had better.
Examples: You're going out for a walk with Tom. You think you should take an umbrella because it might rain. What do you say to Tom? We'd better take an umbrella.
Tom doesn't look very well. You don't think he should go to work today. What do you say to Tom? you'd better not go ta work, today

1.   Mary suddenly begins to feel sick. You think she should sit down. What do you say to her?
__________________________________________________________________________________________

2.   You and Tom are going to the theater. You've just missed the bus. You think you should take a taxi. What do you say to Tom? We__________________________________________________________________

3.   Ann wants to play the piano late at night. You know that she'll wake up the people next
door. What do you say to Ann?_______________________________________________________________________

4.   You and Sue are going to a restaurant for a meal. You think you should make a reservation because the restaurant might be crowded. What do you say to Sue?
____________________________________________________________________________________________

5.   Joe has just cut himself. You think he should put a Band-Aid on the cut. What do you say
to him?____________________________________________________________________________________

6.   You are going to take your car on your vacation. You think you should have the oil changed before you go. What do you say (to yourself)?______________________________________________________

7.   You are by a river. It's a hot day and your friend suggests going for a swim. You don't think you should because the river looks dirty. What do you say?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________                       


62.2   Write sentences with It's time someone did something.
Examples: You think the children should be in bed. It's already 11:00
It's time the children were in bed. (or went to bed).
You think something should be done about the traffic problem downtown.
It's (about) time something was done about the traffic problem domntown.

1.   You think you should take a vacation because you haven't taken one in a very long time.
It's time I____________________________________________________________________________________

2.   You think Tom should write to his parents. He hasn't written to them for ages.
It's time______________________________________________________________________________________

3.   This room should be redecorated. It looks awful
It's____________________________________________________________________________________________

4.   You're waiting for Ann. She is late. She should be here by now.
________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.   You're sitting on a plane waiting for it to take off. It's already five minutes late.
________________________________________________________________________________________________

6.   You feel very strongly that the government should stop spending money on weapons and should concentrate on raising the standard of living.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

7.   You think you should start getting dinner ready. It's nearly dinnertime already.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

8.   You haven't been to the dentist in almost a year. You should go every six months.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Had better do, It's time someone did

UNIT 62   Had better do something, It's time someone did something

A.   Had better do something.The meaning of had better (I'd better) is similar to should. "I'd better do something should do something or it is advisable for me to do something, if I don't do this, something bad might happen:

• I have to meet Tom in ten minutes. I'd better go now or I'll be late.

• "Should I take an umbrella?" Yes, you'd better. It might rain

• We've almost run out of gas. We'd better stop at the next gas station to fill up

The negative form is had better not ('d better not):

• You don't look very well. You'd better not go to work today.

• "Are you going out tonight?''  ''I'd better not, I've got a lot of work to do''

The form is always "had better" (usually 'd better in spoken English). We say had but the
meaning is present or future, not past

I'd better go to the bank this afternoon.

Remember that had better is followed by the base form (not to . . . )

• It might rain. We'd better take an umbrella. (not better to take)                       

B.   It's time . . . 
You can say "it's time (for to someone) to do something'':

• It's time to go home.

• It's time for us to go home.

There is another structure: It's time someone did something:

• It's nearly midnight. It's time we went home.

We use the past (went) after It's time someone . . . but the meaning is present or future, not past

• Why are you still in bed? It's time you got up. (not time you get up)

We use the structure It's time someone did something especially when we are complaining or
criticizing, or when we think someone should have already done something:

• It's time the children were in bed. It's long past their bedtime.

• You've been wearing the same clothes for ages. Isn't it time you bought some new ones?

• I think it's time the government did something about pollution.

                        {''It's high time  }
We also say   {                            }   someone did something.''
                        {"It's about time}

This makes the complaint or criticism stronger:

• You're very selfish. It's high time you realized that you're not the most important person in the world.

• It's about time Jack did some studying for his exams.

Prefer and Would rather Exercises

UNIT 61   Prefer and Would rather Exercises

61.1   Make sentences using "I prefer (something) to (something else)."

Example: (drivin/ traveling by train) I prefer driving to traveling by train.

1.   (San Francisco/Los Angeles) I preter San Francisco ___________________________

2.   (calling people/writing letters) I prefer________________________________________________________

3.   (going to the movies/watching movies on TV)
I_____________________________________________________________________________

Now rewrite sentences 2 and 3 using the structure ''I prefer to do (something) . . . ."

Example: I prefer to drive rather than travel by train.
4.   (2) I prefer to call____________________________________________________________________

5.   (3) I____________________________________________________________________________________


61.2   Answer these questions using I'd rather . . . . Use the words in parentheses ( . . . ) for your answers.

Example: Would you like to walk? (go by car) I'd rather go by car
1.   Would you like to play tennis? (go for a swim) I'd__________________________________________________

2.   Do you want to watch television (read a book) I____________________________________________________

3.   Shall we leave now? (wait for a few minutes)_______________________________________________________

4.   Would you like to go to a restaurant? (eat at home) _________________________________________________

5.   Should we decide now? (think about it for a while)___________________________________________________

Now make sentences using I'd rather . . . than . . . .

Example: (walk/go by car) I'd rather walk than go by car.

6.   (go for a swim/play tennis) I'd rather______________________________________________________

7.   (read a book/watch television) I ___________________________________________________________

8.   (wait for a few minutes/leave now)________________________________________________________

9.   (eat at home/go to a restaurant)_____________________________________________________________

10.   (think about it for a while decide now)_____________________________________________________________


61.3   Use "I'd rather you (did something)." You are talking to a friend. You say you'll do something, but really you want your friend to do it.

Example: I'll cook the dinner if you really want me to, but I'd rather you cooked it
1.   I'll call Tom if you really want me to, but I'd rather__________________________________________________

2.   I'll do the dishes if you really want me to, but_________________________________________________________

3.   I'll go to the bank if you really want me to, but________________________________________________________

4.   I'l tell Ann what happened if you really want me to, but______________________________________________

Prefer and would rather

UNIT 61   Prefer and would rather

A.   Prefer to do and prefer doing
You can use "prefer to do" or "prefer doing" to say what you prefer in general.

• I don't like cities. I prefer to live (or I prefer living) in the country.

Study the difference in structure:

            I prefer    (doing)   something        to (doing)            something else.
but:     I prefer      to do    something    rather than (do)     something else.

• I prefer tea to coffee.

• Tom prefers driving to traveling by train.

but:   Tom prefers to drive rather than travel by train.

• I prefer to live in the country rather than (live) in a city.

Use would prefer to say what someone wants (to do) in a particular situation. You can say would prefer to (do) or would prefer (do)ing:

"Would you prefer tea or coffee?"   ''Coffee, please''
"Should we go by train?"   "Well, I'd prefer to go by car.''  or
                                                "Well, I'd prefer going by car."                      


B.   Would rather (do)= Would prefer to do. After would rather we use the base form.

Compare:                                           {   Well, I'd prefer to go by car.
Should we go by train?  {
                                           {   Well, I'd rather go by car. (not to go)

• "Would you rather have tea or coffee?"   ''Coffee, please''

• I'm tired. I'd rather not go out this evening, if you don't mind.

• "Do you want to go out this evening?"   ''I'd rather not.''

Note the structure:
I'd rather do something than (do) something else

• I'd rather stay at home than go to the movies.

C.   Would rather someone did something
When you want someone else to do something, you can say I'd you did . . . / I'd rather he did . . . , etc. We use the past rather past in this structure, but the meaning is or future, not past.
Compare:

I'd rather cook dinner now

I'd rather you cooked dinner now. (not I'd rather you cook)

• "Shall I stay here?"   ''Well, I'd rather you came with us."

• I'd rather you didn't tell anyone what I said.

• "Do you mind if I smoke?"   "I'd rather you didn't.''

Infinitive of purpose Exercises

UNIT 60 Infinitive of purpose Exercises

A.   Use the words in parentheses ( . . . )to answer these questions.

Example: Why did you go out? (buy some bread)  I went out to buy some bread.

1.   Why do you have to go to the bank? (change some money)
I have to go_____________________________________________________________________

2.   Why did she knock on your door? (wake me up)
She________________________________________________________________________

3.   Why are you saving money? (go to Europe)
I____________________________________________________________________________

4.   Why is Ron going into the hospital? (have an operation)
_____________________________________________________________________________

5.   Why are you wearing two sweaters? (keep warm)
_____________________________________________________________________________

6.   Why did you go to the police station? (report that my car had been stolen)
_____________________________________________________________________________

60.2   Complete these sentences with an appropriate verb.
Examples: The President has a bodyguard to protect him.
There were no chairs to sit on, so we all had to sit on the floor.

1.   We are having a party_____________________Ann's birthday.

2.   I didn't have enough time_______________________the newspaper today.

3.   We have no furniture-not even a bed_____________________in.

4.   I think I need some new clothes______________________.

5.   Tom didn't have enough energy_______________________the mountain.

6.   There will be a meeting next week___________________________the problem.

7.   I need a box_____________________these books in.

8.   It's a shame we don't have any pictures_____________________on the wall

9.   I wish I had enough money_______________________a new car.

10.   We're always busy at work. We don't get much chance____________________to each other.

11.   I'd like to have the opportunity______________________to Europe.
                   

60.3   Writer sentences with so that.

Examples: I hurried. I didn't want to be late. I hurried so that I wouldn't be late.
I'll give you my number. I want you to be able to call me.
I'll give you my number so that you can (or will be able to) call me.

1.   We wore warm clothes. We didn't want to get cold.
We wore_____________________________________________________________

2.   I spoke very slowly. I wanted the man to understand what I said.
I_______________________________________________________________________

3.   I whispered. I didn't want anyone to hear our conversation.
_____________________________no one_____________________________________________

4.   Please arrive early. We want to be able to start the meeting on time.
Please arrive_________________________________________________________

5.   She locked the door. She didn't want to be disturbed.
_________________________________________________________________________

6.   I slowed down. I wanted the car behind me to be able to pass me.
_________________________________________________________________________

Infinitive of purpose

UNIT 60   Infinitive of purpose ''I went out to mail a letter.''   So that . . .

A.   We use the infinitive (to do) to talk about the purpose of doing something (= why someone does something):

• I went out to mail a letter. (= because I wanted to mail a letter)

• She called me to invite me to a party.

• We shouted to warn everyone of the danger.

We also use the infinitive to talk about the purpose of something, or why someone has/wants/needs something:

• This wall is to keep people out of the garden.

• The President has two bodyguards to protect him.

• I need a bottle opener to open this bottle.

You can also use in order to (do something):

• We shouted in order to warn everyone of the danger.

Do not use for in these sentences:

• I'm going to Mexico to learn Spanish. (not for learning /for to learn)

B.   We also use the infinitive to say what can be done or must be done with something:

• It's usually difficult to find a place to park downtown. (= a place where you can park)

• Do you have a lot of work to do this evening? (= work that you must do)

• Would you like something to eat?
   
• There were no chairs to sit on, so we all had to sit on the floor.

• She is lonely. She has nobody to talk to.                       

We also say time/opportunity/chance/money/energy to do something:

• They gave me some money to buy some food. (not for buying)

• Did have time to answer all the questions on the exam? 

• These days I don't get much chance to watch television. I'm too busy.

• Do you have much opportunity to speak English? (much chance tom speak)

C.   Sometimes you have to use so that (not the infinitive) to talk about the purpose of doing something. We use so that:

i) when the purpose is negative (so that . . . won't/wouldn't . . .):

• I hurried so that I would't be late (= because I didn't want to be late)

• Leave early so that you won't (or don't) miss the bus.

ii) with can and could (so that . . . can/could . . . ):

• He's learning English so that he can study in the United States.

• We moved to London so that we could visit our friends more often.

iii) when one person does something so that another person does something else:

• I gave him my address so that he could contact me.

• He wore glasses and a false beard so that nobody would recognize him.

Be/get used to Exercises

UNIT 59   Be/get used to something Exercises

59.1   Read these situations and write three sentences with used to, as in the example.

Example: Jane is American. She went to Britain and found driving on the left difficult.

a) At first she wasn't used to driving on the left.
b) But soon she got used to driving the left.
c) Now she has no problems. She is used to driving on the left.


1.   Juan came to the United States from Spain. In Spain he always had dinner late in the evening. But in the United States dinner was at 6:00. Juan found this strange at first.

a) At first he wasn't___________________________________________________
b) But after some time he got__________________________________________________
c) Now he finds it normal. He_________________________________________________________

2.   Diana is a nurse. She started working nights two years ago. At first she found it strange and didn't like it

a) At first she___________________________________________________
b) But after a while______________________________________________________
c) Now she doesn't mind it at all.______________________________________________________


59.2   Read these situations and write a sentence with be/get used to.                   

1.   Ron sleeps on the floor. He doesn't mind this. He has always slept on the floor
(he/used/sleep/on the floor) He________________________________________________________________________

2.   Sue moved from a big house to a much smaller one. What did she have to get used to?
(she had/used/live in a smaller house) She had___________________________________________________________

3.   Jack once went to the Middle East. It was too hot for him (he/not/used/the heat)
___________________________________________________________________________________

4.   Bill doesn't have any money. He doesn't find this unusual because he has never had any money. (he/used/have/no money)_______________________________________________________________________________

5.   Amy is going to live in your country. What will she have to get used to?
She'll have to_________________________________________________________________________________


59.3   Put the verb into the correct form -ing or infinitive (I am used to doing or I used to do).

Examples: Jane had to get used to driving on the left. (drive)
Bill used to be in good shape. Now he's in terrible shape. (be)

1.   When I was a child, I used to_______________swimming every day. (go)

2.   It took me a long time to get used to________________contact lenses. (wear)
 
3.   There used to________________a cafe on this corner, but it was torn down. (be

4.   I'm the boss. I'm not used to_______________told what to do. (be)

5.   You'll have to get used to_________________less if you want to lose weight. (eat)

6.   I used to_____________Ann, but now she gets on my nerves. (like)
 
7.   Ron got tired very quickly. He wasn't used to_____________so fast. (run)

8.   Tom used to_________________to a lot of parties when he was a student. (go)

Be/get used to something

UNIT 59   Be/get used to something (I'm used to...)
Study this example situation:
Jane is American, but she has lived in Britain for three years. When she first drove a car in Britain, she found it very difficult because she had to drive on the instead of the right. Driving on left was strange and difficult for her because:

She wasn't used to it.

She wasn't used to driving on the left.

After a lot of practice, driving on the left became less strange:

• She got used to driving on the left.

Now after three years, driving on the left is no problem for her:

• She is used to driving on the left                        

I'm used to something = it is not new or strange for me:

• Frank lives alone. He doesn't mind this because he has lived alone for 15 years. So he is used to it. He is used to living alone.

• My new shoes felt a bit strange at first because I wasn't used to them.

• Our new apartment is on a very busy street. I suppose we'll get used to the noise, but at the moment we find it very annoying.

• Fred has a new job. He has to get up much earlier- at 6:30. He finds this difficult right now because he isn't used to getting up so early.

B.   Notice that we say "She is used to driving on the left." (not she is used to drive). To in be/get used to is a preposition, not a part of the infinitive. So we say:

• Frank is used to living alone. (not is used to live)

• Jane had to get used to driving on the left. (not get used to drive)

C.   Do not confuse I am used to doing (be/get used to) with I used to do. They are different in structure and in meaning.

• I am used to (doing) something = something isn't strange for me.

• I am used to the weather in this country.

•  I am used to driving on the left because I've lived in Britain a long time.

I used to do something means only that I did something regularly in the past. You can't use this structure for the present. The structure is '' I used to do'' (not I am used to do)

• Nowadays I usually stay in bed until late. But when I had a job. I used to get up early.

Expressions + - ing Exercises

UNIT 58   Expressions + - ing Exercises

58.1   Join two sentences to make one sentence.
Examples: Don't worry about it. It's no use.  It's no use morrying about it
                   Don't get a taxi. It's not worth it. It's not worth getting a taxi.
1.   Don't try to escape. It's no use.  It's no use________________________________________

2.   Don't smoke. It's a waste of money.  It's a waste____________________________________________

3.   Don't ask Tom to help you. It's no use.  It's no use______________________________________________

4.   Don't hurry. It's not worth it. It's not worth___________________________________________________________

5.   Don't study if you're feeling tired. There's no point.
There's no point________________________________________________________

6.   Don't read newspapers. It's a waste of time. It's a_____________________________________________________

7.   Don't get angry. It's not worth it. It's not____________________________________________________________

8.   Don't work if you don't need the money. There's no point.
There's no______________________________________________

58.2   Make sentences with worth.

Examples: I'd read this book if I were you. This book is worth reading.
I wouldn't read this book if I were you. This book isn't worth reading.

1.   I'd visit the museum if I were you. The museum__________________________________________________

2.   I wouldn't repair those shoes if I were you. Those shoes ______________________________________________

3.   I wouldn't keep these old clothes if I were you.
These old clothes_______________________________________________________

4.   I'd consider the plan if I were you. The plan_________________________________________________                       

58.3   Read these sentences and each time write a new sentence using difficulty or trouble.

Example: I found a place to live but it was difficult.
I had difficulty finding a place to live or I had trouble finding a place to live.

1.   Tom finds it difficult to meet people. Tom has_________________________________________________________

2.   She found a job. This wasn't difficult. She had no_________________________________________________________

3.   It won't be difficult to get a ticket for the concert.
You won't have any________________________________________________________

4.   I find it difficult to understand him when he speaks quickly.
I have_______________________________________________________________________


58.4   Complete these sentences with one of the following expressions. Put the verb into the correct form.    go skiing        go shopping          go swimming            go sailing            go riding
1.   Barry lives by the water and he a boat, so he often goes sailing

2.   There's plenty of snow in the mountains, so we'll be able to_____________________

3.   It was a very hot day, so we_____________________________in the river.

4.   Margaret likes horses. She often _____________________________

5.   The stores are closed now. It's too late to______________________________

Expressions + -ing

UNIT 58   Expressions + -ing

When these expressions are followed by a verb, the verb ends in -ing:
It's no use . . .

• It's no use worrying about it, There's nothing you can do.

•  It's no use trying to persuade me, You won't succeed.

There's no point in . . .

• There's no point in buying a car if you don't want to drive it.

• There was no point in waiting, so we went.

It's (not) worth . . .

• My house is only a short walk from here. It's not worth taking a taxi.

• It was so late when we got home, it wasn't worth going to bed.

You can say: "a book is worth reading/a movie is worth seeing, etc.:

Do you think this book is worth reading?
should go and see that movie. It's really worth seeing.

(Have) difficulty/trouble . . .

• I had difficulty finding a place to live (not to find)

• Did you have any trouble getting a visa?

• People often have great difficulty reading my writing.

Remember that we say "difficulty" (not difficulties) and "trouble" (not troubles):

• I'm sure you'll have no difficulty/trouble passing the exam.

You can also say "(have) difficulty in -ing"

• He's shy He has difficulty in talking to people he doesn't know well.                        

A waste of money/time . . .

• It's a waste of time reading that book. It's trash

• It's a waste of money buying things you don't need.

Spend/waste (time) . . .

• I spent hours trying to repair the clock.

• I waste a lot of time daydreaming.

Go -ing

We use go -ing for a number of activities (especially sports):

go shopping            go swimming              go skiing          go fishing
go climbing                go sailing                 go riding       go sightseeing

• How often do you go swimming?

• I'm going skiing next year.

• I have to go shopping this morning.

• I've never been sailing.

Verb + preposition + -ing Exercises

UNIT 57  Verb + preposition + -ing  Exercises

57.1   Write the correct preposition and put the verb into the correct form. Use the verb in parentheses ( . . . ) at the end of each sentence.

Example: Jack insisted on going out by himself. (go)

1.   After a long time we eventually succeeded _______________________ an apartment (find)

2.   I've been thinking____________________________ for a new job. (look)

3.   His parents didn't approve________________________his__________________________ out so late. (stay)

4.   I wonder what prevented him________________________________to the party. (come)

5.   I'm getting hungry. I'm looking forward__________________________________dinner. (have)

6.   I don't feel_________________________today. (study)

7.   Forgive me_______________________________you, but I must ask you a question. (interrupt)

8.   The arrested man was suspected___________________________into a house (break)

9.   Have you ever thought______________________________married? (get)

10.   I've always dreamed_____________________________ on a small island in the Pacific (live)

11.   The cold water didn't stop her______________________________ for a swim (go)

12.   Have you ever been accused______________________________a crime? (commit)

13.   She apologized____________________________so rude to me. (be)

14.   We have decided________________________  a new car because we can't afford one (buy)                      


57.2   Change direct speech into reported speech. Begin each of your sentencesin the way shown.
Example: "It was nice of you to help me. Thanks very much (George said to you)
George thanked me for helping him.

1.   "I'll drive you to the airport. I insist." (Tom said to Ann)
Tom insisted_______________________________________________________________

2.   "I hear you passed your exams. Congratulations (Jim said to you)
Jim congratulated_______________________________________________________________

3.   "It was nice of you to visit me. Thank you (Mrs. Richmond said to Sue)
Mrs. Richmond thanked_____________________________________________________________

4.   "Don't stay at the hotel near the airport (I said to Jack)
I warned___________________________________________________________________________

5.   "I'm sorry I didn't call you earlier (Margaret said to you)
Margaret apologized______________________________not ________________________________

6.   "You didn't pay attention to what I said (teacher said to the boy)
The teacher accused________________________________________________________________


57.3   Now write some sentences about yourself. Use -ing.

Example: Today I don't feel like going out.

1.   This evening I feel like_________________________________________________
 
2.   I'm looking forward to__________________________________________________

3.   I'm thinking of__________________________________________________________

4.   I would never dream of___________________________________________________

Verb + preposition + -ing

UNIT 57   Verb + preposition + -ing

A.   Many verbs have the structure verb (v) + preposition (P) + object. For example, talk about:

• We talked about the problem. (the problem is the object)

If the object is another verb, it ends in -ing:

• We talked about going to Japan. (V + P + -ing)

Here are some more verbs that have the structure V + P + -ing

succeed in                             Has Tom succeeded            in             finding a job yet?
feel like                                  I don't feel                           like           going out tonight.
think about/of                     Are you thinking           of/about      buying a house?
dream of                                I've always dreamed         of              being rich.
approve disapprove of     She doesn't approve           of              smoking.
look forward to                  I'm looking forward           to              meeting her.
insist on                                 She insisted                         on             buying me a cup of coffee.
decide against                      We decided                     against        moving to California.
apologize for                        He apologized                     for            keeping me waiting.


''I feel like doing'' = I'd like to do, I'm in the mood to do.                       

We say ''apologize to someone for something'':

• He apologized to me for keeping me waiting. (not he apologized me)

With some of these verbs you can also use the structure verb + preposition + someone + -ing. For example:

• We are all looking forward to Peter (or Peter's) coming home.

• She doesn't approve of her son (or son's) staying out late at night.

• They insisted on me (or my) staying with them.

B.   These verbs have the structure verb + object + preposition + -ing:


accuse               They accused             me                    of            telling lies.
suspect              Did they suspect       the man           of            being a spy?
congratulate     I congratulated        Ann                  on           passing the exam.
prevent              What prevented       him                from         coming to the wedding?
stop                    We stopped                everyone      from         leaving the building
thank                  I thanked                   her                   for           being so helpful.
forgive               Please forgive           me                   for           not writing to you.
warn                  They warned              us                against       buying the car.


Some of these verbs are often used in the passive:

• I was accused of telling lies.

• was the man suspected of being a spy?

• We were warned against buying it.

Proposition + -ing Exercises

UNIT 56  Proposition + -ing Exercises

56.1   Read the sentence and then write a second sentence with the same meaning. Each time begin in the way shown.

Example: I called Ann, and then I went out. After I called Ann, I went out.

1.   Liz went to bed, but first she had a hot drink.
Before_____________________________________________________

2.   The plane took off, and soon afterward it crashed.
Soon after_____________________________________________________

3.   We didn't eat at home. We went to a restaurant instead.
Instead of______________________________________________________

4.   You put people's lives in danger if you drive dangerously.
You put people's lives in danger by______________________________________________________

5.   He hurt his leg, but he managed to win the race.
In spite of________________________________________________________

6.   Bill is a very good cook
Bill is very good at________________________________________________________

7.   I don't intend to lend her any money.
I have no intention of _______________________________________________________

8.   George exercised more, and lost 10 pounds.
By__________________________________________________________

9.   She was angry with me because I was late.
She was angry with me for____________________________________________________________

10.   Jane thinks that doing nothing is better than working.
Jane prefers doing nothing to_______________________________________________________________


56.2   Read each situation and then write a sentence with without -ing.

Examples: She ran five miles. She didn't stop She ran five miles without stopping.
He left the room. Nobody saw him. He left the room without anyone seeing nim.

1.   He translated the article. He didn't use a dictionary
He translated the article without____________________________________________

2.   Look right and left before you cross the street.
Don't cross______________________________________________________

3.   She got married. Nobody knew about it
She_________________________________________________________________



56.3   This time read each situation and write a sentence with look forward to.

Examples: You are going on vacation next week. How do you feel about this?
I'm looking forward to going on vacation.
She is taking an exam next week. She's not very happy about it. How does she feel about it?
She is not looking forward to taking the exam.

1.   A good friend is coming to visit you soon, so you will see him/her again. How do you feel about this? I'm________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.   You are going to the dentist. You don't like visits to the dentist. How do you feel about it?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.   Carol is a student. She hates school, and she is graduating next summer. How does she feel about this? She ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Preposition + -ing

UNIT 56   Preposition +-ing

A.   If a verb comes after a preposition (in/at/with/about, etc.), the verb ends in -ing Study
these examples:

Are you interested                   in              working      for us?
I'm not very good                    at              learning      languages.
I'm fed up                                with           studying.
The children are excited     about          going           on vacation.
What are the advantages        of             having         a car?
This knife is only                     for            cutting        bread.
John went to work            in spite of      feeling        sick.
I bought a new bicycle    instead of      going           away on vacation.


B.   You can use -ing with before and after:

• Before going out l called Ann.

You can also say: "Before I went out I . . . ''

• What did you do after leaving school?

You can also say: '' . . . after you left school?"


C.   You can use by -ing to say how something happened:

• They got into the house by breaking a kitchen window and climbing in.

• You can improve your English by doing a lot of reading.                       

D.   You can use -ing after without:

• Jim left without finishing his dinner.

• She ran five miles without stopping.

• He climbed through the window without anybody seeing him. (or . . . without being seen.)

• She needs to work without people disturbing her. (or . . .  without being disturbed.)

• It's nice to go on vacation without having to worry about money.

E.   To is a part of the infinitive. For example:

• They decided to go out.

• I want to play tennis.

But to is also a preposition. For example:

• I prefer cities to the country.

• Tom went to Hawaii.

• He gave the book to Mary.

• I'm looking forward to the weekend.

If a preposition is followed by a werb, the verb ends in -ing. So, if to is a preposition and it is followed by a verb, you must say to -ing. For example:

• I prefer bicycling to driving. (not to drive)

• I'm looking forward to seeing Sue again. (not to see)

Infinitive or -ing (2) Exercises

UNIT 55  Infinitive or -ing (2) Exercises

55.1   Here is some information about Tom when he was a child.
1.   He was in the hospital when he was four.

2.   He went to Los Angeles when he was eight.

3.   He fell into the lake.

4.   He cried on his first day of school.

5.   He said he wanted to be a doctor

6.   He was bitten by a dog

He can still remember I, 2 and 4. But he can't remember 3, 5, and 6. Make sentences beginning He can remember . . . or He can't remember . . .

1.   He can remember being in the hospital.


2.   ____________________________________________________

3.   ____________________________________________________

4.   ____________________________________________________

5.   ____________________________________________________

6.   ____________________________________________________
 

55.2   Your friend has some problems, and you have to be helpful. For each problem write a question with try.

Example: I can't find a place to live. (put an ad in the newspaper)
Have you tried putting an ad in the newspaper?
1.   My electric shaver is not working. (change the batteries)
Have you tried_____________________________________________________

2.   I can't contact Fred. He's not at home. (phone him at work)
Have you____________________________________________________________

3.   I'm having trouble sleeping at night. (take sleeping pills)
Have_________________________________________________________________

4.   The television picture isn't very good. (move the antenna)  
________________________________________________________________________

                    
55.3   Put the verb into the correct form: -ing or the infinitive. (Sometimes either
form is possible.)

Examples: Please remember to mail (mail) this letter

Look! It's started to snow or snowing(snow).

1.   A: You lent me some money a few months ago.
B: Did I? That's strange. I don't remember_____________________(lend) you any money.

2.   We tried __________________ (put) the fire out, but we were unsuccessful. We had to call the fire department.

3.   When you see Liz, remember _________________ (give) her my regards, will you?

4.   Someone must have taken my bag. I clearly remember __________________(leave) it by the window and now it's gone.

5.   When she saw what had happened, she began _______________ (laugh) loudly.

6.   Sue needed some money. She tried _________________ (ask) Gerry, but he couldn't help her

7.   He tried _________________ (reach) the shelf, but he wasn't tall enough.

8.   "Did you remember ________________(call) Ann?"     "Oh no, I completely forgot.''

9.   I asked them to be quiet, but they continued _____________________ (make) a lot of noise.

Infinitive or ing? (2) begin, start, continue, remember, try

UNIT 55   Infinitive or ing? (2) begin, start, continue, remember, try

A.   begin    start    continue

These verbs can usually be followed by -ing or the infinitive. So you can say:

• The baby began crying.   or    The baby began to cry.

• It has started raining.   or    It has started to rain.

• He continued working after his illness.   or   He continued to work after his illness.

B.   Remember to do and remember doing

You remember to do something before you do it. Remember to do something is the opposite of ''forget to do something'':

• I remembered to lock the door before I left, but I forgot to shut the windows. (= I remembered to lock the door, and then i locked it)

• Please remember to mail the letter. (= don't forgot to mail it)

You remember doing something after you do it. I remember doing something = I did something, and now I remember it:

• I clearly remember locking the door before I left. (= I locked it, and now l clearly remember this)

• He could remember driving along the road just before the accident happened, but he couldn't remember the accident itself.                       

C.   Try to do and try doing.

Try to do= attempt to do, make an effort to do:

• I was very tired. I tried to keep my eyes open, but I couldn't.

• Please try to be quiet when you come home. Everyone will be asleep.

Try doing


Try also means "do something as an experiment or test":
 

• Try some of this tea-maybe you'll like it. (= drink some of it to see if you like it)

• We tried every hotel in town, but they were all full. (= we went to every hotel see if they had a room)

If try (with this meaning) is followed by a verb, we say try -ing:

• "I can't find anywhere to live.''  ''Why don't you try putting an ad in the newspaper?'' (= do this to see if it helps you to find a place to live)

• I've got a terrible headache. I tried taking an aspirin, but it didn't help. (= I took an aspirin to see if it would stop my headache)

Infinitive or ing ? Exercises

UNIT   54  Infinitive or ing ? Exercises

54.1   Answer these questions using the verbs given.

Examples: Why don't you ever fly? (hate)  I hate flying or I hate to fly.
                  Why does Tom go to the movies so often? (like) He likes going to the movies or He likes to go to the movies.


1.   Why do you always wear a hat? (like) I_________________________________________

2.   Why does Ann watch television so often? (enjoy) She ________________________________

3.   Why don't you ever stay up late? (not/like)_________________________________________

4.   Why does Jack take so many pictures? (like) ________________________________________

5.   Why don't you work in the evenings? (hate) ________________________________________


54.2   Put the verb into the correct form -ing orinfinitive. Sometimes either form is possible.

Examples: I enjoy being (be) alone.
Would you like to come (come) to a party?

1.   Do you mind _______________(travel) such a long distance to work every day?

2. Beth loves_____________________(cook), but she hates__________________(clean) up.

3. I don't like that house. I would hate___________________(live) there.

4. Do you like________________________(drive)?

5. When I have to catch a plane, I'm always worried about missing it. So I like_______________(get) to the airport in plenty of time.

6. I very much enjoy_______________(listen) to classical music.

7. I would love__________________(come) to your wedding, but it just isn't possible.

8. Sometime I'd like______________(learn) to play the guitar.                      


54.3  Make your own sentences. say whether you like or don't like the things in parentheses( . . . ) Choose one of these verbs for each of your sentences:

(don't) like         love          hate           enjoy        don't mind

Example: (reading) I like reading very much

1.   (playing cards) I____________________________________

2.   (learning languages) __________________________________________

3.   (visiting museums)__________________________________________

4.   (lying on the beach in the sun)____________________________________

5.   (shopping)_____________________________________________________


54.3  Now write sentences

Example: It's too bad I couldn't go to the wedding. (like)
I would like to have gone to the wedding.

1.   It's too bad I didn't meet Ann. (love) I would love___________________________________

2.   I'm glad I didn't lose my watch. (hate) I _________________________________________

3.   I'm glad I wasn't alone (not/like) _____________________________________________

4.   It's too bad I couldn't go by train. (prefer) __________________________________________

5.   It's too bad I didn't see the movie. (like) ____________________________________________

Infinitive or -ing? (1) -like, would like, etc.

UNIT 54   Infinitive or -ing? (1) -like, would like, etc.

A.     like               hate                can't bear              love               can't stand

After these verbs and expressions you can use -ing or the infinitive.

• I like getting up early   or   I like to get up early.

• I love meeting people   or   I love to meet people.

• I hate washing dishes    or   I hate to wash dishes.

• She can't stand being alone   or   She can't stand to be alone.

• He can't bear living in the city    or   He can't bear to live in the city.

B.   dislike      enjoy          mind

After these verbs you can use -ing, but not the infinitive:

• I enjoy being alone. (not enjoy to be)

• Why do you dislike living here? (not dislike to live)

• Tom doesn't mind working at night. (not mind to work)                       

C.   Would like is followed by the infinitive:

• I would like to be rich.

• Would you like to come to a party?

Notice the difference in meaning between I like and  I would like. I would like is a polite way of saying  I want. Compare:

• I like playing tennis or  I like to play tennis (= enjoy it in general)

• I would like to play tennis today.  (= I want to play)

We also use the infinitive after would love/hate/prefer:

• Would you prefer to have dinner now or later?

• I'd love to be able to travel around the world.

D.  You can also say ''I would like to have done something'' (= I regret that i didn't or couldn't do something):

• It's too bad we didn't visit Tom. I would like to have seen him again

• We'd like to have taken a vacation, but we didn't have enough money.

The same structure is possible after would love/hate/prefer:

• Poor Jim! I would hate to have been in his position

• I'd love to have gone to the party, but it was impossible.

• we went to a restaurant but I didn't enjoy it. I'd prefer to have eaten at home.

Verb + Object + Infinitive Exercises

UNIT 53  Verb + Object + Infinitive Exercises

53.1   Read each sentence and write a second sentence from the words given.

Example: Jill didn't have any money.
she/want/Ann/ lend her some  She wanted Ann to lend her same.

1.   Tom's parents were disappointed when he decided to leave home.
they/want/Tom/stay with them ______________________________________________________

2.   Please don't tell anyone that I'm leaving my job.
I/not/want/anyone/know _____________________________________________________________

3.   There's a football game next Saturday between Army and Navy.
you/want/Navy/win? __________________________________________________________

4.   Unfortunately someone had told Sue that I was going to visit her.
I/want it/be a surprise _____________________________________________________________


53.2   Read the sentence and then write a second sentence with the same meaning Each time begin
in the way shown.

Examples: Don't touch anything," the man said to me.
The man told me not to touch anything.
My father said I could use his car.  My father allowed me to use his car
1.   Don't forget to mail the letter," Jack said to me.
Jack reminded______________________________________________________________

2.   She told me that it would be best if told the police about the accident.
She advised__________________________________________________________________

3.   I told you that you shouldn't tell him anything.
I warned____________________________________________________________________

4.   I was surprised that it rained. I didn't expect
I didn't expect_______________________________________________________________

5.   "Would you like to have dinner with me?" Tom said to Ann.
Tom invited___________________________________________________________________
                   
6.   At first I didn't want to play tennis, but Jane persuaded me.
Jane persuaded________________________________________________________________

7.   The sudden noise caused me to jump
The sudden noise made ________________________________________________________

8.   If you have a car, you are able to travel around more easily.
Having a car enables_____________________________________________________________

9.   wouldn't allow me to read the letter.
She wouldn't let_______________________________________________________________


53.3   Put the verb in the right form ing (doing), base form (do), or infinitive (to do).

Example: Mr. Thomas doesn't allow smoking. (smoke) in his office.

1.   Mr. Thomas doesn't let anyone__________________(smoke) in his office.

2.   I don't know Jack, but I'd like ___________________ (meet) him.

3.   Where would you advise me ____________________ (go) for my vacation?

4.   I don't advise _______________________ (eat) in that restaurant. The food's awful.
 
5.   The film was very sad. It made me_______________________________(cry).

6.   Linda's parents have always encouraged her ___________________________ (study) hard.

7.   We were kept at the police station for an hour and then allowed ______________________(go).

8.   Everybody helped _____________________ (clean) up after the party.

Verb + Object + Infinitive

UNIT 53  Verb + Object + Infinitive

A.   want                ask                 expect                help                   would like              would prefer
There are two possible structures after these verbs:

verb + infinitive                                verb + object + infinitive
I asked to see the manager.           I asked Tom to help me.
We expected to be late.                 We expected him to be late.
He would like to come.                 He would like me to come.

After help you can use the verb with or without to:

• Can somebody help me (to) move this table?

Be especially careful with want. Do not say "want that . . . '' :

• Everyone wanted him to win the race. (not wanted that he won)

• Do you want me to come early? (not want that I come)

B.  remind        force            enable              persuade                   teach (how) 
        invite         order           warn                    tell                         get(= persuade)

These verbs have the structure verb + object + infinitive:

• Remind me to call Ann tomorrow.  

• Who taught you (how) to drive?

• He warned me not to touch anything.

• I got Jack to fix my car.

Here is an example in the passive:

• I was warned not to touch anything.

You cannot use suggest with the infinitive:

• Tom suggested that I buy a car. (not Tom suggested me to buy)                       

C.   advise        encourage            allow                 permit
There are two possible structures after these verbs. Compare:

verb + ing (without an object)                                       verb + object + infinitive
I wouldn't advise staying at that hotel.                        I wouldn't advise you to stay at that hotel.
They don't allow smoking in this                                  They don't allow you to smoke in this
building (smoke is not allowed                                      (= You are not allowed to smoke
in this building.)                                                                in this building.)


D.   Make and let

These verbs have the structure verb + base form (do, read, etc.)

• Hot weather makes me feel uncomfortable.(= causes me to feel)

• I only did it because they made me do it. (= forced me to do it)

• She wouldn't let me read the letter. (= allow me to read)

Do not use to after make and let:

• They made me do it. (not they made me to do it)

• Tom let me drive his car yesterday. (not Tom let me to drive)

But in the passive make is followed by to (to do):

• I only did it because I was made to do it.